Trying to decide where to go for our next trip. We like culture & wildlife, not to mention good food. Especially enjoy doing a variety of things - eg a couple days of museum visiting are great but wouldn't want to spend the whole trip doing that. <BR> <BR>We have already been to India and Japan and want to go somewhere new. Probably would be able to go sometime next winter or early spring. Thinking about China or Thailand but are open to other suggestions. <BR> <BR>Any advice? If you can suggest package tours or travel agents you have had good luck with, that would also be great. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

My most favorite place is Bali. It's everything to travel for. Exotic beauty, interesting customs, great seafood and local food, lots of neat handicrafts and really friendly people. I used Meridian Holidays for my last trip. It was $999 for a 12 night package with air fare on Cathay Pacific (one of the best airline to travel with). It also included daily breakfast and 5 sightseeing tours, you pick when you want to take what tour. The best value I've found. Check out their web site...meridianholidays.com

Thanks. <BR>Any other advice?

No question, Bali is wonderful. Actually, there are lots of interesting places in Indonesia, though this isn't the time to go anywhere but Bali. <BR> <BR>You could easily spend three weeks in Thailand - some time in Bangkok, maybe a day trip to Atthyuta (sp?), then north to Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai, and finish up with some time at one of the beaches in southern Thailand, like Ko Samui or Phuket or Hua Hin. <BR> <BR>Malaysia is lovely as well, and you could divide your time amoung places like Malacca, Kuala Lampur, and beaches like Penang or Kuantan. <BR> <BR>I you love cities, you coupld opt for a combination of some of the most interesting and diverse big cities, say Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. <BR> <BR>China has enough variety for several different trips. <BR> <BR>There are more otpins as well, but that may be enough to get you thinking. <BR>

We spent 24 days in China and loved each minute. We have traveled a great deal but very few tours. I knew that I would not be comfortable alone and I was guided to a tour by Pacific Delight. We saw a great deal of the country's scenery, some museums, a trip on the Yangtse River, visited all the great culture sites of the country, etc. The food was not American Chinese but interesting and the hotels were some of the best that I have ever stayed in. I would go again if only it were not so far.

Im dying to go to Sri Lanka, but my friend, Manjeet, in India says it is too dangerous since the Tamil Tigers blew up the airport. I think Im going to go to Vietnam next year, maybe March. I would also like to go to Cambodia and see the memorial museum for those murdered by the Kmer Rouge.

Any more comments? What about other tour company, especially smaller more personalized ones?

You know, I never use tour companies in Asia. I find it such an easy area to travel that I just make my own arrangements. If I want a car and driver or guide, I simply make arrangements at the hotel. <BR> <BR>Once you've figured out where you want to go, why don't you post a question about tours or companies. There are hundreds, and that will make it easier for people to answer you.