Asia Becoming Better Travel Bargain

The recent bout of foreign financial flu that has been causing alternating chills and fevers in investors may bring smiles to the faces of travelers.

Asia’s economic woes, which actually have been brewing for months, had already spawned two-week trips for less than $1,500 and values even in long-unaffordable Japan. The most significant effect of the recent currency crisis seems to have been in Thailand, where SmarTours President Eli Milbaur said the U.S. dollar now buys 40 percent more than three months ago - great for Americans drawn to the Far East by the prospect of exotic shopping.

Hong Kong offers bargains, too, but not because of devalued currency. The former British colony has experienced a tourism slump since it was handed back to China July 1, prompting inducements such as hotel upgrades, Milbaur said.

SmarTours offers one-week Bangkok packages for $999 from New York, including airfare, deluxe hotel, transfers and touring; a 14-day trip, also including the countryside and the beaches of Phuket, is $1,499. Two-week, four-country tours of Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali and Bangkok are $2,100.

Further bargains are sure to crop up as the financial situation stabilizes and airlines and tour operators adjust prices.

The best general money-saving advice for travelers on a shoestring, especially those trying Asian destinations for the first time:

If you don’t have a five-star bankroll, stay out of five-star restaurants - or treat yourself to an elegant lunch or early dinner at prices often half what they are once the candles are lit. Also, remember that produce markets and street stalls are sources of cheap, tasty meals as well as abundant local color.

Be willing to bypass international chain hotels in favor of guest houses - which also offer a better glimpse into the regional culture.

Buy fare-saving commuter passes for city buses and subways.

Plan museum visits for the evenings when there’s free admission, and take advantage of free entertainment in parks and other public places.

Instead of touristy if-it’s-noon-this-must-be-thecity-hall tours, look for walking tours in various neighborhoods - often costing only a small contribution for the guide.

Also, don’t hesitate to identify yourself as a tourist when that means savings. Before your trip, look into discounts designed to ease the way for foreign visitors - rail passes, for example - which often must be booked before you leave home.

Southeast Asia may be the better value, but there’s also been good news over a longer term for travelers bound for Europe. Switzerland, traditionally the land of movie-set scenery and movie-star prices, has gotten progressively more affordable.

The U.S. dollar has climbed 50 percent in value against the Swiss franc since 1995, according to Gemutlichkeit, the self-described “travel letter for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the New Europe.”

Editor/Publisher Robert H. Bestor Jr. says a 200-franc hotel that translated to $183 two years ago cost about $137 at the height of the recent market craziness (it had previously been even cheaper), and a 25-franc restaurant entree - $23 in 1995 - had dropped to about $17.