All tagged Japan
During periods that we are unable to travel because of coronavirus lockdowns, closed borders or quarantine restrictions, there is only one way to satisfy the travel bug — and that’s through virtual travel from our computers and tablets. We take a look at which websites offer the best virtual travel experiences for when we are stuck at home.
With thousands of international travellers still stranded in Asia, those affected are placing the blame squarely on airlines who prematurely cancelled flights and provided no alternative options for them to get home. Slow and disorganised responses by some governments in mounting repatriation flights have also come in for criticism. However, with death tolls still increasing in the U.S. and some European countries, some travellers have decided to sit out the pandemic in Asia.
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.
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.
Tokyo is surely one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. The constant buzz of energy is one of its great attractions for visitors. Older travellers who want to set aside time to relax will be pleased to know that that the city also has many fine parks. They offer a chance to slow down and discover a different side to the Japanese capital. We take a look at three of the best parks in central Tokyo.
Older travellers may not rush around as much as they did in their younger days, but they still seek adventure – and Asia has excitement a plenty to offer. Here’s a look at how travel can help people stay young at heart even in their golden years.
Many older travellers to the tropical countries of Asia like to keep fit whilst they are on holiday. One way to do this is through running or jogging. However, if you normally run only in temperate climates, there are some precautions that you need to take in the tropics. This guide contains some practical advice from a Thailand-based ultra runner on how to maintain your fitness regime in a tropical climate, and also some important tips on personal safety.
Paintings make great souvenirs to bring home from a trip to Asia. They not only serve as a reminder of places that you’ve visited, but will look great on the walls of your home. Original paintings may appreciate in value and are a better buy than reproductions. Our guide to buying art in Asia tells you where the best places are to buy original paintings, how to transport your paintings home, and where to see the best art if you aren’t in the mood to buy yet.
There are only 10 countries in Asia that allow travellers to use camera drones without a permit. In about 20 others, the process of acquiring permits ranges from relatively easy to extremely hard. In many others, recreational flying of drones is banned. Even in countries where drones are permitted, there are many no-fly zones and regulations that have to be followed. Penalties for breaching drone laws can be heavy fines or even imprisonment. This article summarises where you can and cannot fly drones in Asia.
There are many different tropical fruits available from markets and street stalls throughout Asia. Not all of them may be familiar to visitors from other parts of the world because some tropical fruits do not travel well, so are only readily available in the countries where they are grown. Travellers should therefore try to sample local fruits that are in season whenever the opportunity arises. Here are six of our “must try” fruits for visitors to the region.
TripAdvisor has unveiled its 25 top destinations for 2019 and, not surprisingly, they include many places in Asia. Its annual Travellers' Choice Awards are based on the reviews and ratings of TripAdvisor users around the world. Here’s a look at the 10 Asian destinations that made the list and what they have to offer older travellers.
RVing is a popular pursuit in many parts of the world, but in Asia there are only three countries where campervans can be rented, and only one country – namely Japan – where campgrounds or RV parks are on a par with those in the West. Japan is also one of the safest countries in the world to tour in a campervan.
For those who enjoy a tipple, one of the pleasures of travelling in Asia is sampling some of the locally-produced drinks. A wide selection of alcoholic drinks is available, with many countries producing not only their own beer and wine but a sometimes surprising range of spirits.
TIME magazine’s 2018 World’s Greatest Places listing featured many places to visit, eat, drink and stay in Asia. We reviewed the list and came up with the top 20 places that we think will be of most interest to older travellers. These include some diverse and interesting places that have only opened in the past year.
The story of Hachiko, the dog who waited at a Tokyo railway station for almost a decade for the arrival of his deceased master, is well known in Japan. A memorial to Hachiko outside the busy Shibuya Station is a testament to how Japanese people value loyalty and perseverance.
What are the top 5 destinations in Asia for first-time visitors that would appeal most to senior travellers? It’s advisable to start with destinations that provide a ‘soft landing’, and not ones like India that can be quite overwhelming for less experienced travellers. Here are our recommendations for the best places to visit for those new to Asia.
