Girl at wall in China

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” 

–Miriam Beard

Explore beautiful Asia, the Earth’s largest continent. Covering more than 30 % of the planet’s land surface, Asia is the most populous region. It has a unique blend of many first civilizations. Asia’s history is vast and the continent is abundant with diverse ethnic groups, cultural heritage, traditions and religious beliefs; all worth learning more about.

The countries within beautiful Asia include: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, North, Korea, South, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor Leste (West), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam


the great wall

Historic Places in China You Absolutely Need to See

By Jennifer Raskin

China was a place I wound up in much by accident. It’s a place that tends to give most people intense culture shock, but once it wears off, you’re left to marvel at this beautiful place surrounding you.   Read more

Asia History
Adult Male Orangutang photo by MatildeSimas

Saving a Species: Palm Oil, Orangutans, and the Leuser Ecosystem

By Jessica Barrett

Six and a half million acres. That’s the size of Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem, one of the most ancient and biodiverse places ever documented and the last place on Earth where Sumatran rhinos, tigers, elephants, orangutans, and sun bears roam freely together.   Read more

Asia Sustainability
Yamadera Temple in Japan

Yamadera – A Japanese temple experience with a special view

By Thomas Später

At the end of my backpacking trip through Japan, I had three days to spare with no idea what to do. I had already explored the very south (Hiroshima) as well as all major landmarks around the central part of this beautiful Asian country (Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo).   Read more

Asia Off the Beaten Path
JR.Empty bungalows in Krabi Thailand scaled

Sustainable Travel in Thailand: A Homestay at the Ban Rai Kong Khing Community

By Derek Cullen

Community-based tourism (CBT) is a sustainable model which promotes local communities and invites tourists to learn more about local culture and customs. In recent times, this tourism model has gained traction in Thailand as more and more visitors yearn for more “real” or authentic experiences.   Read more

Asia Experiences Sustainability
Tiger in wild

How to Spot Ethical Animal Tourism in Southeast Asia

By Lola Méndez

Help stop animal cruelty in Southeast Asia by avoiding inhumane experiences with captive animals—we’ve got the details on ethical animal tourism in Southeast Asia.   Read more

Asia Social Responsibility
2. Top down view of the waterfalls dropping down into Sekumpul Valley scaled

The Journey to Bali’s Sekumpul Waterfall

By Thomas Später

Deep inside the jungle of Bali’s northern Sawan district of the Buleleng regency lies one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world–Sekumpul waterfall. What makes this specific waterfall so special is its overall impressions and the layout of its surroundings.   Read more

Asia Nature & Outdoors
indian food from Kashmir

The Food that Keeps Kashmir Warm

By Sugato Mukherjee

Mehman nawazi (hospitality) is etched in the ethos of Kashmir and her people, a centuries-old legacy of this Northwestern Indian state. Every time I land myself in Srinagar, my friend Mushtaq would pick me up late in the evening, and a half-an-hour bumpy ride through the Srinagar-Ganderbal highway would take … Read more   Read more

India Food & Drink
Bue Mosque Istanbul

Unearth Istanbul In Rumi’s Footsteps

By Lipsa Das

Rumi. That is one of the first thoughts that would cross your mind when you visit Istanbul. When you google Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Market, the Blue Mosque would be the topmost tourist attractions on the list.   Read more

Asia Europe Architecture History
1. Jehan Numa Retreat under a purple evening sky

Jehan Numa Retreat – A Serene Gateway to Bhopal – The City Of Queens

By Bandita Mukherjee

The expanse of the Bhopal sky slowly turns scarlet as we settle into the serene world of Jehan Numa Retreat. A short 30 minute drive from the Bhopal airport has us approaching the 12.5 acres boutique property of the erstwhile Nawabs of Bhopal in the Malwa plateau of Central India.   Read more

India
Thailand Mangroves

Looking Behind the Funhouse Mirror in Thailand

By Josh Fredman

The dock at Ao Nang in Krabi, Thailand is as nondescript as any western restaurant patio. Wooden slats make up a narrow walkway with benches on either side.   Read more

Asia Sustainability
Drum lanterns light the night sky. scaled

Central Florida Lantern Festival Shines Light on Chinese Culture

By Kirsten Harrington

The Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia by gathering with family, decorating the house with red couplets and giving red envelopes with money to friends and colleagues. Also known as Spring Festival in China, this 15-day celebration starts on January 22nd and ends with the Lantern Festival on February … Read more   Read more

Asia The World Events & Festivals
Middle Kingdom

Traveling in China – under the skin of the culture

By Jon Geldart

Travelling by train in China is not as difficult as you might first think, though buying tickets can be a fraught affair with the many booths and total lack of any language other than Chinese which can confront you.   Read more

Asia Off the Beaten Path Rail & Road Travel
Orangutang in Sumatra

The positive influence of eco-tourism in Sumatra

By Bianca Caruana

In places like Sumatra, environmentalists are hoping a focus on eco-tourism will influence conservation efforts.   Read more

Asia Eco-tourism Sustainability
victoria memorial

Exploring Kolkata’s Colonial Architecture

By Mehk Chakraborty

The British colonized India for over 200 years, and cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai are home to notable Victorian-era buildings. But Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, was the capital of India for 39 years during the British rule, and it remains the top spot to see colonial architecture, a … Read more   Read more

Asia Architecture
River Swat Pakistan 3

Swat Valley: The Switzerland of Pakistan

By Muzammil Hussain

Swat Valley (Swat) is known as the ‘Switzerland’ of Pakistan because of its snow-capped mountains and beautiful scenery.   Read more

Asia Off the Beaten Path History