Airport impressions

Regional travel is an eye-opening experience. An airport is a microcosm of a country, its people and systems.

It reveals facets about a city: infrastructure, technological capacity, communications facilities.The business traveler and tourist want to know how people and things work.

The radar systems, ground communications, and transport vehicles reflect a country's level of competence and efficiency. Does the airport have sufficient parking facilities? Are planes parked at individual bays or gates?

An airport acquires a distinct character when it has tasteful ethnic touches and the enhancing presence of lush foliage. The interior design -- furnishings, aisles and passageways, lighting and air conditioning, bathroom amenities are all critical components of first impressions. Security scanners, electronic information boards, signage, trolleys, paging systems, porters, wheelchairs, ramps, lifts, for the disabled and the elderly are essential in a well-equipped airport.

The attitude and manners of the immigration, security, customs officers give us clues about the character of the local people. Are they competent, courteous, efficient, or arrogant and condescending? How do they treat visitors?

Luggage retrieval at the carousel, customs clearance, and waiting areas are frequent trouble spots.

At curb side, many predatory taxi and limousine drivers await unsuspecting tourists. Instead of taking a tourist directly to his hotel, the opportunistic driver takes him on a city tour or a longer route at a much higher rate (without the meter). There have been incidents of conniving drivers and holdup gangs.

Traveling on the highway, one is treated to a revue of sights and sounds of rural, suburban, and urban life. Traffic-free highways and expressways are the ideal. In some cities, one gets stuck in traffic-choked streets.

The trade and tourism industries are aggressively developing packages to attract investors and tourists. However, all elaborate plans would be futile if our country lacks the basic infrastructure. Compared to our ASEAN neighbors, we lag behind.

Singapore ranks first with its sleek, efficient, smoke-free, and environment-friendly airport. Changi is huge, well-managed, and can accommodate thousands of travelers within a day. Moving walkways, wide-open spaces with skid-free ramps and trolleys. Smokers are confined in glass rooms. Pocket oases with trees, ponds, and orchids abound. Duty-free shops are well organized.

Travelers with wheelchairs are given preferential treatment. Immigration is a breeze. You zip through in no time. Luggage is revolving on the carousel as you arrive there. Stress-free. Hassle-free.

Outside the terminal, taxis and limousines are queued up. Drivers whisk passengers without fuss. No hangers on and con men preying on tourists. Traffic is smooth even during rush hours. The highway to the city center is lined with magnificent acacia trees and palm trees reminiscent of Hawaii.

The departure area is smoke-free. Immigration officers are neat, polite (but not friendly). The airport staff and crew are disciplined.

Waiting lounges are very comfortable and clean. Bathrooms are fresh and spotless. Smokers are confined in glass rooms where they can choke in peace.

Our old NAIA terminal is an aging dinosaur. Imagine the shock of tourists who arrive for the first time, see the vintage runway, and walk through the shabby, decrepit, gloomy building. The restrooms are so depressing -- smelly, leaky and rundown with non-functioning faucets and door locks.

On the plus side: We have friendly, hospitable staff. However, it is shocking to discover that many of the staff -- security, in particular -- are underpaid.

The old domestic terminal is hopeless. It should be torn down and replaced with a sleek, efficient, and comfortable building. So far, its only redeeming asset is the newly refurbished, clean restrooms.

In contrast, the PAL terminal is well designed -- modern, bright, spacious, airy and pleasant for both international and domestic travelers.

On the wish list are: resolution of the problems of Terminal III so it can be finally fully utilized; upgrading of all provincial and island airport terminals; that Baguio's Loakan airport will reopen.

We still have a long way to go to keep up with high international standards. Trying to match the superior airports of some of our ASEAN neighbors is a herculean task that takes vision, planning, and the will to do things right.

From Business World Online

The Best Places To Relax When Traveling In Asia

Asia is a land of wonder and magic. If you have plans to visit the region, make sure you leave yourself enough time to experience the tropical wonder of places like Vietnam or Laos, or the pristine, picturesque beaches of Thailand. Plan your trip to the paradise of Asia and you'll find yourself wishing you would never leave.

So, you're going to Asia on business, the time you're going is set, and it's time to decide where you want to go during the "down time". When the work is done and you need a little holiday, Asia offers a multitude of fantastic options. When making your selection, there really are certain places that will offer you the unique traveling experience you deserve, and you will be sure to leave this dreamy reality with a pocketful of memories.

•    Thailand

The Land of Smiles is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The tiny, remote islands off the coast offer respite from the insanity of the world outside their humble shores. Basking in the sun, relaxing on the sand a few feet from the front door of your bamboo bungalow will provide you with ample reason never to go home again.

•    India

It's hard to describe the majesty and splendor of a country home to both India Gate and the Taj Mahal. The serenity of the miles and miles of beaches along the coast of the Indian Ocean, and the sights and sounds of and exotic land will intoxicate you, and thrill your senses.

•    Nepal

When you get to Nepal, your adventure begins immediately. No matter if you're trekking ancient pathways through forests, or gazing in wonder at the vibrant colors and diversity of the wildlife, Nepal offers a unique perspective into the Asian culture. Also, be sure to take a plane ride over the Himalayas. It's a must!

•    Indonesia

With lush, rich forests full of vegetation that seems to swallow you whole, Indonesia is the perfect destination for those who are intent on being surrounded by the beauty of nature. Visit the shore and experience pure amazement as you snorkel and dive through mirror-clear water that's as warm as a blanket on a cold day.

•    Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

If you've ever watched a television show or movie where they showcase a tropical jungle in all its majesty, they have undoubtedly based it on the natural splendor of the foliage, vegetation, and wildlife of the jungles of these three countries. The coasts offer a blend of paradise and raw nature, and to experience these three countries is to know the wonder that is Asia.

•    Singapore

You've done all the beaches; you've explored exotic jungles; now you want civilization. What to do? One word: Singapore. With style to spare, this more metropolitan country offers the brilliance of Asian city life. Mixed with an ancient culture that will make even the staunchest of stick-in-the-muds realize, as they shop the wondrous markets and eat the fine cuisine, that they're actually having a great time.

•    Taiwan

Taiwan? When did Taiwan become a tourist destination, you ask? Since before they started producing your AA batteries made there. Believe it! Taiwan is a center for both city life, and the idyllic surroundings of the country. The real beauty of the country is both the hospitality of the people, and the rich, ancient culture of Taiwan. Explore the Shihlin Night Market, or the Chaing Kai-shek Memorial. Whatever you do, don't deny yourself the pleasant memories you'll have by making this one of the hubs of your Asian adventure.

•    Japan

A vacation here will give you everything. The decidedly unique culture of Japan will give you a unique perspective on Asian life. What do you do first? Maybe you could get lost in the bustle of downtown Tokyo or Yokohama, taking in the shops and self-catered apartments. Or visit the mystical Japanese countryside and see what people talk about when they mention ancient Oriental culture. The pristine countryside and exotic temples have made more than one poet be at a loss for words.

These are just a few of the recommended stops for you Asian trip. Try to visit more than one place on your journey. The countries that make up the continent are to diverse and unique to limited to only one. Make a list of everything you want to do on your vacation. You want to snorkel, shop, and go to the beach. Well, Asia can give you all that and more. Whatever you have in mind for your adventure, the countries above, and all of Asia, offer the opportunity to leave your workaday world behind, and escape into paradise.

From Travel Asia