Culture
By Christa Yeo – Omotenashi: Japanese for service and hospitality Google Translate could only tell me so much about this word. But to really know it took a night’s stay in a Hakone ryokan. Indulging in a reputable ryokan is an experience like no other and consider yourself warned, because it is also highly addictive.… Continue reading Soak, Sleep, Eat, Repeat – The Japanese Onsen Ryokan Experience
Ayutthaya, a fascinating former Siamese capital with a long history and plenty of atmospheric ruins, is one of my all-time favourite places in Thailand. Whilst many people visit to see the historical sites, which are indeed very worthy, there are plenty more things to enjoy in Ayutthaya. Here are some of my favourites: Wat… Continue reading Ayutthaya: My Favourite Things to Do in Thailand’s Ancient Capital
Did you know that Singapore played an important role in Sun Yat Sen’s revolutionary movement in China? I had no clue! I only discovered this over a weekend exploring the Balestier Heritage Trail. Can’t say I’ve had any excuse to visit Balestier before, it’s actually quite interesting if you pay attention. Particularly if you enjoy history and… Continue reading Balestier Heritage Trail Part II: Playing ‘Local Tourist’ Exploring Singapore History
For picture postcard scenery and magical atmosphere you can’t beat the United Kingdoms. From the breath-taking countryside and the great British outdoors to arty urban centres and historic cities – there’s so much more to it than its capital. So when heading to the UK during the winter, don’t automatically think of London first. From… Continue reading 10 Places to Visit in UK Beyond London
Montmartre is one of Paris’ most famous neighbourhoods, having been the stomping grounds of poets and artists throughout the decades. Today, it is most well-known for its quaint, cobbled streets and classic Parisian design. Travellers flock to this neighbourhood, which comes to a point atop all of Paris. Montmartre translates to ‘mount of martyrs’. Read… Continue reading Bittersweet Paris: 3 Montmartre Attractions
From free walks to gratis galleries, saving your money while sightseeing has never been easier with these savvy travel tips. So the next time you book a flight to Europe, remember to do your research and take advantage of a host of zero-cost attractions. Here’s how to do Europe on a budget and still pack your… Continue reading Europe on a Budget: City Sightseeing for Less
We might associate New Year’s Eve with the universal popping of champagne, confetti and rowdy parties. The reality is though, that welcoming the new year has always had significance for communities all around the world who celebrate the new year in many different ways. The traditional way of welcoming the new year has stuck around… Continue reading Weird New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World
‘Tis the season to be jolly, to give and to celebrate. Thanks to those ubiquitous carols, when one thinks of Christmas, the images of Santa Claus, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and snow inevitably come to mind. But not everyone celebrates Christmas the way it is portrayed in the movies. In fact, there are some interesting… Continue reading (Bizarre) Christmas Celebrations Around the World
Not every island can boast having UNESCO status, including being a Global Geopark and Natural Heritage Site, but Jeju Island has all these things, and more. Located in the Korea Strait, Jeju Island is famous for its lava tubes, hiking trails and ancient dolmen stones. Home to the highest mountain in South Korea, this unspoilt island is tailor-made for ecotourism. Here… Continue reading Six Things Not to Miss on Jeju Island