Asia, a Moveable Feast

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. 

China

It is the third-most visited country in the world and will be No. 1 by 2015, with over a billion people and 50 different ethnic groups. If you want a cosmopolitan city, with wonderful modern exciting architecture, then I can recommend Shanghai, Hong Kong—shoppers paradise—and Beijing. There is great interest in seeing Tibet, the "Roof of the World" with the average altitude of 16,000 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  

Part of China, Macau is a special administration region, which means it runs more autonomously, like Hong Kong. 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.

Hong Kong

Arriving by cruise ship Hong Kong is a wonderful sight.  It is one of the top five scenic harbors in the world.  The others are San Francisco, Sydney, Vancouver, and Venice. This is where East meets West and after 150 years of British rule, it is a mix of China and Europe, old and new. Hong Kong island has 170 skyscrapers. Half of the world’s population lives within a five-hour flight of its airport. 

Hong Kong is the world’s wine auction capital.  Twenty-five percent of the world’s wine is sold here. Sixteen restaurants hold Michelin stars and its dim sum houses are stellar, as is the Cantonese food, since many of the cuisine's best chefs cook here.  A wonderful time to be there is the first weekend in November for its Food and Wine Festival.  Shopping for luxury goods is fantastic with 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 1888.  Stay in Kowloon, hotel prices are cheaper than on Hong Kong Island and you also get a lovely view of the harbor. Lantau Island is a great day trip to see the giant Buddha.

Elsewhere

Japan has overcome severe challenges and welcomes guests with a gentle bow and open heart. Busy Tokyo, lovely Kyoto, and elegant Nikko are all worth seeing.  I always take an Ikebana class for flower arranging when I am there.

Thailand has enchanted travelers for centuries with its welcoming culture, verdant hill country and pristine beaches and islands like Phuket. 

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is now a safe place for tourists.

Indonesia is exciting to visit, from the many temples on Java, and the serene beauty of Bali, to the wild forest and dragon lizards of the island of Komodo. 

A trip to the Orient is always exciting.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.