Asiaquest Tours Blogs

Take a few minutes to answer these questions for the chance to win a new camera! Answers can be found by searching our website (www.asiaquesttours.com.au).

Good luck!

1. In the video found on the home page of the Asiaquest website, a man and a woman can be seen leaving a temple. What is the man carrying in his hand?

2. How many countries does our Great South American Journey 35-day tour visit?

3. What is the full name of our newest itinerary that includes the Golden Temple in Amritsar and provides houseboat accommodation on Dal Lake?

And one more thing... we ask that you nominate your preference from the list of destinations provided below to help up plan future tours. There is no right or wrong answer for this one, but you must nominate a preference to validate your entry!

4. Which of the following destinations would you most like to visit?

• Kingdom of Bhutan • Cuba • Malaysia

• None of the above

Simply email your full name, address and phone number1 PLUS answers to our questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 15 April 2013 to be in the draw.

Winners will be notified using contact details provided.

Please be informed that the office will be closed from Monday 24 December 2012, and will resume normal hours on Wednesday 02 January 2013. Please ensure that all documents are forwarded in advance to avoid any delay during this time.

***Be the first to receive the new 2013/2014 ASIAQUEST TOURS BROCHURE. Contact us today to be on our top priority waiting list on 02 9299 1838!***

It is highly recommended that passengers who are forwarding important documents by post like Passports or Full Payment, submit prior to our normal 60 day due policy to avoid delays during the Christmas Break.

In particular passengers travelling on:

-          VIETNAM DISCOVERY (VD2213, VD3213, VD4213)

-          PALACES AND CASTLES (PC10213)

Please contact ASIAQUEST TOURS for more information on 02 9299 1838

“We were part of the group which undertook the Palaces & Castles trip starting 26 September 2012. AsiaQuest is our only choice for trips as we had originally been associated with John and Wendy Brown on various trips, the last of which was to Vietnam and I understand it was an AsiaQuest organized trip..

Firstly, I would like to thank you for going ahead with the trip with only five participants, this did make for the most enjoyable trip.

I would like to pass on thanks to Christabel and Olivia.  Both of these women went out of their way to help us in preparing for the trip, nothing was too much trouble.  They always attended to any request promptly and in a friendly way.

Our tour guide Devendra Singh exceeded all expectations.  With only five people it made it easy to get his personal attention which meant that were thoroughly spoiled.  He saw that we wanted for nothing and he was sensitive to everybody’s’ needs.  His sense of humour ensured that the trip will be remembered forever as the best we have ever done.  Although he must have lead this trip countless times one always had the feeling that he was discovering a fort or a temple for the first time with us.  He delivered information expertly and I know we all came away with a greater understanding of India and its culture.  He was a magic ingredient.

Because the group was so small the driver Vijay also become integral with the trip and his expert driving in sometimes terrifying traffic was excellent.  He kept the bus clean and ensured that we had a continuous supply of drinking water and he and Dev were a team..  He was always helpful to everyone on the trip.

The accommodation was beyond our wildest expectations, sometimes exotic, always beautiful.  We can thank AsiaQuest for its excellent choice of accommodation,  It was always clean and  the staff  helpful and polite.

The food was  in every case excellent, no matter whether it was a quick lunch stop or at a hotel.  We got special attention, partly I suspect, because staff knew and liked Dev our tour guide wherever we went..

The trip planning was stunning we saw and enjoyed so much.  We had originally planned to go on the 16 day tour, but were persuaded to transfer to the longer tour when that was cancelled.  The longer tour was absolutely right – the shorter tour would not have allowed for us to have taken in the various stops and enjoy the wonderful culture of India.

AsiaQuest certainly delivers more than the catalogue description, not a glitch or a complaint on the trip"

Yours sincerely,

Bob and Wendy Taylor

Canberra

CHI Travel Insurance will be releasing its new Product Disclosure Statement on the 28th November 2012. Quotes issued prior to the 28th November will no longer be valid after midnight on the 27th November 2012. 

New Medical Assessment Process

Compulsory medical assessment required for travellers now aged 75 years and over.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

As of the 28th November 2012 Pre Existing Medical Conditions and travellers aged 75 years and over will be assessed over the phone. 

If you received your invoice prior to this date, please contact ASIAQUEST TOURS for an updated manual and quote.

A national strike will take place today November 20, in Argentina  -  We do not know yet the full extent of the strike but some flights will be cancelled or delayed.

Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN have informed that will allow changes and refunds without penalties for those travelling.

Tours to South America fly with LAN Airlines, part of Oneworld Alliance. You are able to accumulate frequent flyer points if you are a member of any of the following:

-         Air Berlin

-         American Airlines

-         British Airways

-         Cathay Pacific

-         Japan Airlines

-         Qantas

-         Royal Jordanian

There are 11 full members with Oneworld Alliance so be sure to check at time of booking to see if your frequent flyer points can be accrued. Contact AsiaQuest Tours on 02 9299 1838

Most groups travelling with AsiaQuest tours fly with Singapore Airlines, part of the Star Alliance. You are able to accumulate frequent flyer points if you are a member of any of the following:

- Air Canada

- Air New Zealand

- Lufthansa

- TAM

- Thai Airways

- US Airways

- United Airways

There are 27 airlines with the Star Alliance so be sure to check at time of booking. Contact AsiaQuest Tours On 02 9299 1838

AsiaQuest List of Unforgettables!

* Passport                                                       

* Photocopy of passport (to be kept separate from original)

 * Flight Ticket             

* Travel insurance documents     

* Traveller’s cheques/cash      

* Credit cards            

* Money belt/document folder     

* Tour itinerary                                         

For a complete checklist recommended by AsiaQuest Tours, contact the office on 02 9299 1838          

An email extract from a lovely couple who travelled on Cambodia and Laos, September 2012

We have recently returned from our third Tour with your Company, this one being Laos and Cambodia.

Once again, you have excelled in all aspects

Our Itinerary was excellent, enabling us to experience each Area in depth, and at times well off the beaten track. This is a huge benefit with all your tours, showing us the entire Country and Cultures.

Tour guides were extremely knowlegable, and delighted in showing us their particular region .

A special mention of Sac, our Guide in Vientiane his English and understanding of Tourists needs are outstanding. I feel he would make an excellent National Guide.

All Hotels were really good, as was the service provided by them all.

Restaurants were first class, serving beautiful food.

It would be remiss of me to not compliment you on your pre departure service, again first class.

Our visas were supplied, advice given on all aspects of our forthcoming holiday, even supplying duplicate copies of all necessary documents to leave with relatives in case of their needing to contact us.

I will continue to recommend Asia Quest to friends and acquaintances.

In conclusion we would like to sincerely thank your Company on organizing another wonderful experience for us to enjoy.

Hopefully we may be able to enjoy your company in the future.

Thanking you.

Robyn Ingram

General Restrictions for all countries

Various countries have implemented restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in compliance with new guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Examples of liquids, aerosols and gels include:

- all liquids including beverages, soups and syrups

- gels, including hair and shower gels

- pastes, including toothpastes

- creams, lotions and oils

- contents of aerosol cans, including sprays, shaving foam, deodorants mascara

- liquid-solid mixtures

- any other item of similar consistency

Note:  The above items are some common examples and are not exhaustive.

The restrictions are as follows:

- Liquids, gels and aerosols will only be allowed in cabin baggage if they are kept in containers with volumes of not more than 100 ml each.

- These containers must be carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag. The total volume of the bag must not exceed 1 litre.

- Each person is allowed to carry only one such plastic bag.

- The bag must be removed from cabin baggage and presented to security personnel for visual examination.

Medications and special dietary requirements, including baby formula:

- Are permitted in cabin baggage

- Must be removed from cabin baggage and declared to security personnel at the checkpoint. These items may be subjected to security checks.

- Customers with prescription medicine are advised to bring along supporting documentation (e.g. ID cards, letters from doctors) as verification.

Some countries have imposed these restrictions on both arrival and departure flights. This may affect your ability to carry duty-free purchases onboard the aircraft. Customers are advised to check with duty free personnel before making their purchases.

Any excessive LAG items detected at the security screening points at the boarding gates will not be accepted for check-in in the cargo holds.

Singapore Airlines Baggage Policy

Checked Baggage:

i. For flights to and from USA and Canada, the free checked baggage allowance per passenger is 2 pieces*, each weighing no more than 23kg.

ii. For flights to and from Brazil, the free checked baggage allowance per passenger is 2 pieces*, each weighing no more than 32kg.

iii. For all other flights, the free checked baggage allowance is 20kg, 30kg or 40kg per passenger for Economy, Business or First/Suites class cabin respectively.

iv. PPS Club members travelling on SQ/MI flights are allowed additional 100% baggage allowance above the allowance for their class of travel.

v. PPS club members travelling on other Star Alliance carriers are allowed additional checked baggage allowance of:

(a) 20kg; or

(b) For flights to and from USA and Canada - 1 piece* (weighing no more than 23kg); or

(c) For flights to and from Brazil – 1 piece* (weighting no more than 32kg).

vi. KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Gold members are allowed an additional checked baggage allowance of:

(a) 20kg; or

(b) For flights to and from USA and Canada - 1 piece* (weighing no more than 23kg); or

(c) For flights to and from Brazil – 1 piece* (weighting no more than 32kg).

vii. Infants are allowed free checked baggage allowance of:

(a) 10kg; or

(b) For flights to and from USA and Canada - 1 piece* (weighing no more than 23kg); or

(c) For flights to and from Brazil - 1 piece* (weighing no more than 32kg).

In addition, a fully collapsible stroller or pushchair, carrycot or car seat, and infant food items may be checked-in without charge.

viii. For interline and codeshare flights, the free checked baggage allowance and excess baggage charges of the other airlines operating those flights may differ from SIA’s baggage policy.

*Whenever the “piece” concept is applied, regardless of class of travel, the outside linear dimensions of each piece must not exceed 158cm (62 inches). In addition, for Economy class travel where 2 pieces of checked baggage are allowed, the sum of the outside linear dimensions of both pieces measured together must not exceed 273cm (107 inches).

Cabin Baggage:

Economy class cabin baggage is limited to 1 piece per passenger. First and Business class passengers are allowed 2 pieces per passenger. For safety reasons, cabin baggage must not exceed 115 cm (45 inches) in total linear dimensions and weigh not more than 7 kg (15 lb) each.

More information on checked and cabin baggage, and the excess baggage pricing is available on www.singaporeair.com.

Commonly used hotels for our Great South America Jourmey. Please note that hotels are confirmed approximately 2 months prior to departure.

Santiago - Galerias Hotel

Puerto Montt - Gran Pacifico

Peulla - Peulla

Bariloche - Cacique Inacayal

Buenos Aires - Ker Recoleta

Rio De Janeiro - Golden Tulip Continental

Foz Do Iguacu - Recanto Hotel

Lima - San Agustin Exclusive

Cusco - San Agustin Exclusive

Sacred Valley - Posada del Inca Yucay

Aguas Calientes - Hatuchay Tower

Puno - Jose Antonio

Huatajata - Inca Utama Hotel and Spa

La Paz Bolivia - Plaza

Iquitos - Ceiba Tops

Please contact ASIAQUEST TOURS for more information.

It is a condition of travelling with ASIAQUEST TOURS that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for the duration of your trip. Travellers who choose CHI Travel Insurance are eligible for a 25% discount when booking direct with ASIAQUEST TOURS and as a convenience to you we have included the cost of your policy into your tax invoice upon booking. You will need to forward forward a signed application for insurance from the middle of the enclosed brochure with your final payment to have your policy activated. If you prefer to arrange your own travel insurance, please provide us with a photocopy of your insurance policy containing the name of the provider and policy number.

If you require further information please contact ASIAQUEST TOURS on 02 9299 1838

Hotels commonly used for our popular Greece and Turkey tour

Please note hotels are confirmed approximately 2 months before departure. Subject to availibility.

GREECE

ATHENS  -  Hotel Titania

OLYMPIA  -  Hotel Europa

DELPHI  -  Hotel King Iniohos

KALAMBAKA  -  Hotel Meteora

SANTORINI  -  Hotel Kallisti Thera

TURKEY

İSTANBUL  -  Orka Royal

ANKARA  -  Barcelo Ankara Altinel

CAPPADOCIA  -  Peri Tower

PAMMUKALE  -  Lycus River

KUŞADASI  -  Tatlises

ÇANNAKALE  -  Iris Hotel

Please confirm with ASIAQUEST TOURS closer to the time of travel

List of commonly used hotels for our popular China Unveiled tour. Subject to availibility. Please confirm closer to tour departure date.

China Unveiled

Beijing - BEIJING ZHONGMIN HOTEL

Xi'An - XI’AN DYNASTY HOTEL

Chengdu - FURONG LEADING HOTEL

Kunming - KUNMING JINJIANG HOTEL

Dali - ASIA STAR HOTEL

Guilin - GUILIN OSMANTHUS HOTEL

Yangshuo - YANGSHUO GUIFO HOTEL

Shanghai - SHANGHAI CITY VIEW HOTEL

Suzhou - SUZHOU GARDEN HOTEL

Hangzhou - CROWN PLAZA HOTEL

Please contact ASIAQUEST TOURS for further information.

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DAILY UPDATED TOUR NEWS, COMPETITIONS AND GIVEAWAYS!!!

List of hotels commonly used in India for Palaces and Castles. Subject to availibility and seasonality

Delhi - The Maidens

Alsisar - Alsisar Mahal

Bikaner - Karni Bhawan Palace

Jaisalmer - Narayan Niwas Palace

Jodhpur - Balsamand Garden Retreat

Ranakpur - Maharani Bagh

Kumbalgarh - The Aodi

Udaipur - Hilltop Palace

Bijay Nagar - Bijay Niwas Palace

Pushkar - Aaram Bagh

Jaipur - Royal Orchid Jaipur

Agra - The Trident

Please note that hotels are confirmed approximatley 2 months prior to departure. Contact ASIAQUEST TOURS for more information.