Discover The World 2010-2011Prepared by Harold Stephens
Travel Correspondent for Thai Airways International
Last week I wrote that Royal Orchid Holidays has just published its four latest travel booklets: DISCOVER THAILAND 2010-2011, DISCOVER THE WORLD 2010-2011, FAMILY GETAWAYS 2010-2011 and GOLF IN THAILANDS 2010-2011. Last week I covered exploring Thailand; this week I will tell readers about discovering the world with ROH. With the subtitle “A guide for the perfect holiday full of surprises & fantastic value.” it should give some indication what the booklet is all about. It’s comprehensive with everything you want to know about travelling the world, including a list of recommended hotels. These publications are free and now available at THAI ticketing offices around the world.
Discover The World 2010-2011 is a large format, 86-page booklet that is certain to help you plan your vacation. It is divided into five sections: Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, America and Africa. Two appealing sub sections are Holiday Hotspots and Experience the World. And most interesting to those who are planning a trip is the "optional tours” that are offered. For Singapore optional tours, for example, there are Sunset at Sentosa, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore by Night.
Even the stay-at-home armchair travelers will change his or her mind when they read the section headings. Read about Asia: Asia is a magical region of stunning contrasts where ancient traditional cultures co-exist beside ultra-modern cities. The region is home to more than half the world's population and yet full of picturesque benches and quiet mountain retreats. Escape to the foothills of the Himalayas or enjoy the peaceful serenity of Laos Laze on the soft sands of Bali and Langkawi or swim with the fish in the Maldives. Explore the man-made wonders of Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. Take a ferry across Hong Kong's incredible harbour, shoot the rapids at Pagsanjan in the Philippines or enjoy a cable-car ride to Singapore's Sentosa Island. Shop for gold in Dubai's Souk, the latest fashions in Tokyo's Ginza and electronics In Seoul. Asia is a different world, and it's waiting to be discovered.
And there is Europe: Visit some of the world's most spectacular cities, oldest civilizations, and incredible scenic wonders Marvel at the royal palaces in London, Munich, Paris and Madrid; the ancient historic monuments in Athens and Rome- Shop along the Champs Elysees, in the fashionable boutiques of Milan or London's Regent Street. Enjoy the alpine landscapes around Zurich, the canals of Copenhagen or the islands of Stockholm. Try tantalizing pasta In Italy, tapas in Spain, moussaka in Greece, and don't forget the fine wines of France, Whatever you decide to do in Europe, you won't have a dull moment.
America. Make your debut in Hollywood- Spend a day at Universal Studios, take a trip to Disneyland and say hi to Mickey Mouse, shop in Beverly Hills and dine in one of LA'S fashionable restaurants. If It's glitz and glamour you're looking for, Los Angeles on America's west coast is the place.
South Africa. For real outdoor adventure, it doesn't get more exciting than South Africa. Spend time traveling around one of the country's vast game reserves in an open-top vehicle tracking down the ‘Big five’: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. Or, head out to sea on a shark and whale-watching excursion that lets you get right up close to these magnificent creatures. If you're feeling lucky take a trip to the millionaires' playground of Sun City. Don't forget to visit Table Mountain and tour the gold city of Johannesburg. It all adds up to real adventure on a grand scale.
Indeed, start planning now and, with DISCOVER THE WORLD and WORLDWIDE STOPOVER, you can take advantage of Royal Orchid Holidays' unbeatable offers. The booklet also lists worldwide accommodations. When you study the booklet you will be surprised at how many tours and tour options are offered.
What are the advantages of signing up with ROH tours? The booklet lists those too:
* Half and full-day optional tours
* Most tours include air-conditioned transportation
* Wide choice of comprehensive itineraries
* Museum and historic site visits and including entry fees
* Local English-speaking guide included on sightseeing tours
* Guides speaking other languages also available... just ask
* Royal Orchid Holidays makes bringing the kids easy
* Selected hotels to suit every budget
* Service charges and taxes on hotels included
* Tour representatives to assist at most airports
* Airport - hotel transfers at most airports
* Meals included in many packages (check tour details)
* Extensions of stay available
Also, very important, when you travel with Royal Orchid Holidays you travel safe and secure, and there are no hidden charges.
Next week I am going to tell readers about Royal Orchid Holidays’ other new booklet, Family Getaways 2010-2011.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
I encourage readers to write in and I will attempt to answer questions that may be puzzling them about Thailand, or anyplace that THAI flies.
Q. Mr. Stephens, We will let you settle the debate between my husband and me. We have decided to come to Thailand for a vacation and want to spend time at the beach. Phuket sounds good. We also want to do some travelling. My husband was in the US Army during the Vietnam War and wants to travel to Laos. He says he only saw it from the air and would now like to see it from the ground. I want to go to Angkor Wat, ever since I can remember. We only have two weeks. What do you suggest? Barbara Wyckoff, Pasadena, California.
A. Dear Barbara, You certainly put me on a spot. I learned, never side between wife and husband. However, Thai Airways has domestic flights that can take you to all the destinations without losing time. You can take a direct international flight to Phuket, soak up the sun in a week of fun on the beach, and then make flights to two destinations, one in Laos and the other in Cambodia. A few days in each destination and you both will be happy. Let me hear how it turns out. HS
Harold Stephens
Bangkok
E-mail: ROH Weekly Travel (booking@inet.co.th)
Note: The article is the personal view of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited. | 
