iStock International
Asia is less a definable continent (technically, the landmass is connected to both Russia and Europe) and more of a culturally-rooted idea that has evolved over the centuries. Technical or otherwise, the land that this region encompasses is one of superlatives, encompassing both the highest and lowest points on earth (Mount Everest at 29,000 feet above sea level and the Dead Sea at 1,312 feet below sea level), the longest coastline at 39,000 miles, some of the oldest civilizations on earth, and more than 60% of the world’s population. Now consider that all of the world’s major religions were born here and you can see the territory’s allure. From the plateaus of Tibet to the jungles of Bali, the new-money of Beijing to the historic temples of Angkor, Asia is one of the most mystical, storied places on earth.
To unlock the spiritual mysteries of age-old temples, explore the lands that gave rise to some of the world’s most ancient civilizations, and play in Asia’s shiniest cities.
$134+: Riverside hotel in downtown Bangkok Expedia
$387+: 5-star luxurious waterfront Dubai hotel Travelocity
$108/nt+: Centrally located 4-star Osaka hotel Travelocity
$41/nt+: Stylish Hong Kong hotel nr Jade market Travelocity
$105/nt+: Centrally-located hotel nr Tokyo Tower Travelocity
$126+: Hong Kong hotel nr botanical gardens Expedia
$187+: Luxe Tokyo hotel in city center w/spa ANA Intercontinental Tokyo
Under $200: Afforable Shanghai hotel stays nr metro Travelocity
$799+: Cruises to Japan, China w/Alaska & more Expedia
$1899+: 11-nt cruise to Greek Isles & more w/flight Online Vacation Center
$2795+: Thailand 7-nt tour w/Bangkok & Chiang Mai iExplore
$2875+: China 9-nt tour w/ Yangtze River Cruise iExplore
$2549+: Korea 5-nt tour w/local flights & car Orient Flexi-Pax
$702+: Hong Kong fares via NY, LA,SF (round-trip) Expedia
$999+: 9-city Asia airpass– choose 2 (round-trip) Qantas Vacations
$948+: Round-trip fares to Tel Aviv from NY & more US Airways
$549+: Cheap flights to Delhi & more (one-way) Virgin Atlantic