The island of Penang has long been a favourite destination for older travellers in Southeast Asia. Its natural beauty, cultural heritage and food scene are some of the reasons that make it perfect for either a weekend getaway or a week of relaxation. After 15 years absence, we make a return visit to see if things have changed.
Taichung, on the western central coast of Taiwan, is known as the birthplace of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, but it’s rarely on the radar of international visitors. That’s a pity because Taichung is a relaxed city with a wide range of attractions that will appeal to art and culture lovers, nature seekers and hikers, as well as having the only Michelin-starred ice cream parlour in the world.
The Thuy Xuan Incense Village on the outskirts of Hue, Vietnam, is a place where colours, scents, and the laughter of local artisans collide. It’s a dreamy place for photographers where you can observe a living tradition. And if you feel like rolling up your sleeves and trying your hand at making incense sticks, you can do just that and have some unique souvenirs to take home.
Kampot, a charming river town in southern Cambodia, is a destination which many older travellers find appealing because of its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. Restored French colonial façades line the riverside, while weathered shophouses have been lovingly transformed into upmarket restaurants, coffee shops, bars and welcoming guesthouses.
Kep West, an upmarket hospitality and wellness destination on Cambodia’s southern coast, is a perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and calm. Travel warnings relating to the border skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia are keeping some people away, but those incidents have been confined to a region over 400km to the north and are not keeping experienced travellers away.
The lunar new year is a festive time in many Asian countries. In Vietnam it is known as Tet. One of the traditions of Tet is the giving of sticky rice cakes as gifts, many of which are made by families at home. Joining a family Tet celebration in Vietnam is a unique and memorable experience, but if you can’t do that, savouring Tet cakes - which can be savoury or sweet - is the next best thing.
Japan is synonymous with cherry blossom season but there are many other countries in Asia where cherry blossoms can be viewed, and many places where the usual sakura crowds can be avoided. Planning an Asian spring visit to see cherry blossoms can be rewarding experience for older travellers, but chasing cherry blossoms is never just about ticking off places – it’s an adventure in nature and culture.
Many travellers transit through Doha on their way to or from Asia, but few break their journey there - perhaps unaware of what Doha has to offer. Qatar Airways offers attractive stopover packages to encourage travellers to spend a few days in their home base. We take a look at whether it’s worth breaking the journey to spend some time in Qatar’s capital.
Driving a rental car is an excellent way to see the Turkish Riviera. It provides the opportunity to visit many interesting and scenic areas that are away from the tourist crowds. However, in planning such a trip, there are some important issues that should be taken into account. Here is a detailed account of one Turkish Riviera road trip and the lessons learned.
Rampant inflation in Türkiye has pushed prices up so much in the past five years that it is no longer a cheap destination for budget travellers. We take a look at how much prices have risen between 2020 and 2025 to determine whether Türkiye is still an affordable destination for those travelling on a budget.
Bali is a large island and travelling from one side to the other can easily take 3-5 hours. Deciding where to base yourself can therefore be challenging if you are not familiar with the island. Here are three areas that are ideal for older travellers looking to either immerse themselves in real Balinese culture or seeking quieter refuges from the glitzy resorts and party beaches.
Busan is one of the most captivating cities to visit in South Korea with a wide range of sights and activities to interest older travellers. In addition, it can serve as a good base for day trips to nearby cities and several heritage and nature destinations. Here are some updates to our previously published Busan travel guide and travel tips for those planning a trip there.
Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, still has another six weeks to run before it closes on 13 October. The next World Expo won’t take place until late 2030 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. So, if you don’t want to wait another five years to attend an Expo, a trip to Osaka is your only option. But Expo 2025 has come in for a lot of criticism. We take a late trip there to see if that criticism is justified.
Goeje Island in South Korea has a lot to offer the older traveller with its nature attractions, scenic coastline, hiking trails in forested mountains and botanic gardens. The island has western eating options as well as a myriad of Korean seafood restaurants and many coffee and dessert shops down its east coast. Here’s how to get around the island using its excellent local bus network.
Kazakhstan is a country that will appeal to travellers who like to get off the beaten track and away from throngs of tourists. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, impressive natural landscapes, and hospitable people, most travellers will find something to their liking here. There’s plenty of interest for history and architecture enthusiasts as well as those looking for active recreation and ecotourism opportunities.
Many western governments have issued travel warnings cautioning their citizens about travelling to Hong Kong since the China crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2020. The travel warnings suggest that tourists may be subject to arbitrary arrest and detention. Are these warnings overblown or are they real? We travel to Hong Kong to find out.
