Whenever I'm in S.E. Asia, I go into the bookstores and buy travel magazines of the region. While in Singapore, last month, I picked up my ususal stash of magazines of which one was the Aug/Sept 2005 issue of Destin Asian in which there's an article on travel websites. The websites listed are virtualtourist.com bootsnall.com lonelyplanet.com (which you all probably know) ...igougo.com travellerspoint.com trekshare.com planetreunited.com thebathroomdiaries.com I haven't had time to check them out yet, but maybe they will be of use to some of you. Happy Travels!

thanks for the info, guenmai. will try to look at them before my trip. read your horror stories, unbelieveable.

Kuranosuke...I could write a book of travel horror stories! Have a great time on your trip and eat for two at Sabai for me...Smiles...Happy Travels!

Another good one I recently discovered is Travelfish.org

Thanks for the tips, as always.

Guenmai: How did you book the Oriental Hotel for the $200 rate? Thank you for all the good travel tips!

I called up American Express Platinum Travel which is open 24 hours a day. They quoted me the rate and I was booked. very easy. I VERY seldom prepay anything, but just have rooms held with my credit card. Platinum Travel usually can get really good rates. I think Gloria uses them,too...however...you must have a Platinum card to be able to book through them. They are the ones who...up until this past trip...got me into the Four Seasons for $138.breakfast included...F/S/Sun and $158.breakfast included M-Th. This past trip it was a bit more expensive and without breakfast included, but still a decent rate and especially since I booked a standard room and ended up getting a 4-step upgrade... a $300 room for $175... it was really worth it. That's happened before at other hotels. Happy Travels!

I just got offered a Platinum Amex but the membership fee blew me away. AUD395! That's 50% of a econ fare to Singapore or K.L, ex Sydney. I'll stick with the gold at AUD165. And thanks for the info on websites, Guenmai.