The Best Time to Travel is NOW!

This year seems to be a very good year for tourism abroad.

Enticing travel posters of all sorts have propped up one after another-depicting emerald green seas and azure skies, capturing that romantic part in all of us.

Telephone lines of all the airline offices are ringing off the hook; even a single ticket is hard to come by. Travel agencies have several tour groups which head out each week while the old-timers remain busy at work back at the office keeping track of their tour groups abroad. Government offices of various countries and the Tourism Bureau are hopping, busy with coping with the large amount of people applying for visas or travel information.

On July 1 and 2 the Bureau of Entry and Exit received over twenty thousand applications from people wanting to travel abroad. The number of tourists who went abroad from January to June this year reached more than 706,000, about 220,000 more than the same period last year.

According to statistics from the Bureau of Entry and Exit the number of people to go abroad this year is expected to exceed the one million mark in September. If so, it will reach this amount three months earlier than last year.

What's the reason for this?

The main reason for this increase is the NT's appreciation; going abroad is even more economical than before. Since restrictions on family visits to the mainland were lifted at the end of last year, the number of tourists going to the mainland for a visit has gradually increased. Now the age males can go abroad has dropped from thirty to 26.

If you're going to plan a great vacation, you should pay attention to your purpose and destination as well as schedule, means of traveling, and expenditures.

Before an arrow can hit the bull's-eye it must be centered. Likewise, "Before you go abroad, you've got to make certain travel plans," says Ellin Y.S. Jen, Editor-in Chief of Cosmorama Travel Magazine. Whether you have a tight schedule or have lots of spare time on your hands, on a buying spree, learning a new language or seeking new knowledge, each has a different route from which to choose and a different method of enjoying it.

If your purpose is leisure and you just want to get away from work stress then you should head for a place where the climate and scenery are nice, and not crowded with tourists. The coast, an offshore island or islet may be your best bet, like Santosa Island off of Singapore, Bali in Indonesia, Tahiti, or Phuket Island and Pattaya Beach of Thailand.

If your goal is to shop, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan may be a good choice for you. If you delight in viewing ancient civilization then you may want to go to Egypt or India. Africa is a great place to see the jungles and go hunting. If religion and culture interest you then Europe is paradise. If you want to enjoy snow festivals, northeast Asia will surely be of worth. Las Vegas is a hot spot for gambling.

After you've set your goals and decide upon a destination then your next step is to select the right time to travel.

Generally speaking, summer (July-September) is considered high season for travel. However, it's suggested that you avoid traveling during this time if possible.

"Can you imagine a press in the waiting area at Rome airport like a scene from a refugee camp? Can you stand swimming and being squeezed like taking a bath? If you can't then you'd better change your plans!" a newspaper travel columnist wrote.

Spring and fall are the best times for taking in the great outdoors. The fields in Europe are in bloom in April and May, while in the Southern Hemisphere the most beautiful season runs from September to November.

A veteran planning to make a family visit to the mainland asked a travel agent, "How long have you been established?" The travel agent, a bit confused by the question, replied, "Ah, fifteen years!" The retired soldier turned to his wife and nodded, "Dear, this is the place for us!"

Simply put, word of mouth (recommended by friends), history, size (Is it international?), and reputation are standards by which you should make your judgment. Besides, if you feel that things just aren't right you can always back down before signing on the dotted line.

If you're interested in saving money, relax, there are ways.

In Southeast Asia, India, or Nepal bargaining is part of the game and usually starts around one-tenth the set price. Europe is different; if you want to find a bargain then you've got to shop during the summer or fall when seasonal sales take place, but you can bargain with street vendors year round. At the end of the year, the basements of many large department stores in Japan offer inexpensive, high-quality goods.

When in Rome do as the Romans do: If you know that the disposition of the Latin people is laid-back then don't be vexed if they do things in a slow way, or lose your temper and spoil your time. In Greece women are not allowed to wear pants into a church building; this is something female tourists should be aware of beforehand.

Then there is the aspect of tipping to keep in mind, usually ten to twenty percent. Giving those who render you service a smile can also make your trip an enjoyable one.

[Picture Caption]

As you travel abroad and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the big city, don't make the mistake of forgetting to see the countryside and small villages. Seen here is Heidelberg, Germany.

It's become common for parents to take their children abroad for sightseeing. (photo by Vincent Chang)

In the night the famous snow festival in Japan carries with it a splendid and mysterious beauty. (photo courtesy of the Japanese Tourism Bureau)

To leave empty-handed and come back empty-handed is one of the tricks of traveling. Although you may come back empty-handed you still have lots of great memories to look back on. (photo courtesy of Chang Min-yi)

The Borobudur in India, one of the four ancient wonders of the world, looks on sternly. Seen here is a stone carving of a Buddhist figure.

A dance performance by Hawaiian natives is a special attraction for tourists to the area. (photo by Chung Yung-ho)

When touring Thailand, besides buying up local products like hand-made paper umbrellas, don't forget to enjoy the splendid traditional dance performances. (photo courtesy of Sunny Hsiao)

As you travel abroad and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the big city, don't make the mistake of forgetting to see the countryside and small villages. Seen here is Heidelberg, Germany.

It's become common for parents to take their children abroad for sightseeing. （photo by Vincent Chang）

In the night the famous snow festival in Japan carries with it a splendid and mysterious beauty. （photo courtesy of the Japanese Tourism Bureau）

To leave empty-handed and come back empty-handed is one of the tricks of traveling. Although you may come back empty-handed you still have lots of great memories to look back on. （photo courtesy of Chang Min-yi）

A dance performance by Hawaiian natives is a special attraction for tourists to the area. （photo by Chung Yung-ho）

When touring Thailand, besides buying up local products like hand-made paper umbrellas, don't forget to enjoy the splendid traditional dance performances. （photo courtesy of Sunny Hsiao）