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Last week I told readers about DISCOVER THAILAND 2007-2008 and that the booklets are available at all Thai Airways International ticketing offices and with designated travel agents around the world. This week I would like to tell readers about another in the series, a 71-page booklet in which Royal Orchid Holidays is promoting DISCOVER THE WORLD 2007-2008. This booklet is comprehensive and a complete guide to travelling the world. It is also available at Thai Airways International ticketing offices around the world.
Here is what the book has to say in the introduction about world travel through Thai Airways International:
ASIA
From the mystical to the magical, Asia is a land of many treasures. Take your pick from the enchanted Himalayan countries of Bhutan and Nepal, the beautiful beaches of Bali, or the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, the fantastic shopping centres of Tokyo's Ginza district and Dubai's Gold Souk, the spectacular sights and sounds of Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. And then there's Pakistan, Laos, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam ... the choice is yours.
EUROPE
The perfect blend of ancient and modern, Europe has something for everyone. From the cosmopolitan cities of Paris and London, to the historical riches of Italy and Greece, there are endless wonders for you to discover. Escape to the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, take a fascinating tour of one of Germany's finest cities, or simply sit back and relax in a simple Spanish bar with a plate of tapas and a glass of sangria. There's so much to enjoy.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
For lovers of the great outdoors, nowhere compares to the vast and stunning lands that comprise Australia and New Zealand. With its thousands of miles of breathtaking coastline, Australia is ideal for sun-worshippers and fans of water sports. But there's more to it than that. The vast interior offers a chance to literally escape from everything while modern cities cater to all your shopping and entertainment needs. Similarly, New Zealand is perfect for nature lovers, with a wealth of natural wonders to explore and marvel at - just don't forget your camera.
AMERICA
From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, to the world - famous landmarks of New York, America has a colourful character that's beyond compare. Discover Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip in LA, or head east for a bite of the Big Apple – New York City, one of the most exciting cities in the world. There's also the option to visit the nation's capital, Washington DC, and the breathtaking natural phenomenon of Niagara Falls. America has so much to see and so much to do.
AFRICA
If it's adventure you're after then it's time you discovered South Africa. One of the continent's most popular destinations, here you'll find everything from cosmopolitan cities to stunning natural landscapes and, of course, a host of wildlife you'll not find anywhere else in the world. Therefore, a safari is an absolute must as is a trip to the millionaires' playground of Sun City. Just don't forget to find time for a visit to Table Mountain and a tour of the golden city of Johannesburg - they're all essential elements of your African adventure.
DISCOVER THE WORLD 2007-2008 covers five continents and one island, all of which are Thai Airway International destinations and which have Royal Orchid Holidays service. They are Asia, America, Africa, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Asia is the largest with a list of 19 countries and with an exciting new destination recently added — Bhutan. You couldn’t get more far out than Bhutan. Europe is next with eight countries, making a total of 32 destinations with Royal Orchid Holidays
I have covered in detail many of these destinations in Weekly Travel Feature, including Bhutan. Go to the end of this article and open INDEX for a complete listing of destinations that are covered in these articles.
Aside from listing all the destinations and making recommendations, the booklet has a few very helpful sections. Two are Romantic Getaways and Fly/Drive Australia and New Zealand. To quote from the booklet: “All the world loves lovers, which is why Royal Orchid Holidays has created a special programme of Romantic Getaways in magical and fascinating destinations. These special tours offer a choice of fine hotels with a host of extra services, gifts and features, all designed to help you celebrate your love in style. Absolutely every detail is taken care of to ensure you and your loved one will enjoy the perfect break together.”
The Romantic Getaways that are offered are London, Bali, Sydney or Melbourne, and New Zealand. All the destinations are ideal destinations for “a memorable honeymoon, anniversary, or lovers' vacation.” In Melbourne couples can enjoy dinner on colonial-style tramcars. In New Zealand you escape to idyllic Waiheke Island. You'll stay in a beautiful lodge surrounded by white sands and crystal clear waters, enjoy a host of special romantic treats and take a tour of the local vineyards. On Bali the choice is any of the luxurious beachside hotels, with candlelit dinners, while days can be spent lazing on the beach, or sightseeing to explore the island's unique culture.
A few weeks ago a reader asked about Fly-Drive Programmes offered by ROH. Both Australia and New Zealand have such programmes. Here’s what the booklet has to say: “Fly-Drive offers the very best way to explore a country at your own pace. Australia and New Zealand are ideal destinations for this type of vacation, with their excellent roads, magnificent scenery and diversity of interesting off-the-beaten-track places to visit. You'll find the local people very friendly and the hotels are all of a very good standard. All Royal Orchid Holidays fly-drives can be combined with mini breaks or stay overs in any of THAI's gateway cities.”
Here’s one example of a drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast:
Day 1: Sydney - Port Stephens (220 km). This wonderful drive up the incredibly scenic Pacific coast takes you north from Sydney to the Blue Water Paradise area around Port Stephens, famous for its natural beauty and friendly dolphins.
Day 2: Port Stephens - Coffs Harbour (400 km). Along the excellent Pacific Highway via Raymond, you can visit Kempsey and Nambucca Heads, or take a scenic detour through Gladstone to the national park and holiday town at Hat Head, visiting Smoky Cape for its superb views.
Day 3: Coffs Harbour - Gold Coast (340 km). Continuing up the Pacific Highway, you enter tropical Queensland via Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, with a visit to Currumbin wildlife sanctuary. The Gold Coast highways will then bring you, via Burleigh Heads, to Surfer's Paradise, famous for its magnificent beaches and exciting theme parks.
Day 4- Day 6: Gold Coast. Spend three full days at your leisure to enjoy the diversity of attractions and activities in cosmopolitan Surfer's Paradise. There are also many worthwhile excursions to be made into the lush hinterland, with national parks, mountain hideaways and spectacular scenery close at hand.
Day 7: Gold Coast - Brisbane (80 km). A leisurely drive to Brisbane will complete this memorable self-drive vacation.
Another suggested drive is Sydney to Canberra (330 km) and on to Melbourne with stops in Berrima, a centre for arts and crafts, and Batemans Bay to Bermagui, a former whaling station and now a centre for game fishing.
Then we have Fly-drive New Zealand. ROH suggests it’s a wonderful way to explore the island's many highlights, including the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo and the seaside town of Napier.
For a motor drive to the South island, you travel by air to Christchurch, then drive over the Canterbury Plains to lovely Lake Tekapo and into the awesome grandeur of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. You visit Queenstown, with time at leisure, before returning to Christchurch via Roxburgh, Central Otago, Dunedin, Oamaru and Timaru.
That in a nutshell is DISCOVER THE WORLD 2007-2008.
Next week there is another booklet I’d like to talk about, one that will be of interest to families—FAMILY GETAWAYS.
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