Top 5 Asian Destinations

Asia, the promise of an exotic far-away land with the perfect fusion of cultural legacy and the commodity of modern cities is what attracts most visitors year after year. For many Asia is seen as an entity, however each country has it's own charm and each city will lure you into a whole different experience. Autumn is one of the favorite seasons on the eastern hemisphere, not only because of the natural beauty that it entitles but it is the nicest and most comfortable weather for a traveler, not too hot and humid and not too cold, simply fresh and crispy.

Depending on your budget and the way you are making your plans, I would recommend that you get to one point first and then part from there. Hong Kong is a well known commercial center and has great availability of the English language, it is a strategic first stop, mainly because it has connections to all important cities such as China, Korea, Thailand and Macau. Local travel agencies offer very convenient packages, all-included, very affordable and you practically don't need to worry about anything.

1) Hong Kong, a renowned commercial city, former British Colony is rich in culture, a clash from the east and west but it is also a very cosmopolitan city. Shopping is never a question in Hong Kong, you can look for high-end shops or the famous "Ladie's Street" where in you can find anything you can imagine and more for an affordable price. The tip: lower their prices, it's in the culture, if you're foreigner, lower the price to about a third of what they are asking you and you will grin with satisfaction. Once in Hong Kong there are a few places you must go an visit: Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddha, Disneyland, Ocean Park, Mong Kok where shopping is always a pleasure, Lan Kwai Fong to hang out with friends to chill with a beer.

2) Macau, a former Portuguese enclave, just an hour by Jetfoil from Hong Kong is known as the Vegas of the East, with surprising attractions for the traveler who wants everything available and at the tip of their hands. Right now Zaia is performing at the Venetian Hotel in Taipa, also you can join the uproar of ultra-lounges like Sky 21 located on the top floor of at the Business Center for those who love night life. Just taking a walk around Largo do Senado will give you a flashback to colonial era which has a hint of European romanticism and the buzz of commercial outlets. Here there's a mixture of casinos, night-life, entertainment with the back-drop of the small fishing community that morphed into the city of lights.

3) Mainland China, if you went all the way to the other hemisphere, it is a sin not to visit China, since it is so accessible by land from both Hong Kong and Macau. Main cities to visit on the south are Shenzhen and Guangzhou, further north Shanghai and of course Beijing, so even if you didn't make it to the Olympics to can take part in its grandeur.

4) Thailand is one of the most preferred vacationing spots not only because of its pristine beaches like Phunket and Pattaya, but also because Bangkok it is one of the most affordable cities in Asia. You'll find that shopping, dining or entertainment or spas are a great value for the buck. Also if you have a vice for the spice, this is a gift to your palate.

5) Japan, the land of technological gadgets, Shinto Temples, amazing sketch of autumn colors and the great service and quality that Japanese are known for. A first time traveler simply can't miss downtown Tokyo which only arriving to the heart of modern creativity is in itself an experience and visiting Shinjuku for a great shopping, Kyoto to see the iconic temples and if you have the chance for a change and away from the crowds then Hokkaido is definitely up your alley.