Catch the Games
Still haven’t got your tickets to the Beijing Olympics? Here’s some good news – apparently the hotels are a bit oversupplied (might be due to the 1,000 percent increase in rates) and most are working with travel agent Gold Joy to launch a cheaper package. For just $7,990, you’ll get two night’s accommodation, a return flight through Southern China Airways, and tickets to an event (swimming, diving or tennis). The travel period for this package is Aug 9 to 23, but remember that the finals take place from Aug 16 to 23. Call 2863-1181 for bookings.

Don’t forget to get a guidebook before you head up north. Italian notebook manufacturer Moleskine have just published do-it-yourself city guides for both Hong Kong and Beijing. The new notebooks follow the same style as the previous guides for US and European cities. With 42 pages of maps, a subway guide, a street index and 12 sheets of tracing paper to draw your own route, it’s perfect for people who like to write their own adventure instead of being led around. You can also mark your favorites with the tabs provided and jot down memories in the blank pages. With its classic black leather binding, carrying a travel guidebook has never been this chic. $188, available at PageOne.

Speed Racers
If raging heaps of metal zooming down tracks are more your thing, don’t miss the first-ever Formula One night race this September. The Singtel Singapore Grand Prix will take place from September 26 to 28 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Singapore Airlines Holidays have just launched a package for $9,990-up, with return flights, four night’s accommodation and of course, a three-day pass to the practice sessions, qualifying races and the Grand Prix. The package must depart on Sept 25 and return on 29. For bookings, call 2870-8788.

Live a Korean Life
The Korea Tourism Organization has just launched a home-stay program, giving tourists a slice of a typical Korean lifestyle. For just $312 a day (minimum stay of 10 days), you’ll be put up in a room in a regular household, allowing you to interact with a non-English speaking family, and giving you an up close and personal look at Korean culture. There’s a small handling fee of $234, but you get a generous 50 percent discount if you bring along a close friend. For bookings and online reservations, check out www.visitkorea.or.kr.

Beautiful Strangers
How does a man choose his next travel destination? How about taking a tip from Travelers Digest, who have just released their Top 10 Cities with the Most Beautiful Women. Stockholm ranks number one, followed closely by Copenhagen and Buenos Aires. But while we’re sure the ladies in Sweden are gorgeous enough to lead the list, we couldn’t help but wonder how Caracas, which its proven track record of Miss World winners, came in at the lowly place of seventh. Hmm. Check it out at www.traveldisgest.com.

Par-tay in Bangkok
Yes, more Bangkok. Some deals are too good to pass up, and we have to mention the boutique hotel Metropolitan Bangkok. Converted from a YMCA compound, this friendly hotel has chic rooms, the tranquil spa COMO Shambhala and the excellent fusion restaurant Cy’an. The hotel has just launched nine new packages suitable for all tastes, and we particularly like the “Party Like a Rock Star – Sleep Like a Baby” deal, which includes a martini at their members-only Met Bar and a concierge to help you plan a big night out on the town. The next morning, debilitated by that killer hangover, they’ll deliver smoothies and coffee to your room, and then serve you a laid-back breakfast before a quick nap and a late checkout at 2pm. Each guest is presented with a martini glass from the Met Bar as a gift, making sure you never forget the night, even if you wanted to. Room rates start at $2,184. For reservations, call (66) 2625-3333 or email res.bkk@metropolitan.como.bz

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