International Airfare: From North America, prices to Southeast Asia

can be as low as $700 round-trip at some times of the year, usually during winter.

During June through August, that price increases to over $1,400 for a "cheap seat.” By far the

best value in air transport is the American Express International Airline Program (IAP), which is

a "two-for-one" in Business Class (and First Class on some carriers). In this program, for those who prefer to fly in utmost comfort, you can get two seats "up front" for the long ride to Asia for around $3200 each, or even less on some carriers. If you are an American Express Platinum cardholder and decide to use China Airlines on the IAP offer, Asia Desk can make that arrangement and issue the tickets for you. We have worked closely with China Airlines over the years and feel that their service, route structure, and schedule into Exotic Asia is the best. Because they are a "national carrier,” they do not spend lavishly on advertising and promotion but their equipment is always new, their in-flight service excellent, and the fares they offer in Business and First Class are the best over the Pacific. Other carriers through the IAP program must be booked directly with American Express. For a full explanation, please view your Platinum benefits online. Whatever your preference regarding international flights, since this is “the horse that pulls the cart,” it MUST be settled FIRST in our trip planning together.

Regional & Internal Airfare: We can book flights and issue all of these tickets for you. We use the same airline reservations system as Thai International, which is called Amadeus. Airfares in the region are quite reasonable, from $50 to $130 for a one-hour flight segment.

Land Arrangements: This is best estimated on a per person, per day basis for a full program inclusive of those services addressed on the previous page. The range is generally $250 to $425 per person, per day or higher, depending on the quality of accommodations. However, should you have an extended stay in an area host-free, like at a beach destination where the only cost is in accommodations and breakfast, this per diem can be less.

In Conclusion: We hope that none of the above seems unrealistic. If you feel that your needs are more in line with "Asia On A Shoestring,” then perhaps we’re not the best match for each other. But if you are interested in a full-service, hands-on, culturally authentic program, some simple research into the cost of doing things for yourself will reveal the value of what we provide. Consider booking all hotels online (avoiding notoriously incorrect "bait & switch" rates), chasing down local air tickets, lining up a vehicle at each stop, and trying to find a quality person in each city that will show you around (taking the chance that someone might be out to cheat you). Yes, you may save some money in the end, but the "hassle factor" is rarely worth it. This alone could very easily ruin the memorable experience which you seek. Our services, on the other hand, are well-appointed, seamless, tried-and-true, and still manage to reflect the great rates which we have developed through the years with our Asian comrades. Just ask, and we’ll be happy to give you plenty of excellent references who will confirm that claim!