Home from Egypt/Jordan and 2 months in BCN - successfully avoided a terrible Toronto winter. Now - need to plan return to SE Asia next year!
Apr 5th, 2008, 01:09 PM
#1
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Home from Egypt/Jordan and 2 months in BCN - successfully avoided a terrible Toronto winter. Now - need to plan return to SE Asia next year!
While I'm fairly sure Gpanda doesn't have jurisdiction on other Boards for Timely Trip Reports (TTRs)....just to be sure I have already posted same.
Which, I believe, frees me to ask an annoyingly open ended question. Free form input appreciated for the following:
3 months (January - March, 2009).
SE Asia (in the broadest sense of the geography).
Not budget travel but not luxe either.
Been to HK, BKK, REP, LPQ, SIN - but by no means have we experienced everything there is in those destinations (especially LPQ) - for some reason I am now obsessed with Bhutan - maybe because of all the coverage of the elections there now. Read Dogster's Trip Report and subsequent comments....still deciding. Also Vietnam is high on our list - China would be except for the time of year - maybe wrong on that?
Our best trip architecture is - travel for 4 weeks - then a "hammock" period in the middle for 4 weeks at one location (renting an apartment/house) then 4 more weeks of travel.
We're not sun/sand/surf people - we don't lie around and sun tan but we do dive.
Just starting my planning now (been home less than 48 hours!)....appreciate any and all comments.
Which, I believe, frees me to ask an annoyingly open ended question. Free form input appreciated for the following:
3 months (January - March, 2009).
SE Asia (in the broadest sense of the geography).
Not budget travel but not luxe either.
Been to HK, BKK, REP, LPQ, SIN - but by no means have we experienced everything there is in those destinations (especially LPQ) - for some reason I am now obsessed with Bhutan - maybe because of all the coverage of the elections there now. Read Dogster's Trip Report and subsequent comments....still deciding. Also Vietnam is high on our list - China would be except for the time of year - maybe wrong on that?
Our best trip architecture is - travel for 4 weeks - then a "hammock" period in the middle for 4 weeks at one location (renting an apartment/house) then 4 more weeks of travel.
We're not sun/sand/surf people - we don't lie around and sun tan but we do dive.
Just starting my planning now (been home less than 48 hours!)....appreciate any and all comments.
Apr 5th, 2008, 01:25 PM
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Wow, sounds like another great trip you had. (I spent 4 winters in Toronto for university, and can't say I miss TO winters).
As for your plans next winter, I vote for travel in Vietnam and then a month in Bali in a villa rental. Jan-March is actually low season there, so I am sure you could arrange a good deal. Try vrbo.com as well as http://www.balispirit.com/resorts/ba...rent_sale.html
Of course there are many other websites with large, "lux" villas, but I am guessing you would want something more simple?
Good luck with your planning!
As for your plans next winter, I vote for travel in Vietnam and then a month in Bali in a villa rental. Jan-March is actually low season there, so I am sure you could arrange a good deal. Try vrbo.com as well as http://www.balispirit.com/resorts/ba...rent_sale.html
Of course there are many other websites with large, "lux" villas, but I am guessing you would want something more simple?
Good luck with your planning!
Apr 5th, 2008, 02:49 PM
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Ah, Egypt and Jordan, two wow! places in my travels!
A couple of thoughts...
Sri Lanka was a wow destination for us. Craig and Jeanne enjoyed it but it wasn't wow for them. Take a look at both reports (if you haven't already) and see if Sri Lanka might be for you. I could easily have spent four weeks there.
Indonesia is another wonderful destination. Red's suggestion of a villa in Bali is a great one for relaxing, and of course, the unique culture of Bali is at your doorstep. Since you have another month after your relaxation, look at some other Indonesian destinations. Central Java is amazing - Borobudor is stunning, and the other temples in the area including Prambanam and the temples at the Dieng Plateau are well worth your time. I felt that the best crafts shopping I've seen anywhere was in central Java. There are, of course, many other fascinating areas in Indonesia. Consider Sumatra. for instance. There are also world-class diving spots (though someone else will have to tell you about them - not my area of expertise).
What a luxury to return form this fabulous trip to begin planning the next!
A couple of thoughts...
Sri Lanka was a wow destination for us. Craig and Jeanne enjoyed it but it wasn't wow for them. Take a look at both reports (if you haven't already) and see if Sri Lanka might be for you. I could easily have spent four weeks there.
Indonesia is another wonderful destination. Red's suggestion of a villa in Bali is a great one for relaxing, and of course, the unique culture of Bali is at your doorstep. Since you have another month after your relaxation, look at some other Indonesian destinations. Central Java is amazing - Borobudor is stunning, and the other temples in the area including Prambanam and the temples at the Dieng Plateau are well worth your time. I felt that the best crafts shopping I've seen anywhere was in central Java. There are, of course, many other fascinating areas in Indonesia. Consider Sumatra. for instance. There are also world-class diving spots (though someone else will have to tell you about them - not my area of expertise).
What a luxury to return form this fabulous trip to begin planning the next!
Apr 5th, 2008, 06:07 PM
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oh there are so many options....i think i would love to combine real 3rd world with some upscale 3rd world for down time...
all of the suggestions thus far interest me.....the bali downtime one especially....the exchange rate there still remains excellent also...
VN might be good in the winter....
how about some india??
i loved robbie's report on bhutan but i found the actual viewing options a bit boring and the roughing it not my style...i like comfort when i return to the hotel at nite, at least heat and hot water on demand...or a/c in hot places...
how about burma?? lots of interesting places there...
all of the suggestions thus far interest me.....the bali downtime one especially....the exchange rate there still remains excellent also...
VN might be good in the winter....
how about some india??
i loved robbie's report on bhutan but i found the actual viewing options a bit boring and the roughing it not my style...i like comfort when i return to the hotel at nite, at least heat and hot water on demand...or a/c in hot places...
how about burma?? lots of interesting places there...
Apr 6th, 2008, 04:47 AM
#6
I get so frustrated with all the code! 
I seem to be the only one who doesn't understand all the three letter abbreviations used throughout these boards. Please don't make it so hard for those of us who are... slow?
HK and BKK I get.
But REP? LPQ? Assume SIN is Singapore.
Do these letters refer to airport codes? And how come everybody but me knows them?
On the Latin America board, someone posted about some HOTEL and referred to it by three letters as if everyone knew. Am I out of touch?? (My daughter would undoubtedly say: three letters Mom - Y E S.)
So... REP and LPQ? Help!
Thanks.
Karen
I seem to be the only one who doesn't understand all the three letter abbreviations used throughout these boards. Please don't make it so hard for those of us who are... slow?
HK and BKK I get.
But REP? LPQ? Assume SIN is Singapore.
Do these letters refer to airport codes? And how come everybody but me knows them?
On the Latin America board, someone posted about some HOTEL and referred to it by three letters as if everyone knew. Am I out of touch?? (My daughter would undoubtedly say: three letters Mom - Y E S.)
So... REP and LPQ? Help!
Thanks.
Karen
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Apr 6th, 2008, 07:31 AM
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Apr 6th, 2008, 07:32 AM
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Thanks to all - some great suggestions - I had thought about Burma but wasn't sure what the current travel situation was.....better check that out. Also India is definitely a consideration.
So - watch more more questions - albeit better informed ones!
Karen - REP (Siem Reap) and LPQ (Luang Prabang) - they are airport codes - a bad habit I picked up at flyertalk.com!
Have you finished planning Egypt?
So - watch more more questions - albeit better informed ones!
Karen - REP (Siem Reap) and LPQ (Luang Prabang) - they are airport codes - a bad habit I picked up at flyertalk.com!
Have you finished planning Egypt?
Apr 6th, 2008, 08:00 AM
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Indonesia has some 17,000 islands with a lot of cultural and natural appeal and diversity. There are several worldclass dive locations; the one I'm most familar with is Northern Sulawesi -- Bunaken and the Bitung Strait, but there are many other. I'd recommend Kungkungan Bay Resort. As an archipeligo country, it's virtually surrounded by reefs.
On land, it's also full of profoundly beautiful natural scenery and rich bio-diversity.
Culturally, Bali and Central Java are enormously compelling but there are also wonderful off the beaten track options like Sumbawa, Toraja and if you're really adventurous West Papua.
Western money still goes far in Indonesia and as others have noted January-March is a quiet period. You'll get some rain, but it shouldn't deter you. Transportation between islands is mostly by air. Again, fairly economical.
On land, it's also full of profoundly beautiful natural scenery and rich bio-diversity.
Culturally, Bali and Central Java are enormously compelling but there are also wonderful off the beaten track options like Sumbawa, Toraja and if you're really adventurous West Papua.
Western money still goes far in Indonesia and as others have noted January-March is a quiet period. You'll get some rain, but it shouldn't deter you. Transportation between islands is mostly by air. Again, fairly economical.
Apr 6th, 2008, 08:41 AM
#12
Thanks, all, for the airport code tips!
And, Liz, no I haven't finished my planning. Have been in touch with Debbie Sentors, but I think my daughter might like the idea of a group tour this time. She's coming to visit this week (yay!), so we plan to firm up our plans.
I don't have anything to offer re your dilemma for next year - other than empathy!
I'm always planning ahead and dreaming about the next one, too. China and Vietnam are both high on my list, as are India, Turkey, and Morocco. And definitely Nepal/Bhutan at some point. Not many places AREN'T on my list! Good luck with your planning - I'll be watching! (And will be sure to post a trip report when I return from Egypt in October. Thanks for asking.)
Karen
And, Liz, no I haven't finished my planning. Have been in touch with Debbie Sentors, but I think my daughter might like the idea of a group tour this time. She's coming to visit this week (yay!), so we plan to firm up our plans.
I don't have anything to offer re your dilemma for next year - other than empathy!
I'm always planning ahead and dreaming about the next one, too. China and Vietnam are both high on my list, as are India, Turkey, and Morocco. And definitely Nepal/Bhutan at some point. Not many places AREN'T on my list! Good luck with your planning - I'll be watching! (And will be sure to post a trip report when I return from Egypt in October. Thanks for asking.)
Karen
Apr 6th, 2008, 09:10 AM
#13
Original Poster
Hi Liz - I followed your blog too and am now reading your mom's! Too bad Tim was sick while you were away......
The winter in Toronto was so awful we had to stop making jokes about it to our friends and families. They completely lost their sense of humour!
I've spent the last two hours checking out the ideas here - the Bali Spirit website is intoxicating and the prices are great (BCN was really expensive). Now I'm immersing myself in India - maybe start there in the North, then Bhutan and Myanmar for roughly 3/4 weeks - then a break for a month in Bali, or elsewhere in that general area - and then........maybe go to China at the end for the month of March - good time of year? Or maybe go on a Safari, depending upon how we fly.
Flying is an issue - used alot of our Air Canada points on the Middle East this year - I think we might have enough for one of us to fly on AC or a Star Alliance carrier and one on Delta (are they still around?) or a Skyteam partner. Not optimal but might be necessary. I'll also look into the Star Alliance air passes and Emirates is now flying from Toronto and they apparently have some good deals.
Better go finish my laundry from the last trip before I plan the next one, eh?
The winter in Toronto was so awful we had to stop making jokes about it to our friends and families. They completely lost their sense of humour!
I've spent the last two hours checking out the ideas here - the Bali Spirit website is intoxicating and the prices are great (BCN was really expensive). Now I'm immersing myself in India - maybe start there in the North, then Bhutan and Myanmar for roughly 3/4 weeks - then a break for a month in Bali, or elsewhere in that general area - and then........maybe go to China at the end for the month of March - good time of year? Or maybe go on a Safari, depending upon how we fly.
Flying is an issue - used alot of our Air Canada points on the Middle East this year - I think we might have enough for one of us to fly on AC or a Star Alliance carrier and one on Delta (are they still around?) or a Skyteam partner. Not optimal but might be necessary. I'll also look into the Star Alliance air passes and Emirates is now flying from Toronto and they apparently have some good deals.
Better go finish my laundry from the last trip before I plan the next one, eh?
Apr 12th, 2008, 08:16 PM
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Hi Elizabeth,
I was reading your blog on Egypt and noticed your comment that they don't allow photographs at the Egyptian Museum and in the tombs anymore. Do you know how long this restriction has been in place?
I was reading your blog on Egypt and noticed your comment that they don't allow photographs at the Egyptian Museum and in the tombs anymore. Do you know how long this restriction has been in place?
Apr 29th, 2008, 05:36 PM
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Re: no photo policy in egyptian museum. I was surprised when I went a few weeks ago, since I was there only a few years before and you could take all the pix you wanted with no flash. there is apparently a new gift shop operator who required/requested the policy.
on the asia question, Burma is a MAGICAL place. highly recommended!! and our winter is a good time to go.
Bonnie
on the asia question, Burma is a MAGICAL place. highly recommended!! and our winter is a good time to go.
Bonnie
Apr 30th, 2008, 06:50 PM
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I would also recommend Burma. I spent three weeks there and could easily have spent another 10 days. To clarify on travel in Bhutan. You can get luxe accommodations in the western part (3 or 4 nights in 3 Aman resorts would give you access to many areas. I agree with those who suggest Bali for down time. Stationing yourselves just outside of Ubud would be good. Read up on Northern and Southern India to see which appeals to you more, they are markedly different, both fascinating. Keep us posted.
Sep 11th, 2008, 10:57 PM
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Thanks Kathie for promoting Sri Lanka.
Elizabeth, I wold also higjly recommend Sri lanka for a 4week stay, lots of nice houses, small hotels etc can be found here to chill out, on the beach, the montains and tea country, culturally rich, close to nature etc etc. Many expats who come here on work never want to leave cos he lifestyle is good. Two Brit teachers (guy and a girl) who came down on a one year contract at my daughters school have got married and decide to stay another 5 years!
Elizabeth, I wold also higjly recommend Sri lanka for a 4week stay, lots of nice houses, small hotels etc can be found here to chill out, on the beach, the montains and tea country, culturally rich, close to nature etc etc. Many expats who come here on work never want to leave cos he lifestyle is good. Two Brit teachers (guy and a girl) who came down on a one year contract at my daughters school have got married and decide to stay another 5 years!
Sep 12th, 2008, 12:16 AM
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I see Rip Van Mohammed has just woken from a lo-o-o-o-ong sleep.
Wake up, sleepy-head, it's September. Dear Elizabeth first posted in err... April. But I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from you after your lovely long snooze.
Wake up, sleepy-head, it's September. Dear Elizabeth first posted in err... April. But I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from you after your lovely long snooze.
