A fan of the book and movie Around the World in Eighty Days, pawnshop owner Ma Ding from Shanghai always wanted an adventure across the globe.

So when he heard about a luxury travel package offering a tour of the world in 60 days, he applied immediately and didn't hesitate to pay 500,000 yuan ($81,609) for the trip.

"It is the moment a childhood dream came true," said the 50-year-old. Joined by other millionaires from the Chinese mainland, Ma left footsteps in the Amazon rainforest in South America, visited penguins at the South Pole and stayed at the Burj Al-Arab Hotel in Dubai.

The arrangements were top-notch with stays at landmark five-star hotels and business class seats on many flights.

The luxury customized travel program is so popular that the price of the package has been raised to 800,000 yuan.

To take such a trip, one has to have the time, even though the money is not a problem, said Ma.

"It is not easy for some businessmen to be away for two months," he said. "Some places we've been to have no reception for mobile phones."

A global adventure also has to be able to forego Chinese food for a long time.

"That was a huge challenge for us," Ma said. "Once we arrived at a new place, we would look for a hot pot restaurant."

The rewards from the trip vary from person to person.

"Some enjoyed the visual feast, some found peace and fulfillment and some were enlightened," he said. "The byproduct of my trip is some extra weight and good friends."

He added that a luxury trip has to be at best hotels where they have best views and locations, direct flights to save travelers from transferring, and during a season when the resources and weather are right, he said.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 06/03/2013 page8)