What are your travel plans for 2012?

[Major Nikon]

53. Sounds like a great trip

You're going to get immersed in the local culture more than I will.

My preference is definitely to NOT use a tour group, but in this case it makes sense for my situation. I'm traveling with my wife (who loves tour groups) and my understanding is the vast majority of cab drivers in China don't speak English. So rather than get bogged down in the logistics of getting from place to place we're going to let someone else do that for us. Another consideration was the price we got for the package. For $2200 per person we get an all inclusive trip that includes airfare from LAX, lodging in 4-5 star hotels, meals, and local transportation (including getting to Shanghai). Other than transportation to LAX, the only expenses we'll have are the stuff we'll buy and tips to the tour guides. If I were planning my own trip, airfare alone would cost just about that much.