Feeling a bit adventurous? Book your next holiday to Asia. Always a favourite among globetrotters, Thailand is a land of rice fields, bustling metropolitan cities, and paradise-like hideaways. Malaysia has some of the best shopping on the planet, while it also boasts coastal islands that have the best hotels and resorts. If you’re new to Asia, consider Hong Kong or Singapore where east meets west and there is a familiarity about the setting. If Asia can be compared to a meal, these would be your appetizers to be enjoyed before plunging into the cultures of surrounding countries.
The rest of your friends opted for a typical sun destination for their honeymoons. Do you want to follow the crowd? When you want to go somewhere different, new and exciting consider Asia. Honeymooners and travellers of all descriptions are discovering that countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and China offer great travel experiences and excellent value. Big budget or small, these destinations don’t scrimp on hospitality. Whether you stay at a hostel or a five-star hotel, gracious hospitality is a way of life and you will be welcomed warmly.
Think about taking an escorted tour of China. There has been plenty of media coverage about the eclectic offerings for tourists in China. Visitors can learn to make hand-made noodles, operate a rickshaw, or take lessons on how to perform a local dance. Of course, China also has iconic tourist attractions, from the Great Wall of China to the life-size terracotta warriors of Xi’an.
Still looking for something romantic for a honeymoon or couple getaway? India is a mystical and mythical country that is home to remarkable landscapes and stunning sights like the Taj Mahal.
<div class="subhead"><h2>Why you should go:</h2></div>
Singapore and Hong Kong host popular annual shopping festivals. Imagine a country-wide sale with plenty of bargains. Yes, do bring an extra suitcase.
Go just for the food. Asian cuisine is delicious, from savoury Thai curries to dim sum to luscious tropical fruits.
The high level of service, from spas to shops, is something you want to experience everywhere in the world.
Bali - Paradise!
Tuesday 2nd September 2008

Travel Counsellor: Mary Foyle
It is quite a while since anyone asked me to quote for a holiday to Bali. It seems to have disappeared off the radar during the past few years. This was mainly due to the bombing at Kuta some years ago and also the fact that Irish citizens had to apply in advance for visas to enter Indonesia.
However, this changed recently and John (my husband) and I decided to head off in September. This was to be our first trip away together without the kids in years and we were really excited. We chose Bali as we had a preference to visit an Eastern country and most of the other countries eg Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam were right in the middle of the rainy season. Bali was everything we had hoped for – lovely hotels, fantastic long stretches of white sandy beaches, fabulous sunsets, great restaurants and bars and most important of all, lovely people. The Balinese were friendly, gentle and courteous and not a bit pushy when plying their wares.
Our first stop was Legian Beach and our hotel... view full story
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