Posts Tagged ‘Shanghai’

Friendly Planet Travel giving travelers what they want, according to Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 Readers Choice Awards

Monday, October 26th, 2009

As I was home catching up on some work-related e-mail this weekend, I spent some time browsing the latest Condé Nast Traveler: 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards. I couldn’t help smiling to myself as I read that once again, Friendly Planet has it pretty well covered in terms of what travelers want.

Take the Top Cities category. We offer trips to eight out of the top 10 Asian cities: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, Kyuoto, Shanghai, Jaipur, Tokyo, and Hanoi. Singapore, also on the top 10 list, is coming in 2010, and that’s just Asia. We also cover four out of five of the best Africa and Middle East cities: Cape Town, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Dubai.

FP_Plane.jpgThe No. 1 and No. 2 airlines on the list of Ten Best Global Carriers – Singapore Airlines and Emirates – are prominently featured on some of our tours. And even some of the world’s best hotels, such as the Fairmont Hotel Dubai, are found on our programs.

So, you could be thinking, "big deal." A lot of companies feature these places, these airlines, and these hotels. And that’s the point. A lot do feature all of this and more, but at what price? That’s where we differ from almost everyone out there. The best for the least means something in my mind. It translates into a lot of work in creating the tours that result in great vacations in great destinations at great prices.
 

That’s the thought  I had after reading these lists, anyway. But more importantly, how do YOU think Friendly Planet Travel stacks up? Are there cities we don’t offer that you wish we did? Where do you want to go with us? Let me know in the comments section below! I would really love to hear from you.

Taste of China REDUX!

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

As we see every day here in the office, when something’s good, it’s really, really good. And when that something is a chance to tour an incredible part of the world at jaw-dropping prices, it definitely won’t last long. Our latest Taste of China trips for $999 were so popular and sold out so quickly, we knew we had to work extra hard to make those prices available again … and soon! 

And today, I’m thrilled to report that WE DID IT! It’s not often that a once-in-a-lifetime deal actually comes around for a second time. But that’s exactly what’s happened with our Taste of China tour at only $999, including airfare, great hotels, many meals, all transfers, and some guided touring.

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As a refresher, Taste of China takes Friendly Planeteers on a 10-day tour through three of China’s most fascinating cities: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

Beijing — China’s historic and cultural capital — and Shanghai — often called the "Paris of the East" — are probably two of the most dynamic cities in the world. And Xi’an is the site of one of the world’s most important archeological treasures: the army of 2,200-year-old terra-cotta soldiers, including more than 8,000 life-size ceramic soldiers, chariots, and horses buried there to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor.

Travelers on the Taste of China vacation will be exposed to all of the most significant and breathtaking splendors of China, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall of China to the Temple of Heaven. They’ll also get a taste of what life is truly like in China, when we stop by picturesque villages, a traditional school, and bustling street vendors.

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 If you missed it the first time, don’t let this opportunity pass you by again! For more information or to book, contact us or visit the Friendly Planet Travel Web site.

The New York Times’ Practical Traveler points to Friendly Planet Travel’s practical prices

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

A recent Friendly Planeteer was interviewed by The New York Times’ Michelle Higgins for her weekly Practical Traveler column.
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Denis Weber, who traveled with us to China in February, pointed out that with our deals, he was able to take advantage of a 10-day tour of Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai for less than what he would have paid for airfare alone had be been trying to book a trip himself. Thanks for pointing us out, Denis!