Showing posts with label best travel deals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best travel deals. Show all posts

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Cheap Asia Travel - How to Get Cheap Tickets - Plane

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Hanten]Chris Hanten

Traveling around Asia for more than 10 years and living in Indonesia for almost 7 years now. I often have been in situations where I was looking for a cheap airfare. From my first experiences I had the feeling it was quite different to deal with domestic or international flight. For sample, in most countries when you purchase domestic flight ticket you won't get any differences price between two "one way" tickets OR one "return" ticket. Except of course a slightly discount for the return ticket.

Now, when is coming to international air travel it is harder to find Cheap Asia Travel tickets. Sometimes, you can even get cheaper return ticket. So if you plan to travel in many different cities (round trip with many transit stop) it can be hard to find good deals. However the following advice should helps you find the Asia Cheapest Flight available online.

I separate this article in two parts, international and domestic flight.

First, let's talk about international flight. There is a lot of good web site around there, but you will need to do a lot of searches before you find what you really want. I suggest you to start by looking for the available airplane companies which deserve the concerned country you are flying to or from.

For sample, if you are in Indonesia and want to flight to Australia, you will most likely have to choose between Garuda and Quantas. There are possibilities to use other flights companies such as Malaysia Airlines or Singapore Airlines. But you will loose a lot of time during your trip as you will have to transit to this cities.

As you will see in the following article about domestic flight, Air Asia is one of my favorite when is about to flight in Indonesia. And this is also true when is to find the Asia Cheapest Flight as they deserve more than fifty cities in the region.

About domestic flight, I experienced two totally different experiences in Indonesia and Australia.

In Indonesia, if you want to buy a domestic flight ticket you will have plenty of choices. Indonesia is a vast Archipelago of tropical and Virgin Islands constitute of more than twelve's thousand islands. More than three thousands of these Islands are inhabited and I believe that more than hundreds of them get an airport. So, you can imagine the number of possibilities and market available in Indonesia. The main company airlines in Indonesia are Garuda (also provide international flight), Merpati, Mandala, Lion Air, Adam Air, Star Air, Batavia, etc..

Find the cheapest airline ticket is one thing, but don't forget about safety. I don't have any statistics about safety right now so I prefer not mention specifically any of them. But if you had read the newspaper these last few months, you probably know what I'm talking about. Some of the above names are probably famous around the world right now, but probably not for the cheapest airfare.... But don't worries too much as airplane remind one of the safest transportation systems in the world.

After you had eliminated the worst flight company from your newspaper research, you can start compare price between few of the companies. Just go to Google, type the company name and you should find their web site in manner of seconds. If you looking for ticket long in advance (let's say more than three weeks), you will find that most of ticket have similar quotes with the international and most reputed national company.....Garuda Indonesia. And that's the problem in Indonesia if you want to order domestic flight more than three weeks in advance...No cheap airfare ticket available. You will have to wait the "perfect" time to order your ticket (between three weeks and two weeks in advance.... be careful after that it could be too late) and you should be able to get 20% to 70% discount.

Obviously there is another way to find cheap domestic ticket plane if you want to order you ticket long time in advance. You can use Air Asia. They have very cheap airfare and good website. This is a service from Malaysia, and they provide many other cities and countries around Asia. A really good solution for Cheap Asia Travel.

In Indonesia, AirAsia only deserve the main cities such as Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), Medan, Surabaya, etc... Globally, they fly over fifty cities around Asia. The service is limited (no seat pre-reserved in check-in), but it is safe and their fees really defy all concurrences for this range and types of services. They really get the Cheapest Flight in Asia I have seen so far. So, have a look....

In Australia, it seems to works mostly like in the others western countries. More you booked in advance more chances you have to get a cheap airfare. I heard Quantas have some interesting packages available, like you buy a kind of atonement and can get great discount for a certain number of flight. If you need a lot of flights it could be advantageous. But the cheapest way to buy airline ticket is probably to book online with Blue Virgin or Jet Star. Both of them deserve many different cities in Australia, but not necessary the same one. So, it really depends where you want to go. Sometimes, its worse make some deep research to get better fee. For sample, once I was looking for a cheap airfare between Sydney and Darwin. Blue Virgin offered 450 AUD (via Brisbanne) and Jet Star doesn't have this possibility. But when I check more deeply some others cities, I found out that I can get Sydney-Adelaide for 99AUD and Adelaide-Darwin for 167 AUD with Jet Star. Total 266 AUD. I just saved 184 AUD. Sometimes you will find better price with Blue Virgin. It all depends of the availability. So good search and good luck.

By the way, JetStar also provide some of the Asia Cheapest Flight as they deserve many others country such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc...

For more information, you can visit the author Blog : rel=nofollow [http://www.cheap-asia-travel.blogspot.com/]Cheap Asia Travel

The writer is an expatriate living in Indonesia for many years. You can find more article and tips about travel in asia and advice about purchasing cheap flight tickets at: http://www.cheap-minute-airline-tickets.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Cheap-Asia-Travel---How-to-Get-Cheap-Tickets---Plane&id=491162] Cheap Asia Travel - How to Get Cheap Tickets - Plane

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Top Five Attractions For You to See on Holidays in Hong Kong


Taking a holiday to Hong Kong is often on people’s lists of ‘things to do before you die’, right up there with visiting Niagara Falls and swimming with dolphins. Some question it as such a spectacle, but I don’t need convincing that a city break to Hong Kong may be one of the most amazing things you ever do. Here’s five reasons why.

5. Victoria Peak

Located on Hong Kong Island itself, Victoria peak offers the best panoramic views of the province as a whole. While the top of the mountain is taken up with ugly communications antennae, there are areas close to the summit which afford breathtaking sights and a more relaxed feel; high above the main – and sub-tropical – part of Hong Kong, holidays should include at least one trip up the mount for the remarkable change in climates. The peak also has two major shopping centres, a funicular railway, and the Zoological botanical gardens of Hong Kong – holiday enough for anyone, even without the rest of the province!

4. Government House

Government House is well worth a visit, especially on one of its six open days a year. If possible, plan your Holidays in Hong Kong to fit around one of these days at the beginning, middle or end so you can go into the building itself. The house was the home of the British governor from 1855 to 1997, and is stylistically and historically interesting. It was heavily augmented during the Japanese occupation during World War Two, and is controversial in placement, specifically in terms of its Feng shui – a popular Asian belief in fortune being drawn from architectural positioning. Visiting is a must on any city break to Hong Kong.

3.The Tian Tan Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha is a huge bronze statue of the Buddha. Situated on Lantau island, it is the world’s tallest bronze, outdoor and seated Buddha and is a regular site for pilgrimages as well as people on holidays. Hong Kong is to a large extent Buddhist and experiencing the culture of the province isn’t complete with an exploration of all of the aspects the state has to offer.

2. Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong

The Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong is Asia’s equivalent of Hollywood Boulevard. Visiting the site while on holiday to Hong Kong is almost mandatory if you’re a fan of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, John Woo or Chow Yun Fat. A star on the broad walk of famous Asian actors, directors and stars are a treat for any fan, and those who are history buffs as well will love the history of Hong Kong’s 100 year old cinematic industry as laid out on nine red pillars.

1.Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is famous as the passenger ferry service in Hong Kong. The cheap and wonderful journey around the islands in Hong Kong is utilitarian and magical in equal measure, and you’ll be side by side with Hong Kongers and tourists alike. An icon on a par with the Staten Island or Maid of the Mist Ferries, The Star Ferry is the perfect beginning and introduction to the state, or the ideal end to a memorable Hong Kong city break.

About the Author: Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With Hong Kong holidays from AITO, you can tailor-make the dream holiday.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=329721&ca=Travel

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Exotic Sights and Sounds of Asia


Asia is a vast continent of exotic sights, sounds and tastes. Rich history, religion and culture define much of the area and provide visitors with more than just a holiday destination, but also a resounding sense of lessons learnt. Because the continent is so extensive, it also offers something different for every calibre of traveller. So, whether you enjoy an elephant ride through the Thailand mountains, a traipse up the Himalayas, diving in Malaysia, or partying in the Philippines, Asia guarantees an unforgettable experience.

For travelers staying in Tokyo, the Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip is a must. This involves a coach trip to the Fuji Visitor Centre, almost 2500 meters above sea level (depending on the weather). Lunch is optional, and can be enjoyed at the Japanese, Chinese, Western or Italian restaurants, with beautiful views.

After lunch, a cruise along Lake Ashi and a ride on the cable car both promise spectacular views of the landscape and of Hakone National Park. However, guests are advised not to get too relaxed as their trip back to Tokyo is on the Shinkansen - Japan's super express bullet train!

Amusement parks are a major attraction in cities such as Japan and China. In fact, Forbes listed these parks as the most visited attractions of Eastern Asia. Universal Studios in Osaka (Japan) and the Happy Valley Theme Park in Shenzhen (China) are two of these favourites.

Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony and Sumida River Cruise Day Tour offers the prime opportunity to take in the vibrant sights of Tokyo at their best. This cruise is ideal for visitors who only have a limited time in Tokyo, as it showcases some of the major attractions in one tour. This exciting day trip takes visitors to the Tokyo Observatory Tower for stunning views of this cosmopolitan city, as well as to a traditional tea party at Happo-en, the Japanese Garden, home to many beautiful bonsais. Lunch is served at Chinzanso Restaurant, followed by the photo stop at the Imperial Plaza and a drive through Japan's Ginza shopping area. Among many other exciting activities, this tour finally offers a boat ride on the Sumida River, which lasts for 40 minutes.

Another favorite amongst tourists to Asia and, specifically, Tokyo is the Nikko National Park Day Trip. This tour takes ones to Nikko, which is renowned as being the centre for Shinto and Buddhist worship. Stunning surrounds are explored by tourists and wild monkeys alike as they all take in the splendor of the famous shrines and artwork. Lunch and a stunning encounter with Lake Chuzenji (at the foot of the volcanic Mt Nantai) and the stunning Kegon Waterfall follow.

Sheer diversity and natural splendor ensure that Asia proves to be a most rewarding holiday destination for all.

I love traveling Asia as it’s the biggest continent which offers the best value for money when taking a holiday. Cheap flight, cheap hotel stays and the best scenery one can ask for. Be sure to see more destination tips by visiting my website.

About the Author:Pieter Le Roux-Traveling all my life I love sharing what I've learned and saw with people out to explore the world like I am. http://www.cheapgetawayasia.com

Source: www.isnare.com

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Elegant Hotels in India



India is one among the many in demand vacation destinations in South Asia. The country has numerous beautiful hotels, attractive tourist destinations for a most memorable trip.

India is one of the countries that comprise South Asia. It is by far the world’s seventh largest country in terms of geographical area. It is also the second most populous and largest democratic country in the world. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the western and the Indian Ocean on the southern area. Bay of Bengal is on the east.

India has a coastline of about 4,671 miles or 7,517 kilometers. The country is bordered by neighboring countries. On the west is Pakistan. On the northeastern region is Bhutan Nepal and China. Myanmar and Bangladesh borders India in the eastern region. This country is in close proximity to countries such as Maldives, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Here is a list of a few accommodations in India.

The Gateway Hotel

This hotel is located in the Fatehabad Road Arga in India. The hotel has personalized services and gracious interiors. The unique style of this hotel is complemented by the Taj Mahal, the monument of love in Agra. The Gateway hotel lies in the center of about 6 acres of greenery. This is a tranquil retreat as well as an ideal spot for leisure and business stays.

The hotel has 100 superb rooms including its elegant executive suites which tourists use to unwind. It also has a high-speed Wi-Fi and Internet connection that is available within the hotel premises. There is even a spa which promotes traditional and authentic Indian treatments. Gateway hotel also offers two rooms that can be used for parties, cocktails and receptions. The said rooms have a capacity of up to 200 persons.

The garden outside the hotel is an excellent venue for large outdoor functions. The hotel is just 3 kilometers away from the magnificent Taj Mahal, 10 kilometers from the nearest airport and about 5 kilometers away from the railway station.

Mahua Kothi Hotel

The name of this hotel draws inspiration from one of India’s most attractive tree. It is situated in the vicinity of the wonderful Bandhavgarh National Park. It is considered as the primary of the Taj Safari Lodges.

This hotel is among the first five lodges that featured true Taj designs and style. Mahua Kothi Hotel has numerous facilities such as facilities for your comfort like mosquito protection, ceiling fans, air conditioning and bath as well as indoor showers. Convenient facilities include child care services, laundry services, pick up and transfer to and from the airport along with a railway station.

Taj Residency Hotel

Taj Residency is designed like a palace. It offers hospitable services, rich and warm service as well as spacious rooms. Taj Residency is the getaway to the world heritage places of Ajanta and Ellora caves. The hotel is just 9 kilometers away from railway station and airport.

The hotel rooms and suites offer modern decoration and excellent amenities. In the executive suites, visitors can experience great comfort and style which includes the attached balcony with a big private terrace for private parties. The deluxe rooms and suites are also designed with an agreeable color palette and it is decorated with artifacts and aesthetic. It has ergonomic furniture and modern amenities, especially inside the bathrooms and bedrooms.

The bathrooms have a large vicinity counter, a separate shower ad some natural lights. A choice of business facilities, accommodations, recreational activities, dining options and banqueting facilities make the hotel perfect for business and leisure guests.

About the Author:David H.Urmann-For more information on Himachal Pradesh Shop India and Agra Shop Indiaplease visit our website.

Source: www.isnare.com

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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

10 Must Sees of Beijing



It barely needs saying, but Beijing is an absolutely fascinating city. There is a proud ancient history demonstrated by monuments and museums, juxtaposed against the impressive modern structures constructed in time for the Olympics this year. In this list of 10 must sees, you will see the old mixed with the new – all part of the contrast which makes China’s capital such an exciting, vibrant destination to visit.



Drum and Bell Towers



In olden times, most cities in China would use their drum and bell tower to sound the beginning and end of each new day. Nowadays, Beijing’s drum and bell tower is largely for tourists, but is well worth visiting on a holiday in China – if nothing else than for the wonderful panoramic views of the city offered from atop the tower! There are hourly performances as well, giving you an insight into how days were greeted in times gone by.

The Forbidden City

Refurbishments due to this year’s Olympic Games have been particularly kind to the Forbidden City – home to 24 emperors of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Essentially a huge imperial palace, this is one sight that is an absolute must-see, and although it would take two days to see it all, the main attractions can be seen in a single visit. Be sure to take in the great halls and the imperial gardens, and be left in awe at the incredible architecture and huge sense of scale. A must see on any Asia holiday!

The Summer Palace

If you have not had your fill of palaces with the Forbidden City, the longish trek to the Summer Palace is well worth it. Located in a tranquil lakeside location, the complex has a huge number of walkways, gardens and temples to explore and you should be sure to have your camera handy for the brilliant view of distant Beijing from the Tower of Buddhist Incense.

798 Dashanzi Arts District

Once upon a time, this was an electronics factory. Now the site is home to a buzzing collection of cafes, galleries and studios with a very trendy feel to it. A nice alternative to the ancient monuments and sites, Dashanzi Arts District is a must visit part of the city for those with any interest in modern Chinese art.

The Great Wall

If you think of the biggest tourist attraction for a holiday in Asia, the Great Wall of China has to be a major contender. Originally built to keep out the Mongol forces, the wall is synonymous with the country and it’s hard to imagine a luxury holiday in China passing this by. Despite being photographed an incredible amount, the Great Wall still always manages to leave me in complete awe at the sheer scale of the amazing structure every time I visit.

Lama Temple

Visiting various temples is a key part of most holidays in Asia, but if you only have the time to visit one of them, Lama Temple should be the one. Regarded as the most important Buddhist temple outside of Tibet, this collection of shrines is guaranteed to leave you impressed almost beyond words. The craftsmanship is always impressive, but perhaps no shrine more so than the enormous Maitreya Buddha, which is officially registered as the world’s tallest Buddha in the Guinness Book of Records!

CCTV Tower

One of the more modern wonders of Beijing is the China Central Television Tower – or CCTV Tower for short. By far the tallest building in the city, its observation deck sits at an impressive 238 metres, with the tip of its antenna reaching 405 metres! As the name suggests, the tower contains broadcasting equipment for China Central Television, and the observation deck offers incredible panoramic views of the city.

Temple of Heaven

Although the Temple of Heaven sounds on the surface like one to miss for those suffering from temple fatigue, it’s actually an entirely different proposition from most holy sites. As well as having particular historic worth (it was the main centre of worship for the country’s leaders, and ancient emperors would come here to give thanks with offerings), it’s a popular hang out for many local residents, who can often be found singing, dancing and exercising in the surrounding gardens.

National Centre for the Performing Arts

For a more unusual modern structure, China’s holiday makers should look no further than the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Colloquially labelled “The Egg” by locals, it’s a dome of glass and titanium surrounded by an artificial lake. Love or hate the architectural style, it’s certainly a talking point and well worth a visit.

Beihai Park & Houhai District

While central Beijing can be a little on the overwhelming side with its crowds and bustle, the same accusation cannot be levelled at Beihai Park and the nearby Houhai shopping district. The former is an oasis of calm that seems to encourage relaxation, and the latter is a quiet area dotted with quaint little shops and charming restaurants. If the pace of modern Beijing is getting to you, make sure you stop by here on your holiday in China.

There’s plenty more to see here, but this should definitely give you a start. Whether you’re interested in history, art or culture, a luxury holiday in China’s capital cannot be recommended enough.

About the Author: Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With holidays in China from AITO, you can tailor-make the dream holiday.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=335382&ca=Travel

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Things You Should Know Before Your Trip to Beijing


Ask the most seasoned traveler to share his or her experiences or to discuss some of the most spectacular places he or she has been, and Beijing is likely to be at the head of the list. Not only is Beijing rich in culture, it is certainly one of the most unique places in the world for a traveler to visit. In fact, all you have to do is take a look at some interesting facts about Beijing and you will want to see it for yourself.

The Center of It All

Did you know that Beijing is the center of China‘s political and educational establishments? You will find that the city is also the cultural cornerstone of China, which is why you can submerge yourself so deeply in the culture when you visit the area. Whether you want to get a peak at the every day lifestyle or if you want to get a better feel for China’s political system, Beijing is a good place to start.

Getting Money From an ATM

The money used in Beijing is the RMB, which is called 'Kuai' in Beijing. The exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar is 8 Kuai per 1 US dollar, so the prices you see on goods in Beijing will appear to be more costly than you thought. You might also be surprised to find that you can use your foreign credit cards in many of Beijing ATM machines. Still, you should be prepared for the possibility of not being able to use your card when you visit.

For the best chance of using an ATM card, keep your eye out for a Bank of China ATM, as these ATMs are more likely to accept your card than any other. There are ATM machines located throughout Beijing and you should not have a problem finding a machine that will work for you. If you try to withdraw money from a Bank of China ATM and you are unsuccessful, you might want to try again. Although the country is known for its technology, the ability to connect to an international line is sometimes unavailable. As a result, you may receive a declined transaction the first time around.

Haggle for a Great Deal

When shopping in Beijing, you should also remember to haggle over the price of pretty much everything available from local merchants. Merchants in Beijing expect their shoppers to haggle over the price and getting involved in a price debate is a great way to really experience the Beijing culture. Of course, it can also help you get a cheaper price. Understanding this cultural difference of opinion is something you should think of as an event rather than an argument of price.

Beyond the price of goods, you should also be aware that there are counterfeit goods readily available in China. If you want to be sure you are getting the designer purse, hat or eyeglasses you wanted, you need to use extreme care. Otherwise, you might get a lot less than you expected. Still, whether you are looking for designer brands or not, you will be amazed by the multitude of offerings and the number of individual shops and vendors lining the streets in Beijing.

Finding the Facilities

After a day of shopping, you will likely find yourself needing to use the restroom. Have no fear! Finding public facilities in Beijing is relatively simply and the toilets are generally kept quite clean. Keep in mind that the English symbol for rest room is WC, so keep your eye out for this symbol when looking for a place to go to the bathroom. You can generally find a free bathroom to use in restaurants, supermarkets, Internet bars, and most public locations. If you find you need to use one of the moveable versions along the road, however, expect to be charged a small fee for the convenience.

The Night Life

With a day of shopping at the market behind you, you might now be ready to look into what Beijing has to offer at night. Disco is still king in China. Therefore, in Beijing, you can find the type of disco atmosphere you’re looking for if you are ready to dance. Here, you will find every type of Beijing resident relaxing and having a good time. The crowd will likely be a mix of party lovers and friends who come to dance and enjoy the evening.

To find some of the best nightlife in Beijing, you'll want to look for a place called Banana Spicy for a great night of disco. If disco isn’t your thing, and you want to see another aspect of Beijing’s nightlife activities, grab a Chinese friend and go Karaoke. Though you won't find many English songs to choose from, this is entertainment in its purest form. Watching the Beijing residents who come and explode their voices to tunes that you cannot understand, is a lot of fun while also showing you that Beijing is a lot like home.

About the Author:E Cho-Beijing Olympic Games

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