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Baku is an oil-rich city that is somewhat off the beaten track but is worth visiting because it has a history dating back many centuries. This gives it a unique amalgamation of old and new, with buildings dating back more than 800 years overshadowed by new high-rises and interesting structures from its Soviet era.
In recent years, Georgia has gained a reputation as one of the best destinations in western Asia for food and wine lovers. Its Kartvelian cuisine, which takes inspiration from its Slavic, Turkish, and Persian neighbours, can be an indulgent experience, and its traditional home-brewed wines in clay vessels represent one of the oldest wine cultures in the world.
South India has a bewildering number of magnificent temples, many of which attract visitors from all over the world. But for the first time visitor, it’s hard to know where to start. Here one of our local writers who is an experienced world traveller recommends six of the best to visit to help you plan a South India itinerary that won’t disappoint.
The Thailand tourism authorities have come in for a lot of criticism in recent months for not being able to handle the volume of Thailand Pass applications that were made once destinations were opened to international tourists under their ‘Test & Go’ and ‘Sandbox’ schemes for vaccinated travellers. But now there’s evidence that the backlog has been cleared and travellers are receiving their Thailand Passes within the seven days promised.
Southeast Asia has many colonial hotels with rich and varied histories. There are some that once hosted well known literary figures, stars of stage and screen, and were instrumental in the lives of foreign correspondents whilst covering wars in Southeast Asia. Those travellers who love literature and reminiscences of bygone eras will find these hotels worth a visit.
When travellers think of Asian winter holiday destinations they usually think of Japan or South Korea in East Asia, but there’s a remarkable winter destination to discover in West Asia too. Georgia has beautiful mountain scenery, picturesque villages and forests, frozen lakes, and ski fields that are open until April with prices that are well below European or other Asian ski resorts.
Anyone travelling internationally these days knows about the hassles involved in getting PCR tests completed within the right timeframe. Many travellers have missed flights because their test certificates didn't arrive in time. But it’s not just timing that’s important — it’s the format of the test certificate too. If the format doesn’t match the entry requirements of the country to which you are travelling, you may be denied boarding.
Tourists visiting Dubai have been scammed out of thousands of dollars in recent years through a scam known as the ‘Black Seed Powder Scam’ or the ‘Black Seed Oil Scam’. If you are heading to the UAE, be aware of this scam and follow the advice of the Dubai Police contained in this article. The scam is also prevalent in Abu Dhabi and has been copied in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Pakistan.
It is worth taking your time to explore Georgia, but time is not a luxury everyone has. So taking day trips from the capital, Tbilisi, is an excellent way to enjoy small parts of the country and soak up as much of its ancient culture as possible. Within a couple of hours from Tbilisi, you can reach majestic mountains, sprawling arid landscapes, and lush green forests.
Cambodia’s Angkor Archeological Park has been recognised as one of the most significant archeological sites in Southeast Asia. Once the centre of the Khmer Kingdom, the Park has an impressive array of ancient temples from the 9th to the 15th century of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire. UNESCO has implemented a wide range of protection programmes to safeguard these valuable relics.
In a recent awards list of the top 100 sustainable tourist destinations in the world, 22 in Asia were recognised for their efforts in providing tourism experiences that had a positive impact on the local environment or culture. Many of these will appeal to older travellers seeking destinations that are off-the-beaten-track and travel experiences that are supporting local communities.
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is a city with a torrid history, but it’s slowly recovering from the cruel genocide inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. It’s a destination that older travellers interested in history and culture will enjoy. The people are welcoming and their hospitality is genuine, and your visit can play a small part in helping this country recover from its darkest days.
Goa on India’s west coast has long been known as a beach and party destination for young Europeans, but it has a lot to offer older travellers too. Aside from its tropical beaches, there are spice plantations, a bird sanctuary, local markets and interesting historic and cultural places to visit, as well as good restaurants to enjoy the local seafood.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a treasure trove of historic places, cultural heritage, culinary delights, and contrasting old and new architecture. It’s an easy and safe city to explore on foot. This guide for first-time visitors to the city will ensure that you don’t miss out on any of its highlights.
If partying in a glitzy alfresco rooftop bar is your scene, then Singapore has some of the best options in Asia for seeing in the New Year. You’ll not only be able to enjoy jaw-dropping views with great food and drinks, but see spectacular displays of fireworks and laser lights whilst relaxing in the balmy night air high above the urban jungle.
A boat trip along the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia is a leisurely way to see and learn how people live in the Mekong Delta — a vast section of Indo-China that provides fascinating insights into the culture and history of a region that has been described as the heart and soul of Southeast Asia.
