ASIA

Asia

This year, Asia is one of the top three destinations. Having been many times to all parts of the Orient, it is not a place I would recommend you go on your own, even if you consider yourself a world traveler. Going on a customized itinerary not only saves you money, but it means that all the little details are taken care of. There are lots of packages to choose from, and can include China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, as a tour. I like the small group tours which are now offered. The most popular this year seems to be Southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. I love Bangkok and Chiang Mai, so this is one I often recommend. You can take a tour, then perhaps do a few days add on to somewhere else which is of particular interest to you

I have taken lessons in tai chi, calligraphy, brush painting, ikebana and even one on dumpling making while on trips.

China is the third most visited country in the world. It will be No. 1 by 2018. Over a billion people with 50 different ethnic groups. If you want a cosmopolitan city, with wonderful modern exciting architecture, then I can recommend Shanghai, Hong Kong, a shoppers paradise, and Beijing.

There is great interest in seeing Tibet, the Roof of the World with the average altitude of l6,000 ft. We just did a dream “bucket list” itinerary for a couple who wanted to experience the Trans-Siberian Railroad, Beijing to Moscow which is one of the great train journeys in the world.

Macau is part of China but is a special administration region. Take the ferry from Hong Kong, 40 miles and takes an hour. It has a strong Portuguese heritage, with Chinese and British thrown in to make it a fascinating place. This is a food lovers heaven, with celebrity chefs opening new restaurants there with lots of Michelin stars.

If you only want to unpack once, then taking a cruise is a wonderful way to experience the Orient. You can then see several countries in style. My staff love selling Seabourn, which has only 104 suites on one ship, or 225 on another but there are several small ships to choose from, it depends on which route you want. Going on a cruise would be my first recommendation, it is so relaxing. Ten or fourteen days on board gives you a wonderful variety of exciting ports of call.

An excellent route is Hong Kong, Ho chi Minh City, Bangkok, eight exciting ports then Singapore. Another excellent route is Bali to Singapore. Many people take a cruise, then have a few extra days in Hong Kong to see Macau, and Lantau Island with its great Buddha. Arriving by cruise ship is a wonderful sight. It is one of the top five scenic harbors in the world. This is where East meets West. After 150 years of British rule, it is a mix of old and new. Hong Kong island has 170 skyscrapers. Half of the world’s population lives within a five hour flight of its airport.

Uniworld is now are offering a river cruise in Vietnam with only 100 passengers on the ship.

Hong Kong is the world’s wine auction capital. 25% of the world’s wine is sold here. 16 restaurants hold Michelin stars. Birthplace of dim sum, and Cantonese food. A wonderful time to be there is the first weekend in November for its Food and Wine Festival. Shopping for luxury goods is fantastic, no import duty. You see people standing in a queue waiting for shops like Louis Vuitton and Prada to open. I love having a suit made in 24 hours. Take a ride on the Star ferry, a twenty minute ride for 20 cents. In operation since l888. Stay in Kowloon, hotel prices are cheaper than on Hong Kong Island. You also get a lovely view of the harbor.

A trip to any part of the Orient is always exciting.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park

650-961-2340 direct

Maureen.Jones@Frosch