Have kids, will travel … to Asia

Parents looking to plan a family holiday no longer have to resign themselves to the screaming crowds of Disneyland. With an abundance natural wonders, cultural experiences and kid-friendly activities, Southeast Asia is attracting more families than ever. 11161_180519022390_7838915_n Flip Key travel blog recently listed Phuket, Thailand and Nha Trang, Vietnam among their top five family destinations in Asia. While we couldn’t agree more these vacation spots will be a hit with parents and children alike, they […] View full post »

Southeast Asia – A year round destination

Do tales of the smiling locals, exotic surroundings and delectable roadside dishes have you looking to visit Southeast Asia for your next holiday? With seasonal travel opportunities, why not let Journeys Within experts help you decide where to go and when. laos new year Heat, rain and holiday crowds can, and should, influence holiday travel plans. Have time off in April, but can’t face the scorching heat? Why no skip Cambodia, Laos and Southern Thailand in favour of […] View full post »

Plain of Jars

 With experienced and knowledgeable guides, Journeys Within can help you explore one of the world’s largest archeological mysteries… 450px-Plainofjars_1 More than 80 years ago, french archaeologist Madeleine Colani headed to the Xieng Khouang plateau in search of answers one of Laos’ great wonders.  Braving the Southeast Asian rains and a considerable risk of dengue fever — many of her camp fell ill — Colani had her sights set on revealing the secrets long-held within the Plain […] View full post »

Happy New Year — the remix

During a recent trip with Journeys Within, Christine Beebe and her daughter got to take part in a Baci ceremony while in Laos; it became one of the highlights of their time in Southeast Asia. With New Year celebrations taking place across the region, the upcoming weekend is the perfect time to get a feel for local festivities… Lao Baci Ceremony, Ban Xing Village     One of the best parts about traveling and experiencing a cultures is the opportunity to […] View full post »

The art of bartering – A South East Asian tradition

Anyone looking to do some shopping while in South East Asia needs to get on board with bartering. Here are a few tips from Journeys Within on getting a fair price… market South East Asian countries are known for their markets — whether it is clothing or souvenirs, one never suffers from a lack of choice. But be warned, in most cases the price you’re quoted isn’t the one you should be paying so travelers need […] View full post »

Could ecologically conscious tourism help turn the tides?

Andreas In 2012, Journeys Within partnered with Ray of Hope for a “Culture and Conservation Tour” meant to educate first hand about the separate and shared passions of each organization. Led by regional expert, Andrea Ross (right) and marine biologist, Andrea Marshall (left), guests spent one week exploring the highlights of Myanmar and the one week diving among the manta rays and learning about their plight. Ross and Marshall’s venture raises the question, can tourism help […] View full post »

Nicole’s Guide: Where to Book When Swimming is a Must in Tropical Luang Prabang

By: Nicole Long, Laos Country Director Most travelers appreciate a dip in the pool after a day of sightseeing. We have had guests in the past arrive to one of the quaint hotels located in the old town of Luang Prabang and were surprised to find there were not any pool facilities. The reason there are no pools located in the town center is because it is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site […] View full post »

Dining In and Around Luang Prabang: L’Estranger, Book and Tea

By: Nicole Long- Laos Country Director   Where: L’Estranger , Book and Tea Kingkitsarath Road. Next to Lao Lao Garden and Hive Bar Luang Prabang, Laos   What was ordered: Chai Tea Salsa and Chips Chicken Soft Tacos   I decided to review the little café and book shop, L’Estranger because it is currently the only one of its kind in Luang Prabang. Sure there are a numerous cafes you can pop into for a […] View full post »

10 Reasons Why You Should Travel in the “Rainy” Season

By: Nicole Long- Laos Country Director I know that Lonely Plant tells you that the best time to visit Laos is between the months of October and February. They say this because it’s the dry season and you won’t have to worry about the rains and the temperatures are much cooler than the rest of the year. On one hand I agree with them- during this time of the year the temperatures drop to resemble […] View full post »

My Return to Laos

By: Sarah Greer- Journeys Within Guest 2012 I lived in the Kingdom of Laos in 1968 as a foreign exchange student (AFS), spending most of my time with my Lao family in the capital, Vientiane.  I was privileged to drive on the then-new gravel road to beautiful Vang Vieng, at that time a very sleepy country crossroads, where I marveled at the karst mountains and rice paddies.  My most unusual experience was going to the […] View full post »