Tag: asia

Atlanta to Asia — 5 top travel tips

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According to information gleaned from the Georgia State University Asian Studies Center, the Asian American community in Atlanta grew by 81.6 per cent to 310,004 between 2000 and the last census in 2010.

Combine the family ties of this local populace with the popularity of Asian travel for other US tourists and it’s no wonder that trips from Atlanta to a range of Asian destinations like Mumbai, Beijing, Shenyang and Hong Kong are so popular.

But whatever your reason for flying off on an Asian adventure from Atlanta, these five top travel tips will stand you in good stead.

1. Asian chambers of commerce

If you’re traveling to Asia on business, connecting with an appropriate chamber of commerce is a stitch in time that could pay off handsomely.

For instance, the USPAACC (US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce) is an excellent business networking organization established to forge links between American companies and potential customers in Asian markets. And despite its tongue-twister name, this savvy club could provide a straight path to commercial success.

Whether your business is big or small, or you’re in the private or not-for-profit field, it’s a wise idea to join the USPAACC Southeast Chapter prior to your next enterprising Asian trip — you might even find an entrepreneurial ally to collaborate with in the Atlanta area.

2. Visas and travel advice

Although the US passport remains one of the world’s best in terms of reach and reputation, many American travelers require visas to enter certain Asian destinations as tourists — India being a prime example.

Asia’s a long way to travel to potentially be refused at port by an over-zealous immigration officer, so be sure to check accurate Asian advice at travel.state.gov — the US Government’s official international travel portal for citizens.

You’ll also find vital info on safety advice, currency restrictions and vaccination requirements — essential reading if you want to be as prepared as possible for all eventualities.

Ensure your US passport is up-to-date too — some territories require it to be valid for six months after the date of your visa application.

3. Atlanta airport facilities

 

As you might expect from the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson has a fine choice of pre-flight facilities to keep you feeling satisfied, secure and entertained.

In terms of eateries, you’ll find an inspirational international menu at One Flew South, fantastic Italian fried goat’s cheese at Ecco and Japanese quick-serve snacks at Teriyaki Experience.

And if you want to shop til you drop, treat yourself to some retail therapy at Benefit Cosmetics, L’Occitane, Coach or Salvatore Ferragamo.

Finally, book Atlanta airport parking at Looking4.com before you leave if you’re traveling in your own ride — you’ll feel settled knowing your vehicle’s safe and sound until you return.

These three terrific travel tips will make your next trip from Atlanta to Asia as smooth and satisfying as Chinese steamed egg custard — put them into practice soon.

Do you have more advice for Atlanta to Asia travelers? Share it in the comments section.

Visit Kochi to feel the Wonders of the Old World

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The first European colony in colonial India, Kochi was occupied by the Portuguese from 1503 to 1530 and operated as the seat of power till then. This jewel of the Arabian Sea was an important spice trading center from the 14th century on the west coast of India, a tradition which exists till now. Kochi is home to a lot of historical monuments like the St. Francis Church built in 1503 is the oldest European church in India or the Pallipuram Fort which was also built in 1503 and still exists, earning it the title of being amongst the oldest existing European forts in India. Kochi is the personification of the saying ‘old is gold’.

How to reach Kochi

The first and foremost way most people look for is air travel and Kochi, with its Cochin International Airport (which is the world’s fully solar energy powered airport), is responsible for both the international and domestic flights. Availing tickets from far off places like Dubai to Kochi flights, New York to Kochi flights, Toronto to Kochi flights and more are easy.

Roads connect Kochi to its neighboring cities and states with ease since it is a node on the north-south corridor of the national highway system

Kochi is serviced by 4 major railway stations, namely the Ernakulam Junction, Aluva and Tripunithura, Ernakulam Town and Edapally and Kalamassery.

Things to do in Kochi

Surely people would love to explore the city and find out where they can entertain themselves in ways which are uniquely Kochi. So here’s a small compiled list:

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Everyone must have heard how these are only seen in Kochi apart from in China. What’s so special about fishing nets that it deserves a special mention? Well, these fishing nets are fixed in land and have to operate by a lift so that fishing can be done. Not to mention that these are proof of once good ties between China and India.
  • Dal Roti: People from North India would surely love this place, as the name suggests and to its merit, earning a name as a restaurant serving North Indian food is not easy in a South Indian state. This place, with its laid-back ambiance and wooden tables, is popular for its parathas and Kati rolls. If anyone wants to experience homely, delicious, North Indian food then this is the place to go.
  • Elephant Training Centre: The unspoiled village or Kodanad is where the stranded baby and adult elephants are trained. Most hotels are successful in arranging trips to the village but if a more intimate experience is on the mind then going before eight will be advisable since then visitors will be able to lend a hand in giving a wash to the elephants. Watching these big animals roll around like babies is truly a pleasure to watch.

Kochi is a place which is rich in spicy aroma and old world architectural charm, combined with hospitable people. Visitors will enjoy getting soaked in the cultural and historical aura of the place.

Take the Road Trip of a Lifetime: Wayanad Guide

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Kerala is immensely popular for the holy trinity formed by Munnar, Kochi, and Allepey, thrusting Wayanad into the shadows. This is a good thing as it saves the place from experiencing a tourist stampede.

The area experiences decent tourist traffic with great hotels in Wayanad, but it is still considered as an off-the-beaten destination in Kerala. Are you thinking of a road trip? Then, Wayanad has the perfect balance of sports, hiking, adventures, and sightseeing to make the trip a once in a lifetime event.

The Travel Basics

One of the very first things you should know before you set out to Wayanad is that it’s not a town or a city, it is actually a northern Kerala district. The area is largely covered by forest and is located in the southern end of Deccan plateau.

In addition, you also need to know that visiting Wayanad means that you will be visiting either Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta (Wayanad’s capital) or Mananthavady towns. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be able to sample all that Wayanad has to offer you in a single weekend. So, carefully choose what you really need to see and do!

Planning Your Trip

Unless you intend on visiting the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, you should make Kalpetta your base. Kerala and Karnataka State Government buses can take you there from Bangalore and Mysore. There are no airports in Wayanad district, but you can use those in Kozhikode or Bangalore.

One of the best things about Wayanad is that it offers visitors an excellent local network of buses that are both frequent and very cheap. In fact, you can visit just about any tourist destination on public transport – the perfect solution for the solo backpacker.

Top Attractions in Wayanad

Sulthan Bathery is what can be considered as Wayanad’s gateway town, and the best location to stay if you intend on visiting the Mathunga Wild Life Sanctuary. The town’s name means the place where the king stationed his ammunition and army. Some of the top things to do and see in Sulthan Bathery include:

  • The Jain Temple
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Edakkal Caves

Kalpetta town offers you a bittersweet symphony of life that includes attractions like:

  • Chembra Peak, which looks over the Wayanad territory – but you’ll need permission and tickets from the forest department
  • The Banasura Dam, which also happens to be India’s largest earth dam and number two in Asia

Mananthavady town is home to Paskhipatalam, which is a protected forest area as well as a sanctuary for several bird species. The park is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is only 8km from Thirunelli, allowing you to enjoy two activities in a single itinerary item. Trekking reveals sweeping views of the Nilgiri hills as you pass through clear water streams, wild grass, and pristine forests.

The Thirunelli temple is another noteworthy ancient place of worship attraction in Mananthavady that features Kerala architecture. According to the locals, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, and it’s also an important pilgrim center in northern Wayanad.

Locals believe that taking a dip in the close by Papanasini river takes away all your sins while freeing you from any karma debts you have. Literary translated from Sanskrit, the name Papanasini means the destroyer of sins.

Conclusion

Wayanad is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of rural Kerala with waterfalls, woods, and wildlife. The vast mountains covered in mist, blue lakes, unending green meadows and wild forests make Wayanad a true “God’s own country!” In addition, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a break from the fast pace of city life.

Planning to Visit Igatpuri? Know Best Travel Tips that You Must Follow

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Igatpuri is a hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Igatpuri is a land of hills and Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre. Tourists visit from around the world to explore the natural beauty of this hill station. If you are a photographer and nature admirer then Igatpuri is totally a place for you. Bhatsa River Valley, Vaitarna Dam, Camel Valley, Ashoka Waterfall and Dhamma Giri are some of the major destinations in the town of Igatpuri.

When should I visit Igatpuri?

A lot of tourists visit Igatpuri throughout the year. Although, the monsoon is considered as the best time to visit Igatpuri as during this time weather is quite wonderful. During monsoon season, the entire region of Igatpuri turns green. Winter is also a pleasant time to visit Igatpuri. People avoid visiting in summer season as summer is quite hot in the town of Igatpuri.

How can I reach the town of Igatpuri?

Igatpiri is located at the distance of about 120 km from Mumbai which hardly takes 3-hour by car. Mumbai, Aurangabad and Pune are the nearest airports to Igatpuri town. From the airport, various transportation facilities are available including local bus, taxi and train to reach the destination that is Igatpuri.

What are the best resorts in Igatpuri where I can stay with my family or friends?

You can check online various best resorts in Igatpuri for a luxurious and affordable stay.  You can also look for hotel or homestays. Taloli Tents Resort, The Grand Gardens Resort, Mystic Valley Resort, The Herb Farm and Manas Lifestyle are some the best hotels or resorts recommended by the travel experts and located in or near the town of Igatpuri. It is wise to book your stay beforehand so that you do not face any problem later on in getting a stay of your choice.

What are the places in Igatpuri that I must explore?

Camel Valley:

The Camel Valley is located near the Bhatsa River Valley in the town of Igatpuri. The major appeal of this camel-shaped valley is the waterfall which gushes down from a height of around 1,000 ft. The valley offers an astonishing view. The valley looks more beautiful during the season of monsoon. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture this scenic place which offers wonderful views.

Bhatsa River Valley:

Bhatsa River Valley is a picturesque place which has much to offer to the visitors who visit from around the world. At the end of Thal Ghat, this river valley is aesthetically located. The hills, the shining foliage, the woods and the river make it a must spot for visitors. Photographers and nature lovers cannot afford to miss this place. Bhatsa River Valley is in very close proximity to Camel Valley. Do not forget to take your camera for capturing wonderful shots.

Dhamma Giri:

Dhamma Giri is one of the major attractions in the town of Igatpuri so you can not afford to miss it. The large Golden Pagoda is the entrance for Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre which you can easily spot from a far distance. This world’s largest meditation center was founded by S. N. Goenka. Dhamma Giri is surrounded by the Sahyadri hill range. The Vipassana International Academy offers 10 days course and the course is offered free of cost. The meditation techniques benefit your mind, body and soul. These techniques taught by Buddha in India 2500 years ago. The Vipassana Centre is open all days of the week.

Ashoka Waterfall:

Ashoka Waterfall is a season waterfall located at the distance of around 13.5 km from Igatpuri town. The waterfall is surrounded by the dense forest and also known as Vihigaon Falls as it is located in the Vihigaon village in Thane district of Maharashtra. The waterfall is cascading down from an altitude of about 120 feet into a pool. This is a must visit place for rappelling, hiking and bird watching. This place is known for many shots of Asoka film, starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. This is an ideal spot for a picnic for spending some quality time with your family or friends.

Conclusion

Igatpuri has much to offer to the tourists who visit from around the world. This is a must visit place for the nature lovers. Don’t forget to take your camera for capturing wonderful memories of Igatpuri.

Browse best resorts in Igatpuri; you will get a long list of various resorts. Make sure that your resort is in close proximity to the major attractions in Igatpuri so that you do not have to incur a lot of time and money in reaching your destination. You can choose any of the resort as per your affordability and time. Also, book your resort as soon as possible.

Have a wonderful trip to the town of Igatpuri!

What to Do In a Day Trip To Bangalore?

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Bangalore or Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, is a melting point of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Nowhere else in South India will you find such beautiful hangouts, warm people or such pleasant weather. Palaces, art galleries, cafes, theatre, pubs, parks, malls – Bangalore has it all. If you’ve already done your Mumbai to Bangalore flights booking, then all you need to do now is decide how many of these places below you’re going to visit in a day:

  1. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The Lalbagh botanical garden, which literally means ‘the red garden’ is spread over 240 acres. This garden was created by a very famous ruler of old Mysore, Hyder Ali. The garden is a home to diverse tropical plants, aquarium and a lake. The main attraction the botanical garden is the glass house. This one has been modelled after London’s crystal place and is designed by John Cameron. The botanical garden hosts annual flower shows on two national occasions – one being republic day and the other is on Independence Day. This lush and expansive garden is an ideal place for the peace-seeking city dwellers and tourists alike. The garden is very picturesque making it a perfect location for all the photography enthusiasts. The garden is open to public every day from 6am to 7pm. Entry is free between 6 to 9 in the morning and 6 to 7 in the evening.

  1. Nandi Hills

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Nandi Hills or Nandidurg is the place to be. Located 60kms from the Bangalore city, a drive to Nandi is indeed very rejuvenating. The climate here is delightful, and it’s a favourite among both young and old people. The best time to visit Nandi is before sunrise. The view from the hill is mesmerising and is the best view of the sunrise in Bangalore.

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

For all the astronomy enthusiasts, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is the best place to be. The planetarium has these shows daily:  ‘dawn of the space age’, ‘our solar system’ and ‘Mars-the red planet’. Apart from these daily shows, the planetarium hosts various workshops, lectures, exhibition for activities for both students and teachers. Arrangements of telescopes in the open area of planetarium are made for the public to use. The planetarium also hosts special workshops for the physically challenged students.

  1. The Bannerghatta Biological Park

This National Park was established in 1971 in order to meet the demands of eco-tourism and conservation. Ever since, it has been home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Bannerghatta national park is located 22 km away from the Bangalore city and is spread over an area of 104 sq km. The park has various units like butterfly park, Children Park, the zoo, a safari and rescue centre. These units provide a unique learning experience for both adults and children. A wide range of wildlife – elephants, leopards, jackal, fox, sloth bear, spotted deer – are easily spotted here. For all the nature and photography enthusiasts, this national park is definitely a treat.

  1. Cubbon Park

The city of Bangalore is popularly known as the garden city. Cubbon park- the lung space of the city is spread over 300 acres of land. The design of the park is aesthetically very appealing. The statutes of famous personalities and the rich flora found will amaze you. Cubbon Park does not only get the attention of tourists but also the residents of Bangalore. Nature lovers, botanists, peace lovers and fitness enthusiast frequently find their way to Cubbon Park. The park has other major attractions like the museum, library, tennis academy, toy train and the second largest aquarium in the country. It is home to more than 6000 trees.

Now, all there is left for you to do is to find an agent to do a Mumbai to Bangalore flights booking (which shouldn’t be hard at all). You can also buy a flight ticket directly at the airport counter and come to Bangalore for at least a day to see for yourself what the hype is all about.

Have some fun in the Bangalore style!

The best events and activities for expat families in Singapore

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Moving to Singapore with your family is a chance to truly immerse yourself in a culture that is vibrant, ever-changing and brilliantly unique. There is so much to see, do and learn, making the city a popular choice for expats. And for good reason: Singapore ranks second in the Safe Cities Index 2017 (beaten only by Tokyo). In 2014, Bloomberg highlighted its healthcare system as the most efficient in the world, citing it as the place that healthcare costs go furthest (most expats choose to take out global health insurance). Here are a few of the incredible events and activities that expat families can visit and take part. We hope this inspires you to make the most of your new home.

Delicious events for food lovers

The annual Singapore Food Festival is a must for expat families. Since 1994, the Singapore Tourism Board has held the festival to show off the city’s diverse culinary culture. Entry is free, which is ideal for large families with lots of hungry mouths to feed! It is a great chance to sample local delights and multicultural cuisines – from abacus seed (yam gnocchi) and kimchi popiah (spring rolls) to rojak (a local salad with fruits and vegetables). If your kids are finding it hard to settle into their new home, or you just want to keep them engaged with the local culture, then exploring the different stalls and dishes of the Singapore Food Festival might bring back their appetite for the city.

Festivities that show off Singapore’s multicultural character

Chinese New Year is an annual celebration that you absolutely must experience in Singapore. From bright red lanterns and gold money cats lining the streets, to spectacular dragon processions and delectable smells of oriental spices wafting from the city’s restaurants, Chinese New Year is a treat for the senses. It’s also an important part of Singapore’s culture, as the Chinese community makes up more than half of the city’s population. Singapore does not do the celebration by halves: the annual River Hongboa takes place on board a floating platform with colourful fireworks and Chinese zodiac lanterns. The Chingay Parade involves sparkling dancers, wondrous dragons, magnificent stilt walkers and vibrantly decorated parade floats.

The Hindu festival Thaipusam is also an important date in Singapore’s cultural calendar, and is a spectacle for people of all ages. It’s a two-day festival that begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and finishes at the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple. The colourful procession travels just under three miles and is an amazing glimpse into the traditions of the Hindus, who prepare spiritually for one month on a strict vegetarian diet. The most committed devotees put skewers through their tongues (which can only be done once the mind is free from material longing and the body is exempt from physical pleasures) and carry spiked kavadis (altars). Others balance wooden kavadis on their shoulders with flowers and peacock feathers, and some simply carry a jug of milk.

Colour, sound and sensation!

Whether you’re living in Singapore with your baby, toddler or teenager (or family members of all ages), you might also enjoy a trip to Sentosa to see the Wings Of Time performance. This is an outdoor night show set against the backdrop of the sea that features lasers, water displays and music. While little ones will no doubt be mesmerised by the bright colours and dancing lights, older children may enjoy the magical story. It is popular with tourists and expats alike who want to escape to a fantasy world for the night.

Staying healthy

There are many ways to have fun and stay healthy in Singapore. From yoga and meditation classes to jogging and going to the gym, there are a lot of widely available fitness options. For kids, there are plenty of swimming pools to splash around in and parks where they can let off steam. As a treat, attractions like the water park Wild Wild Wet are popular for families that want a fun day out that involves lots of exercise and fresh air. Combined with a healthy diet – high-protein, low-fat foods with lots of fibre are widely available in Singapore – it’s possible for all the family to stay fit and healthy while living in the so-called ‘garden city’.

Fun family learning

While you’re getting settled into your new lives in Singapore, consider educational trips to boost your children’s confidence about going to school in a new country. The Science Centre is a popular trip for expats as there are lots of interactive exhibits to inspire budding young scientists.

For parents who want to teach their children about the local culture, the Singapore Discovery Centre could also be worth a visit. It has information about the birth and development of the city, galleries that highlight unique Singaporean quirks and an exhibition that explains the vision for the city’s future. All this makes the Discovery Centre a truly educational experience that could help expat families to feel more in tune with their new home.

These are just some of the exciting events and activities in Singapore that you and your family can explore. From food and culture to science, history and entertainment, you should be able to find activities to inspire family members of all ages and help everyone settle into their new life abroad.

Traveling Southeast Asia

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A first-timer’s guide on what to take

Before traveling anywhere, you’ll need to do some research on what to pack. Chances are the climate, culture and amenities are all going to be completely different to what you’re used to at home. If you’re heading to Southeast Asia, here’s a basic guide to what you’ll need as a Westerner.

Medication

A couple weeks before you leave, you’ll almost certainly need to start a course of anti-malaria tablets, which you’ll also take throughout your stay.

You’ll also want diarrhea medication – tap water might be ok depending on where you are, but your body will take a while to adjust. Even if you don’t drink tap water at all, a bad curry could have you man-down for a couple days. Pack the meds and hope you don’t need them.

Clothes

Most of Southeast Asia is hot and humid. Pack loose, comfortable clothes – shorts and t-shirts are probably best, a swimsuit is essential. Take your sneakers for the days when you’re doing a lot of walking, as you definitely will. Flip-flops and comfortable sandals are also on the must-pack list.

Also bring a raincoat or poncho – at some point you will get caught in the rain. When it rains there, you don’t always get much warning. This is another reason why you should pack lightweight, quick drying clothes so that you won’t run out if a couple pairs get wet. The same goes for shoes.

Toiletries

Tissues, tissues and more tissues – you’ll be hard pressed to find a public restroom with toilet paper. You can pack tissues or toilet paper beforehand or buy on arrival, but they’re likely to become one of your most prized possessions, at least after your first encounter with the bum-gun.

Bug repellant. Mosquitoes are pretty prolific and probably bigger than the tiny nuisances you’re used to. Take bug-spray or a stick of repellant and don’t forget to use it.

Deodorant, preferably an antiperspirant. You’ll still sweat but you’ll feel a little more comfortable and you won’t smell quite so bad.

Planning

Hang onto your notebook, phone – whatever has your trip plan in it. If you need to contact places you’re staying or people you’ve made travel arrangements with, it’s your go-to method for planning. If your accommodation falls through, or you’d just rather not have to worry about it, consider renting an RV from a reputable website.

What not to take

Valuables – camera, ok, diamond necklace, not ok. Anything you can’t replace, don’t take with, you’ll survive without it.

Don’t take anything across the border that you didn’t pack yourself. I recently heard a horror story of a woman whose ‘friend’ asked her to collect some books while she was in Taiwan. The books were a ploy to smuggle heroin out of the country and she spent 16 years in jail – in Taiwan.

Even if you don’t speak the language, struggle with the currency and can’t sleep because of the heat or the bugs, it’ll be an amazing experience. Take lots of pictures, eat strange food, meet new people. Dive into the culture and come home with some amazing stories.

6 Best Hot Springs in Japan You Need to Visit

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With over 3,000 hot springs, Japan is the undisputed land of amazing hot springs. Locally, they are called onsen and it is one of the most indulgent ways to pass your time when in Japan. Eager to experience the best the country offers? Here are some of the best that you should not miss.

  1. Takaragawa Onsen

Located in Gunma, Central Honshu, this riverside hot spring is considered one of the best in Japan. The clue is in the name – Takaragawa means “treasure river” – and it indeed houses a wealth of beauty.

The outdoor onsen has four slate-floored pools that are a few hundred meters from Tone-gawa. The water is alkaline and is believed to aid in treating fatigue, nervous disorders, and digestive problems. All the pools are for mixed bathing except a single ladies-only bath. The setting is enchanting, surrounded by a forest, pathways, wooden huts, and statues.

  1. Kiroro

Enjoy a hot spring bath in this onsen situated in Kiroro Town. Large and surrounded by nature, this is a caldera hot spring that comes from Akaigawa Village. It presents an utterly relaxing experience as you soak in a wonderful tub of hot bubbling water. The views are so mesmerizing you will forget the passing time.

  1. Hakone Yuryo

Only three minutes from the Hakone-Yumoto station, this is a beautiful outdoor onsen that is embraced by forests. The pools are large and shaded by trees, allowing bathers to feel close to nature.

  1. Oedo Onsen Monogatari

There is no need to go far to find a worthwhile hot spring in Tokyo. Check out this inner city onsen in Odaiba Island. The setting is super cool since it’s located right after an Edo period town.

Moreover, there are a slew of activities that can be done here. On top of the list is the hot spring, of course, but you can also go for massages, spa treatments, restaurants, relaxation rooms, and various shops. You can opt to stay here for an entire day and never get bored.

  1. Kinosaki

If you are truly crazy for hot springs, there is no better place to be than the town of Kinosaki. Located in northern Kansai, it offers the best onsen ryokan experience. There are seven public baths and numerous onsen ryokan. Most of the hotels have their own baths to indulge in but nothing should stop you from going onsen-hopping in the many public baths in town.

  1. Lamp no Yado

Hidden in the Noto-hanto peninsula in Central Honshu, this sanctuary is as secluded and indulgent as a hot spring can get. From the seaside, a country road leads to a narrow path that opens to a switchback hill that you climb on foot. It sounds like a lot of work but it’s all worth it as the onsen is to-die for. The private outdoor pools are stunning and the view of the Sea of Japan is unrivaled. While the trip may be a bit costly, it is certainly well-spent once you’ve experienced its beauty.

Awesome Malaysia Road Trip Tips

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With all the travel options out there, a road trip is probably more therapeutic if you think about it. Driving across states and cities, allowing you to see the little details that you might miss when you are on a plane – that is what you will experience when you go on a drive. It would not even matter if you bring an SUV or a family car, just as long as the trip goes smoothly.

For this to happen, you need to prepare well for it. A road trip is not just a simple drive to any destination, it has to be carefully planned. Of course, just because you need to plan it well does not mean you need to stick to plain road trips. If this is your first road trip, make it count and do it in Malaysia. Here you will experience seeing different kinds of places, from spectacular beaches, small French villages, the city centre, and even old-world architecture. These are the details you want to see on your first driving trip.

Here we have listed down tips to make sure your Malaysian road trip will be an awesome experience.

Choose the perfect car for the trip

In Malaysia, the objective of the road trip is important because it tells you which car should be brought. For instance, if you are going with family, an Innova might be the best choice. If it is a city trip, maybe you can choose a more fuel efficient car like the Camry Hybrid. It would be useful to know that Toyota cars are actually cool road trip companions because it offers lots of leg space and awesome features, so you might want to choose their cars for the trip.

After renting a car, make sure that it had been completely serviced – engine check, cleaning, and other maintenance services. This will ensure that your drive will remain safe during the trip.

Research the local food

One of the best things about Malaysia is their food offerings. In almost any corner you turn, there will be hawker centres filled with the most delectable local dishes. Try the char kwayteow, nasi goreng, laksa, and lamban when you visit one of the hawker centres. Make sure to learn about the regional specialities as well.

Bring essential items with you

Essential items include power banks, snacks, and drinks. The drive going from one destination to another might take you hours or even days, so make sure you have everything that you will need to stay connected, like an energy bank to look things up on Google, and something to eat and drink.

Map out your drive

Another thing people like about driving in Malaysia are the different destinations you can go to. You can plan a path from Kuala Lumpur up to the Cameron Highlands District. You can also carve a path from the beaches of Langkawi to the Colmar Tropicale French Resort.

Create an awesome playlist

Of course, a road trip will not be complete without an awesome playlist. Take this opportunity to listen to popular Malaysian songs and immerse yourself more in the culture. You can look up the playlist for Malaysia’s #1 Hits from Spotify like: https://open.spotify.com/user/sonymusicmalaysia/playlist/2SMHhx2EZg3RPhGitzIw6L.

These tips will hopefully ensure that your road trip will be an awesome journey across all of Malaysia and will add to the unique driving experience that you will have. So pack those bags, get driving, and have the best time of your life in one of Asia’s most beautiful places. Enjoy the trip!

The Solo Travel Guide To Vietnam – For Women

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Heading out on an adventure to a far flung country can be exciting and a bit terrifying if you’re going solo, especially if you’re a woman. It can be dangerous out there in the wider world for women travelling alone, and in some places women on their own is significantly looked down upon or an invitation for unwanted attention. This isn’t the case everywhere though and some places like South East Asia are actually ideal places for women to travel solo, due to its fantastic connections to other areas and also the laid back atmosphere which is great for meeting other fellow travellers – something that happens almost seamlessly if you’re travelling solo. Check out the rest of this article for the woman’s solo guide to Vietnam.

Getting In and Ho Chi Minh

Depending how you want to start your trip, the most likely city you will fly into is either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Additionally, depending how you’re getting into Vietnam it’s likely you’d start in either of these cities – Hanoi to the north, perfectly located for those coming from China or northern Laos, and Ho Chi Minh to the south, ideal for those coming from Cambodia and the Philippines or Malaysia. Most people would probably come from the south, so this is how we will approach it.

Ho Chi Minh is a great place to start off, it’s a bustling, busy city but no more than Bangkok or other cities in the area, which means it’s easy to get around and renting a scooter for yourself is probably one of the best ways to do this. Likewise, motorcycle taxis are popular – literally a scooter or motorbike you hop on the back with to go to your destination (not advisable with all of your bags, but still doable). Stick with a regular taxi if you’re carrying a lot of bags.

If you’re looking for some secluded island life, Ho Chi Minh offers ferries to a lesser known Vietnamese island of Con Dao – a small clump of islands off the south coast which boasts luxury and budget places. This is likely to be off the tourist trail by quite a bit, so it’s worth checking out if you want something off the beaten trail, quiet and pristine.

Ho Chi Minh is a great city to get lost in – it’s got a large collection of fantastic buildings, museums and boasts some great “foodie tours” – literally a walking tour you can join that takes you around to some of the street stalls selling delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Don’t miss the fresh spring rolls!

Da Lat and Further North

Da Lat is a small city a bit further north and slightly inland – it’s on the tourist trail, so you won’t be able to miss it, unless you choose to. It’s home to the “Crazy House” – literally a guest house made out of a tree house and other strange building, and acts as an art installation by day that welcomes visitors to have a poke around. Da Lat is a beautiful city, with a lake right in its centre and is significantly more laid back than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city. It’s a place that travellers like to stop off at to relax for a day or two before hitting the road towards Hoi An and Da Nang, so you will likely run into other travellers at some of the local bars and hangouts.

The Coast

Heading further toward the coast you will find the smaller, beautiful coastal centres of Hoi An and Da Nang. It’s likely that you will want to stop off before Hoi An if you’re driving yourself – perhaps in the smaller centres of Qui Nhom or Tuy Hoa – both around five to seven hours drive from Da Lat. Regardless of how you do it, Hoi An and Da Nang are two places that command a few days on any journey through Vietnam. Hoi An particularly is a beautiful coastal stop, and is fast becoming the “it” place for travellers of all kinds. You will likewise find a number of expats here who have fallen in love with it and chosen to stay to teach English and the like. Maybe you will, too!

Hanoi and Beyond

Hanoi is in the very north of the country and is the next logical main stop after Da Nang and Hoi An. It’s a bustling, busy city, similar to Ho Chi Minh. From Hanoi it’s possible to head to a number of other locations (China, Laos), and also to do tours of Halong Bay. Tours can involve a cruise over the course of a few days, or just a couple hours around the bay, it just depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. From Hanoi, instead of having to go back to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s possible to get flights onward either to return home or to head to other further away locales in places like Malaysia, India, China, Philippines, etc so make sure you look into the possibility of flying out of Hanoi or heading onwards from there or flying back to Ho Chi Minh on one of the local airlines that would make it fairly cheap, depending on how much time you have.

So there you have a great travel guide to Vietnam for women. Vietnam is a great place for solo female travellers – it’s interesting, safe and welcoming and is a hot spot for travellers and tourists that you can meet and enjoy the company of. Always remember to exercise common sense and general safety such as not accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended. By following your own code of safe conduct but being open minded and open to new experiences and meeting great new people, you will surely have the most amazing time on your own in Vietnam.