| e of ancient, fascinating cultures, Asia has seen an | | | | labyrinthine streets-are where the help of a travel |
| absolute explosion in tourism in recent years-more | | | | professional truly becomes essential. |
| than 30 percent in 2005 alone. From Shanghai's | | | | Working with a certified travel specialist in one or |
| skyscrapered skyline to Cambodia's vast Hindu | | | | more destinations in Asia helps ensure that |
| temple complex of Angkor Wat, the world's most | | | | travelers discover their own little piece of this |
| populous continent is more welcoming than ever, | | | | amazing continent. Agents who specialize in Asia |
| and beckons travelers with enticing, enriching | | | | and are intimately versed in its attractions, |
| experiences. | | | | activities and culture can sculpt a customized |
| But Asia's wonderful complexities make it just | | | | vacation that suits travelers' personal tastes, |
| that-complex-and, for Americans, a vacation to | | | | wants and needs, and can be the difference |
| Asia is a sizable investment. Often a multiweek | | | | between walking into a wonderful experience and |
| journey due primarily to the distance one must | | | | walking right past it. Travel specialists also have |
| travel, a trip to Asia means extensive planning | | | | the most current and complete information on |
| and a myriad of pre-trip decisions. The first, and | | | | hotels, touring options, seasonal rates and special |
| often the hardest, choice is determining which | | | | offers that can both save money and create |
| destinations in Asia are right for you. Japan or | | | | lasting memories. |
| India? Hong Kong or Saigon? | | | | When searching for a dedicated Asia travel |
| Once a destination-or destinations-has been | | | | specialist, a good place to start is by contacting |
| settled upon, the must-see attractions merely | | | | American Express Travel. The world's largest |
| scratch the surface. Visitors to China won't want | | | | travel company has a broad range of travel |
| to miss the Great Wall, and those heading to | | | | agents that include those specializing in the Far |
| Malaysia have the bird's-eye view from the | | | | East, the Indian subcontinent and points in |
| massive Petronas Twin Towers well in their sights. | | | | between. |
| But those lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path | | | | Before visiting Asia, it can help to consult a travel |
| experiences-for example, that unbelievable | | | | specialist to plan out a memorable vacation. |
| restaurant or craft store hidden in New Delhi's | | | | |