Imagine Asia
BackBased in Portland, Oregon, Imagine Asia is a highly specialized travel agency that, as its name suggests, focuses exclusively on crafting journeys to Asia and the Pacific Rim. This boutique agency positions itself as a creator of deluxe, private tours and custom-designed travel experiences. For travelers looking for a meticulously planned trip to this part of the world, Imagine Asia presents a compelling, albeit specific, option. The agency emphasizes its deep expertise, promising to tailor travel to an individual's timeframe, budget, and expectations.
The Power of Specialization
The primary advantage of working with Imagine Asia is its profound focus. Unlike generalist agencies that cover the entire globe, this firm dedicates its resources and knowledge to a single, vast region. Their website details an impressive list of destinations, including Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. This specialization implies a level of expertise that is difficult for larger, more diversified companies to match. The team claims over 30 years of experience, research, and personal travel in the area, suggesting they have vetted the hotels, restaurants, and local guides they use. This is a significant benefit for clients seeking authentic and seamless experiences, particularly those who prefer to avoid large, impersonal tour buses and rigid schedules.
Imagine Asia caters specifically to the independent traveler who desires a more flexible and immersive journey. Their services are geared towards creating custom travel itineraries for a variety of interests, such as:
- Cultural adventures
- Culinary experiences
- Active and adventure vacations
- Honeymoon packages
- Luxury resort stays and spa retreats
A Focus on Luxury and Customization
The agency heavily promotes its ability to deliver luxury travel packages. They assert that Asia offers some of the most unique and luxurious hotels in the world, which are an integral part of the travel experience they design. The planning process appears to be highly collaborative. Their website features a detailed contact form that inquires about a traveler's interests, desired length of travel, preferred hotel style (from first-class to boutique), and even their tolerance for going "off the beaten path." This detailed approach suggests a commitment to genuine personalization, moving beyond standard vacation packages to create truly bespoke journeys.
Points for Consideration
Despite the clear advantages of its specialized model, potential clients should be aware of several factors. The most significant is the agency's limited digital footprint in terms of public feedback. The Google business profile shows a perfect 5-star rating, but this is based on only two reviews. While both are glowing—one calling it the "Best source for traveling to the Pacific Rim" and the other exclaiming "Best trip ever!!!"—this small sample size makes it difficult to gauge the typical customer experience. Furthermore, these reviews are several years old, which may concern travelers looking for more current testimonials.
Another point to consider is the nature of their physical location. Situated in a loft office at 1420 NW Lovejoy Street, it may not function as a traditional walk-in storefront. This suggests that business is likely conducted primarily by appointment, phone, or email, a model that suits detailed planning but may not appeal to those who prefer spontaneous, in-person consultations. Their operating hours are standard for a professional service, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and closed on weekends, ensuring that clients have clear windows for communication during the planning phase.
Who is the Ideal Client?
Imagine Asia is not for everyone. It is not the place to book a weekend trip to Las Vegas or a cruise in the Caribbean. The ideal client is a discerning traveler with a specific interest in Asia or the Pacific. They are likely looking for more than just a flight and hotel booking; they want the expertise of seasoned travel consultants to build a complex, multi-destination, or thematic trip. This agency is best suited for those planning significant life events like a honeymoon or anniversary, or for travelers who value deep cultural immersion and are willing to invest in a perfectly tailored itinerary. The emphasis on avoiding large tour groups also points to a clientele that values privacy, flexibility, and a more personal connection to the destinations they visit. For this specific niche, the expertise offered by a dedicated team of Asia travel specialists could be invaluable.