Too easy!!!!!
 

Dear Friends,<BR><BR>Just been to Asia for the 2nd time in my life (China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore). Both times I have traveled independently. I have to tell you I was surprised on how easy it was to travel around, book hotels, get cheap air tickets, find good food, talk to locals, etc, etc, etc.<BR><BR>I have heard so many complains from friends and people in this forum that I have to ask:<BR><BR>Is it just me or has the traveling world got easier and there is still a bunch of people out there trying to make their own trips harder than they should be?<BR><BR>I have to clarify, I am not bragging about my traveling abilities, but asking about a fast changing globalized traveling experience (for the good and the bad).<BR>

Guys,<BR><BR>I would love to have your opinion on this subject!!!!<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR><BR>McH

i'm glad you enjoyed your time in asia. from personal experience, i've had trips that went smoothly to trips that went completely off the rails (if you've been in shenzhen trying to get back to hong kong and just had your passport and id stolen, PANIC is quite a good descriptor).<BR><BR>i think with a reasonable amount of common sense and preparation, travel is reasonably painfree. but my most memorable travel moments are the unexpected ones that you simply cannot plan for.

I would have to agree with McH. Our trip to Thailand was much easier than I expected. I was surpised at the number of people who spoke or understood English and the ease of getting taxis, sang tao (? the red taxi trucks), hiring boats, etc. We had a great time and can't wait to return.

Hi McH,<BR><BR>Actally I'm really interested in your experience. I'm thinking of visiting Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore myself. I always thought that it would be expensive, but then I also heard it's affordable. But like you, I've read some horror stories on this travel forum and that kinda made me think twice about it. Can you share your trip? Where did you stay, how long did you stay in the city? Did you book your hotels ahead of time, etc. etc.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance.<BR><BR>Map

McH asked:<BR><BR>"Is it just me or has the traveling world got easier and there is still a bunch of people out there trying to make their own trips harder than they should be?"<BR><BR>I think the main problem is that in fact it doesn't get easier than taking an organised tour. Once you've got yourself to the airport you rarely need to worry about another thing.<BR><BR>Another aspect is time. Independent travel tends to take longer and you get less done. Ideally, to visit four countries you'd need several weeks, and very few people have that length of time available. Finding your own way around should be half the fun--but you may find it hard to agree if you only have two weeks overseas a year.<BR><BR>Additionally, people from the West are intimidated by how different Asian cultures seem from their own and tend to talk themselves out of independent travel on those grounds. Of the countries mentioned only in China are the numbers of English speakers relatively limited (not that that need make any difference). In most situations what you want is obvious, and a little smiling, pointing, and mime will get you a very long way indeed.<BR><BR>Another aspect is out-of-date information, particularly about China. Some people reading this site have been told that Western products are impossible to find, that hotels, airlines, and museums charge foreigners double, that rail tickets are unobtainable, etc. None of this has been true for years, but those who haven't travelled in China for a long time are still telling their friends this, and the travel industry both Chinese and overseas likes to play up the difficulties so that you buy their services.<BR><BR>Some people will never travel except in a guided tour, but those weighing up whether to travel independently or not should listen to McH. As he says, you don't have to be a genius to do this. It's been getting easier for years, and it's getting easier still all the time.<BR><BR>And by the way, if a posting is a repeat of another one already made, is only one line long, isn't on topic, has bad spelling or grammar, or doesn't contain useful additional information, it's not from me.<BR><BR>Peter N-H<BR>http://members.axion.net/~pnh/China.html

Guys,<BR><BR>I am so happy to hear from people that think the same way as I do. I really think that there is a big gap in information regarding independent traveling. As Peter mentions, the horror stories regarding "American" products not being available in China (obviously in the urban centers) are heard everyday, and they are completely untrue. Like this, we have many other misconceptions going around.<BR><BR>I am a fan of independent traveling as I think it has given me the opportunity to experience a country and its people to a higher extent. It is like going to NY and not getting on the subway or eating a hotdog, I love going around in a fancy car or eating in a fantastic restaurant, but why not have the best of the 2 worlds?<BR><BR>I guess one has to take a deep breath and try traveling independently for the first time and then probably 80% of the people will love it for ever.<BR><BR>Map: Let me dig into my notes and I will be very glad to give you details about my trips.<BR><BR>Love to hear more opinions on this subject (the input from expats would be great!)<BR><BR>McH<BR><BR>

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Hi:<BR><BR>We planned our entire trip to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore with good advice from the wonderful travellers on this site. We have also done central and southern India, most of the Caribbean, parts of South America and are planning Africa next. <BR><BR>You need to do a lot of reading and have a good idea of what kind of vacation you would like. Be open to new experiences and basically take everything in stride! We had one or two surprises, but nothing that would stop us from going back. The people we met were warm and friendly and welcomed us - what more can you ask for?

I agree with you although I went the luxury route. When I went to Asia on my honeymoon, I did all the research about hotels and inter-Asia flights myself.<BR><BR>I figure that I know what we like better than a travel agent knows our preferences. In this regard, the internet is really a fantastic tool.<BR><BR>While I did go to the Dragon Air (Cathay affiliate) and Singapore Airlines offices in NY, I used the net to find flight times and availability.<BR><BR>I looked at different hotel options in Phuket based on the websites and was able to view the Peninsula in HK and the Four Seasons Bali in more detail than would be possible in a pamphlet. <BR><BR>However, I have an AMEX Platinum Card and can always access their concierge service with specific questions or help if I need it. (I found a private tour guide for Normandy based on their recommendation.)<BR><BR>Technology really is amazing. A hundred years ago the average person might owned a few books. Today, the average Amrerican can access the world's collective knowledge in a few key strokes. <BR>

Dear Friend <BR>I try to write in english,i loved yuo depoiment about yuor trip.<BR>I want go china with my husband,2 years<BR>ago we went to bankog and bali with agency travel,but we boght a travel in italy .<BR>This year we are go to paris first and then we want go to china.<BR>But in this time we want go by ourself<BR>because i couldn't make some reservacion in the tours agency.<BR>Sometimes when whe take packeges we have a discont in the hotels.<BR> What yuor experience about it?<BR> how much yuo pay in the hotels?<BR>I'm loking for a hotel 3 or 4 stars.<BR> <BR>What do yuo think,is easy do these thinks when we arrive there,and i want know about the cheap air tickets .<BR>Which are the best place to know in china ?<BR>We want goto shangay/hangzou/nancino/xian?<BR>It´s nice?<BR>If yuo can help me I WILL BE SO HAPPY.<BR>we are go in june.<BR>If one day yuo come to brasil i will be very happy to tell yuo about the nice places .<BR>Thank you<BR>Daniela <BR>from brasil my e-mail [email protected]

I have to say, I agree that for the most part it is very easy for people to travel independantly in Asia. Of course, you have to be open to the various pitfalls that will occur when you are not being guided around by someone else. I think it's worth the occational glitch for the freedom and experieinces one gains.<BR>A few years ago my husband and I did a RTW trip and spend a couple of months in Asia with no problems. Granted, it is easier, the more time you have.<BR>I also did a one week trip just to Bangkok where I purchased the hotel and airfare as a package and skipped the "city tour".<BR>The only time we used a tour was to go to Beijing from Hong Kong. Doing it on our own would have cost more time and $$$ than the package.<BR>We liked Asia so much that we are going back for 2 weeks in July to Cambodia and Thailand. I've booked the airfare myself and will do the BKK hotel as well. I found a guide for Angkor Wat recommended on this very site. The rest will just come after we get there.<BR>If anyone wants to see how easy it is to travel on your own, check out my travelogues at<BR>http://www,wired2theworld.com

Since you want more opinions...<BR><BR>For me traveling independently has been very rewarding, lots of fun, and the best way to meet the locals. Back in Jan/Feb I traveled through Thailand and Cambodia solo; last year through Russia, and Scotland (separate occasions) with a couple of friends. A couple of years ago, through Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore, again solo. I always try to learn a bit of the language prior to getting there; and no, I do not backpack or hitchhike. I like comfort. And as a young woman alone, well, I've learnt to keep myself safe by being alert and avoiding stupid situations; so far so good. I've had some great experiences which would have been impossible to live had I been with a tour.<BR><BR>For anyone apprehensive about making their own arrangements, or without lots of time, I'd recommend starting your independent travel adventures by booking a tour to take advantage of the airfare and hotel rates, and then once you get there going your own way.<BR><BR>Hope this has helped someone...

I agree traveling on your own is a much more satisfying experience than on a tour. Independent traveling may have its drawbacks but so does tour travel, you eat where they take you (not necessary the best in town) and shop where you they want (for sure not the best deals). I have traveled in Southeast Asia with my parents (over 60) on high season (Dec-Jan) we had no advanced hotel or air reservations. We got a great 5flight deal (Bankog-Jakarta-Burumburu-Bali-Singapore-Malasia-Bankog) for $500, got great deals on hotels and took local day tours. Having the evening to ourselfs to tourist at our pace, shop around and eat at great local restaurants! We made local friends who recommended great local sights. <BR><BR>I highly recommend traveling on your own for people of all ages. My parents had a great time, the exercise and thinking makes them feal more useful. My mom got to visit real markets where we couldnt spot a tourist. And my dad as an Civil Enginere and Politician got to visit important industrial developement areas which were of his personnal interest. I had a blast with experience of really getting a taste of four differnt cultures.

To McH: I agree with you that it is not that difficult to travel independently.<BR>An answer to your question could be that<BR>some people are not that comfortable traveling "alone". They may feel that if something goes wrong their tour director can fix it. The reason I say this is because my husband fits this category while I dont mind myself booking trips independently. At first<BR>I booked our trips with tour groups<BR>to avoid arguments. As we traveled more,<BR>my husband "loosened" up and realized<BR>that traveling is unpredictable and you cant always worry that something will go wrong. He also realized that some<BR>tours are not as flexible as traveling on your own and that you may get stuck visiting tourist traps. Also some people<BR>like the convenience of booking with <BR>a tour so they do not have to make their own arrangements andd they dont mind that the choice of hotels and sightseeing is made for them. Travel shoul be enjoyed no matter how one chooses to do it!<BR>

I spent two weeks in China (only cities) and was pleasantly surprised with how little difference there was as far as telephones, computer access, eating, hotels, taxis, shopping (lots of Nestle and Proctor and Gamble products), air and train travel, etc.<BR><BR>I can't think of anything that was a struggle or that we couldn't use prior travel experience to figure out. China has come a long way from what I have read about the past. They work very hard to be good hosts.<BR><BR>Most of all, I found them to be very friendly and helpful. What I remember most is how happy they seem. Quite a difference from what I expected.