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.
World Expo 2020 which is currently being held in Dubai has lived up to all expectations and is highly recommended for those currently able to travel. With two and a half months remaining, many older travellers may be concerned about getting there during a pandemic and being around crowds. Here are some tips to make your Expo visit less stressful and enjoy the events, entertainment, experiences and cuisines on offer.
Bahrain is a small country that doesn't have as much to offer visitors as most other Gulf states (aside from the annual F1 Grand Prix), but this oil-rich kingdom does have enough to see and do to fill 2-3 days of an itinerary touring the Middle East. If you are interested in ancient history, or local music, there may be reasons to stay longer, depending on the time of year.
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.
Georgia is often called East Asia’s best kept secret because it is a destination that has much to offer older travellers. It is one of Asia’s newest democracies boasting beautiful scenery, easy mountain hikes, romantic cities, historic buildings, colourful churches, friendly people, a vibrant culinary scene and is home to one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.
