Hi—hubbie and I are going to Palau to snorkel for a week late May 2007. We were hoping to combine the trip with a visit for 10 nights in Sri Lanka, but, the air travel arrangements seem complicated and there is no airpass that we can find that includes both countries. Australia has issued a warning against travel to Sri Lanka (“We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of the deteriorating security situation and risk of terrorist attack.”) so we are thinking that we should postpone Sri Lanka until a later time. We will be traveling from the East Coast US so are considering purchasing either the Skyteam Asia pass (70 cities, 22 countries/islands through Guam, Seoul or Tokyo, $750 for 3 coupons/$980 for 4 coupons) or the Continental Micronesia Visit Micronesia airpass (Saipan, Yap, Palau for $400, Saipan, Palau, Yap and Chuuk for $500, Saipan, Palau, Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei for $600). Destinations on Skyteam Asia airpass can be found here: http://www.airtimetable.com/skyteamasia.pdf
Route map for Continental Micronesia can be found here: http://www.airlineroutemaps.com/USA/Continental_Micronesia.shtml
Unfortunately, neither one can be paired with frequent flyer miles so probably will use our miles to upgrade seats. So, where do you suggest we go before or after Palau (interested in snorkeling, birding, kayaking etc.)? Should we stay longer in Palau? Anyone with experience using airmiles to travel in the region? Any suggestions for a good consolidator for airfare for Continental airlines?