Tag Archive | asia

Travellers who want to experience a stellar holiday can take a city break in one of Asia’s electrifying metropolises. Many of these prominent cities feature unique points of interest and exciting travel adventures. Obtaining an online credit card can help fund these holidays. Here are some of the top choices of Asian cities where visitors can experience a thrilling city break:

Tokyo
This Japanese capital is one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world. This grand metropolis mixes ancient Japanese traditions with modern amenities to create a truly unique city. The iconic Mount Fuji serves as the perfect backdrop. Sacred temples, such as the Sensoji Temple, are commonplace throughout the city. Travellers can ride up to the observation decks of the Tokyo Tower, an impressive structure resembling the Eiffel Tower, to see some of the best views of the city. Tokyo is also home to many museums and cultural centres.

Taipei City
Visitors can find this affluent city just off the coast of Mainland China on the island of Taiwan. Taipei 101, a large tower located in the city center, previously held the record as the world’s tallest building. Travelers can also find the best Taipei hotels surrounding the shopping districts in the downtown area such as Zhongxiao East Road and the Shilin Night Market. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is an ideal place to visit for travelers who want to learn more about Taiwan’s history.

Bangkok
Thailand’s premier city boasts many significant sites of interest. The Grand Palace is one of the city’s most acclaimed attractions for its stunning beauty and its history serving as the living quarters for generations of Thai royalty. For an exciting shopping experience, visitors can journey to Siam Paragon, a lavish shopping centre featuring numerous stores, extensive cuisine selections and even a movie theatre and concert hall. The Victory Monument, a towering structure commemorating Thailand’s victory in the Franco-Thai War, is a proud symbol of the city. Bangkok is also known for its immaculate temples such as Wat Arun.

Seoul
This city serves as the centerpiece of South Korea. Amongst its tall buildings and bustling city life, travellers can find solace in visiting outdoor gathering spaces like Cheonggyecheon. Visitors can also behold the intricate architecture of Namdaemun, a 14th century gateway. Changdeokgung served as a royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty and can be toured. The National Museum of Korea can be visited to learn more about Korean art and history.

Amazing Hotels in Southeast Asia

Apr19

South East Asia is a hive of activity and incredibly infectious hustle and bustle – and that’s why we love it! But now and again when visiting this fantastic region you need a dose of quiet and calm down-time to counteract the craziness. I know I have been feeling this way for a while, Asia can be so hectic with lots of noise and so many people. I decided to do some research on somewhere to get away from it all and thought you would like it. So, for a blissful, out-of-the-way experience, here are three of the best alternative places to stay for a chilled out luxury holiday to South East Asia.

Four Rivers Floating Lodge – Cambodia

Sitting on a secluded river bend and surrounded by pristine virgin forest, Four Rivers Floating Lodge is a place to discover un-spoilt Cambodia at its very best. Just 12 luxurious tented villas sit on the Tatai River – a four hour drive from Phnom Penh – and you can spend your days kayaking along the mangrove waterways and visiting local villages.

Tiger Blue – Indonesia

Without a doubt the ultimate way to explore the enchanting islands of the Indonesian archipelago, Tiger Blue is a luxurious 34 metre traditional sailboat perfect for following in the footsteps of early explorers. The boat takes a slightly different route depending on the time of year, taking in the Komodo National Park between March and September and the Spice Islands of the Banda Sea between October and December. There’s always a good time to go to Indonesia.

Six Senses Con Dao – Vietnam

When you think of Vietnam you don’t always think of fantastic, un-touched beaches, but you should! Our favourite place to hide away in total luxury is the new Six Senses Con Dao resort located on the idyllic Con Dao Islands, a breathtaking archipelago featuring white powder beaches and warm crystal seas. Brilliant location, excellent food and high eco-credentials – what could be better?

Cheap Turkey holidays when on a Budget

Mar19

Turkey reflects cultures of both the East as well as the West and this is the reason people flock to Turkey for holidays. There is a variety of things to see when you head to this exotic destination. Turkey may be a Muslim country with great Islamic traditions and sentiments, but it gives equal respect to the citizens of other spiritual beliefs.

As you cross the Bosphorus and enter Asia Minor, you approach Istanbul which is to the northwest of Turkey. There are many places to visit when you reach Turkey and it would help if you made your reservations in advance to avoid any kind of disappointment.

Explore the ancient historical sites, when you are on the Aegean Coast while you enjoy cheap Turkey holidays. If you head to Pumukkale, you can witness a waterfall, made of frozen limestone, or you can explore the well preserved ruins at Ephesus. You can journey up to the Temple of Apollo and marvel at the size of the immense columns that people were able to build in early civilizations.

If you are looking for cheap holidays Turkey, enjoy a trip to Marmaris, which is a Turkish resort that is very European in nature. However, if you stroll down to the Old Quarter, you will be surprised to see conventional old Turkish men, playing backgammon, in a typical Turkish atmosphere, seated just a few yards away from the seafront that is dotted with bars.

Travel about five minutes, from Marmaris resort and you will reach a secluded beach in Icmeler, where you can enjoy sunbathing and exploring the nearby places. Enjoy the relaxed ambience of Icmeler and take trips around the various bays on boats. Visit the many bars, restaurants and lively discos in the evenings and have a great time.

Visit Bodrum in the Greek island of Kós to experience great night life, as enjoyed by the Europeans and tourists. The landscape is coastal and dotted with bays, peninsulas, islands and rich headlands. Tourists head to Bodrum for cheap Turkey holidays to relax, jog and swim, when they are not out enjoying the night life.

A visit Turkey to enjoy a cheap holiday is a great choice considering the quality of the experience that awaits you. Do not forget to visit the beaches of Antalya on the Mediterranean and try to include Istanbul where you can experience a contrasting culture. Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise which you should take advantage of when you visit Turkey.

Visit the UNESCO world heritage site at Cappadocia where you will be captivated with fairy chimneys and astounding geological formations.

Last, but not least, enjoy visiting the various historical sites and view the artistic and cultural attractions at Ankara to ensure that you have made a wonderful choice when you choose Turkey for a great holiday destination. Explore the remnants of the ruins from the Ottoman Empire and visit the museums to learn more about the rich history of Turkey. There is no doubt that travelling to Turkey for a cheap holiday is a great idea for travelers who are on a budget.

Travel Tips for Asia

Jul13

Its impossible to give tips for travel to Asia in one single article, so if required we will continue this article in several series. Today Asia is one of the fastest growing continent and hence traveling from Europe & America all the way down to Asia is not a problem as all major airlines do cover this region extensively. In this particular article we will cover countries within the Indian Sub-continent viz – India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives & Myanmar and discuss about which of these countries is tourist friendly and what to expect and what not to expect.

Starting with India, the largest country in the Indian Sub-continent is a popular tourist destination due to its rich and varied culture. They say that you can’t finish exploring India in one life, and that’s indeed true. India has about 32 states and each of those states has its own state language apart from the national language Hindi. Every state has its own cuisine and different style of dressing. Major tourist attracting destinations in India are dessert palaces in Rajasthan specifically those of Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur. Places like Leh, Ladakh, Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Haridwar & Rishikesh are well known destinations which lie around the Himalayan ranges. Goa & Mumbai are equally interesting destinations on the west coast. State of Kerala, Tamilnadu & Karnataka are full of natural and architectural wonders.

On the other hand countries like Bhutan, Sri Lanka & Nepal are geographically small but in terms of natural beauty, there is no limit. SriLanka is abundant with Tea Estates & Coffee Plantations. There are multiple virgin beaches on the coast of SriLanka and there is much more to explore in Sri Lanka than just visiting Candy and Colombo. Similarly, Bhutan is an untouched paradise and thanks to its rulers and citizens they have well preserved green regions. Modernization has not hampered the natural beauty of this country and the citizens themselves are proud of their natural beauty. In the same region, Nepal is well know to all mountaineers as access to Mt. Everest is through Nepal. Nepali culture, cuisine & rituals have a lot of influence from those in India. These days all major European airlines do reach Kathmandu in Nepal and Colombo in Sri Lanka. If you are not able to find the right connection to these destinations then try reaching India as several Indian private airlines fly to these countries.

Most of the countries in the Indian subcontinent have good internet connectivity and telecommunication infrastructure. These days making international phone calls to and from these countries is not expensive. As a traveler you can also buy a local SIM card, but that’s going to be a little expensive. Most hotels have internet connectivity and have desktops with popular voice over internet applications pre-installed.

Before traveling to Asia, make sure you read about the popular dishes in regions you plan to visit. For example, if you are flying down to Sri Lanka then be prepared to enjoy various rice preparations. While traveling to India, make sure you enjoy spicy Indian curries and bread. Not all regions in India serve spicy food, but if this is your first time to India then tell the hotel attendant to serve you less spicy food.

This article is first from our Travel to Asia series, and in the next article will focus on major tourist attractions and not to miss places in this region.

5 Reasons to visit Hong Kong

Jan16

There are many reasons to visit the Chinese island of Hong Kong. It has an assorted and colourful culture which is so different to that of the western world in so many ways, yet at the same time so familiar too. Below are just some of the reasons to visit Hong Kong:

Nature
The nature of Hong Kong is often neglected in favour of the built up city centre. The fact is however that around 60% of the island is undeveloped countryside, meaning there is great potential for a day out. The parks in particular make for a superb day out, as do the natural beaches.

Street markets
Hong Kong is famous for its traditional street markets which for centuries have been the century of commercial activity on the island. Although the country has now developed, these markets continue to flourish and the nature of some of the goods on sale will leave you gobsmacked. The noise, smell and sights all together give these street markets so much character and value to the tourist.

Festivals
Whether it is a religious festival or the birthday of a significant figure, the Chinese love a festival. There are various festivals which take place throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival amongst many more. Often, during these festivals the streets are transformed into one big party, giving the Chinese the opportunity to demonstrate their unique flair.

Mixture of east and west culture
Many parts of Hong Kong are well developed and have a distinct western feel to them. There is a thriving business culture, many locals dress as westerners and the buildings are increasingly large and modern. In direct contrast however, there are many areas which still retain their eastern traditions. This makes it a perfect locations for those who enjoy experiencing different cultures whilst remaining in close proximity to that which they are familiar.

No Visa requirement
Despite being part of China, Hong Kong has different Visa requirements to that of the mainland. If you are visiting Hong Kong for a period of less than 30 days you will not require a Visa.

Guest post by James who works with Hong Kong rentals and Paris apartments.

Adventures in Tokyo

Dec26

It was almost 2am and I had just finished my shift at the language school where I was teaching English. I had come here just over 3 months ago through a teaching agency that found me a good school to teach in. The students are great – mostly they are adults who are learning English for their work and i get along very well with them.

Well anyway, I was walking home at 2am – tonight I had vowed to politely refuse the karaoke bar offer from colleagues – I really needed sleep. The language school is in the Sumida district downtown and I live in Minato. The bus was late for some reason so i started walking keeping an eye out for a taxi on the road to hail.

I had barely taken 15 steps when I heard a barely audible voice say “Kane!”, while I felt something sharp pricking up against my back. I tried to turn around by now a hand grabbed my shoulder and shook me while poking harder with the sharp object, urgently saying: “Kane! Kane!”

It was obvious the man wanted my money. I knew that much in Japanese even though I’d only been here a few months. I was extremely nervous, but I slowly reached into my jacket while saying “ok” and turned around.

It was a kid just a bit younger than me with a Justin Bieber style hairdo. He looked really uncomfortable with his stanley knife in hand and gave me a shy grin. I looked at him and asked him: “You want a drink?”

He nodded. I walked with him to a bar across the street, got him a cocktail, ordered a beer and then we started to talk.

Good Advice for Traveling to Asia

Nov22

Traveling to Asia gives you a perfect experience where you can exercise your new language learning experiences, if you’ve mastered one of the many languages spoken in Asia. Since one of the best ways to learn a language—and to use it, once you’ve learned it—is by traveling and living in the country where the language is spoken, traveling to Asia can be a great way to further develop some of the new languages you learned.

As you probably figured, though, traveling to Asia is not like traveling to a destination inside the United States, or even like Canada or Europe. Not only is the language structure very different in many Asian countries, but the things that you need to know before traveling are also very different. Here are some things to keep in mind as you travel to Asia, and before you get there:

Be prepared in advance for a long flight. The biggest thing you need to remember about getting from the United States to Asia is that your flight, no matter what part of Asia you’re traveling to, or where in the United States you’re leaving from, is going to be long. Plan on having a flight that is at least several hours, and bring enough with you to either help you sleep, or keep you entertained during the flight. Your flight will be even longer if you’re traveling from Europe, and you may want to make the decision to buy a business class seat where you can be more comfortable.
Remember to get your visa before you go—and do it well in advance of when you plan to travel. Many Asian countries require that travelers from the United States and Europe have tourist visas before traveling. You may need to get these months in advance of when you travel, unless you are willing to pay for expediting costs or you have a business that is sending you to Asia.
Keep an open mind with regard to food. Asia presents many opportunities to try food that you’ve never heard of, and probably have never tried. Don’t try to seek out familiar, Western food when you’re traveling in Asia. Instead, take advantage of this experience and try new foods that you definitely won’t be able to get as take out at home.
Remember that not all hotels are like those we have in the United States. This tip is very similar to the idea of keeping your mind open about food. Although many American and European chains do have locations in Asian countries, don’t expect even from those chains that you’re going to have the same level of amenities and room that you’d have in an American hotel room. In the larger cities, such as Tokyo and Beijing, space is at a premium and you’re going to have to accept up front that your hotel room may be smaller than what you’re anticipating.

Taking More Cruises in Asia

Nov11

To Westerners, the Far East is a place of perceived mysticism, magic and diversity. Travellers can read as much as they want about Asia, but when it comes down to it, there is only one way to experience this marvellous part of the globe – first hand.

There are a wide variety of ways to experience the Far East, but the most comfortable mode of transport is surely aboard a luxury cruise ship. Azamara Cruises specialise in providing travellers with luxurious lodgings, unrivalled service and a wide variety of onboard entertainment whilst en route to exotic port destinations. Some of the cruise operator’s most notable Asian destinations include:

Halong Bay, Vietnam – This enchanting bay in Vietnam offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. The bay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the Quảng Ninh Province. The bay’s name translated directly to “Descending Dragon Bay” and features thousands of limestone karsts and spire-like islands.

Kobe, Japan – The sixth largest city in Japan, smaller than Tokyo, and home to the world famous Kobe beef, this city is an essential stop for travellers discovering the Far East. The city is also well known for its Arima Onsen (hot springs), which allow visitors to experience true Japanese peace and tranquillize without having to travel far from the city.

Phuket, Thailand – There is a reason that this island is such a popular tourist destination. The Andaman coast is known for its breathtaking scenery, world-class diving and rock climbing. However, when visiting Phuket, why not opt for something a little different? The Haad Nai Yang National park is on the north-western side of the island and gives travellers access to 35 square miles of unspoilt tropical rainforest.
There really is no better way to experience the Far East than aboard a luxury cruise. Courtesy of Azamara Cruises, you will get to see the world in the lap of luxury.

Famous Festivals in Taiwan

Oct27

taiwan lantern festival

Taiwan is world famous for its festivals which date back to thousands of years ago.

Taiwan Lantern Festival
Every year for example they hold the Taiwan Lantern Festival. This now 20 years old and takes on ideas from ancient Chinese culture. Lanterns represent dead relatives and other spirits and are released into the air or onto rivers in their thousands during the Chinese New Year and the Lunar Festival.

In the Taiwan Lantern Festival, participants parade through the streets carrying lanterns in their hands.

Taipei and Kaohsiung Lantern Festival
There is also a Taipei and Kaohsiung Lantern Festival which is celebrated as a national festival as well as a major event in both cities.

The festival takes place at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial hall and there is even a gigantic lantern which is made to represent the current Chinese zodiac animal. During this festival the Love River is ablaze with thousands of lanterns slowly sailing out to sea.

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
The unique event of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is when thousands of lanterns are released into the sky with some helium. The lanterns hovering through the air are beautiful to behold but have ironically contributed to many UFO sightings as well. Lanterns were used in the past in this way as warning signals to let family members know that you are safe. Today they are used as a symbol of good fortune.

Yenshui Fireworks Festival
The Taiwanese have been using fireworks and gunpowder for about 5,000 years – in fact, it was Marco Polo who brought this item back to Europe in the 15th century.

During the fire festival to the God of War in the temple in Yenshui, there is a massive fireworks display that is hard to forget if you’ve ever seen it. There is also a parade throughout the city with firecrackers being hurled day and night for several days.

Hotel in Olu Deniz

Oct18

Olu Deniz is a fantastic holiday destination for families, couples and groups of all ages but it’s important to pick your hotel carefully; you don’t want all night parties next door while your children are trying to sleep or kids running around, dive-bombing the swimming pool on your romantic getaway. So we’ve put together a compilation of some of the best hotels in Olu Deniz to help you book the perfect accommodation for your Turkey holiday.

Hotels for families
The most popular family-friendly hotel in Olu Deniz according to TripAdvisor is Lykia World Olu Deniz. Not only is it a five star luxury hotel in a stunning area of the resort but reviewers have also commented on the amazing quality of the restaurant’s food, the beautiful hotel gardens and the 19 swimming pools so there’s something for all ages! Sometimes family holidays need to be a little less luxurious but still packed with action and this is where the Karbel Sun Hotel comes in. It’s just 300 metres from the famous Belcekiz beach, 100 metres from the centre of Olu deniz and the beautiful Blue Lagoon is only 10 minutes’ walk away so it’s perfect for being right in the centre of the resort and there’s a childrens’ pool and play area too so you can relax whilst the kids keep busy.

Hotels for groups
The best accommodation for lively groups is in the centre of the resort so hotels such as Tonoz Beach hotel (just 30m from the beach), Hotel Asena (100m from the beach) and the ATA Lagoon Hotel are great choices. TripAdvisor reviewers have picked the Belcehan Hotel as one of their top choices for groups and it’s easy to see why with its large pools, snack bar, restaurant and beautiful surroundings but if you want something a little quieter, the Olu Deniz Resort Hotel is worth a look.

Hotels for couples
LykiaWorld is also a popular choice for couples as the beautiful rooms, massage services, adult pools, quality restaurants and its position right next to the beach make for a perfect romantic holiday in the stunning Turkish sunshine but if you need something a little less pricey, the villa-style Dorian Hotel is a great choice. It has everything you need including large pool, beautiful gardens and entertainment programmes, but without the hefty price tag.

Travel Tales from Asia

One Girl's Stories and Tips from the East