Why now:

"China remains the top travel bargain," says Arthur Frommer. "No one can justify not immediately signing up for a trip." The primary reason, he says, is the currency exchange rate. The U.S. dollar goes far in China: you'll find that even four-star hotels won't strain your budget. The country has also become more tourist-friendly, with more tour operators operating in the country than ever before. Enjoy a stroll along the Great Wall or browse for hand-dyed silks and jade jewelry on Shanghai's Nanjing Road.

Frommer's Deal: Explore five Chinese cities on a 12-day "Splendid China" or "Historic China" tour from San Francisco-based China Focus Travel. Prices start at $988, including round-trip airfare from San Francisco (tack on $200 for New York departures). You can spend a day in philosopher Confucius's hometown of Qufu, visit a silk factory and pick tea leaves at a plantation. You'll lodge at four-star hotels throughout, including the Taishan International Hotel, which offers Western-style hotel amenities like high-speed Internet access and satellite TV.

Why now:

"If you can, choose countries where the currency is weak," says Pauline. "You become an instant millionaire." Argentina, where the exchange rate is three pesos to the dollar, is no exception. (Before Argentina de-valued its currency in 2002, one peso was worth $1 U.S. and higher local prices sent Argentines here for a bargain vacation.) You can gorge yourself on the country's specialty steaks, split a bottle of Argentinean Malbec wine and then tango 'til the wee hours at the city's tango clubs all without putting a dent in your wallet.

Frommer's Deal: Spend seven days exploring the city with a Buenos Aires air and hotel package from Gate 1 Travel, starting at $889 per person. You'll stay at your choice of seven hotels, including the Hotel Emperador, where guests receive a cellphone for use during their stay.

Why now:

New budget travel providers have hit the scene, says Arthur, so look for airfare and hotel packages to become increasingly affordable this year as the competition heats up. That's good news, because your major expense theme park tickets aren't getting any cheaper. (For a family of four, you'd spend a total of $916 on five-day Disney Park Hopper passes.)

Frommer's Deal: Try the "Orlando on a Budget" package from eLeisureLink.comDepending on your travel dates, you'll have as many as 60 to choose from, including four-star Regal Palms Resort

Why now:

No American would ever call London a bargain destination, given the current exchange rate of one British pound to nearly $2 in the U.S. The city has become even pricier over the last five years, as the dollar has fallen 32% against the pound. That said, new budget providers on the scene are aiming to make it a lot more affordable, Pauline says. So don't let cost concerns prevent you from scheduling a trip to the Tower of London or book tickets for the city's bustling theater scene.

Frommer's Deal: Stretch your travel dollar further with a six-day air and hotel package from Gate 1 Travel for as little as $599. You'll stay at your choice of seven hotels, including the Waldorf Hilton, where each room sports a plasma TV and guests can enjoy an afternoon tea in the hotel's patisserie and Champagne bar.

Why now:

The Great Pyramid at Cairo? The Valley of the Kings at Luxor? Egypt truly is the must-do trip of a lifetime, says Arthur. Travel there by Europeans has always been strong, he says, and it's picking up momentum in the U.S. To entice more travelers, plenty of tour operators are offering phenomenal deals. The dollar is also strong in Egypt: Before the government allowed the currency value to float in 2003 to help relieve its trade deficit, one U.S. dollar was worth four Egyptian pounds. Today it's nearly six Egyptian pounds.

Frommer's Deal: Through May 31, Misr Traveland staying in a bungalow at the Movenpick Pyramids Hotel, followed by a four-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor.