In the News - Recent Press and Accolades
Travel + Leisure | Ask T + L | December 2009China Silk Road
Q: We’re planning a trip to China this spring. Which outfitters offer packages with classic itineraries? —Michael, Bellevue, Wash.
A: The 17-day China’s Silk Road excursion from Asia Transpacific Journeys (from $6,195) retraces parts of the 5,000-mile trading route—from Beijing to Urumqui—with a detour at the carved temple grottoes at Mogao.
Travel + Leisure | Global Vision Awards | November 2009Asia Transpacific Foundation - Myanmar (Burma)
The Asia Transpacific Foundation received a Global Vision award for their efforts to provide clean drinking water via simple ceramic filters in Myanmar (Burma). Says Scott Harrison, founder of Charity: Water and on the T+L Award Committee, "Asia Transpacific (Foundation) has made a huge impact in what I believe is the most important issue facing us today—access to clean and safe drinking water."
Travel + Leisure | Fifteen Trips to Change Your World | November 2009
Asia Transpacific Journeys – Cultural Odyssey: Vietnam
"Asia Transpacific Journeys, with over 20 years experience in the region, is the ultimate guide to the country’s history and culture. This journey takes you to some of Vietnam's greatest landmarks — along with lesser-known places such as the hill-tribe villages and markets of the northern highlands."
National Geographic Adventure | 25 Best New Trips for 2010 | November 2009
Laos: An Off-Limits Jungle
"Guests can leave the planning to Asia Transpacific Journeys, the first (and so far, only) outfitter to run trips here. Spend four days exploring the region's trails by bicycle, foot or four-wheel drive, and ventured into untouched Ahka villages."
Once in a Lifetime Trips | Summer 2009
Wild Borneo
"This tour de force lets you experience some of the world's greatest jungle and marine habitats and their rare inhabitants—including wild orangutans. Biologists believe that there could be thousands of additional plant and animal species that have yet to be identified on Borneo."
National Geographic Traveler | 50 Tours of a Lifetime | May June 2009
Three Faces of Buddha
"From the raked rock gardens of Kyoto to the temple architecture of Laos to the traditional paintings of Bhutan, explore how Buddhism informs three different cultures in this ambitious journey inspired by a longstanding interest of the operator's founder. Highlights include an overnight in a shukubo (traditional Japanese temple lodgings) and a hike to the cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan." Asia Transpacific Journeys: "The Cultures of Buddhist Asia—Japan, Laos, and Bhutan," 17 days; From $9,995.
National Geographic Adventure | The Adventure Ratings | February 2009
The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth
"More regional than global, Asia Transpacific Journeys sends some clients to Australia, but most familiar territories are India, China, and Vietnam. It teaches clients local ways, such as how to barter for a camel at India's ancient Pushkar camel fair. And if getting your new camel home proves too big a challenge, Asia Transpacific Journeys will arrange to donate it to a local charity."
The New York Times | Sunday Travel Section | January 11, 2009
Practical Traveler; Where the Pros Are Heading
"Asia Transpacific Journeys has a 14-day trip (from $6,995) to Yunnan Province in China, where local ethnic groups continue to hold fast to their tribal cultures."
Travel + Leisure | Travel Changes Everything | November 2008
20 Trips You'll Never Forget
Travel + Leisure recommends Papua New Guinea Featuring the Tumbuna Sing-Sing. "Attend the Tumbuna Sing-Sing, the astonishing song-and-dance ‘challenge’ among tribes wearing their proudest costumes and performing their most mesmerizing chants."
Condé Nast Traveler | Roads Less Traveled | October 2008
Central Asia - Roads Less Traveled
"Asia Transpacific Journeys can help you minimize the challenges and maximize the rewards of a journey through Central Asia’s forbidding landscapes and byzantine bureaucracies. The Colorado-based operator offers an 18-day Lost Jewels of the Silk Road trip led by a Central Asia scholar."
Condé Nast Traveler | Friends in the Right Places | September 2008
Travel companies provide relief after Cyclone Nargis, Myanamar
"Asia Transpacific Journeys had a charitable foundation in place prior to the cyclone. Asia Transpacific Journeys reacted to the Cylcone Nargis crisis by stepping up its distribution of clay water filters, which can be lifesavers during a natural disaster where clean, running water is scarce."
Andrew Harper Traveler | Island Hopping | July 2008
Idyllic Islands
"Asia Transpacific Journeys notes many of the upscale Fijian beach resorts are accessible by ferry, helicopter or sea plane. Private yachts and sailboats with or without crew may also be chartered."
National Geographic Traveler | Winning the Currency Game | April 2008
"Thailand remains a superb value, and Bali is the bargain of the century," says Marilyn Downing Staff, CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys. Staff also recommends Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for affordable, exotic travel, at prices well below trips to Europe. Land costs in once pricey Japan have also moderated.
Condé Nast Traveler | 40 Trips of a Lifetime - The Dream List | December 2007
India | Tailing the Tigers - Asia Transpacific Journeys suggests, track Bengal Tigers on elephant-back in Bandhavgarh National Park with the president of the World Wildlife Fund- India. This big-cat specialist will also help you spot clouded leopards, boars, jackals, foxes, bison and monkeys in the park, formerly the private hunting grounds of the maharaja of Rewa. Indonesia | The Lost Kingdom - Asia Transpacific Journeys suggests experiencing authentic village life in a remote hamlet that the Balinese consider a "lost kingdom". The village was isolated for centuries because of an ancient curse. To this day, it can't be found on any map.
National Geographic Adventure | Best Outfitters on Earth | November 2007
Passage to Indochina
When planning the adventure trip of a lifetime, the most important decision you'll make is not where to go, but who to go with. Asia Transpacific Journeys was selected by National Geographic Adventure as one of the Best Outfitters on Earth, in the Do-it-All Category with the signature trip Passage to Indochina.
National Geographic Traveler | Tours of a Lifetime, 50 of the World's Best | October 2007
Exploring the Undiscovered Waters of the Mergui Archipelago | Snorkeling Burma
Off the coast of Myanmar lies the Mergui Archipelago, host to thriving coral reef systems teeming with fish and limestone karst formations that jut from crystal clear waters. It is also the home to the Moken people, who live on the sea in small boats for more than half of the year. Explore these far-flung islands by snorkel, nature walks and Zodiac boats.
Cooking Light| Points to consider before booking a walking trip/tour | October 2007
Experience. Find out what type of guides a tour company uses. "Local guides can describe the intimacies of a location, while outside experts provide a broader overview," says Marilyn Downing Staff, CEO and founder of Asia Transpacific Journeys. Group size. Look for a group numbering 16 or fewer. "This helps optimize social dynamics and prevents a crowd from overwhelming a location," Downing Staff says.
AARP Magazine| A Group Can Go Anywhere | September/October 2007
Bhutan
Be one of the privileged few to visit this Buddhist Himalayan kingdom, with an 11-day trip that includes time at the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and a stop at the Taktshang Monastery, which clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor.
Condé Nast Traveler | Honors Top Travel Specialists | August 2007
Condé Nast Traveler has conferred three “Top Travel Specialists” awards for 2007 to three members of our staff. We’re delighted at being recognized for our unsurpassed commitment to first-hand knowledge in Asia Travel. The recognition is part of Condé Nast Traveler magazine's annual review of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts. The three Asia Transpacific Journeys “Top Travel Specialists” are Eric Kareus, Jarrod Hobson and Rebecca Mazzaro.
Business Week | Adventures of a Lifetime | July 2007
Trekking through Bhutan by Patricia Schultz
A policy of limiting visitors means only 10,000 a year make it to Bhutan, one of the most remote and tantalizing corners of Asia. The last independent Buddhist mountain kingdom in the Himalayas feels light years from anything familiar. Television didn’t even arrive until 1999. Its youthful, environmentally sensitive king ensures that the nation treats nature with respect. Trekking is the natural way to see the country. Amid its countless highlights is the 8th century monastery called Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a sheer mountain ledge about 3,000 feet above the terraced Paro Valley. Hook up with a reputable outfitter who will introduce you to the whirling festivals and gracious residents of this Himalayan Shangri-la now, before the first traffic light arrives.
Condé Nast Traveler |20 Places to See | May 2007
What's at Stake Borneo's rain forest, along with hundreds of species of plant and animal life, including the world's largest population of wild orangutans.
Best Way to See It A guide and permit are required for entering the Tanjung Puting National Park. Asia Transpacific Journeys can arrange both (http://www.asiatranspacific.com).
Don't Miss Orangutan feeding time at Camp Leakey. When to Go The driest time is March through October.
The Today Show | Where in the World is Matt Lauer? | May 2007
Matt Lauer traveled to Bhutan -- as part of his Where in the World series. Asia Transpacific Journeys Group Trip to Bhutan, was featured and higlighted by NBC Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg. View the video clip here. (The video starts with a :32 second commercial.)
National Geographic Traveler | Tours of a Lifetime, 50 of the World's Best | October 2006
Myanmar | Secrets of Burma
It's no wonder that Burma, officially known as Myanmar, is one of the least visited countries in Asia. Some travelers may be put off by the country's repressive military regime, but Asia Transpacific Journeys rejects government-run agencies in favor of local contacts and guides cultivated since its first foray here nearly 20 years ago. The newly revamped tour ventures deep into the countryside, including a visit to the 17th-century ruins in the Shan State. ATJ's charitable arm-Asia Transpacific Foundation- continues to support Burmese refugee camps along the Thai border.
Travel + Leisure | Ask T + L | October 2006
Q: Can you recommend a few great culinary tours of China? --Lauren S, Lancaster, PA
A: Have Asia Transpacific Journeys (800/642-2742; www.AsiaTranspacific.com; from $300 per person, per day, double) customize your tour, arranging trips to Xian, a former royal city, and lessons in making dumplings fit for an emperor.
National Geographic Traveler | Family Volunteer Vacations | July 2006
New Family Values, Today's summer vacation is all about learning, giving, doing
Asia Transpacific Journeys, for example, has seen a 22 percent rise in family bookings to places such as Australia, Borneo, and Thailand in just the past year. CEO Marilyn Downing Staff says its clients are looking for vacations with an educational component. "They want to expose their kids to things they wouldn't ordinarily see, to dig deeper."
