Thanks for the info, all of you! I hadn't thought about the weather in South America, that's definately something to be aware of! We are speaking more about Asia, rain and all. I spent the last 8 years in Seattle, and my husband is from there, so the rain isn't as much of a concern as it might be to other native Californians!

Also, we have some good friends who have spent 9-14 years in Hong Kong and Singapore who would give us loads of tips.

For some reason planning a trip to Europe seemed so much...less scary! Not sure why I feel that way, perhaps there seem to be more down to earth guide books about Europe. I'll get over it and on with the planning.

Thanks for the advice! Ellie, Northern California