Weekly Travel Feature

Discover the world 2008-2009 Royal Orchid Holidays' latest free booklet to help you plan your vacation

Prepared by Harold Stephens

Travel Correspondent for Thai Airways International
Last week I wrote that Royal Orchid Holidays has just published its two latest travel booklets: DISCOVER THAILAND 2008-2009 and DISCOVER THE WORLD 2008-2009. Also last week I covered exploring Thailand; this week I will tell readers about discovering the world with ROH. With the subtitle “Worldwide hip and hot getaway destinations” it should give some indication of what the booklet is all about. It’s comprehensive with everything you want to know about travelling the world, including a list of recommended hotels. These publications are free and now available at THAI ticketing offices around the world.

DISCOVER THE WORLD 2008-2009 is a large format, 82-page booklet that is certain to help you plan your vacation. It is divided into five sections: Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, America and Africa. Two appealing sub sections are Romantic Getaways and Fly-Drive. And most interesting to those who are planning a trip is the "optional tours” that are offered. For New York optional tours, for example, there are side tours to Niagara Falls and even to Washington, D.C.

Even the stay-at-home armchair traveller will change his or her mind when they read the section headings. Read about Asia: mystical, magical Asia is a region of breathtaking contrasts. From the world's highest mountain ranges and the enchantment of Bhutan and Nepal, to the beautiful beaches of Bali; from the serene ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China to the bustling shopping centres of Tokyo's Ginza, Dubai's Gold Souk, and Singapore's Orchard Road. Add the exciting sights, sounds and tastes of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Pakistan, Laos and Vietnam ... and you’ll find a real wonderland just waiting to be explored.

And there is 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 treasures for you to discover. Escape to the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, tour one of Germany’s majestic cities, or simply sit back and relax in a little Spanish bar with a plate of tapas and a glass of sangria. There's so much to enjoy.

We come to Australia and New Zealand: for lovers of the great outdoors, nowhere compares to the vast and stunning islands that are Australia and New Zealand. With 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. New Zealand too is perfect for nature lovers and families, with a wealth of natural wonders to explore—just don't forget your camera!

And we cannot forget 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—one of the most exciting cities in the world. There’s also the option to visit the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. and the breathtaking natural phenomenon of Niagara Falls. America offers so much to see, so much to do.

And last there is Africa: if it's real adventure you seek, then it's time you discovered South Africa, one of the continent's most exciting destinations. Here you'll find stunning natural landscapes inhabited by wildlife you won't find anywhere else in the world. A safari is an absolute must, as is a trip to the millionaires' playground of Sun City. And don't forget to visit Table Mountain and tour the golden city of Johannesburg—they’re all essential elements of your African adventure.

Indeed, start planning now and, with DISCOVER THE WORLD and WORLDWIDE STOPOVER, you can take advantage of Royal Orchid Holidays' unbeatable offers. The booklet also lists special tours and optional tours and has specific sections such as Romantic Getaways and Fly-Drive programmes. When you study the booklet you will be surprised at how many tours and tour options are offered.

What are the advantages of signing up with ROH tours? The booklet lists those too:

Half and full-day optional tours

Most tours include air-conditioned transportation

Wide choice of comprehensive itineraries

Museum and historic site visits and including entry fees

Local English-speaking guide included on sightseeing tours

Guides speaking other languages also available... just ask

Royal Orchid Holidays makes bringing the kids easy

Selected hotels to suit every budget

Service charges and taxes on hotels included

Tour representatives to assist at most airports

Airport - hotel transfers at most airports

Meals included in many packages (check tour details)

Extensions of stay available

Also, very important, when you travel with Royal Orchid Holidays you travel safe and secure, and there are no hidden charges.

Next week I am going to tell readers about Royal Orchid Holidays’ other new booklet, GOLF IN THAILAND 2008-2009. Join me next week when I break the news about how you might win free air ticket on THAI by submitting your travel photos.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. Dear Mr. Stephens, Can you tell your readers something about the hotel room situation during the coming Olympics in Beijing. Thank you. Brian Sergeant, San Francisco

A. Dear Mr. Sergeant, I enquired with several hotels. Here is one reply. I will report others when I receive them.

Mr. Stephens.

As you might read there is a lot of publications that is covering how the Beijing room condition is for the coming Olympics. Although my hotel is fully booked since the beginning of 2007, we do have other sister hotels that is still available.

1. Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing – rates from around RMB 8,000 per room per night

2. Holiday Inn Downtown Beijing – rates from RMB 4,400 per room per night

3. Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing – rates from RMB 4,000 per room per night

4. Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven Beijing – rates from RMB 3,600 per room per night

5. Holiday Inn Express Shangdi Beijing – rates from RMB 3,600 per room per night

All rates are also subject to service charges and prevailing local taxes.

Adhiyanto Goen (Mr.)

Assistant Manager, Marketing Communications

INTERCONTINENTAL

BEIJING FINANCIAL STREET

Thank you, Mr Adhiyanto—HS

Harold Stephens