All in Travel
In these days of social distancing, health experts recommend that we no longer shake hands given that is a common means by which viruses and other germs are passed from one person to another. For many in Asia, that’s not a problem as local cultures have traditionally used other means of greeting and saying goodbye. For those in the west, there is a lot to be learned from those countries that do not use the handshake as a means of greeting.
Many older travellers who have spent their lives visiting countries in different parts of the world look for new places to visit to which they have not been before – particular during the years when they are ticking off a ‘bucket list’ of places that they want to see whilst they are still fit enough to travel. North Korea is a not destination that everyone will want to visit, but for those who do, it can be a travel experience like none other.
The novel coronavirus pandemic is causing many older travellers to put on hold their plans to travel in Asia. People over 60 face the highest risk of dying if they contract the virus. But those who choose to stay at home can still find ways of giving rein to their wanderlust. Here are a few ways how.
Isan in northeastern Thailand is a fascinating region for older travellers as it has many well-preserved Khmer ruins to see, as well as festivals and cuisine that reflect a mix of Thai and Lao cultures. Five national parks offer opportunities for hiking and bird-watching for those looking for back-to-nature experiences. And as Isan is one of Thailand’s least visited regions, it’s not yet overrun with tourists.
It’s ironic that the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is located in Indonesia, a country that is predominantly Muslim. Borobudur is also Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction – a fact that worries many concerned about its preservation. But the Indonesian Government in partnership with UNESCO have done much in the past 50 years to preserve this ancient site for future generations. It’s a destination in Asia that older travellers will enjoy.
As tropical Asia hurtles into the future, much of its colonial heritage is being lost. But reminders of those times are being preserved in the form of some fine old hotels that have been renovated and converted into luxury accommodation. They’re likely to appeal to anyone with an interest in Asia’s colonial history. We take a look at six of them. If staying there is beyond your budget, you can always go for a meal or a drink and take a look around.
Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya, is home to one of Asia’s most elegant colonial hotels — the Hotel Majapahit. It’s East Java’s version of Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. With room rates on offer at about a quarter of the price of the Raffles Hotel, it provide travellers with the opportunity to enjoy the stylish elegance of this meticulously maintained historic Southeast Asian hotel at a more affordable price.
The so-called mystical island of Siquijor in the Philippines is popular with divers and backpackers from around the world. It’s the location of some of the best dive spots in the Philippines, and provides backpackers with opportunities for cheap food and lodgings and long nights partying on the beach. But what does Siquijor have for older travellers who may not be into diving and partying? We take a look at what else there is to see and do on this tropical island.
The Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand offers some unique opportunities for older travellers to experience authentic nature adventures without a lot of arduous trekking. Easy hikes, long-tail boat tours and bamboo river rafting are comfortable ways to experience this region which contains ancient rainforests, picturesque waterfalls and mountain streams, majestic limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake.
The stunning Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon inspires awe in almost anyone who visits it. It lies at the heart of the city, both geographically and spiritually, and its striking presence on the city skyline helps define Yangon in a way that few monuments in other cities can. The city’s rich history and vibrant present provide plenty of interest, not least for older travellers keen to learn more about the country’s distinctive culture and traditions.
Yabbiekayu is a small eco-resort near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that offers older travellers the chance to relax and de-stress in a rural environment of sustainable living. It provides the opportunity too to learn a little about Javanese culture and visit some of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed places such as the Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple of Prambanan.
Volunteering is a rewarding way for older travellers for whom traditional sightseeing no longer appeals, but who want to experience new places and new cultures — and especially for those interested in biodiversity, environmental and wildlife conservation issues. It’s an ideal way to meet people of different nationalities who share the same interests, and to see parts of Asia that are well away from the usual tourist haunts.
South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, has a lot to offer the older traveller with many historic places and cultural events to see, unusual foods to try, beautiful parks and urban walkways for leisurely strolls and fascinating markets in which to browse or buy. This guide to one of the most the vibrant cities in East Asia will ensure you don’t miss out on the best places to visit or experiences to enjoy.
A circumnavigation of the northern island of Luzon is considered by many to be the grandest of road trips that can be undertaken in the Philippines. It takes about a month to do properly and is generally done in two circuits – one to the north of Manila and one to the south. This comprehensive guide to the northern circuit will help those wanting to do the trip to plan their itinerary and not miss any of the most interesting sights along the way.
South Korea is not often thought of as a wine-producing country. But it does have one large winery producing some surprisingly good wines. And then there’s soju — the world’s top selling spirit — which comes in a range of fruit flavours and can be drunk like wine. This comprehensive guide to Korea’s wines and spirits will help those visiting the country to choose a drink that will most suit their palate.
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are times that the presence of tourists may feel overwhelming, and you may want to escape for a day or two and enjoy the feel of ‘small town’ Thailand. The riverside town of Mae Khlong is one such place, and it’s only 80 km from Bangkok, so is ideal for either a day trip or an overnight stay.
