Press Room - Press Releases

A World of Choice

After 30 years of virtual isolation, Laos, perhaps the most mysterious of the former French Indochina countries, is slowly opening up to the outside world. Situated in south-east Asia between Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China and Myanmar (Burma), this diverse country, with the mighty Mekong River at its heart, is a land of breathtaking mountain scenery, dramatic waterfalls, hill tribes, Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture. Travelsphere Holidays (0800 19 14 18 or visit wwww.travelsphere.co.uk) offer a 13-day escorted tour of Laos and The Mekong, with an additional three nights in Bangkok and all travel, meals and sightseeing included from £1495 per person.

Further details can be found in Travelsphere’s new Far Away Places brochure for 2005, which features over 60 holiday ideas in 38 countries worldwide. The company has picked up on the growing trend for holidays of a longer duration by introducing several add-on and extend your stay options. Add-on ideas for China tours include a lovely 4-day break to see giant panda in the protective environment of the Wolong Nature Reserve from just £349. There is also a unique 8-day tour of North Korea from £595 and a superb 8-day tour of Tibet from £995.

Unusual ideas include a two night stay in a traditional Japanese guest house known as a Ryokan from just £349. In Nepal, for just £249, you can add-on an extra 2-night stay to enjoy jungle activities on a full board basis at the Chitwan National Park, home to more than 43 species of mammal. Journey 2,700 miles west of the coast of Chile for a cultural 5-night add-on to the remarkable Easter Island from £895. Discover Eastern Libya and the area round Benghazi on a 4-night add-on from just £395.

For those in search of unique places, events or festivals around the world, have a look at the ‘special departure’ tours which you simply tag on or incorporate into existing itineraries. For example, as part of the 16-day tour of Vietnam, you can extend your stay to include a stunning 5-day hike through the beautiful Sapa Valley from just £345. Alternatively, why not join the celebrations with thousands of visitors from around the world at Rajasthan’s most spectacular festival, the Pushkar Camel Fair, available as an additional 2-night break on the 8 and 18 day tours of India from just £1195

As to new tours for 2005, the brochure boasts such treasures as a captivating 12-day tour of Mexico & Guatemala from £1395. You can also follow in the footsteps of the great explorers on a fascinating 12-day tour of Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands from £1995. For prime game, head to Tanzania for an action-packed 10-day safari from £1595. There is also a welcome return to Bali – 13 days from £1195 and if you are in search of the ‘BIG’ train journey, look no further than the ‘Trans-Siberian’ Express, 14-days from £1795.