Tibet opened up to foreign tourists at the beginning of July, just a few days after the Olympic torch safely passed through. Since then pretty much everyone (CNAdventure, CCC and STA has been scrambling to put together packages for the remaining few weeks of summer. If you’re on the fence about whether it’s worth it or not, read Kathleen McLaughlin’s FEER blog (It’s blocked—you gotta skirt the Net Nanny). But with observations such as this:

• Whether we are continually monitored or followed, I don't know. I assume so. With police and army patrolling most street corners, white faces have no chance of escaping notice. Inside the famed Potala Palace, for instance, there are an equal number of People’s Liberation Army uniforms and monks’ robes worn.

It’s questionable how much fun you’re going to have with all the cops around--you're not going to be able to slip into casual conversation with monks. On the other hand, with almost no tourists around, you’ve got the run of Lhasa. Read Kathleen Crislip’s blog with great links to on the ground reports to make the final call. My advice? Wait till Christmas. Think I’m crazy? Stayed tuned…

Check Wikitravel for an excellent run down of Tibet highlights.