Jakarta is one of the most populated cities on the planet. While it is definitely a victim of urban sprawl, the central districts offer all the trappings of a major international metropolis. Central Jakarta (simply called “Central” by locals) is home to a vast majority of the ciry’s tourist attractions and excitement.

Indonesia has a glut of shopping malls. If you are looking to browse the upper end of the retail industry in air-conditioned comfort, there are plenty of venues in Central. Plaza Indonesia is the biggest and most expensive of these. Prices approach western levels, but there are some unique goods for sale. Malls like King Plaza are a step down from Plaza, but offer more reasonable prices.

If you are looking for a more traditional shopping experience, head to Pasar Baru (Baru Market). This is the best place to find deals and souvenirs, as long as you feel that your bargaining skills are up to the task. Pasar Baru is nearly 200 years old, and though the probably didn’t sell digital cameras and iPods back in its early days, the way business is conducted in the market probably hasn’t changed much over the years.

Jakarta is a place to party. This might mean visiting one of the numerous upscale dance clubs that bear names like New Stardust or, perhaps, trying your hand at some Karaoke. One won’t be in Jakarta long before realizing that the most popular sport in billiards. Pool halls are places to socialize and have fun. Just don’t get hustled.

Central is home to some brilliant upscale eateries, though these usually sit in the shadow of worldwide chains like KFC, McDonald’s (some open 24/7), and even Chili’s.

Central Jakarta is the heart of a massive city. Sure, Jakarta has many districts worth exploring. For shopping and having a good time day or night, Central is the place to be.

Tokyo is a city with a cuisine as strange and wonderful as any in the world. The unfortunate side, especially for budget travelers, is that Tokyo is also one of the most expensive cities on earth. Is it possible to experience this vibrant cuisine on a shoestring?

The answer can be found at the bottom of a bowl of noodles. Literally.

The cheapest, and often some of the best, eats in Japan can be found at any friendly neighborhood noodle shop. For a few dollars (no more than 10 usually), you can experience this Japanese staple without breaking your travel budget.

Are we talking noodles stir-fried with fish eyeballs or something funky like that? Probably not, though if you really want that and are willing to look hard enough…

The good thing about eating in Japan is that many restaurants have menus with pictures or even plastic models of the specialties. So, even with a very limited Japanese, you can have at least a general idea of what you’re ordering. Many shops actually have an automated payment system that takes your Yen much like a vending machine and spits out a ticket. This ticket goes to the counter attendant who passes it on to the cook. No Japanese language skills necessary.

Many times, the choice will be between thin noodles (soba) or wider, flatter noodles (udon). Additions can include fish, meat, veggies, and tofu. Whatever the ingredients, a bowl at a noodle shop is likely hearty enough to leave you satisfied and still in possession of most of your wealth.

Beijing has been preparing around the clock for the Olympics, which are now only half-a-year away. The Games will obviously be a boom for China, bringing visitors from all over the world. Olympic sports will be at the center of attention. However, travelers do not necessarily need to be sports fans to take advantage of the Olympics. Or rather, the post-Olympic backlash that China’s tourist industry will inevitably be hit with.

Here’s why waiting until after the Olympics to visit China is a good idea:

China’s transportation authorities have given Beijing an its environs an upgrade. Things still may get snarled during the 2-week long event, but afterwards, the city will be left with a first rate transit system. Those visiting after the events have ended will have an easy time getting from point A and point B.

The same could be said for the new hotels that are going up specifically in anticipation of Olympic visitors. After August, when the number of visitors is in decline, decent rooms should be available at a discounted rate.

The Olympics will be in August. The following month, September, is actually one of the best times to visit Beijing. The oppressive summer heat will have given way to pleasant fall weather. The frigid Siberian winds are still two months away. Beijing’s September brings “light jacket weather” at worst.

The Mid-Autumn festival gets underway on September 25th. The full autumnal moon is at the center of this family oriented holiday. Children receive dense, sweet cakes known as “moon cakes.”

Also, as Beijingers try to regain their sense of normalcy, visitors will have an easy time seeing the real side of the ancient city, its small lanes (hutongs), delicious family run restaurants, markets, and shops should be returning to business as usual by after the last Olympian has gone.

On the final approach into Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport, passengers will get a strong dose of the past. The airfield is home to aged cement hangers left over from Vietnam’s wars. By 2011, however, the first sights travelers see as they land in Vietnam will be quite different. Long Thanh Airport is slated to become one of Southeast Asia’s biggest and busiest air hubs when it is completed three years from now. An eight-lane highway will connect the new terminal with Ho Chi Minh City.

If you said that Long Thanh ‘s construction signaled the beginning of a new stage of development in Vietnam, you’d be wrong. Over the past few years, numerous hotels and resorts have sprung up, while many older institutions have received make-overs. After some growing pains (which began when Vietnam loosened its travel restrictions in 1994), the tourist industry finally seems to be coming into its own.

Vietnam’s history and culture, the elements that have attracted tourist in the past, are still evident. There are the French colonial villas found in District Three (just outside of downtown) and the popular War Remnants Museum. The famous Continental Hotel, where many famous journalists laid their heads in 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, has been renovated, but retains its classic feel.

Downtown, Ben Thanh Market functions like a traditional market during the day, but becomes an outdoor festival of food and shopping in the evening. The market is within walking distance of both the budget guesthouses of Pham Ngu Lao and the upscale accommodations in the city’s center.

While the level of convenience appears to be growing exponentially, it seems that, at least for the time being, Ho Chi Minh City has been able to retain some of its charm.