Asia Vacations - Travel, Tourism - Info & Review

It was a night of glitz and glamour at the travel industry's version of the Oscars - the British Travel Awards. The Winter Wonderland themed gala dinner was held to celebrate the crème de la crème of travel, from the best of UK tourism to the top airlines, cruise lines and holiday companies of 2017. Impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw took to the stage to announce the winners, as voted for by 360,000 holidaymakers between July and September. In fact, it's one of the largest UK consumer-voted programmes across any industry - and the results were in. Mercury Holidays proved to be one of the biggest winners of the night, scooping up an impressive five awards for its wide array of itineraries including being named the best holiday company in the categories for Western Europe, the Italian Peninsula, Central & South America, and East & Central Asia. However one of the biggest wins of the night was the travel giant's triumph as the best all-inclusive holid

TRENDING Things to be thankful for: Thanksgiving and Turkey! In need of a cheeky weekend break? There's plenty to eat, see and do in the happening city of Hong Kong. We make the case with our ultimate travel guide. If Mount Agung's eruption is putting a damper on your upcoming long weekend plans or if you're scrambling to find an end-of-year holiday alternative (some airlines are allowing free cancellations!), make a last-minute dash to the twinkling city of Hong Kong. The urban island may not be have the warm weather and sandy beaches you were hoping for, but with epic Christmas sales, festive city lights, and of course lots of dim-sum to be devoured, we're making a case for Hong Kong this holiday. Luxe design hotels for any kind of traveler Hotel Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui is a design-led tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of this happening Kowloon neighbourhood. Here's why our sisters at Honeycombers Hong Kong are raving about Hot

Preliminary traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) for the month of October 2017 show solid expansion in international air passenger demand and healthy growth in international air cargo markets. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines registered a firm 8.3% increase in the number of international air passengers carried to a combined total of 26.4 million in October, whilst demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) grew by 9.7%. After accounting for an 8.1% increase in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor climbed 1.1 percentage points higher to 78.0% for the month. Reflecting the sustained upturn in global trade for consumer and intermediate goods, Asia Pacific airlines saw international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increase by 5.8% in October, even when compared to the high base levels recorded in the same month last year. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.1%, resulting in a 1

The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali forced the airport to close, with flights in and out of the Indonesian island cancelled on Monday (Nov 27). Ngurah Rai International Airport said in a statement that it will be closed for the whole of Monday and reopen on Tuesday morning. A total of 445 flights - 196 international and 249 domestic - were affected, with 59,000 passengers disrupted. Travel insurance is essential when unexpected events like a volcanic eruption throw your holiday plans into disarray. Here are five things to look out for when purchasing a policy: 1. When should I buy travel insurance? Most travellers are not aware that they are covered for up to 60 days before the start of a trip. This means they are covered if the trip is cancelled or postponed due to natural disasters or unexpected outbreak of strikes and riots, among other reasons. Thus travel insurance should be bought not just a few days before the trip, as most people do, so as to enjoy the maximum pr

When Phil and Emma Whiting decided to visit their son in Hong Kong, they chose to go about it in a slightly unusual manner. Instead of jumping on a plane across the planet, the retired couple spent four weeks on their journey from Oxford to Hong Kong using only public transport. Their 12,000 miles of travels took them on buses, taxis, ferry boats, horses, a cable car and even included a fair amount of trekking on foot. The adventurous couple also boarded 16 trains, taking them from A to B – with plenty of stop-offs in the middle. Phil and Emma Whiting spent three weeks aboard 16 different trains. (SWNS) More 'My wife Emma, 61, took early retirement four years ago from her job as a social worker, and we have of ten planned a big journey like this.' Mr Whiting said. 'Our son, Oliver, is teaching in Hong Kong, and he invited us to celebrate his 30th birthday on November 6 with him. 'We decided it was important to us that actually travelled to get there, and that we stopp

Singapore has long served as a stopover destination for both business travellers and holidaymakers - but the island country actually has so much more to offer. In fact, there's so much to see and do that if you were to cram them all into your itinerary, you could be surprised at how packed a week's stay could turn out to be! Clare Fitzsimons decided to put Singapore to the test and headed there for a week's city break to see just how full her itinerary could get. The result? A jam-packed break with everything from a vibrant nightlife to cultural sightseeing and foodie havens. Read all about her trip below... Clare's travel diary There are some places which seem eternally doomed to be a stopgap; somewhere to lay your head for a day or two and recover from the jetlag on your way to your main destination. Singapore has found itself one of these places, a stopover for those heading Down Under or elsewhere in Asia. Somewhere to sleepily wander round for a co

Sign Up for Our free email newsletters Each week, we spotlight a hotel recommended by some of the industry's top travel writers. This week's pick is Long Story Short in Olomouc, Czech Republic. (Courtesy image) History meets chic minimalism at a hip new hostel in one of the Czech Republic's most charming cities, said Anna Jones at Dwell. Located in a horseshoe-shaped 17th-century fortress building, Long Story Short has 56 beds divided between private and dormitory-style rooms, all painted pure white and outfitted with stylish custom and contemporary furnishings. The hostel has an on-site café and restaurant, but guests should also get out and explore Olomouc, a picture-book town crowded with university students and as many microbreweries as historic churches. Read more at Dwell, or book a room at LongStoryShort.cz. Beds start at $16, and private rooms start at $131. Source: Hotel of the week: Long Story Short in Olomou

White sand beaches and warm turquoise waters never lose their appeal, especially if you're enjoying them with your significant other. From Vietnam to Fiji, couples can choose adventure sports or culinary journeys or simply lounge on the sand during their stay. Here are three romantic beach getaways that blend fun with relaxation. Momi Bay, Fiji Fiji has much to offer, whether it's intimate celebrations on the Coral Coast or a safari down the Sigatoka River. Visitors can climb the millions-of-years-old Sigatoka Sand Dunes, zip line through lush rainforests and soak in natural mud baths at the Sabeto Hot Springs, a geothermal hot spring thought to have healing properties. These attractions are within easy reach of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. The resort features the first overwater bure bungalows on Fiji's main island, which allow guests to dive into the surrounding waters from their private decks. Upon arrival guests are surrounded by a sea of blue: The resort&#

Thanksgiving is due to officially kick off the busy holiday period in the United States this week, and while many Americans make preparations to visit family and friends all over the country, a new study has suggested that this year will see the highest volume of seasonal travellers since 2005. The US is set to experience the highest volume of Thanksgiving travellers since 2005. Image by izusek According to AAA and INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, this year an estimated 50.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, showing a 3.3% increase over 2016 and leading to travel times that could be more than three times longer over the holiday week. Compared with last year, and estimated 1.6 million more people will take to the nation's roads, skies, rails and waterways. "A strong economy and labour market are generating rising incomes and higher consumer confidence, fuelling a strong year for the travel industry, which will continue into

Hoping for some Cyber Monday deals in the travel world? Hotels, tour companies, travel booking agencies and even destinations are promising bargains for Cyber Monday, "Travel Deal Tuesday" and other online shopping dates before and after Thanksgiving. TIMING AND RESTRICTIONS Some deals are running only on Cyber Monday, Nov. 27, or on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, which is sometimes called "Travel Deal Tuesday." According to Hopper.com, "fare sale activity significantly spikes on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving," with airlines offering discounts as a way to stimulate demand as bookings dip. Other deals are being offered for the week leading up to Cyber Monday. And some sales are on from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday or Travel Deal Tuesday. But as you browse for bargains, beware of blackout dates and other restrictions. Sale prices often mean purchases are nonrefundable, and they're often for last-minute travel, so make sure

          Linh Le, Group Managing Director of ASIA DMC, took to the stage at the World Travel Market (WTM) London to conduct a one-on-one interview with Hollywood movie director Jordan Vogt-Roberts.           Jordan Vogt-Roberts was the director of the blockbuster movie ""Kong: Skull Island"", which was filmed in Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Quang Binh. He was invited to WTM London by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), which hosted the press conference.           Since shooting the movie in Vietnam, Jordan Vogt-Roberts has developed a deep love of Vietnam and now acts as a Tourism Ambassador for the country. ""Kong: Skull Island"" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over US$566 million worldwide and showcasing Vietnam's stunning landscapes to audiences worldwide.           In front of a large audience at WTM London on Tuesday 7th November, Linh Le asked the director about his experiences in Vietnam and what

Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing is like Times Square — times ten.  (iStock) For Americans, the idea of visiting Asia can be daunting. There's so much possibility, and it is, after all, literally the other side of the world. But an excellent introduction can be made with a visit to Japan's capital city of Tokyo. The upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo offer enough reason to get a sneak peek at this dynamic city and incredible country, but there's also a ton of cheap flights right now from the States, with American Airlines, ANA, Delta, and Japan Airlines fares going for as little as $450.  They call Tokyo the electric city, and for good reason — imagine Times Square times 100, and you've got a good idea of this bustling and exciting town. JAPANESE TRAIN LINE APOLOGIZES FOR LEAVING SECONDS TOO EARLY Stefan Krasowski is a travel consultant and founder of the blog Rapid Travel Chai. He's lived in Asia for several years, and says "Japan i

As Asia's roads become ever more clogged with fume-belching traffic, tourists are taking to lakes, rivers and canals for a pollution-light perspective. Waterborne adventures offer thrills and spills but, mostly, serenity. Locals stop what they are doing to smile and wave as you glide past, no one suffers from road rage and you never have to worry about parking. Bangkok canal trips A longtail boat trip along Bangkok's canals is a rewarding alternative to the public express ferries that shuttle up and down the busy Chao Phraya River. Narrow waterways, or klongs, once criss-crossed the Thai capital, earning the city its "Venice of the East" tag, until many were filled in to create roads. Fortunately, a tangled network of inter­connecting canals remains intact and is still used for transport. Head to Sathorn Pier, next to Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, and negotiate a deal, or pay a little more and let a travel agent organise an English-speaking guided longtail bo

Siem Reap Province – Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center, the 5th portfolio hotel under Sokha Hotels & Resorts - a Cambodia Leading Hospitality Group, will be hosting the 1st edition of Cambodia Travel Mart (CTM) during 17-19 November 2017. "It's the first time ever that the tourism exhibition event is going to be held at large scale. The CTM 2017 will provide a comprehensive platform where local and international buyers, suppliers, trade professionals and media partners meet and exchange the latest development of tourism industry in Cambodia" – said Mr. Chhoda 'Kevin' Rangsey, Managing Director of SlickBooth, a jointly-organized company between Ministry of Tourism Cambodia and TTG Asia Media. "We choose Sokha Convention Center in Siem Reap as a venue not only due to it being the largest convention center in the entire city, but because of the greatest facility & the perfect strategic location" Mr. Kevin added. Although it's th

Singapore has long served as a stopover destination for both business travellers and holidaymakers - but the island country actually has so much more to offer. In fact, there's so much to see and do that if you were to cram them all into your itinerary, you could be surprised at how packed a week's stay could turn out to be! Clare Fitzsimons decided to put Singapore to the test and headed there for a week's city break to see just how full her itinerary could get. The result? A jam-packed break with everything from a vibrant nightlife to cultural sightseeing and foodie havens. Read all about her trip below... Clare's travel diary There are some places which seem eternally doomed to be a stopgap; somewhere to lay your head for a day or two and recover from the jetlag on your way to your main destination. Singapore has found itself one of these places, a stopover for those heading Down Under or elsewhere in Asia. Somewhere to sleepily wander round for a co