This week, our Travel-Expert-in-Residence, Rudy Maxa, joins us from Singapore to tell us what's hot on the travel scene in Asia.

Well, one amazing bargain he has mentioned before -- but is definitely worth repeating -- is called the "All-Asia pass," offered by the Hong Kong-based airline, Cathay Pacific. It allows travelers from the U.S. and Canada to fly to Hong Kong and then spend 21 days visiting 17 other cities for just $999.

It's good from any Cathay Pacific gateway in North America, which includes New York, San Francisco, LA, Toronto and Vancouver. And, if you don't live in one of those cities, don't worry: a good travel agent can get you there cheaply.

Sound too good to be that simple? Well, there are always footnotes to airline deals, but this one's not too bad. The travel dates for 2003 are February 9 through May 15, and then again from August 14 through December 3. You'll pay about $100 in taxes and airport fees. And, to get the $999 price, you have to join Cathay's Cyber-Traveler club, which is free.

So where can you go in Asia once you get to Hong Kong? How about Bangkok, Singapore and great cities such as Beijing, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur. And, for another $500, you can add flights to Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Plus, you can upgrade to business class for about a grand each way.

To get your All-Asia Pass, buy it through a travel agent. But first, go to Cathay's Web site and print out the forms you'll need.

Savvy Resources: Cathay Pacific Web site: http://www.cathay-usa.com Specifics on the deal: http://www.cathay-usa.com/offers/aap.asp?bhcp=1