Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through December 2008
The deal
You may be dreaming of an Asian city break but the hefty cost of airfare is certainly discouraging. We have good news! With the threesome of deals we found, all inclusive of airfare and lodging, you can sample the urban delights of Asian giants on the cheap. In fact, you’ll be paying less than you would for regular airfare alone! Just pick your dream trip between a city break in Hong Kong or Beijing, or a Bangkok and Tokyo combination package. Prices start at just $1,099!
City break in Hong Kong from $1,099
For a look at the modern face of urban Asia, a visit to dazzling Hong Kong is an absolute must. With the Virgin Vacations deal we found, you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind city break for only $1,099! Good for departures between Oct. 27 and Dec. 4, this package covers air from your choice of four West Coast cities: Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, or Seattle. Also included is a five-night stay in a midrange hotel such as BP International House, a conveniently located high-rise with rooms that Frommer’s describes as “clean, pleasant, and modern”. Daily breakfast is thrown in, too.
Beijing fall bargain now for $1,298
How about a stroll on the Great Wall of China later this year? Pacific Delight World Tours offers a five-night Beijing package for an early-bird price of only $1,298. This low cost is only valid for departures next fall, on November 19. In addition to air from L.A., this weeklong trip includes a stay at deluxe Capital Hotel that is, claims WCities.com, “noted for its central location at Qianmen, the south side of Tiananmen Square”. Meals and guided tours are part of the package, too. Highlights are the Forbidden City's treasure-filled Imperial Palace; and a visit to the Summer Palace with a boat ride on Lake Kunming.
Bangkok & Tokyo deal for $1,589
We spotted another cost-cutting Asia special: a two-city foray to Bangkok and Tokyo, for spring and fall departures. Offered by Virgin Vacations for just $1,589, this six-night sojourn takes in two Asian capitals in one fell swoop. At this low price, included are three-night stays in each city, at simple but pleasant hotels such as the modern Manhattan Hotel in Thailand and the high-rise Hotel Gimmond in Japan. The price covers a flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok and back from Tokyo, as well as the air between Bangkok to Tokyo. The price is valid for travel through May 29 and again between Aug. 25 and Oct. 26.
The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare only could cost you as much or more than the total for these packages. Plus we picked specific departures that will save you serious dollars. For example, the specific Hong Kong deal we chose doesn’t depart until fall but earlier departures are a lot pricier — they run up to $1,379! That means you will save $280 by waiting till October. The same applies to the Beijing special. The prices of earlier departures are eye-popping, up to $1,698. With the Bangkok-Tokyo package, you save $110 over late spring/summer trips.
The catch
Visa and vaccination costs not included.
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