Tag: Asia

  • 48 Hours in Tokyo: The Perfect City Break

    48 Hours in Tokyo: The Perfect City Break

    Two days in Tokyo is barely a taste, but with a good plan you can pack in temples, neon nightlife and the best meal of your life. Here’s our tried-and-tested itinerary.

    Day 1: Old meets new

    • Morning: Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
    • Afternoon: Akihabara for gadgets and arcades.
    • Evening: Shibuya Crossing and dinner in a tiny izakaya.

    Day 2: Culture and calm

    • Morning: Meiji Shrine and a stroll through Yoyogi Park.
    • Afternoon: Harajuku shopping and crepes.
    • Evening: City views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free!).

    Get a prepaid transit card on arrival — it works on almost everything and saves endless queuing.

  • A Complete Guide to Trekking in the Himalayas

    A Complete Guide to Trekking in the Himalayas

    Trekking in the Himalayas is a bucket-list experience for a reason. Snow-capped peaks, prayer-flag-lined trails and tea houses run by the friendliest hosts you’ll ever meet. Here’s how to prepare.

    Choosing a route

    Beginners often start with the Annapurna Base Camp trek, while experienced hikers aim for Everest Base Camp. Both reward you with jaw-dropping scenery, but the altitude is no joke.

    Fitness and altitude

    • Train with weighted hikes for at least six weeks.
    • Build in acclimatisation days — climb high, sleep low.
    • Know the symptoms of altitude sickness and never ignore them.

    What to pack

    ItemWhy
    Layered clothingTemperatures swing wildly day to night
    Broken-in bootsBlisters can end a trek early
    Water purificationRefill safely along the trail

    Hire a local guide where you can — it supports the community and dramatically improves safety.

  • 10 Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

    10 Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

    Southeast Asia is a paradise for beach lovers. From powder-white sand to bath-warm water, this region has some of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. Here are ten beaches worth planning a whole trip around.

    Our top picks

    1. Railay Beach, Thailand — dramatic limestone cliffs and rock climbing.
    2. El Nido, Philippines — hidden lagoons reached only by boat.
    3. Nusa Penida, Indonesia — clifftop views and manta rays.
    4. Long Beach, Vietnam — quiet sand and fresh seafood.
    5. Otres Beach, Cambodia — laid-back and backpacker-friendly.

    When to go

    The dry season (roughly November to April) offers the calmest water and clearest skies. Prices peak around December and January, so travel in the shoulder months for a better deal.

    “The best beach is the one you have to work a little to reach.” — every seasoned traveller, ever.

    Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for boat trips, and plenty of patience for slow island time.