Circle this Blue Light Special to The Red Square.
Fly on Transaero Airlines
Leave on April 1, 2011
Return on April 20, 2011
We just found this iCheap Deal on Transaero – Search here!
Note: Select dates through the end of March.
Visit Big Ben for only Four Benjamins and change!
Fly on Iberia Airlines
Leave on March 23, 2011
Return on March 28, 2011
We just found this iCheap Deal on Iberia – Search here!
Note: Select dates through the end of March.
It’s downpouring low fares to the Pacific Northwest.
Fly on Virgin America
Leave on February 17, 2011
Return on February 22, 2011
We just found this iCheap Deal on Virgin America – Search here!
Note: Many dates in February are available. In March and April prices are still below $200.
Under $700 from San Francisco to Manila really got our attention!
Fly on Air China
Leave on February 22, 2011
Return on March 3, 2011
We just found this iCheap Deal on Orbitz – Search here! 
Having just returned from two months in Asia, I gained even more appreciation for the epic isle of Japan. It’s finely tuned public transportation, spotless avenues and multi-functional toilets are above and beyond.
A common stigma about Japan is that everything is expensive, overpriced and the US dollar is worth dirt. That was true in the 1980′s. However, in 2010, not the case. I was able to find modern, clean, snug hotels for only $100/night in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Meals were only $10-15. Remember, there’s no tipping in Japan. Also, green tea and water are free with your meal. In America, drinks and tip account for 35% of your bill. But, these expenses are avoided in Japanese restaurants. I had an incredible sushi meal at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market for only $10 total.
Ukraine-based Aerosvit Airlines has one-stop fares from New York to Tel Aviv for only $598.
The only downside is that the “one-stop” is a lengthy one in Kiev. Depending on your travel plans, decide if the savings is worth it you or not.
Search now!
Wow! Airfares to Thailand from the US have gotten frustratingly high. But, don’t let that deter you. If you realize all the money you’ll save in Thailand on accommodations, food and goods, it’ll be worth it.
For example, I’m typing this at an internet cafe in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. The cost for my computer station is only 10 baht per hour. FYI, 1 baht = 3 cents (USD). Dirt cheap.
And, a you can buy 3 tall bottles of Leo Beer for only 100 baht. And, a complete, sit-down meal for four people is about 300 baht.
In addition to the dirt cheap prices, there are many surreal moments here. For example, last night I saw a Thai folk band play in a restaurant, but wasn’t sure if I could photograph them because of the giant image of their King in the background. I then looked up at the ceiling and saw 3 lizards resting upside down near the light. Then I look down and a cat strolls in.
Only in Siam.
Dang! 2010 has been uber frustrating for finding great flight deals. I’m currently searching for flights to Thailand and the best I can find is $1050. This is almost twice the $586 I paid to Japan last year.
In 2010, airfares have pretty much bounced back to normal levels. 2009 was an aberration in deal hysteria. However, I’ll occasionally see prices that remind me of 2009. As is this $291 fare from Seattle to Honolulu. From LAX and SFO it is priced out in the mid-$350′s.
I wish there more cheap flights like these. As for my Thailand flight search, it’s looking bleak!
Photo credit to mjb84.
Even if Hong Kong isn’t your final destination in Asia, it is usually one of the cheapest flights from the US.
During the month of November, flights to Hong Kong from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle are in the $750 range.
We found LAX to Hong Kong for $765 on Air China (see below).
If you’ve never been to China, read what not to do there. These include, not traveling there during the Golden Weeks, unless you enjoy massive crowds. And, don’t expect much English to be spoken. Also, don’t be shocked by the bathroom habits of small children. Read more.
Search for flights to China.
It’s been frustrating this summer trying to find affordable tickets to southeast Asia. We were so spoiled last year with abundant rates in the $600′s to tropical cities such as Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok. We even found $588 to Manila from San Francisco.
Gone are those days. In 2010 you’re lucky if you can fly to southeast Asia for under $1,000. So when we see prices under $900, we have to mention them.
Below is Los Angeles to Bangkok for $877 on China Southern Airlines for travel next March. Try dates from September through March to Thailand (from the West Coast), before the temperatures in Siam start sizzling.
