WITH Myanmar offering an endless variety of holiday destinations to fit any taste and budget – from swanky beach resorts on the Bay of Bengal, to cool mountain retreats in Shan State, to sacred pilgrimage sites throughout the country – it is easy to imagine someone spending a lifetime exploring the country’s travel possibilities without casting a glance beyond the borders.

Yet more locals are adding foreign countries to their list of vacation options as the standard of living rises in Myanmar, better transportation makes travelling cheaper and easier, and the information age raises curiosity about other cultures.

Although there is no official data on the exact numbers of Myanmar people heading overseas for vacation, marketing personnel at tourism-based businesses are sufficiently convinced that the numbers are rising that many have introduced, or plan to introduce, international travel packages aimed at the domestic market.

For example Malaysia Airlines, the national airline of Malaysia, recently introduced packages for Myanmar holidaymakers that are valid for travel through the end of November.

The promotion includes a three-day/two-night trip to Kuala Lumpur starting at US$340; four days/three nights in Penang starting at $440; and four days/three nights in Langkawi from $460. The prices are inclusive of return economy airfare, fuel surcharge, Malaysian airport tax, airport transfer, accommodation and tours.

Special deals have also been offered by other airlines with direct links from Yangon to foreign cities, including Thai Airways, whose Royal Orchid Holiday packages cover a wide range of destinations around the world.

Local travel agencies also arrange overseas packages for Myanmar citizens. One of the most popular foreign destinations for locals is Buddhgaya in India’s Bihar State. It is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists, the place where Prince Siddhartha Gautama is believed to have attained enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi tree.

In 1998 the Ministry of Religious Affairs began organising package tours to the sacred site that are led by experienced guides.

Because of the high demand, the government has allowed a limited number of private tour companies to arrange the trips. During the current high season two tour operators will offer the trip: Aung Chan Thar Buddhgaya Pilgrimage Tour and Yangon Pilgrimage Tour.

In previous years the long 15-day/14-night tours required an airport transfer and a two-night stay in Kolkata, India.

However, last March Myanma Airways initiated direct flights from Yangon to Gaya in Bihar State and flew the route six times before the end of the pilgrimage season in April, said U Aung Than, the managing director of Aung Chan Thar Pilgrimage Tour.

With the direct flights pilgrims can now visit Buddhgaya as part of a shorter 11-day/10-night package tour.

Indian Airlines saw the potential of the direct route and flew the last tour group of last season in April. Both Myanma Airways and Indian Airlines are offering the direct flights throughout the 2005-2006 pilgrimage season.

The package tour includes visits to Buddhgaya; Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal; Deer Park near Varanisi in India’s Uttar Pradesh State, where Buddha delivered his first sermon; and Kusinagara, Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha passed away.

The tours begin on Mondays. With Aung Chan Thar Pilgrimage Tour and Yangon Pilgrimage Tour groups each departing on alternating weeks, there is a tour starting each week.