Adam Smigielski
In good part because of its long civil war (from 1983 to 2009), this mostly Buddhist island nation of 22 million, located in the Indian Ocean to the southeast of India, is afflicted by overtourism yet is now attracting increasing numbers of visitors thanks to an amazing trove of sights and experiences, from coconut-palm-fringed beaches (some of which are great for surfing!); lush tea plantations; exciting wildlife-spotting safaris; a delectable cuisine; and friendly locals not
Asia (128)
Imagine a land where the earth itself seems alive, where flames rise mysteriously from the ground, and where ancient rituals once worshipped fire as a symbol of life. Welcome to Azerbaijan, a country straddling the eastern edge of Europe and the western edge of Asia that has long been known as the “Land of Fire.” Exploring this fiery landscapes is like stepping into a living legend.
From the bustling streets of capital Baku to remote mountains and sacred temples, Azerbaijan t
Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia’s most fascinating yet often overlooked travel destinations. As the ninth-largest country in the world, it offers vast landscapes, modern cities, ancient cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. From futuristic architecture and historic Silk Road sites to dramatic mountains and peaceful lakes, Kazakhstan provides a unique travel experience for those looking to explore somewhere different.
In recent years, tourism in Kazakhstan has grown steadily as mo
When people plan international trips, they often think of Europe’s famous capitals or Asia’s well-known cultural hubs. Rarely does Azerbaijan make it to the top of the list—and that’s exactly why it remains one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. Tucked between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan offers a fascinating blend of cultures, architecture, landscapes, and cuisine that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.
Azerbaijan is often called the “Land of Fi
Cherry blossom season in the Land of the Rising Sun, known as sakura, is one of the most magical natural events in the world. Every spring millions of cherry trees burst into delicate pink and white blooms, transforming the landscape into a dreamlike wonderland. If you're planning a this year to witness this fleeting beauty, you're in for an unforgettable experience. In this detailed guide, we'll cover the best viewing times, top locations, hanami traditions, practical tips, and how to book Japa
Best Mountain Destinations in China for Nature Lovers
China’s vast landscape is defined by dramatic mountain ranges, mist-covered peaks, deep gorges, and sacred summits that have inspired poets, monks, and travellers for centuries. For nature lovers, China offers some of the most diverse and visually striking mountain destinations in the world. From spiritual peaks dotted with ancient temples to rugged ranges ideal for hiking and photography, these mountains provide unforgettable encounters with
Up in the hills north of capital Denpasar, this bustling town of around 75,000 residents has for many years successfully promoted itself as a center of culture, the arts, and spirituality. It´s also filled with landmarks and museums and offers a wide menu of shopping, dining, and recreational options. And of course there are many hotels - nearly 400 - of various types, from very simple to very luxurious indeed. Here´s a sampling of just a half dozen:
Meruhdani Boutique Hotel
Tucked along a qu
Almost no matter which Chinese city you visit – Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Guilin (below) – you’ll spot people individually or in groups, in parks, on esplanades, and other public places, performing the slow, fluid, elegant movements that are a hallmark of the centuries-old discipline of tai chi chuan and its closely related, overlapping form qigong. And increasingly, you´ll see them practiced elsewhere in the world, as well (just yesterday I spotted two women do
Azabu Kadowaki
These days it´s no surprise to anyone that Japan´s capital is also one of the world´s greatest dining capitals. By some counts there are a staggering around 160,000 restaurants, ranging from casual hole-in-the-wall eateries to fine Michelin-starred temples of gourmet excellence (of which, by the way, there are more than any other city in the world - an impressive 135), and covering the entire gamut of world cuisines. And since you probably didn´t travel all the way here to eat Fr
China’s Buddhist heritage is deeply woven into its landscape, culture, and everyday life. For travellers, this heritage offers more than just ancient monuments—it provides peaceful spaces, scenic surroundings, and meaningful experiences that connect spirituality with travel. Buddhism reached China nearly two thousand years ago, largely through monks and scholars travelling from India along ancient trade routes. Over time, it took root and evolved into a unique expression that still attracts visi
In a world driven by speed, efficiency, and constant movement, traveling slowly has become a quiet luxury. China, often perceived as fast-paced and overwhelming, offers an unexpected gift to those who choose to explore it at a gentler rhythm. Beyond its megacities and bullet trains lies a China best experienced slowly—through mindful walks, rural landscapes, ancient towns, and moments of silence that linger long after the journey ends.
Slowing Down in China’s Cities
China’s major cities—Beijin
When people think of travelling to China, Beijing’s imperial grandeur and Shanghai’s futuristic skyline usually dominate the imagination. While these two cities are undeniably fascinating, they represent only a fraction of what China has to offer. Stretching across vast landscapes and shaped by thousands of years of history, China is home to ancient towns, dramatic natural wonders, culturally rich regions, and cities that feel refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. To truly understand the count
Wait, isn´t India majority Hindu and large-minority Muslim, with Christians only about two to three percent of the population? Absolutely, but as with other Asian countries like Japan, Christmas has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends religions, and Indians love a good festival! So apart from places like Goa, Kerala, northeastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which hold large church services, street decorations, p
Let’s Be Honest — Not All Souvenirs Deserve Your Luggage Space
You didn’t travel all the way to Japan to come back with boring keychains and cheap magnets. Japan is a shopping paradise with tons of items that are actually worth buying — things that make your friends jealous, taste way better than expected, or become your everyday essentials.
From quirky snacks to luxury skincare and aesthetic artisan crafts, here’s the real list of souvenirs in Japan worth your time and money.
1. Japanese Snacks
Let’s be honest — Bali shopping hits different.
It’s not boring malls and rushed buying. It’s cute markets, beachy streets, handmade stuff, and good prices.
Whether you want souvenirs, boho clothes, local crafts, or just window shopping with coffee in hand — these are the Bali markets and shopping streets you should NOT skip.
1. Ubud Art Market – Classic & Must-Visit
This is the most famous market in Bali and for good reason.
You’ll find handmade bags, wooden items, paintings, scarves, jewelry,
Famous for its mesmerizing islands and sun-kissed, turquoise-water beaches, this vast archipelago is also home to myriad other exciting experiences and activities. Here are just four:
Swim in a Cave
On Panglao Island in the south central Philippines, there´s a large, easily accessible, and naturally lit limestone cave called Hinagdanan (top),with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. But what makes it extra special is its underground lake and twin lagoon, popular for a refreshing dip you´l
Increasing in popularity all over the world by leaps and bounds in recent years, with numerous restaurants popping up in major and even not so major cities in various countries, Vietnamese cuisine is flavorful, colorful, and very healthy. Furthermore, Vietnam is an agricultural country within which there are significant variations depending on the region - north, central and south - where geographical, cultural, and climatic differences reflects in their cuisine. The country has also over the
There are nearly 200 hotels and resorts scattered across this gorgeous archipelago - many with the signature overwater bungalows the Maldives are known for - so it´s tough to narrow it down, but here´s a go:
Set on its own island in the remote Noonu Atoll, 47 ultra-luxury villas — including beachfront, garden-water and over-water designs — each have a private infinity pool and refined, contemporary-Maldives decor combining high ceilings, natural wood, clean lines an
Travelling to Vietnam with kids has been increasing trend in the last recent year; many beautiful places are considered as the best places to visit in Vietnam, a fascinating country in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its stunning landscapes spectacular natural wilderness, cultural diversity, very friendly and welcoming people and the last but not the least its white sand beaches paradise along the tropic coastline with the World most beautiful bays, Vietnam has been a rising star destination for fami
