Thinking Asia? Look for great deals

Best time to ravel to Asia?

Right now, say travel agencies despite this recessionary period.
 

“With countries such as China and the Philippines leading the pack, these once-in-a-lifetime journeys are becoming extremely value oriented…to compete with short-haul destinations for North American visitors,” says the AP.
 

“While airfare to Asia is still generally expensive due to fuel costs, one can save quite a bit when purchasing in conjunction with a full vacation package as there is greater room for discounting with hotels and land activities,” said Evan Chan, Managing Director for Los Angeles-based Ritz Tours.
 

That company is among those offering air-inclusive packages to China starting at USD$1,251 per person, including fuel surcharges and travel protection.
 

Ritz Tours also offers affordably priced packages to most of Asia, including Thailand, which is currently available from USD$1,043 per person, “roughly the cost of airfare alone if booked separately,” noted Chan.
 

Victoria Cruises, perhaps the pre-eminent cruise line with the largest fleet of five-star vessels on China’s Yangtze River, has announced a one-third discount on 2009 sailings across the board for direct bookings on cruises through Aug 31.
 

“We’ve felt the pinch along with everyone else; however, we’ve actually been able to increase market share thanks to our reputation as the undisputed leader on the Yangtze and our ability to negotiate advantageous relationships with virtually all major tour operators,” said public relations manager Larry Greenman. He added:
 

“With the completion of the Victoria Jenna, we will have daily departures in each direction of our popular ‘Three Gorges Highlights’ program, reflecting our optimism about future business.”
 

The Philippines – an archipelago of 7,107 tropical islands traditionally seen as the best value in Asia under normal conditions – has become an even greater deal in recent months as a growth spurt in the destination’s hotel sector has led to increased competition.
 

“While our rate of growth has slowed in the current economy, tourism in the Philippines is actually doing quite well as our established reputation for value is attracting many visitors from markets in the US and Canada as well as our neighbors in China, Korea and Japan,” said Emma Ruth Yulo, Director of The Philippine Department of Tourism – New York.
 

For high-end travel, Orient Flexi-Pax Tours can custom design vacations with palatial accommodations fit for royalty at the cost of three – or four-star hotels in other destinations. The New York-based tour operator is currently promoting an eight-night package to Manila, Cebu and Boracay.
 

This program includes a one-day excursion to Bohol, a lush island in the country’s tropical region famous for its uniformly shaped “Chocolate Hills” which resemble miles of oversized Hershey’s Kisses during drier months. The package is available from USD$2,819 per person with air.
 

by David Wilkening