Talking Travel: Hainan Calling, Jetstar Waving Goodbye, and the Art of Living in the Philippines

Talking Travel is the Beijinger's new weekly travel guide to great deals, interesting destinations, and weekend getaways.

We have one airline coming and one airline going to start off this week's Talking Travel. Hainan Airlines announced last week that it is beginning bi-weekly service from Beijing to Chicago (we always wonder when Hainan's service originates anywhere other than Haikou).

That will ramp up to five times per week in June 2014, with Hainan planning to move the flight's initial equipment, the Airbus A340, to Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, pending government approval. It's an interesting move, as it gives travelers to the U.S. another choice – Chicago is a major hub for United, which not everyone loves – and expands Hainan's route map even farther. Service is expected to begin in November.

As Hainan Airlines is getting ready to arrive more prominently in Beijing, Qantas-owned budget carrier Jetstar has discontinued its service to our fair city. Instead, they've decided to add flights to Melbourne, Phuket and Honolulu. Boo! You're dead to us, Jetstar. If it makes anyone feel any better, Jetstar also stopped flying to Osaka.

AirAsia still loves us, Beijing, and as long as you don't mind having to fly to Kuala Lumpur, the seat in front of you being so close enough you can kiss the back of the passenger's head, and no food allowed, it's a great, low-cost option.

On the hotel side, Thai-based chain Dusit International is offering a 35% credit on total accommodation towards dining or massage treatments, along with suite upgrades available for as little as USD 50, until September 30 at all of its hotels. That's potentially not a bad deal for anyone skipping out of town ahead of the October 1 holiday. Booking and more information are available here.

For travelers who, like me, are heading to the Philippines to scuba dive for the October 1 holiday, may not think of making a stop on the way to Anilao or Puerto Galera, but it might be worth considering. The Farm at San Benito is offering courses by The Art of Living Foundation, focusing on "The Art of Breathing," on September 20-22 and October 25-27. A special package for the course dates runs about PHP 9000++ (about RMB 1241), plus PHP 5000 for the course itself.

Traveler tip: for easy currency conversions, just use Google. Type in the amount of the currency you would like to convert, the three-letter code for that currrency, the word "to" and then the three-letter code for the currency into which you would like the amount converted. For example: "9000 PHP to CNY." Google will then present you with a conversion and a chart that allows you to change the amount of currency you'd like to exchange or receive without having to retype any of the above information.

One road flat safe.

Look for more travel information from the Beijinger every issue in our Get Out column.

Photo: The Farm at San Benito