It doesn't get much more exciting! I just bought tickets for a whirlwind tour of Southeast Asia -- ultimately to see some friends that live in Chiang Mai and spend time with one of my favorite travel buddies, Abram (he and I did Prague together last year).

We think we can do the trip for under $US300 each: $130 for our business-class airfare on United (don't ask!), free hotel nights (thank you, Starwood!), inexpensive $3-$5 meals on the streets from stall vendors, and a few miscellaneous travel expenses (sidetrips, rental car in Honolulu, subway passes, etc.). We've doctored our itinerary to maximize our destinations and stamps in our passport. A few highlights include:

• Two days in Singapore -- adapting to the time change and the new culture.
• A few days in Chiang Mai -- celebrating Thanksgiving with some dear friends!
• A few days in Bangkok and/or up on the islands -- a custom suit, a few deep tissue massages, and lots of good food.
• One 5-hour layover in Japan -- just enough time to explore Narita City.
• And finally, a 10-hour daytime layover in Honolulu -- climb a volcano, sunbathe on the beach and eat some seafood.

If you've been to any of these places before, I'd love to hear some of your feedback and ideas. Since it's our first time to Asia, we have no idea what to expect: that's all together scary and horrendously fun all at once!