eWire
February 16, 2005
Story Idea: How travelers can get more value from the US dollar overseas
The Phelps Group
Travelers are truly stunned when they see the exchange rate of the US Dollar against the Euro. Enough with the stories about how to travel on the cheap in Europe (picnic every meal??)
The best way to beat the high exchange rates: travel to parts of the world that offer the same luxuries as other major cities, at a much better value...like Southeast Asia.
An example...One WEEK at the Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur is about the same price as one NIGHT at the Ritz/ Bulgari hotel in Milan.
The US dollar is incredibly strong in Malaysia and Southeast Asia and with all that the region has to offer Americans--beaches, vibrant city life, rich culture, fine dining, luxurious spas, romantic honeymoon/ wedding locations, adventure getaways and so much more--travelers are discovering that they can afford to do it all if they do it there.
Below are some more price comparisons between various cities...you'll see for yourself how travelers can get so much more for their money in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR
Hotel - Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur: 350 MYR/night ($92.00/night)
Transportation - Taxi from KLIA to hotel: 90 MYR/each way ($23.00/each
way)
Dining - Dinner at FIC's: 20-40+ MYR/person ($5.26-$10.53+/per person)
LONDON
Hotel - The Ritz London: 280 GBP/night ($527.00/night)
Transportation - Taxi from Heathrow to hotel: 45-55 GBP/each way ($87.00 - $102.23/each way)
Dining - Dinner at Bibendum: 13-22+GBP/person ($24.16-$40.89/person)
MILAN
Hotel - Ritz Carlton Bulgari Milan: 450 EURO/night ($602.00/night)
Transportation - Taxi from Malpensa Airport to hotel: 80 EURO ($104.00)
Dining - Dinner at Cracco-Peck: 22+ EURO/person ($30+/person)
NEW YORK
Hotel - Ritz Carlton New York Central Park: $550/night
Transportation - Taxi from JFK Airport to hotel: $45/each way not including tolls or tips
Dining - Dinner at Aureole: $35+/person
(NOTE: Hotel rates are double-occupancy basic rooms (non suites) for June 6 - June 13, 2005. Hotel rates do not include taxes or other applicable charges. Restaurants were rated 4 out of 5 or higher for contemporary cuisine by the Fodor's Guide)
SOURCES:
Hotel: www.ritzcarlton.com
Transportation: Ritz Carlton Concierge Desks
Dining: www.fodors.com
Currency conversion: www.xe.com
CURRENT SPECIALS ON MALAYSIA AIRLINES
AsiaPass 2005 – Three stopovers in Southeast Asia for one price
$3,777 business class and $5,777 first class
Three free stopovers within 21 days to the following cities:
In Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi or Penang
In Indonesia: Bali, Jakarta, Medan or Surabaya
Other cities include: Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Myanmar (Burma), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Manila, Debu (Phillipines), Singapore, and Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand).
Fly to Vietnam for $699-$799
Amazing deals from Los Angeles or Newark to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from $699 to $799 (booking class L or B, based on availability) for travel through May 31, 2005. Must be booked by February 28, 2005.
Restrictions apply on both specials. Please contact The Phelps Group for more information and details. Thank you.
The Phelps Group for Malaysia Airlines
(310) 752-4400
Judy Lynes x124
judy@thephelpsgroup.com
Kristen Bergevin x181
kristen@phelpsgroup.com