Bangkok is not that expensive. We found a fairly good 3 star hotel off of Sukumvit Rd near the BTS for under $40.00 Cdn a night, and food is dirt cheap there if you stay away from the high priced tourist joints. Same for beer as long as it's not in the bars with "live entertainment."
Can't beat the price for tailor made clothes there either. My wife and I had four hand made suits done up with 4 silk shirts/blouses. She got pants and skirts for hers and he tossed in 2 high end silk ties for me. Done up in less than 48 hrs and total cost about $300.00 CDn.
Hong Kong is the major destination hub for SE Asia plenty of flights through there. As I said the best deal I know of now is the Cathay All Asia Pass, plus you're flying Cathay which beats Air Transat or Air Canada in terms of service any day of the week.
Re buying on-line never do this. Do all your research on-line at expedia etc, but buy from a flesh and blood travel agent. Most reputable ones will match any prices you see on-line (in Toronto Flight Centre will either match any other offer or even knock off $5.00). Buying on line leaves you no protection like trip cancellation, bankruptcy of airlines (Canada 3000) etc. real travel agencies are insured, plus you have a real person to deal with.
Have to agree on Central America as a good cheap destination. Panama and Honduras are going to be the next Costa Rica, so go now while it's still cheap and not overrun with package tours. Seriosuly looking at retiring in one or ther in a few years and maybe opening a little bar on the beach down there and yeah serving and former CF members will get the first beer on the house.
