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Tripadvisor has just published it’s annual top hotel awards for 2023, based on the reviews that travellers leave on its website, and Asian hotels rate highly. Six Asian properties ranked in the prestigious World’s Top 10 Hotels category, and of the Top 25 Hottest New Hotels globally, 12 are in Asia. Here’s a rundown of the Asian winners.
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.
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.
World Expo 2020 is being held in Dubai, UAE, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The event offers visitors the opportunity to see how new technology is changing the world, sample cuisine from many different nations, and learn about the culture of different countries through live music, dance performances and art exhibitions.
Asian airports have always ranked well in the annual Skytrax awards, but this year Singapore’s Changi has been knocked from its top perch by two others in the region. Here’s a rundown of where the top Asian airports have ranked in the 2021 awards, so if you have to spend time at any of these Asian airports, at least you know you’ll be staying amongst the world’s best.
Dubai has established itself as a global transportation hub well known for its duty-free shopping and upmarket malls. But it’s more than a shopping paradise – this ultra-modern cosmopolitan melting pot of many races and cultures has a wide range of attractions and activities that will appeal to older world travellers from discerning foodies to history buffs.
Travelling solo in Asia may not be for everyone – especially for older females – but for those who enjoy time on their own, it can be liberating and rewarding. It enables you to travel at your own pace, do what you want to do, when you want, and change your schedule whenever you feel like it. With a few sensible safety precautions, solo travel in Asia can be a safe and enjoyable experience for anyone.
Asia has a surprisingly good number of locations where it is possible to take hot air balloon flights. Drifting over a scenic landscape as the sun rises is both exciting and relaxing, and many travellers who are nervous about flying or suffer vertigo in tall buildings have said that flying in a hot air balloon was one of their most exhilarating experiences ever. It’s a wonderful way to see places from a new perspective.
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.
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.
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.
From experiential art installations to raptors and turtles, the emirate of Sharjah in the UAE offers a plethora of things to do and places to see for the senior traveller. Guest author, Ambica Gulati, describes her 4-day visit to this destination on the Persian Gulf that is growing in popularity with visitors from overseas.
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.
House sitting offers retirees without time constraints the opportunity to visit other countries and save on accommodation costs. It enables travellers to enjoy new cultural experiences and live like a local. House sitting has been popular in the US, UK and Australia/New Zealand for many years, but is now taking off in Asia.
