A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
My initial encounter with Asia took place when I relocated there! I was engaged in a research project collaborating withCambridgeUniversity inSingaporeas a requirement of my dissertation. Although Singapore is merely a small segment of Asia, it represents only a fraction of the remarkable locations to explore across this vast region.
Tipping can be a complex aspect of travel, particularly in Asia, where customs vary significantly between countries. Understanding these nuances is essential for respectful and appropriate travel. This guide provides a clear overview of tipping practices across Asian countries, ensuring you navigate your dining, hotel stays, and tours with ease.
As the winter months linger in the northern hemisphere, the allure of a dreamy beach vacation intensifies. Why not dream bigger with an extended trip to an entirely new destination?
Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite cities in Asia.
The cities of Southeast Asia are on the rise. Urban centers in the region, such as Bangkok, Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Luang Prabang, Laos—hailed for their affordable and delectable dining, historic sites, warm locals, and exciting culture—made up more than half of our list of Best Cities in Asia this year. There’s never been a better time to visit Asia, particularly to these spots, thanks to an array of stunning hotel openings, increased flights from the U.S., and favorable exchange rates. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on factors such as sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. Consequently, whether you are in town for business, on a backpacking trip, or stopping over before hitting the beaches, these cities have more than enough attractions to keep you entertained.
In this immense region, a city can be many things: the capital of an ancient kingdom, like Siem Reap, Cambodia; a spiritual center for wellness, like Ubud, Bali; or a hub of global culture and finance, like Tokyo. This diversity is what draws travelers to Asia again and again: No two cities are alike, each revealing a new facet of this vast continent. However, some cities rank higher than others with GoTravelDaily readers, and once you check out this year’s World’s Best list, it’s easy to see why.
When the Lunar New Year holiday arrives each year, it brings a flood of fond memories for me. My family immigrated from Seoul, South Korea, to Canada when I was 5 years old, and my parents wanted to make sure I didn’t forget my Korean roots, or the importance of tradition — especially one as vital as Lunar New Year, which is called Seollal in Korean.
The Seollal holiday was just one way my parents tried to keep our heritage alive. I’m so grateful that they did things like encourage me to watch K-dramas or listen to K-pop music so I wouldn’t forget my language. The stories they told me, the food we ate, and the traditions that were passed down all played an integral part in who I am today as a Canadian-Korean woman.
Contrary to what many people outside Asia may think, Lunar New Year is not an exclusively Chinese holiday. True, it follows the Chinese Lunar calendar (in 2023, it falls on January 22, the Year of the Rabbit), but the holiday is celebrated across Asia, and each country has its own customs and traditions. Lunar New Year is most often celebrated by eating specific dishes, usually with the entire family, and observing superstitions meant to bring good luck for the coming year.
Here’s how Lunar New Year is celebrated in some Asian countries.
Unlike in the West, where a mass-produced bag is haphazardly steeped in boiling water, tea in Asia is taken much more seriously. In fact, the history of Asian tea dates back to the very beginning of recorded history!
Figuring out where to travel for June in Asia largely depends on the transitioning weather, but you’ll also want to take some big summer festivals into consideration.
Traveling in July across Asia guarantees an experience filled with high humidity and rain, particularly in regions impacted by the Southeast Monsoon. While some areas may be hotter and wetter, your travels can still be rewarding if you plan accordingly.
How much money to travel in Asia is enough? There isn’t an easy answer; however, by examining the variables, you can create a budget for Asia more easily.
Adhering to a few tips for taking night buses in Asia could mean the difference between an interminable ride and a restful journey. Sometimes getting the right seat on the right bus is simply luck of the draw, but there are some variables you can control.
Fall in Asia offers a pleasant climate as hot and humid temperatures become more bearable. The peak of the monsoon season impacts destinations such as Thailand and its neighboring countries, while Indonesia, particularly Bali, begins to experience an increase in rainfall during this period.
Embarking on an extended backpacking trip across Asia can be an exhilarating experience, complete with unexpected twists and invaluable lessons. Below are nine essential insights that often catch newcomers off-guard during their journeys in Asia.
Once the wedding planning and festivities have concluded, finding a serene, warm, and romantic place to unwind is essential. Bali is a premier destination for honeymooners, offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Known for its enchanting volcanoes and pristine beaches, Bali captivates couples looking for both adventure and relaxation.
The squat toilets in Asia may not be the most glamorous topic, yet they are an inevitable part of the travel experience in the region. Western travelers often attempt to avoid them, but facing this reality is essential.
Giving gifts in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, follows a strict set of etiquette based on traditions, superstition, and even numerology. The rules of saving face also apply, particularly when giving and receiving gifts. While gift-giving etiquette in Asia varies by country, some guidelines are consistent throughout China, Japan, Korea, and surrounding places.
Transportation in Asia can be a daunting task for travelers. However, understanding the various options available can simplify this experience. From high-speed bullet trains to local buses, Asia offers a wide range of transportation choices, all functioning in a rhythm that locals master while visitors may find challenging. The chaos often resolves, making travel feasible and efficient.
Prior to internet calling, making international calls to the United States from Asia (or anywhere abroad) was both frustrating and expensive. Times have changed; thankfully, the days of braving call centers with noisy connections are long gone. It’s easier than ever for travelers to keep in touch with loved ones back home, particularly when traveling with a smartphone.