If you are considering visiting Asia this year, the sooner you book the more likely your odds of snagging cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or discount travel packages.
The number of international tourists in Asia increased 11 percent in 2010. U.S. tour operators say that bookings this year are already significantly ahead of last year. Growing tourism demand and rising jet fuel costs are making travel bargains harder to find.
Stronger Asian currencies, including the Taiwan dollar which is up 8 percent vs. the dollar a year ago and the Malaysian ringgit which is up about 11 percent, means Americans are enjoying less buying power in Asia. Vietnam is the one exception where the U.S. dollar is worth 12 percent more than a year ago.
The following are suggestions on how to save on your Asian vacation:
If you have frequent flier miles on an airline that does not fly to your desired Asian destination, you may still be to use those miles because of airline alliances. For example, American Airlines does not fly to Hong Kong, but Cathay Pacific, an OneWorld alliance member, does and accepts American miles.
If you want to travel around Asia, use budget Asian airlines like AirAsia or Tiger Airways who have deserved reputations for offering very cheap fares.
If you are interested in visiting several Asian destinations on your trip, consider purchasing an air pass. Cathay Pacific, OneWorld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance are some of the airlines and alliances that offer such passes. Travelers are often able to fly to multiple cities within a country or region for hundreds of dollars less than if individual tickets were purchased.
Packages that combine the purchase of air and hotel in a single reservation are a great way to save. A recent Amazing 5 Nights Bali Package offered five nights at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, round trip flights on Singapore Airlines from Los Angeles for two, airport transfers, and daily breakfast for $3,028, a savings of almost $700 vs. purchasing air and hotel separately.
Best rates for visiting Asia can be accessed by visiting off season which is over the winter. www.cheapfares.com