Travel Experts Predict More Travelers Asia Bound in 2011

Small Group Journey Specialist Travel Indochina Ready with More Than 800 Departures

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading experts agree: travelers in 2011 expect genuine experiences and life-changing journeys, making Asia destinations like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam among the top choices for travel in 2011. Travel Indochina, a leader in small group Asia travel, offers the best of the ‘real Asia’ with more than 800 departures, and new Small Group Journeys that provide authenticity and total immersion for even the most discriminating travel junkies.

“Tourism in the New Year will see more travelers going to Asia to get a meatier experience in exchange for their dollar,” said Travel Indochina Co-founder Paul Hole. “In a recent Oxford Economics study sponsored by Amadeus entitled, ‘The Travel Gold Rush 2020,’ the growth in Asia-Pacific travel is predicted to double by 2020, closely following Europe, the leader in overall increased visitors.

“Today’s travelers aren’t shy about trying new things or getting immersed in a new culture they’ve never experienced before. In fact, travelers crave these experiential trips. Our journeys are created with those things in mind, which is why we’ve specifically focused on offering cross-border journeys, extensions and specialist trips to satisfy those who expect the most from their time away,” Hole added.

New Cross Border Journeys were designed with the traveler’s mindset as the roadmap, maximizing each trip so travelers can visit several countries while they are overseas. With nine journeys to choose from, travelers can cherry pick their most desired destinations to create the perfect combination between Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. With this option, culture, history and cuisine easily translate into memorable stories of adventure and exploration to be shared for the long haul. Choose Cambodia & Vietnam Explorer, Laos & Cambodia Experience, Cambodia & Thailand Revealed and more.

Sapa is a remote and fascinating area of Vietnam, about as far removed from the most generic of tourist trails. Six days with the Sapa Explorer will delight and surprise any visitor to the region with stunning and sweeping views of the Ta Van valley from the glorious mountains above. The minority villagers, known as the Red Dzong people, await to welcome and offer local insights to new friends to the region. Sapa Explorer pairs perfectly with Highlights of Vietnam, Trails of Vietnam, Vietnam Insight and more.

No matter where in Asia travelers visit, there’s simply just no better way to see the sights, enjoy the cuisine, meet the people and get inside than being on the ground. Travel Indochina has perfected taking the “tourist” out of tourism by offering Specialist Journeys focused on cycling, cooking and niche destinations like the Indian Himalayas or the Silk Road in Southern China. Cycling Cambodia meanders through an ancient jungle path to the Angkorian Temple, on enchanting rural back roads and quaint seaside towns like Kep and Kampot. For those whose culinary senses lead the way, Vietnam & Cambodia Culinary Discovery offers not only lavish meals at some of each countries’ best restaurants, but also turns traveler into chef with cooking classes and visits to local markets and the insider track on where and how the best produce and seafood are sourced.

About Travel Indochina

Travel Indochina has been operating Small Group Journeys to Asia since 1993. Offering journeys to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, India, China and Tibet, Travel Indochina has six offices across its Asia destinations, Western tour guides and English-speaking local guides. Travel Indochina’s idea is simple – escape the tourist traps to explore the essence of Asia’s history, culture, natural beauty and, most importantly, her people. For more information about Travel Indochina’s 2011-2012 small group journeys e-brochure, departures, pricing and to book, visit www.travelindochina.com or call 866.892.9216 to speak with an expert.