First time traveling to Asia. So many questions.. Looking for ideas, thoughts on planning, sites, cities, tickets, etc... Interested in multiple countries and cities. Best to just book one way to starting city and then book airfare and hotels as needed once I land in first city?? Thinking about cities in Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. This coming November for 2-3 weeks. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

You'll have to give us some clues if we're to advise you. Big cities? Rural? Beaches? What? Please be as specific as possible. It sounds as if you're coming here first, rather than doing some reading and asking for help to fine-tune. Not, in general, the best use of this resource.

You need to start by narrowing down where you want to go. I'm sure you are aware that you cannot cover all on those places in 2-3 weeks! Pick up some good guidebooks and start reading - see what appeals to you. You could easily spend three weeks in any of these places. In general, my advice is to slow down and enjoy the places you choose. Asia rewards slow travel.

Don't book a one-way airfare to somewhere in Asia - that is the most expensive way to go! Once you know where you are going, you can book into one city and out of another (called open-jaw or multi-destination tickets). There are budget airlines available within Asia, but the longer you wait to book your tickets the more they will cost. Plan to book your intra-Asia tickets at least a month or two before you fly.

In general, you will get the best rates for lodging by booking ahead on the internet (even if you only book a few days ahead). Walk up rates will be MUCH higher.

I haven't been to the Philippines, so I can't help with that, and it's been too many years since I was last in China to be of much assistance, but I have traveled to all of the other places you mention, many of them multiple times.

One thing to consider are visas and visa costs. Of the places you mention, China has an expensive visa, about $150 for those traveling on a US passport.

Your biggest expense will be your plane ticket to Asia, so staying longer makes economic sense as well as giving you more time in these amazing places.

For Japan, do take a look at www.japan-guide.com one of the best resources on Japan. November is s great time to go if you can be there during the koyo (fall colors)

Thailand is an excellent introduction to traveling in SE Asia - prices are reasonable and there is so much to see and do. And, of course, the food is fabulous.

Once you know where you want to go, come back and ask questions.

A picture can be worth a thousand words, so take a look at our travel photo site at www.marlandc.om and see what grabs you.

Happy Planning!

Kathie, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I will sit down and do some reading and check back. I was thinking about the bigger cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Phuket, Shanghai as I'm sure the it's easier to get to and from. Also realize there are many hidden gems too. Would be interested in some smaller, off the beaten path type places too. If any come to mind let me know.THanks again!

Phuket is not a big city, it's an international beach resort. And all of the other places you mention are in China (3 cities) and Japan (1 city). Really take a good look at your options as there are plenty of cities in SE Asia with good air connections: Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, etc. And you haven't even mentioned any places in India.

I'll be glad to offer some suggestions of "smaller, off the beaten path type places" but first you need to give us an idea of where you want to go. It makes the most sense to choose places that are in the same general vicinity - say, two or three hours by air. Asia is huge, and some cities that are 8 hours or more apart by air.

Kathie's advice is always the best, pay close attention.

At the moment I am doing the best by contacting hotels directly, but generally Kathie is right about on line.

I suggest Thailand as the easiest place to travel for a newbie. Phuket, however, would be my last choice---plenty of other seaside towns to visit.

Where and when to go might be a factor...

http://www.selectiveasia.com/thailand-holidays/weather

Choose the country, the month, and away you go. Look at Vietnam too, inexpensive, lots of living history, as friendly as they come, and fast changing.

The sound advice is almost always Less = More.