We are a young couple celebrating our 50th anniversary taking a Pacific Delight Tour for 21 days to China,Bangkok,and Singapore.We would appreciate any advice on restaurants,shopping and places we must see. <BR>Also the best way to handle the long air flights from all you experienced travellers.

We used Pacific Delight when we went to China and we were very pleased. We were scheduled fully every day and saw all the highlights. Be careful buying food at the street stalls. My husband accidently ate a bug (when you are over 50 you don't always see well and he though it was meat on a skewer). <BR> <BR>We were in Bangkok in March and loved it. We did that trip on our own and it is easy to get around (they are very tourist friendly and they seem to speak English which isn't the case in China). Try to use the river taxis verus land taxis. They are more fun, faster, and cooler too. Also, the Grand Palace is a must see! <BR> <BR>As far as the long flight, if you are flying in coach I can't stress enough the value of using your carryon luggage as a foot rest. Put in under the seat in front of you and then rest your feet on it. This helps with the swelling often occurs on long flights. My husband and I also rely on mild sleeping pills (from our doctor who also uses them when traveling). Some folks use Nyquil, but I don't think it works as well. <BR> <BR>Also, guide books for both China and Thailand advised against shorts. Forget that! You need to wear long pants and be fairly covered for the Grand Palace, but Wat Po and Wat Arun don't have the requirement. It is hot in Thailand and you might want to pack an umbrella - not for rain but the sun. <BR> <BR>If you have any other questions I would love to help. Just email me. <BR> <BR>Linda

The best tip that I have heard is to drink loads of water, both before and during the flight. I have done this both times when we have travelled to Thailand - four litres last time before the return trip! We flew to the caribbean from london last year and I was not as conscientious about drinking and my feel swelled up badly both during the holiday and for a week or so when we got home. Learnt my lesson.

Oops - forgot. Another tip that we have heard is to take an aspirin before flying as it thin the blood. Apparently your blood thickens slightly when flying which is the worry for dvt - by taking an aspirin and drinking lots of water it helps. Also,make sure that you get up to walk around every so often. We always try to get two seats on the middle four because that way we can get in and out without disturbing anyone. Encourages us to walk around more.

Hi - <BR> <BR>Agree with above about sleeping pill. We used to use Nyquil but the pill works much better. We use Zolpidem (trade name is Ambien I think) and it works like a charm. We only need a half a pill each and we are sleeping soundly for about 4-5 hours. Also, it has no side effects. We buy it in Mexico but I would check with your doctor first. <BR> <BR>I also drink lots of water, take an aspirin and make sure to walk around a little on the plane. Every 2-3 hours I get up and walk to the back of the plane or to one of the exit doors and just stand around for 5-10 minutes bending my knees and whatnot. It really helps. <BR> <BR>I have two trip reports (one for Bangkok and one for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Singapore) so let me know if you would like a copy. They might help you get a feeling for the places. <BR> <BR>When are you going? <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR <BR>