Tour prices to the United States have increased to up to 31,000 yuan (US$4,429) next month during the peak air travel season, Oriental Morning Post reported today.

July prices ranged from 16,000 yuan to 31,000 yuan according to the length of the trip and destinations on the itinerary. According to the report, a six- to eight-day trip to Hawaii costs 16,000 to 18,000 yuan while a 12 to 14-day trip along the east and west coasts will set you back 28,000 to 31,000 yuan. This compares to 24,800 yuan and 29,000 yuan respectively for the 12- and 14-day trips in June.

Travel agencies said the increases are due to higher airfares and the addition of more scenic spots, the report said.

Although prices are rising, travel agencies said packages to the US next month are almost fully booked, the report said.

Eighty travelers will depart from Shanghai on June 17 and meet tourists from Beijing and Guangzhou in Washington on June 19. Shanghai tourists will apply for visas this Friday. It is expected visa applications will be simplified within the year, Oriental Morning Post said.

(Shanghai Daily June 11, 2008)