You are considering taking a vacation abroad but you can’t make up your mind where to go. Asia? Europe? Australia or New Zealand, the Land Down Under? America? Well if you are and can’t decide, there’s a new booklet published by Thai Airways International for their Royal Orchid Holidays that will assist you in making that decision. It’s a 57-page, fully illustrated booklet packed with not only places to see but loaded with helpful suggestions as well. And it’s free. All you have to do is contact your local TG office or contact me at the e-mail address below and I will make certain that you get a copy. The booklet is called DISCOVER THE WORLD. If you are wondering where you might stay, Royal Orchid Holidays has another booklet, also free, that may interest you—WORLDWIDE STOPOVERS. It’s smaller, some 33 pages, but it lists all the better hotels around the world where THAI flies, and that means 77 destinations.

Maybe I am overstating myself. When you read the first page of DISCOVER THE WORLD you may be even more confused. Chances are you will want to go to all the names mentioned.  Take Asia: mystical, magical, mesmerizing. How tempting when you read, “Stand on the 'Top of the World' in Nepal or lie on a sun-soaked beach in Bali. Explore the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. Shop at Tokyo's Ginza or Dubai's Gold Souk. Be a part of the colourful nightlife in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Or unwind in the peace and quiet of Laos with a leisurely cruise down the mighty Mekong River.”

Then there’s Europe: ancient civilisations; cutting-edge style. Read “Take the time to explore the old world and discover some incredible modern marvels. From the Coliseum in Rome and the Acropolis in Greece to the stylish La Pyramide in Paris and the London Eye. Breathe fresh air in the Swiss Alps, gasp at a Spanish bullfight and admire the sheer spectacle of a show in London's West End. Shop in Paris, dine in Rome and dance the night away in a Greek tavern.” Royal Orchid Holidays can give it all to you; what you choose is up to you.

And what about what the booklet has to say about Australia & New Zealand: the great escape. This description is certain to entice most everyone: “The 'Land Down Under' is tops when it comes to the great outdoors. From the natural wonders of Perth's expansive coastline to the Philip island Penguin Parade; from the beauty of Sydney harbour to the sheer fun of watersports on the Gold Coast; Australia is a real outdoors country. And so is New Zealand. Experience the eerie beauty of Milford Sound, the majesty of Mount Cook and the serenity of Queenstown. If you seek nature, unadorned, this is the place.

And finally there’s America: exciting, glamorous, fun. Read that: “Sunny California is THAI's gateway and the perfect place to start your American odyssey. Famous beaches, fabulous restaurants and the home of the movie industry. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, you've seen them on TV. Now see them for real. Spend time with Mickey Mouse at the original Disneyland, see how movies are made at Universal Studios, and stroll the 'Sidewalk of Stars'. Who knows, you could bump into your favourite movie star; anything is possible in America.”

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 special tours and optional tours and has specific sections such as Romantic Getaways and Fly-Drive programmes. 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 how to beat jetlag. Not all may agree but it’s a method I use and find it to be a most enjoyable tool. Join me next week.