I’ll check in with you later in the week from NY.

Talk soon,

Mark F.

Kenwood, CA

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Mark traveled through Sri Lanka and Dubai on a custom trip arranged by Asia Travel Specialist Eric Kareus. This was his third trip with Asia Transpacific Journeys. We look forward to helping Mark plan his next trip to Asia.

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India: A Jungle Book Journey

India is famous for its dazzling cultural treasures. What is less well-known of the subcontinent is that it is home to some of Asia’s greatest wildlife. This extraordinary, 17-day journey departs December 3, 2011 and March 3, 2012. It features naturalist-guided travel by foot, elephant back and 4WD to three of India’s most important preserves; havens for the once nearly extinct, magnificent Bengal tiger as well as species as varied as one-horned Indian rhino, clouded leopard,  wild Indian elephant, jackal, fox, bison and myriad bird species. Additional features of India travel itinerary include:

• Gorgeous eco-lodges and upscale hotels
• Excellent chance of a wild tiger sighting
• Elephant-back rhino safari
• Access to remote areas of national parks
• Special meetings and discussions with conservationists
• Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
• Magnificent fortresses, mosques and UNESCO sites
• Witness cultural performance within temple grounds

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Sri Lanka: A Journey with the World Wildlife Fund 

In its new adventure to Sri Lanka, Asia Transpacific Journeys teams up with the World Wildlife Fund to offer a wildlife tour to Sri Lanka, a seldom-explored spot that is considered one of South Asia’s best-kept wildlife secrets.

Few destinations as geographically small as this island nation offer so many cultural treasures and such great wildlife biodiversity. Sri Lanka is considered a “super hotspot” for endemism and contains many unique plants, birds, reptiles and mammals. In fact, new species are still being discovered here. With a focus on the central and southern highlands, this March 2012 journey takes you to several national parks, and onto the calm seas off the southern coast.

This 14-day itinerary with departures beginning March 10, 2012 features the following components for a well-crafted wildlife tour of Sri Lanka:

• Explorations of four national parks, including an in-depth visit to Yala National Park to search for the elusive leopard.
• Several opportunities to see wild elephants.
• Whale-watching expeditions to look for blue and sperm whales, which congregate in high concentrations along the Sri Lankan coast at this time of year.
• Visits to important cultural spots, including the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

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Sacred Mountain Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan

The mountain kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, thousands of feet above sea-level, hidden amidst the world’s highest peaks, stand literally and figuratively above the rest. A trip highlighting three UNESCO world heritage sites is ideal for those seeking adventure and spiritual perspective.

Departures for this 20-day excursion begin April 5, 2012 and travelers will enjoy an itinerary that includes:

• Tour leadership by an expert on Asian culture.
• Meet monks in remote monasteries.
• Sacred lake amid spectacular Himalayan vistas.
• Drive along the Friendship Highway, border crossing from Tibet to Nepal.
• Witness Hindu ablution ceremony at sacred river.
• Medieval towns housing preserved temples.
• Visit fertility temple where hopeful couples make offerings.

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Learn more about once-in-a-lifetime trip to Asia by speaking with an Asia travel specialist today at 800-642-2742.

The huge, penetrating eyes, staring into mine through the low brush of the jungle remain my most powerful memory.  Perfectly set in the striped-moon of a face, the tiger’s eyes froze on me.  Simultaneously astonished and paralyzed by fear, my mind raced.

Could the cat clear the short distance between us in a single bound?  Would it want to?  Could the unarmed rangers protect me from harm?  But, by the next instant all thoughts were pushed aside as I was captivated by those giant golden eyes.

We had been looking for game for a couple of hours in a national park in India not known for tiger sightings.  With only 10 tigers in a 500 square kilometer conservation area, there is rarely human contact.  It was not among our expectations to even catch a glimpse.  We had seen forest and savanna landscapes, Indian gazelles, antelope, sambar deer, langur, macaque and an astonishing array of early morning birdlife.  We were heading in for the day, satisfied that we had seen what the park had to offer.

Then, from a quick whisk of a tail, our guide spotted the big cat crossing ahead of us.  We sped up and caught the large female as she was stopped dead in her tracks to have a look at us.  As humans rarely see tigers, tigers rarely see humans and we were both equally riveted.

Wilderness and India are two words rarely found in the same sentence.  However, those in the know recognize India as one of the world’s leaders in conservation of  wildlife and in successfully integrating human and animal communities.

Panna Tiger Reserve is one such place. Deep in the heart of the monsoon forest of the Deccan Plateau, this huge area has been set aside for the preservation of wildlife populations.  To experience one of these parks is to experience an India far from the teeming crowds – an India of bird songs, clear skies, crystal rivers and starry nights.  And, to just possibly have the moment of a lifetime staring deep into the eyes of a creature both mesmerizing and profoundly terrifying.  An unforgettable moment, indeed.

- Marilyn Downing Staff, Founder and President, Asia Transpacific Journeys

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Marilyn stayed at the Taj Safaris Wildlife Lodge, where she was able to experience luxury and extraordinary wildlife at the same time. If you want to see tigers for yourself, join our India – A Jungle Book Journey Small Group Trip, or customize your own India trip by speaking with an Asia Travel Specialist, 800-642-2742.

Miu and her husband Truc are masters of their craft. Graduates of the Hanoi Music Conservatory, they are now keepers of the art of Vietnamese traditional music, played on their personal collection of historic, handmade instruments.

Operating out of a small studio, in their modest home on a narrow back street in Saigon, to make a living they open their home to curious visitors for intimate performances.  I was delighted to experience the passion and artistic perfection that they bring to their craft.

Playing a variety of instruments, including a natural stone marimba, bamboo xylophone, the haunting, Vietnamese single stringed zither, the dan bau,  and a remarkable instrument made from large bamboo pipes that is played by clapping hands in front of each bamboo tube.

As the performance progressed, I was caught up in an appreciation for Vietnamese music, as never before.  Truly masters, and able to convey a love for the music across cultural and linguistic barriers, Mai and Truc are cross cultural ambassadors extraordinaire, creating a new level of appreciation for the complexities of Eastern music to my Western ear.

-Marilyn Downing Staff

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Marilyn Downing Staff, Asia Transpacific Journeys Founder and President, spent this Fall touring Southeast Asia. During her travel in Vietnam, she was able to expand her appreciation and knowledge of Vietnamese music and culture.

For travelers with adventure in their bloodstream, a cultural getaway to Asia can be the perfect way to escape the cold and dark days of North American winter.

Here are some of Asia Transpacific Journey’s recommendations of trips for travelers wanting to escape the winter blues while fully immersing themselves in compelling cultures:

Cambodia

Asia Transpacific Journeys recommends adventurous travelers venture to the Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, which are best visited between mid-October and mid-March. The fascinating temples that were constructed during the height of the Khmer Empire represent one of humankind’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. A real insider tip from Asia travel specialists is to visit Beng Mealea, a remote Angkor temple site, enveloped by jungle, which receives far fewer visitors than Angkor Wat and exudes a sense of mystery.

Laos

Laos is an explorer’s wonderland and one of the best-kept secrets in Asia. Its quiet ambiance, glittering temples, smiling locals and striking natural beauty, which includes lush hillsides and the mighty Mekong River are best experienced between November and February when daytime highs are in the mid-80s. 
Special to tours with Asia Transpacific Journeys, travelers can visit with Carol Cassidy for a private tour of her Lao silk textile studio, located in an airy French colonial mansion in Vientiane. Considered the foremost expert on traditional Lao textiles, Carol employs 40 local artisans while her own work is displayed in galleries and museums throughout the U.S.

Vietnam

Steeped in a history of powerful dynasties, diverse religious traditions and political transformations, Vietnam beckons the sophisticated traveler to experience its lush and exotic landscapes, seldom-visited hill tribes, French colonial architecture and outstanding cuisine. With Asia Transpacific Journeys, travelers can gain behind-the-scenes access to renowned art galleries in Hanoi, to enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception with Vietnam’s up-and-coming contemporary artists.

India

From mid-October through early April, India’s weather is at its loveliest and the country offers curious travelers a multitude of captivating experiences, from the Lake Palace in Udaipur to the famous pink city of Jaipur. Jaipur was named “an absolute must” on any trip to India by Asia Transpacific Journeys’ travel specialists as well as Agra for it’s two stunning UNESCO world heritage sites – the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort – which consists of marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions.

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For more ideas on how to escape the cold winter months and create a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Asia, speak to one of Asia Transpacific Journey’s Travel Specialists, 800-642-2742. Or download a catalog or itinerary on your desired destination.

I first traveled to Vietnam in 1990.  Just emerging from the war, visas for foreigners were scarce, but I applied and was granted the privilege of a short visit.  Residing in Thailand at the time, it was just a short flight from Bangkok to Saigon, but it was indeed a world away.

Greeting me on that first trip were wariness, sadness and a lack of optimism about the future.    Vietnam’s strongest connections were with the Eastern Block, and that part of the world was beginning to crumble.

Personal consumer goods were almost non-existent.  Hand soap and basic cosmetics were treasures. Even pens and pencils were scarce.  I had purchased some of these precious commodities in Thailand with the intention of gifting them, as appropriate, to people I met on my journey.  I will never forget the gratitude with which some of these simple gifts were received.

Because of the long post war embargo, at that time virtually the only vehicles in the country were old American cars left behind as we left in defeat after the war.  Tenaciously maintained with hand made parts, it was not uncommon to see a 1950’s Studebaker, being used as a taxi, overloaded with passengers, poultry hanging from every window on the way to market.

There was almost total uniformity of dress.  Women wore the elegant ao dai, and men and women alike wore the conical hat and black, baggy pants of the peasant farmer.

This past week, as I arrived in Saigon once again, I experienced a very different place.  Industrious and thriving, the Vietnamese people have made their way quickly into the modern world. Saigon is now a city of contemporary architecture reaching for the sky.  Cars are modern, sometimes luxurious.  It is not uncommon to see BMWs, Mercedes and other luxury vehicles on the street. Brightly lit department stores carry Jimmy Choo shoes, Coach handbags and Armani designs. Italian gelato shops, American coffee houses and fast food abound.  The streets are clean, bustling, and the mood is upbeat.   Though certainly not everyone is well to do, there are possibilities now that were not even dreamed about in those dark, post war years.

As a long time observer of Vietnam, and their challenges, I stand in awe of their remarkable entry into the modern world. But, don’t let the modern façade fool you. Traditional Vietnamese culture is alive and well and readily shared, to the delight of this visitor.

-Marilyn Downing Staff, Founder and President, Asia Transpacific Journeys

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Discover the uniquely modern yet traditional culture of Vietnam for yourself with one of our group tour packages or luxury custom tours to Vietnam. Download a complimentary catalog or itinerary or speak with an Asia Travel Specialist to begin planning your trip to Asia, 800-642-2742.

Travel to Japan

Thanks to its rich history and nature, Japan has already been recognized as a country with many UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites with 14 designated destinations.  An additional two locations came into the international spotlight when they were added to the list this June.

Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi, a Northern Metropolis

Hiraizumi may seem like just one of the many historic temple towns, but founded in the 12th century, this was the political and commercial center of Japan’s northern region. This time, UNESCO recognized the legacy of the Fujiwara family.

The Fujiwara’s rivaled the capitol in Kyoto and established a northern political and cultural power hub with the paramount art and architectural techniques of that time, and the cultural and historic significance and appreciation of the remaining pieces.  The most significant sign of the past political power in Hiraizumi is Chusonji-Temple, an elaborated structure in such a rich design from its heyday. Konjikido, literally translated as Golden Hall, has fortunately been preserved – because among all the magnificent constructions of a 20-year project, it is the only original structure to survive fires and wars. Protected inside a later-constructed concrete pavilion, Konjikido is a must-see. The structure is covered with gold leaf inside and out and is full of Buddhism statues in the alter – which portray the Fujiwara Lord’s aspiration for Buddhism and top-quality designs.

Although Hiraizumi is located in the northeast region of Japan, fortunately the March earthquake didn’t affect the area at all. The international attention this region has received due to the earthquake has become a great momentum for the region’s tourism recovery.  Along with the Shirakami Mountain Range that was designated as a world heritage site in 1993, Hiraizumi has become one of the highlights of the northern Japan travel.

Tokyo’s Hidden Beaches, the Ogasawara

The Ogasawara Islands, also known as The Bonin Islands, is an archipelago of over 30 small subtropical islands located 1,000km (620 miles) directly south of Tokyo.  UNESCO found these hidden islands under Tokyo’s municipality as a natural sanctuary for a unique ecosystem.  Consisting of over 30 tiny islands, including well-known Iwojima, the Ogasawara Islands cherish very lightly worn jungles and infinitely blue beaches. The islands create a perfect environment for a very rich ecosystem which includes: one-of-a-kind mammals, over 400 native plants and several ocean species that create one of the world’s rarest scuba diving spots. Ogasawara is nicknamed the Oriental Galapagos.

As the Ogasawara becomes more well-known among outdoor lovers, there have been talks on building an airport to improve the weekly ferry shuttle between Tokyo’s downtown port and Chichi-jima Island, the most populated among the Ogasawara.  However, the high vulnerability of the area’s untouched, unique ocean life and ecosystem keeps the islands airport free. It also makes the islands’ wealth of nature even more attractive – as a hidden gem of Japan.

Ogasawara, Tokyo Beaches

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Wanting to experience the ancient wonders of Japan for yourself? Learn more about small group Japan tours or custom travel to Japan organized by our Asia Travel Specialists. Visit Asia Transpacific Journeys online or call 800-642-2742 for more information.

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Dear Colleagues, Clients and Friends,

As the Founder and President of Asia Transpacific Journeys, I wanted to personally announce that we have recently been named a Top 10 Tour Operator on the 2011 World’s Best list by the readers of Travel + Leisure. Asia Transpacific Journeys is the only company specializing in Asia to win that coveted award.

The honor is particularly gratifying for being democratic in nature—as you may or may not know, winners are not picked by an editor, but rather determined by people who have actually traveled with us. Our sincere gratitude goes out to our travelers and industry colleagues for their vote.

This acknowledgement is not just a feather in our cap. It is an inspiration to us, and a challenge to deliver on the promise of extraordinary travel to Asia on into the future.

We look forward to creating many more journeys with you.

Warm regards,

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A reverence to nature is expressed best during your Japan vacation. What is your inspiration to travel?

At Asia Transpacific Journeys, we are passionate about travel to Asia. This month we are asking our fellow world explorers why they travel to Asia. Here is what people had to share:

• “To learn about other cultures so that I can better understand them as I try to be a better steward of our planet.”
• “To experience the world.”
• “Want to go everywhere, see and experience the world and its people and learn.”
• “Our curiosity and empathy for the diverse and interesting cultures of our fellow human beings across the world. The opportunity for our minds to travel to times gone by and our passion for astonishing discoveries and the stunning aesthetics across the face of the earth.”
• “I have no choice. I was raised this way and only feel like I go “home” when I’m traveling…”
• “For perspective. For understanding.”
• “To step out of one’s everyday life; it makes me come alive! new sights new smells new adventures new challenges. Respecting and involving yourself in the different cultures you encounter. Learning, always learning, studying before you go, delving in depth once you are there. Appreciating the differences and at the same time the alikeness of people around the world.There is so much to see, to feel and to think about. The wonder of it all.”
• “To learn, to grow and to hopefully begin to understand life in the world beyond our own.”
• “I caught the travel bug back in 1990 when I first went to Europe–I loved seeing how others lived (they do things so differently in Germany than we do here in the US), and tried to incorporate new ways into my own life. I’ve continued that in my travels in SE Asia. It has changed the way I look at things, the way I treat people, the way I eat. I am truly a different person today from what I was twenty years ago because travel made me re-evaluate my habits about everything. It’s been quite a gift.”
• “Everyone holds in their mind a model of the world, as they know it. When we are 20, our model is laughably incomplete, compared to the real world, but we think it is complete. By the time we are 50, we have learned how little we really know…and so we begin to travel, to witness new dimensions of the world…which we embrace with a child’s joy of discovery.”
• “Travel has ALWAYS been a major passion and priority in my life. It is totally enriching to experience new cultures, historic sites, fabulous cities, local cuisine. And I so enjoy documenting my travels both through journaling and photography.”
• “People, Places, Things”
• “St. Augustine said it best: The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
• “I travel because I am curious about other countries and people, their customs, their foods, their knowledge, and their passions.”
• “One reason I travel is to selfishly satisfy my curiosity about life outside my limited world and broaden my horizons.”
• “It’s exciting to learn about other cultures and see the vast diversity of this earth. We love the opportunity to meet with people whose lives are different from our own as well as to see the art and natural beauty of other places.”
• “It’s a big world out there. I’m an adventure trekker and distance runner. At age 80 I’m old enough to know better, but I do it anyway. Much to see and learn and do.”
• “To prevent self-annihilation!”
• “It frees my spirit to enjoy every earthly sight, sound, smells and sensations. No other gift allows you to enjoy all the freedom that travel does.”
• “Es una experiencia única e inolvidable, el servicio, el personal abordo insuperable. Sincermente.” Translated as: It’s a one and only unforgettable experience, the service and the personal onboard unsurpassable.
• “Travel is one of the greatest joys of my life – to experience other cultures, getting to know some of the people intimately, and to record these memories in my mind and on my camera. Though people’s cultures vary in many ways, I often witness many likenesses, as well, when interacting with them. My hope is my enthusiasm about my trips, sharing of photos stories, will motivate them to travel to similar destinations and usually it happens!”
• “I travel because I like to experience, the mystery of an unknown place, and living like a local for a few days.”
• “Travel is something to look forward to. It can be exciting, educational and takes away prejudice. It teaches that all people want the same thing: a place to live, enough to eat and good things for our children. It shows us different ways to do similar things. It can teach us what different cultures think are important both now and in the past. It gives us memories when we travel with those we care about. It gives us memories which, like education, thieves cannot take away. If travel logs and pictures are kept, it is a part of a life which keeps forever.”
• “I travel to experience first-hand the wonders of the world–both natural and man-made and the infinite varieties of people in it. It puts me in the proper perspective of being only a small part of an interdependent web of existence.”
• “I love what you say about why people travel. I travel to stay fresh and aware of new perspectives so that I never get lost in just one way of thinking. It enables me to bring new ideas an approaches to everything I do.”
• “I travel with loved ones to create memories. Memories of special times spent together, discovering and experiencing new flavors, new sights and sounds. You never forget those moments!”
• “I truly believe it is a privilege to travel in this life! to explore learn different cultures customs gives everyone a great sense of worldly knowledge acceptance. I gain a better perspective of our planet as well realise everyone must be a bit more thoughtful of each other to benefit. Good manners respect is the priority!”
• “I travel to keep my mind open, my thoughts free, my heart warm, my opinions informed and my spirit young and adventuresome.”
• “We travel because I want to show my children that there is more than one way to live, and just because someone is different – that does not make the US better. In many ways all over the world our similarities are more than our differences. We love our children, our friends families. We laugh, we work, we struggle, we pray we play. If everyone had more stamps on their passports we would have less fear and anger in our world, and more tolerance and acceptance. God created a beautiful world – we plan to see every inch of it.”
• “I travel to learn more about our planet, and to learn about other cultures.”
• “To open my mind to new adventures, beyond the box. To meet new people and learn that they, and their culture, although from other countries, are not so different from Americans, and that their differences are wonderful. To give my camera a chance for new exposure. (Pun intended.)To have something interesting to share with those who do not travel, and to share with those who do.”
• “To learn.”
• “I love to travel because the planet has such a diversity of cultures – each one offering something in its own way. You come to be more aware of how other people live and also the similarities as well as differences to your own country. I have also come to appreciate my own country more. Most of all it is probably the people you meet that make travelling so interesting.” – Anne
• “We travel to enrich our cultural experience.”
• “We travel to make the world a smaller place. As different as people and cultures can be, the more we travel the more we realize that people all over the world have many similarities as well. Plus it’s a whole lot of FUN!!!”
• “To see and experience different cultures, smell the smells, sample the cuisine, shock the senses into becoming alive again.”
• “You don’t get to choose how you are going to die or when or where. You only get to choose how you live — and traveling is one of the best ways I know to really live.”
• “I like to experience other cultures and enjoy people who don’t necessarily look like me.”
• “I have a constant curiosity about other people and other cultures and having living in the Arabian Gulf region for many year has only added to it. At 80 years old I have to take somewhat easier trips than I used to, but still go.”
• ” Travel is a priority for me because I am people oriented. One of my fascinations is how people adapt to different environments and how environments affect people, in other words the interplay of the two. What customs and beliefs are carried down from one generation to the next and on to the next, etc? How does availability of “materials” affect daily behavior? How do ideas get communicated? How are gender roles developed and transmitted, etc., etc., etc.”
• “Travelling keeps me ‘alive in the moment’: open,eager energized.” – RJV
• “My dream.”
• “I want to see as much of this beautiful world as I can. I want to see the people, how they live and learn about their history. Each country is a another wonderful and exciting adventure.”
• “Life long curiosity about the world. We have only one life – it’s a big fascinating world.”
• “It is important to learn and understand other cultures. It is a matter of survival for the world. Meeting other people, understanding their beliefs is important to me. I have traveled around the world and will continue until I die. I have meet people from all walks of life and it is a rewarding experience for me.”
• “To expand my horizon, to learn from others, to keep reminding myself there are many others worlds out there.”
• “To see different culture, different countries…. “
• “I travel to try to better understand the nature of mankind. Also, it’s terribly exciting!”
• “So that I can learn about other people and other cultures. Also to enlighten my soul and learn more about this beautiful world we live in.”
• “I travel to find people with whom I share dreams. I travel to find people who live differently than I. I travel to fill my life and thoughts with wonders.”
• “I travel because of an insatiable curiosity about other people, places, geography, art, and so on.  I come by it sort of naturally because my parents were curious individuals.  I majored in Geography at UCLA (years ago)  and never lost my interest in the world.  Oh,yes, I forgot: food.  That is one of the most interesting parts of travel.” Maureen Banks
• “We Travel for the memories that will be with us years after the trip.”
• “My passion.”
• “We travel to experience other cultures, see historical sites and beautiful destinations.”
• “My greatest joy in life has been the thrill and discovery of travel. As a teenager, I remember an agent asking if we wanted a direct flight from Bonaire to Miami and we all asked to remain on the 4 leg island hopper so we could saver every last minute of our trip in the Carribbean. It was a real joy and every part of it pleasant. A delay meant more time in Aruba! My greatest disapointment has been the decline of air travel, especially the tense psychologically draining atmosphere in airports. What can we do?”
• “To feel more alive and to satisfy my addiction for new food, new friends, new cultures, new adventure.”
• “Travel is the best educational experience in the world. It is the best way to learn about the various peoples of the world and their different cultures. It is also great seeing how different various parts of the world are.”
• “Travel is our passion and priority because with the travel we’ll know and connected to many people, cultural,character and many others, we are very interesting to travel because we have a job for this subject.”
• “Traveling is a gift to give yourself while simultaneously, learning about others and realizing their differences and similarities to oneself. Experiencing places only seen on the covers of books or in the pages of a magazine allows one to feel closer to far away places and to cherish each moment we have on Earth. Travel encourages us to be better people, when we see those in other places who are less fortunate but seem to be just fine with their lives. Travel allows us to enjoy flavors which we have never had on our taste buds! Travel gives us a sense of how small we are, but as a whole, are really all just the same- people who want love, health and happiness for ourselves, families and friends.”
• “Meeting different people and experiencing different cultures. Getting away from my routine and everything familiar esp. the telephones. Curiosity and desire to learn.”
• “To see new and different people, cultures, and architecture. To use this experience to change who I am.”
• “Because I want to experience all the beauty on earth, because people are fascinating, each culture accomplish the same with there own creativity, because it enphasize the feeling that the whole earth is ours.”
• “To discover new places, meet new people and gain a better understanding of different cultures and practices. For self- rejuvenation. And also, to remind me of our common humanity.”
• “We travel because we love life. We are explorers and travel to discover the awesome beauty of our planetary home Earth in all its splendid diversity. We also travel to discover our inner landscapes and challenge our own preconceptions about ways of doing and being by meeting our planetary co-citizens whose manners and ways differ from ours.”
• “It’s adventure, relaxation, to go back to places I’ve been along time ago and to see the changes.”
• “Cultural diversity, worldly experiences, historical sites, gastronomic experience, and perspective.”
• “We want to learn about the world. We want to have a foreign perspective concerning America. We also want to see first hand antiquity, ethnic foods, and cultures. We also want to enjoy the fruits of our life’s labors.”
• “To re-fresh the mind.”
• “Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Why do we explore, live outside the box or color outside the lines? Traveling is transforming, empowering, education and enlightening, not to mention the best medicine. A gift you can give to yourself. Tick Tock, Tick Tock.”
• “St. Augustine said it best: ‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.’”
• “I travel because I love to see new places and meet new people. I love the fact that places and people can be so different but in many ways can be the same.”
• “To see the world.”

Photo by Annie Katz, Asia Transpacific Journeys client | Indian boy rides his camel home after a day of festivities at the Pushkar Camel Festival in Pushkar, India.

We are travelers, we must explore. And we love to capture images of the places we’ve been.

Our clients have some amazing images from their Asia Transpacific Journeys travels, which are on display now.