Written by expert food lovers who know and love Asia, this 2008/2009 edition will be the first restaurant guide to measure the best restaurants in the region by Asian standards. At the same time, as it sets new benchmarks in the Asian culinary sphere, the very best restaurants in Asia will fittingly be given the credence due to them with the launch of the Guide.

Starting with this first edition, The Miele Guide will annually publish a list of Asia’s 20 best restaurants. These restaurants will be numerically ranked and profiled in-depth. In addition, the Guide will list the other 300 best restaurants from across the region, categorised by country, city and cuisine. This first edition evaluates restaurants in 16 Asian countries—Brunei, Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The 2008/2009 edition and this year’s list of Top 20 Restaurants will be unveiled at The Miele Guide Dinner, a chic gala event hosted at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 31 October 2008. The Dinner will be attended by approximately 350 guests, comprising of a veritable who’s who of Asia’s F&B scene. All chefs and restaurateurs whose establishments have been methodically selected to be in the 2008/2009 edition have been invited.

 “The overarching goal of The Miele Guide is to help the restaurant industry in Asia grow. We hope that by recognising Asia’s best, the industry will continue to flourish and develop. It is also our hope to create awareness internationally that we have amazing dining here in Asia,” says Tan Su-Lyn, Director of Ate Media, the Singapore-based media firm publishing the guide, and one of Southeast Asia’s most established food writers.

“We are proud to be part of this landmark move to recognise the Asian dining scene,” Mario Miranda, Managing Director of Miele Pte Ltd says. “Miele’s sponsorship of The Miele Guide reflects our dedication to helping to encourage and support the food and wine industry in this region. We are equally committed to promoting the enjoyment and understanding of good food among the people of this diverse region.”

Pauline Ooi, The Miele Guide’s Associate Publisher, says, “We are very much looking forward to the launch of The Miele Guide. The dinner will be an exciting night of honouring Asia’s brightest culinary stars. We’re thrilled that many of the region’s culinary luminaries have already responded that they will be in attendance. This, we hope, will become the must-attend event for the region’s best chefs and restaurateurs year after year.”

The Miele Guide is published by Ate Media Pte Ltd and sponsored by Miele, a German manufacturer of premium and innovative cooking appliances for the home. While a naming sponsor of the Guide,
Miele did not exert any influence over the selection and judging process that determined which restaurants appear in The Miele Guide.

Further underlining its independence, neither the Guide nor its contributors accepted any advertising, sponsorship or free meals from any of the restaurants reviewed.

The slim, elegant and affordable Guide, which will retail at US$15, will be for every traveller, foodie and business person looking to dine in Asia.

Available on all flights lasting seven hours or more, the special lunch box contains burgers, chicken nuggets and spaghetti with meatballs, which are available on Singapore Airlines children’s Book-The-Cook program, Yummy. In addition, drinks will be served in an attractive, children-friendly paper cup, also dressed in Cartoon Network livery.

The lunch box is already available on flights leaving Singapore and will be available on flights departing from all other destinations from Nov. 1.

Children will also continue to enjoy the much-loved Cartoon Network giveaways available on all Singapore Airlines flights (with the exception of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services). The giveaways, which include activity kits and plush toys, are catered to various age groups. Further enhancing their in-flight experience is the wide range of entertainment options available on the new KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.

This includes the especially dedicated Young Ones section, featuring Cartoon Network shows such as Ben 10, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi and many others. Junior flyers can also tune in to the children’s audio channel and listen to audio stories as well as the latest selection of children’s music, which include albums such as Camp Rock and The Jonas Brothers.

They can also watch the most current children’s movies such as Speed Racer and Kung Fu Panda. In addition, they can enjoy one of the largest games selections in the sky, which include popular games such as Bookworm Deluxe! and Mojo Muncho.

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com

Pacific Delight Tours grouped five of its most popular tour packages in one easy-to-read “2009/10 Quick Guide,” with offerings suitable for every level of traveler. To kick off this new brochure, Pacific Delight is giving early-booking savings of up to $500 per couple for bookings made by Dec. 31.

Program choices include major highlights of China: magnificent Yangtze River scenery on three- and four-night cruises; imperial Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City; the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs; Shanghai’s Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple; Xi’an’s famed legions of terra-cotta warriors; Lhasa, Tibet’s mountainous capital; and the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

Prices range from $1,588 to $7,588 per person, double, before the early-bird savings. One of Pacific Delight’s most sought-after trips is the 17-day Classic China & Yangtze River Gold Experience — an intimate, one-of-a-kind perspective into the country’s ancient history and culture, escorted by knowledgeable guides exclusive to the company.

This deluxe vacation, limited to just 16 guests, features accommodations in Asia’s best hotels; Junior Suites with balconies aboard Victoria Cruises’ newest and most luxurious ships; private shore excursions; superb meals; front section seats to many performances; and exclusive sightseeing. Cities include Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong.

Land-only prices are $6,788 to $7,588 per person, double, with 12 departures between April and October 2009; early-bird savings are $500 per couple. With no more than 26 participants, the upscale, fully escorted 13-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River Imperial Experience, provides an in-depth view of each city visited: Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and a pedicab ride through Beijing’s old Hutong area; Xi’an’s 2,200-year-old terra-cotta warriors and horses, the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which includes a Pacific Delight exclusive – a white-glove handling of treasures in the private artifact room; and Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum and renowned acrobatic show.

Special meals include a Beijing Duck welcome dinner, Defachang Restaurant dumpling lunch and Tang Dynasty dinner and show. March 2009 to March 2010 departures are $2,918 to $3,688 for land only; early-bird savings are $300 per couple.

Two of Pacific Delight’s Deluxe SuperValue Tours, offering value and variety, are highlighted in the Quick Guide. The 12-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River provides travelers with an affordable way in which to delve into China’s Imperial cities — Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing — and receive a strong understanding of the country’s history, art, archeology and architecture. The land portion of the tour is complemented by four nights of Yangtze River cruising aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series five-star fleet, sailing the most spectacular portions of this legendary waterway. Land-only prices are $1,588 to $2,288 for departures between March 2009 and March 2010; early-bird savings is $100 per couple.

The 11-day Golden Route SuperValue is similar to the Historic Cities & Yangtze River but substitutes the Yangtze River cruise with a two-night stay in Guilin, a city set among some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. While there, guests visit the magnificent rock formations at Reed Flute Cave and Fu Bo Hill and take a cruise on the Li River, passing lush green landscapes and picturesque villages.

The land-only prices range from $1,648 to $2,188 on year-round departures; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. Pacific Delight’s China Escapade Series of vacations offer off-the-beaten-path itineraries to some of China’s most exotic regions. The 15-day Tibet & Yangtze River Escapade is an escorted journey that takes adventurous travelers to Tibet’s 1,300-year-old capital city of Lhasa, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.

Guests explore the many monasteries and palaces, including Norbulingkha, Sera or Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and the greatest architectural structure in Tibet, the 1,000-room Potala Palace, once the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. A Tibetan dinner and show includes the traditional Yak Dance. Other special sites include the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, with its Imperial Vault of Heaven; the terra-cotta warriors and Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an; and the Giant Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo.

A three-night Yangtze River cruise and three nights exploring Shanghai conclude the adventure. Land-only prices for the April-October 2009 departures are $3,918 to $4,388; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. The programs include pre-confirmed hotels, intra-Asia air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local guide or tour escort, transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Transpacific air is available at attractive rates. Prices are subject to change. Pacific Delight Tours offers escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia.

For more information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com

Passengers have ranked EVA Air’s Elite Class cabin to be the Best Premium Economy Class in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Survey 2008. UK based Skytrax invited 15,500,000 airline passengers from over 97 countries to participate in its annual airline ranking survey. This is the first time Skytrax has ranked premium economy classes.

Participating passengers were surveyed by telephone, email questionnaires and through Skytrax’s website during an 11-month period. Respondents rated airlines’ class categories on cabin comfort, including cleanliness and amenities, airport and cabin-staff service. The survey examined the smallest details of air travel, asking passengers about inflight safety procedures, catering and onboard shopping as well as specifics relating to seats and service. The overall survey listed more than 170 airlines.

EVA Air was one of the first in the industry to create a distinctive premium economy cabin in-between economy and business and to give its passengers an attractive, affordable and very comfortable travel option. The airline launched this innovative cabin on its first flight to North America in 1992 and further upgraded the cabin as Elite Class in 2005 with the launch of its first brand-new Boeing 777-300ER. EVA’s Elite Class is comparable to many domestic carriers’ business class in service, comfort and amenities, yet typically costs only about 25 per cent more than the price of economy.

As early as 1992, every one of EVA’s premium economy passengers had individual, adjustable, seatback-mounted entertainment systems. Today, the personal touch screen audio/video on demand (AVOD) entertainment systems in Elite Class have expanded 8.4-inch touch-screens offering movies, features, music, video games and shopping.

Fully adjustable ergonomic seats in Elite Class are 18.5 inches wide and have a roomy 38-inch pitch. The also have leg and footrests, moveable headrests, tray tables that fold into extra-wide armrests and added conveniences such as personal coat hooks.

For more information on Skytrax World Airline Awards visit www.worldairlineawards.com

Far East tailor-made specialists Bamboo Travel have recently moved offices to Clapham Common, and are planning to expand their portfolio of countries in the Far East over the next 6 months to cover even more adventurous and exotic destinations in the region including the Philippines, Mongolia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Founder of Bamboo Travel, Tim Milner, says “many of our clients who fell in love with the region after visiting Thailand independently came to us for expert advice to plan more adventurous tours of the less developed countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Although Indochina remains one of our core markets, we are reaching the stage where we need to broaden our horizons within Southeast Asia to cater for the increasing numbers who have covered Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and are left wanting more. We are sending out members of our team to develop fresh and innovative travel ideas in both the Philippines and Indonesia, which will be added to our programme in the coming months.”

Catering for a surge in demand after such a damp and miserable British summer, Bamboo Travel are also launching their “Adventures in Style” programme, focussing on areas of Southeast Asia where the weather is at its best in the period between November and Easter, aimed at travellers wanting to beat the winter blues. These well balanced private tours travel at a leisurely pace in areas of natural beauty, focussing on the culture and lifestyles of the local people mixed with a splash of adventure, and feature several new luxurious properties that are opening up areas previously restricted to the budget travellers.

Cambodia: Angkor to the Beach – 18 Days from £2,695
This diverse private tour of the Khmer Kingdom combines Angkor’s history with glimpses of local lifestyles, a taste of Indochinese colonial charm and glistening beaches. Start with a well structured exploration of the Temples of Angkor, including an overnight temple safari to the remote Koh Ker staying in a luxurious African style safari tent.

From Siem Reap the tour continues by boat across Lake Tonle Sap to Battambang, one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the Kingdom, to stay at a lovingly restored French colonial villa. From Battambang take a ride on the rustic bamboo train to a nearby village through beautiful landscapes of rice paddies, before continuing overland to the capital Phnom Penh via the ancient Khmer city of Udong. After experiencing the lazy yet lively capital, head a few hours south to the exclusive Knai Bang Chatt in Kep sur Mer on Cambodia’s South Coast, a luxuriously renovated villa built by a Khmer protégé of Le Corbusier in the 1960s. From Kep explore the abandoned hill station of Bokor and the charming seaside town of Kampot before finishing with a relaxing stay at the Sokha Beach Resort located on Sihanoukville’s finest white sand beach.

Prices from £2,695 per person includes international flights with Malaysian Airlines, 16 nights’ accommodation in 4 star and boutique style hotels, an overnight temple safari, private guides and vehicles, and comprehensive sightseeing.

Laos & Samui in Style– 18 Days from £2,795

This is a classic “Adventure in Style” to beat the winter blues - enjoy lush mountainous and riverside landscapes whilst tuning into the local pace of life in Laos, before spending some quality time on Koh Samui.

Start with a short stay in buzzing Bangkok, before flying to Pakse in Southern Laos to stay at the stylish new La Folie lodge facing the ancient Khmer temple of Wat Phou, and explore the Four Thousand Islands region of the Mekong.

After a brief visit to the capital Vientiane fly to Muang La, a remote part of northern Laos previously off the radar until the recent opening of the exquisite Muang La Resort, an elegant lodge blending French style and Lao charm. After exploring the area’s hill tribes, and relaxing in the hot springs, travel on a magnificent boat trip down the Nam Ou River to the Laotian cultural heartland of Luang Prabang, and spend 3 days soaking up the atmosphere of the Mekong’s most historic and laid back towns. To complete this ultimate winter escape the next stop is a 5 night stay in a boutique style beach bungalow on a quieter part of the Thai Island of Koh Samui to enjoy the sunshine, seafood and Singha that abounds on this fun filled tropical island.

Prices from £2,795 per person includes international flights with Thai Airways, 16 nights’ accommodation in 4 star and boutique style hotels, private guides and vehicles, and comprehensive sightseeing.

Treasures of Vietnam – 20 Days from £2,995

The ‘Treasures of Vietnam’ tour takes you from the capital Hanoi, in the north of the country, through some of the most scenic landscapes in Southeast Asia as you head south ultimately ending up on the golden sands of Phu Quoc, one of the most idyllic and unspoilt islands in the Gulf of Thailand, to relax.

On arrival in Hanoi you will step into a bygone era of colonial elegance as you check into one the region’s most famous hotels – the Sofitel Metropole. This will be your base in Hanoi as you explore the city and from here you will take overnight excursions to the wondrous karst landscapes of Halong Bay, to cruise on a traditional junk, and also the breathtakingly beautiful hillside scenery of Mai Chau where a comfortable lodge set in stunning surroundings awaits. As you leave the north of Vietnam you venture into the centre of the country and the former Imperial city of Hue where the Emperors of Vietnam used to hold court.

Here you will learn the fine art of Imperial Vietnamese cuisine and take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit ancient royal tombs. From Hue your journey continues south to the old town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enchanting places in Vietnam.

The flat countryside around Hoi An makes this perfect cycling territory and you will witness some of the traditional scenes of Vietnam as you cycle through the neighbouring villages and paddy fields. Leaving central Vietnam you fly south to the bustling metropolis that Saigon is rapidly becoming. Here enjoy the fast pace of life and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels made famous by the Viet Cong during the ‘American War’.

From Saigon the pace of life changes as you head into the Mekong Delta to travel along the waterways of this amazingly fertile region. After seeing some of the spectacular floating markets that the Delta is famous for the formal sightseeing ends and it is time for some well earned relaxation on the island of Phu Quoc. Unwind by the sea for a few days and perhaps treat yourself to a massage at the hotel spa.

Prices from £2,995 per person includes international flights with Thai Airways, 17 nights’ accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels, private guides and vehicles, and comprehensive sightseeing.

COX & KINGS ANNOUNCES 67% GROWTH IN MIDDLE EAST AS IT LAUNCHES ITS NEW BROCHURE TO THE REGION FOR 2009.

Cox & Kings has launched its new Far East brochure for 2009, featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made holidays throughout China, Japan, Mongolia, South East Asia and Indo-China.

China continues to be the company’s biggest seller in the region, and Far East Product Manager Yaow Butwisate predicts another strong year in 2009: “Now is a great time to visit China. The country’s tourism industry is booming, and there has been a definite increase in interest amongst British travellers following the wonderfully successful 2008 Olympics, the new Mummy film set in China and the recent display of the Terracotta Warriors at the British Museum.”

For 2009, Cox & Kings has launched a new 14-night private journey that explores traditional China. China’s Ancient Heartlands (Page 22) starts in Beijing, with stays in the ancient hutong (back street) district and unique Chinese guesthouses, and visits Chengde and the well-preserved city of Pingyao en route to Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors.

The tour then travels to the summit of the sacred Huang Shan to take in the magnificent peaks that have inspired generations of Chinese painters. Take a cable car up the mountain and spend a full day walking through the scenic area. Continue to Hangzhou in the Yangtze River Delta and end the tour in vibrant Shanghai. From £2,845 per person including flights with British Airways, accommodation with breakfast and lunch, transfers and all excursions.

Yaow also expects to see an increase in Yangtze cruises in the run up to the final stage of the dam flooding in September 2009. “While the flooding is not expected to detract from the stunning natural beauty of the area, the water is set to rise by 100 metres in some places, submerging a greater proportion of the limestone peaks. 2009 will be a popular time to visit while the scenery is at its most dramatic”.

After China, Cambodia is Cox & Kings’ second-biggest selling Far East destination and the company has reported an increase in clients travelling on tailor-made itineraries that venture beyond the typical sites of Angkor Wat. “The country is jam packed full of culture, and has plenty to lure second and third time visitors back to see more once they have ticked off Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.”

In response to this trend, Cox & Kings has launched a new private journey for 2009 that travels away from Cambodia’s beaten track and includes stays in de luxe tented camps close to the little known temple sites of Kor Ker, Beng Melea and Preah Vihear, recently announced a World Heritage Site. Jewels of Cambodia (page 53) is a 13-night private journey that also includes a stay in Kep and the beaches of Sihanoukville. From £3,995 per person including flights with Thai Airways, accommodation with most meals, transfers and all excursions.

NEW: Hidden Treasures of Japan Cruise (page 36): This 11-night itinerary explores the Inland Sea, dotted with more than 3,000 islands. Visits are made to the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoko to discover castles, gardens and temples in some of Japan’s most historic towns and cities, including Kurashiki, Hiroshima and Hagi. Prices from £4,495 per person.

NEW: Grand Asia Cruise (Page 36): This epic 17-night voyage starts from Japan’s Inland Sea, and travels to South Korea’s tropical island of Jeju, across the Yellow Sea to Shanghai, past Suzhou and Xiamen to Hong Kong. From here, set sail for the South China Sea and Danang in central Vietnam, and visit Hoi An and Hue before ending in the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. Prices from £5,695 per person including flights, accommodation with breakfast (full board on the cruise) transfers and all excursions.

Phuket, Thailand - Join the team at Sri panwa, Phuket’s newest and most exciting boutique resort, to experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival like a true local.

The Vegetarian Festival is one of the most unique and fascinating celebrations in Asia.Pierced cheeks, bladed ladders, hot oil baths and fiery ember walks - a fascinating display of profound religious conviction and moral strength. It’s all part of the fun at Phuket’s traditional vegetarian festival, a two-hundred year old ritual rooted in ancient Chinese customs and beliefs.

A visit to the festival is a memory for life and a must-see for anyone traveling in south-east Asia during the autumn months.

Phuket’s vegetarian festival is a reminder of Phuket’s tin mining heritage. It originated in 1825 among Chinese workers in tin mines on the island, combining local beliefs with ancient Chinese customs.

Ritual vegetarianism, practiced by many on the island during the festival, is believed to bring good luck and ward off disease, while the colourful processions through town represent the arrival of sacred Chinese scriptures and objects on the island nearly 200 years ago.

The festival is perhaps most famous for the body mortification ‘feats of the Ma-Song’.

The Ma-Song, or entranced devotees, endure extraordinary feats such as bathing in hot oil, climbing sharp-bladed ladders, walking on fiery embers and shunting sharp metal objects through their cheeks. This is done to invoke the Chinese god of the living Lam Tao, and god of the dead Pak Tao. The practice is thought to bring good luck to the island and spare the populace from pain and suffering. Needless to say, the Ma Song are held in very high esteem in the community.

During the vegetarian festival, Sri panwa will be offering private and personal guided tours of Phuket town and the festival processions. Led by a knowledgeable member of our team, this gives you a rare opportunity to experience the festival in the same way as a Phuket local does.

Learn why the festival takes place, speak to the Ma-Song and sample the aural, visual and culinary delights associated with the festival.

Once they’ve seen enough, guests can return to their luxury pool villa, perched nearly 60 metres above sea level, and enjoy the rest of their visit to the magical island.

A truly unforgettable experience!

Sri panwa’s ‘Veg Out’ Package

From September 28 until October 8, 2008 Sri panwa’s ‘Veg Out’ Package offers four days, three nights in a One-bedroom Pool Villa, including return airport transfers, a welcome jug of “Veg Out” fruity smoothie in the villa upon arrival, a guided tour of the Vegetarian Festival, a traditional ancient body treatment at Sai Spa, daily breakfast and a private dinner tailored to the special occasion for two starting at THB86,000.

For more information please visit www.sripanwa.com or e-mail chill@sripanwa.com

About Sri panwa

Perched on the tip of scenic Cape Panwa in the southeast of Phuket, Sri panwa is an exclusive and secluded new resort comprised entirely of private pool villas set in lush tropical gardens. It has already been voted one of the top five resorts in Thailand and acclaimed as “one of the seductive hotels in the world”.

Kenny G and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay are already counted among its high profile international guests.

Sri panwa’s one and two-bedroom pool villas and residential villas of two-to-six bedrooms all have private terraces, decks and salas, infinity-edge swimming pools and outdoor bathing areas overlooking the Andaman Sea and outlying islands

Sri panwa is a family owned and managed estate.

It is the first resort by one of Thailand’s most famous developers, the Charn Issara Group, who are known for developing some of Thailand’s landmark residential and commercial buildings and the ultra cool Bangkok Royal City Avenue (RCA) bar, restaurant and nightlife district.

Their first resort is run and managed by owner Songkran Issara’s 26-year old son Vorasit “Wan” Issara and his young and energetic team, who welcome guests as members of the family.

Sri panwa’s signature restaurant Baba www.babaphuket.com  offers relaxed dining with spectacular sea views, and is renowned on the island for both its authentic Andaman specialties, high-quality western cuisine, seafood and fresh grills.

Baba hosts lively parties once a month featuring guest chefs and guest DJs from Bangkok - and sometimes even further afield.

Sri panwa also offers the tranquil ‘Sai Spa & Wellness’ retreat for indulgent pampering from traditional Thai and Swedish massages to facials, invigorating body-wraps, water therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga, cleansing and exfoliation.

The spa menu also includes romantic pampering for couples and relaxing in-villa treatments on request.

Among numerous accolades, Sri panwa was described as “One of the most seductive hotels in the world” by Thailand’s Anywhere magazine, and ranked among the “Top five resorts in Thailand” by Honeymoon + Travel magazine.Sri panwa (www.sripanwa.com) is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
 

Often the image of Siberia in popular culture shows it as a frigid place where only the exiled go, but those travelers who visit discover a surprising blend of beauty, fascinating traditions, and unique culture.

The indigenous people of this land have developed and carried on these unique traditions where Cossacks and freed serfs could thrive. Siberia and Mongolia are no longer places that should be missed by tourists but rather places where welcoming, diverse people have preserved many of the ways of their ancestors.

MIR Corporation’s trips through areas of Siberia and Mongolia allow travelers to experience this interconnected frontier as they follow indegenous paths overland through obscure regions in the center of Asia. Offering scheduled and custom journeys exclusively to destinations like Siberia and Mongolia at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, MIR is an American tour operator with unrivaled company-wide expertise.

They combine specialized information about geography and infrastructure, history and art, language and culture, with the finesse that comes only from years of hands-on experience. All of MIR Corporation’s travel planners are experts on Russia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and China, and can help create customized itineraries to these unforgettable destinations.

www.mircorp.com

After the final medal has been awarded and the Olympic media frenzy subsides, Backroads will help travelers explore China’s nooks and crannies far removed from the crowds during a tour designed for complete cultural immersion. And you don’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy this trip because Backroads, the world’s #1 active travel company, now offers tours without the bikes and hiking boots.

Backroads China Insider Trip will allow guests to experience firsthand tai chi with a master, visit a Tibetan village and drink yak-butter tea with a local family, and sit down with a local craftsman and learn to make prayer flags. Travelers will visit renowned landmarks such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square and will benefit from longtime personal relationships with locals for an insider’s perspective of these historic and cultural landmarks.

“Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations,” says Tom Hale, Backroads President and Founder. “These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.”

Backroads, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2009, has learned that active travel extends well beyond activity to an attitudinal approach of engaging with the world. When on a Backroads trip, travelers do not tick off guidebook highlights or passively wait for the next stop on the coach tour. Backroads guests fully explore a region, immersing themselves in a fascinating culture or an area of pristine natural beauty, having illuminating conversations with experts and meeting local people they’d never otherwise encounter.

“There are many travelers who are looking for the enriching travel that Backroads is known for but with less activity than a 50-mile bike ride or a 10-mile hike,’’ Hale says. “We feel strongly that our existing world-class ability to offer the most flexible active vacations will translate into a better Insider experience for travelers than what is currently available. Authenticity and flexibility will be provided in spades on Insider Trips.”

Here’s a look at Backroads Insider Trips with fall, winter and spring departures:

China Insider: Ancient and Modern

Oct. 18-28, April 19-29, May 31-June 10; Cost from $5,698 (excluding internal airfare)

This unique trip will appeal to adventurous travelers looking for a vast array of experiences, epic landscapes, ancient cultures and welcoming locals eager to share their traditions. Not only will guests visit hot modern cities—Shanghai and Beijing—and view well-known Chinese icons, but travelers will also enjoy the more personal and intimate cultural encounters that only Backroads provides.

Meet a Daoist monk who helps you make offerings for a successful journey. And witness the fascinating dichotomy between people holding tightly to ancient traditions while simultaneously riding the tidal wave of modern Chinese-spurred development.

http://www.backroads.com/pgi/achir1a_08.pdf

Indochina Insider: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Sept. 27-Oct. 7, Jan. 25-Feb. 4, March 23-April 2; Cost from $5,998 (excluding internal airfare)

The beauty of Indochina exists not only in the stunning Khmer carvings at Angkor Wat, but also in the smiles of young monks at a village wat, the sight of Vietnamese fishermen paddling on the South China Sea and an impromptu encounter with giggling school kids at a centuries-old pagoda—things that are easily missed unless travelers slow their pace to match the richness and diversity of your surroundings. In tandem with Backroads’ team of extraordinary local guides and experts (from a Buddhist monk to an art historian), the intertwined cultures of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos come to life, as well as the traditions, landscapes, political histories, languages and lifestyle that make each country unique. Guests will delve into Indochina’s deep and fascinating cultural roots, as well as its wildly dynamic modern culture, which will likely intrigue them just as much as the ancient.
http://www.backroads.com/pgi/aicir1a_08.pdf

Dalmatian Coast Insider: Sarajevo and Croatia’s Island Jewels
Sept. 26-Oct. 1; Cost from $3,998

The enduring multiethnic tapestry and stunning natural beauty of southeastern Europe sets the stage for a memorable journey stretching from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. As the region reemerges as a destination to rival established European vacation spots, Backroads helps guests discover architectural treasures, distinctive cultural and religious history, and gorgeous coastline. Travelers will stroll the bustling streets of Sarajevo, site of the 1984 Winter Olympics, and visit Mostar’s famous bridge Stari Most, a World Heritage site. And on the Dalmatian Coast, renowned for having some of the most beautiful islands in the world, guests will explore the Old Walled Town of Dubrovnik, “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” and navigate turquoise waters aboard a private boat in search of sun-drenched beaches, fields of lavender and picturesque villages.

http://www.backroads.com/pgi/adcqr1b_08.pdf

Tuscany & Umbria Insider
Sept. 14-19, May 31-June 5; Cost from $4,798

Ageless scenery, rich history and, of course, stellar wine and cuisine make Tuscany and Umbria ideal destinations for culturally curious travelers. Over 20 years of operating in the region has allowed Backroads to cultivate its knowledge of central Italy. Thanks to relationships with locals who know this area intimately, Backroads peels back layers to reveal Tuscany’s deep heart. The trip is filled with special events and encounters—from a behind-the-scenes exploration of Florence to fun-filled cooking classes—to offer the most in-depth and authentic Italian experience. Guests will meet and interact with artists, chefs and historians who are happy to tell you their stories and share their expertise. Travelers will return home, feeling like they’ve become part of an extended famiglia internazionale!
http://www.backroads.com/pgi/attir1b_08.pdf

Czech Republic/Austria Insider
Aug. 24-29, Sept. 21-26, June 2-7; Cost from $3,298

Backroads helps guests explore the stunning Bohemian landscape from the peaceful countryside and perfectly restored Ceský Krumlov to the authentic Czech city of Tabor and magical architecture of Prague, where spires, turrets and onion-shaped domes are surprising pleasures. Guests will discover the terraced vineyards of the Wachau, Austria’s premiere wine region, and the historical and architectural gold along the Danube River, including the famous Melk Abbey and the castle ruins of Dürnstein. Regional experts and guides will help travelers uncover the history and culture of these two intriguing countries, highlighted by World Heritage sites and subtle treasures.

http://www.backroads.com/pgi/azaqr1b_08.pdf

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has grown to be the world’s #1 active travel company, with the most destinations, itineraries and annual departures in the active vacation industry.

There are more than 1,700 scheduled departures in 2008. For ten consecutive years, Backroads has been ranked among the Top Ten travel operators globally in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards as voted on by travelers worldwide. Backroads is also a founding member of the elite Adventure Collection.

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Call 800-462-2848 or visit the Web site at www.backroads.com

Continental Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between its New York area hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Shanghai, China, and through flight service between Cleveland and Shanghai beginning March 25, 2009, subject to government approval.

The airline has made seat inventory available for sale in preparation for the start of service less than eight months from now. Continental has operated nonstop service between New York and Beijing since 2005 and between New York and Hong Kong since 2001. Continental will operate the nonstop flight daily with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Flight 87 will depart Liberty at 11:20 a.m., arriving in Shanghai mid-afternoon the following day at 1:45 p.m.

The return flight 86 will depart Shanghai in the afternoon at 3:45 p.m. and arrive at Liberty in the evening of the same day at 6:20 p.m. Flying times will be approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes in each direction.