/images/rss.gif)
/images/header.png)
Travel Asia
June 14, 2011 by Anita
Filed under Travel And Leisure
Reed Floren asked:
Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance. However, remember to leave some free time in you itinerary, because when you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure.
As the largest continent on earth, Asia offers travelers a huge variety of places to visit, things to do and, cultures to see. For first time visitors who travel Asia, we recommend the following:
Island Nations-
Indonesia:
One of the most diverse destinations for travelers to Asia, the Indonesian archipelago can provide enough exciting destinations for a complete trip. Whether you are seeking relaxation, natural beauty, cultural diversity or all of the above, Indonesia will show you an exciting and wonderful Asian travel destination.
Philippines:
Comprised of over 7000 islands, the Philippines has become on of Asia’s forgotten travel destinations. Due to a recent history that includes martial law and economic corruption, the Philippines has lost much of its previous tourist activity to its more stable neighbors. Those who do visit will enjoy beautiful spots like the Boracay beaches and Lake Sebu.
Japan:
For decades, the island nation of Japan has been a favorite destination for travelers to Asia. From amazing Zen temples to kitschy reproductions of western monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Japan has something for every traveler who visits. The hardest thing is fitting it all in.
Southeast Asia
Thailand:
The Kingdom of Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia drawing more visitors than its neighbors. With both mountainous regions and a beautiful coastline dotted with amazing islands Thailand is one a must see for those who travel to Asia. The city of Bangkok, the largest in Thailand is one of the most popular in all of Asia, as well.
Vietnam:
A quickly emerging destination among travelers to Asia, Vietnam is reshaping its image among world travel destinations. From the beaches along the coast, to its soaring inland mountains, Vietnam offers travelers to Asia with a sublime experience.
Mainland Asia-
China:
Too vast for words alone, China is rapidly emerging as the top destination for travelers to Asia. As China continues to modernize both economically and socially, it is becoming easier for those who travel to Asia to visit one of the largest and most populous countries in the world. If you travel to China, follow a loose itinerary and try to see as much as you can.
Korea:
South Korea is one of the most westernized of all Asian nations. Travelers to Korea can enjoy the modernity of the capital city, Seoul; or they can try visiting beautiful natural wonders like Songnisan National Park.
India:
Another of Asia’s largest and most heavily populated countries, India is a complex and diverse nation unlike any other you will experience when you travel throughout Asia. Visitors to India will be enchanted by its unpredictability and surprising cultural dramas that exist among its inhabitants.
Create a video blog
Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance. However, remember to leave some free time in you itinerary, because when you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure.
As the largest continent on earth, Asia offers travelers a huge variety of places to visit, things to do and, cultures to see. For first time visitors who travel Asia, we recommend the following:
Island Nations-
Indonesia:
One of the most diverse destinations for travelers to Asia, the Indonesian archipelago can provide enough exciting destinations for a complete trip. Whether you are seeking relaxation, natural beauty, cultural diversity or all of the above, Indonesia will show you an exciting and wonderful Asian travel destination.
Philippines:
Comprised of over 7000 islands, the Philippines has become on of Asia’s forgotten travel destinations. Due to a recent history that includes martial law and economic corruption, the Philippines has lost much of its previous tourist activity to its more stable neighbors. Those who do visit will enjoy beautiful spots like the Boracay beaches and Lake Sebu.
Japan:
For decades, the island nation of Japan has been a favorite destination for travelers to Asia. From amazing Zen temples to kitschy reproductions of western monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Japan has something for every traveler who visits. The hardest thing is fitting it all in.
Southeast Asia
Thailand:
The Kingdom of Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia drawing more visitors than its neighbors. With both mountainous regions and a beautiful coastline dotted with amazing islands Thailand is one a must see for those who travel to Asia. The city of Bangkok, the largest in Thailand is one of the most popular in all of Asia, as well.
Vietnam:
A quickly emerging destination among travelers to Asia, Vietnam is reshaping its image among world travel destinations. From the beaches along the coast, to its soaring inland mountains, Vietnam offers travelers to Asia with a sublime experience.
Mainland Asia-
China:
Too vast for words alone, China is rapidly emerging as the top destination for travelers to Asia. As China continues to modernize both economically and socially, it is becoming easier for those who travel to Asia to visit one of the largest and most populous countries in the world. If you travel to China, follow a loose itinerary and try to see as much as you can.
Korea:
South Korea is one of the most westernized of all Asian nations. Travelers to Korea can enjoy the modernity of the capital city, Seoul; or they can try visiting beautiful natural wonders like Songnisan National Park.
India:
Another of Asia’s largest and most heavily populated countries, India is a complex and diverse nation unlike any other you will experience when you travel throughout Asia. Visitors to India will be enchanted by its unpredictability and surprising cultural dramas that exist among its inhabitants.
Create a video blog
The Philippines As a Travel Destination
March 2, 2011 by Anita
Filed under Travel And Leisure
Ian J Stevenson asked:
The Philippines is a travel destination unknown to most North Americans. Reasons may include distance, lack of promotion, and uncertainty over safety.
Distance is certainly a consideration, as the trip is long (18 hours to Manila) and costly. A bargain fare ranges from $1000 to $1800 depending on the season, the carrier, and how good a shopper the traveler is. For those simply seeking a beach resort there are plenty of destinations that are closer and cheaper.
Yet, despite equivalent travel times, countries such as Thailand, China, Japan and Korea are increasingly popular. The Philippines offers world-renown diving, with many first class resorts catering to the scuba crowd. Incredible scenery combined with unique culture and history should draw visitors. Best of all, these attractions are available at bargain-basement prices due to the low value of the peso ($1=app. pp45.) Why do other parts of Asia continue to draw tourism at the expense of the Philippines? Lack of promotion is one of the main problems.
Countries such as Thailand and China heavily advertise their attractions, while The Philippines remains a mystery to most North Americans. It is, however, becoming a popular destination for Australians since the bombings in Bali, and a few Germans and Scandinavians find the dive resorts a welcome respite from northern winters, proving that Americans would head there as well, if properly informed of the many attractions.
Why the apparent lack of interest in developing tourism? This is a complex question with no easy answers. The Philippines is a resource rich nation that remains largely underdeveloped. Thailand, with very similar resources, has built up a world-class tourist industry (unfortunately suffering due to recent political problems,) is a major exporter of rice, and an important supplier of fruit, fish and seafood. The Philippines suffers from massive poverty, largely a result of a series of corrupt governments. Politicians have more interest in lining their own pockets than in improving conditions for their fellow countrymen. Fortunately there is now a ray of hope with the election of “Noynoy” Aquino from one of the most respected political families. He has vowed to fight corruption and put the country back on course. Unfortunately, even if he is successful, significant change is years away.
The perception that the Philippines is unsafe remains another deterrent to tourism. How unsafe is it really? Violent crime against foreigners is very rare. Years ago there were a few kidnappings, but this is a thing of the past. Other types of non-violent crime are a risk for the unwary. Pick-pockets ply their craft on public transit and other crowded areas. Offers from strangers to share drinks, or accompany them anywhere should be avoided. The rule when traveling here is the same as elsewhere, do your homework. In any part of the world some areas are safe, and others not so much. A good guide-book will help in avoiding risky areas, but when in doubt ask for advice at your hotel, or from your travel agent.
Filipinos are generally friendly, cheerful, and welcoming. The Philippines offers a highly rewarding travel experience to those willing to try something a little different, and is less costly, while being no less safe than other Asian destinations.
Caffeinated Content
The Philippines is a travel destination unknown to most North Americans. Reasons may include distance, lack of promotion, and uncertainty over safety.
Distance is certainly a consideration, as the trip is long (18 hours to Manila) and costly. A bargain fare ranges from $1000 to $1800 depending on the season, the carrier, and how good a shopper the traveler is. For those simply seeking a beach resort there are plenty of destinations that are closer and cheaper.
Yet, despite equivalent travel times, countries such as Thailand, China, Japan and Korea are increasingly popular. The Philippines offers world-renown diving, with many first class resorts catering to the scuba crowd. Incredible scenery combined with unique culture and history should draw visitors. Best of all, these attractions are available at bargain-basement prices due to the low value of the peso ($1=app. pp45.) Why do other parts of Asia continue to draw tourism at the expense of the Philippines? Lack of promotion is one of the main problems.
Countries such as Thailand and China heavily advertise their attractions, while The Philippines remains a mystery to most North Americans. It is, however, becoming a popular destination for Australians since the bombings in Bali, and a few Germans and Scandinavians find the dive resorts a welcome respite from northern winters, proving that Americans would head there as well, if properly informed of the many attractions.
Why the apparent lack of interest in developing tourism? This is a complex question with no easy answers. The Philippines is a resource rich nation that remains largely underdeveloped. Thailand, with very similar resources, has built up a world-class tourist industry (unfortunately suffering due to recent political problems,) is a major exporter of rice, and an important supplier of fruit, fish and seafood. The Philippines suffers from massive poverty, largely a result of a series of corrupt governments. Politicians have more interest in lining their own pockets than in improving conditions for their fellow countrymen. Fortunately there is now a ray of hope with the election of “Noynoy” Aquino from one of the most respected political families. He has vowed to fight corruption and put the country back on course. Unfortunately, even if he is successful, significant change is years away.
The perception that the Philippines is unsafe remains another deterrent to tourism. How unsafe is it really? Violent crime against foreigners is very rare. Years ago there were a few kidnappings, but this is a thing of the past. Other types of non-violent crime are a risk for the unwary. Pick-pockets ply their craft on public transit and other crowded areas. Offers from strangers to share drinks, or accompany them anywhere should be avoided. The rule when traveling here is the same as elsewhere, do your homework. In any part of the world some areas are safe, and others not so much. A good guide-book will help in avoiding risky areas, but when in doubt ask for advice at your hotel, or from your travel agent.
Filipinos are generally friendly, cheerful, and welcoming. The Philippines offers a highly rewarding travel experience to those willing to try something a little different, and is less costly, while being no less safe than other Asian destinations.
Caffeinated Content
Cebu – Pearl Of South Philippines
Dan Eggers asked:
Why travel to Cebu, Philippines of all places? What makes Cebu, Philippines special among all other places in the whole country – or the world even? If your travel plans for this year includes Cebu, here are some reasons why we’re certain that you won’t regret your decision on choosing Cebu as your travel destination.
What Makes Cebu Popular
Even if we weren’t to talk about any of the famous tourist spots of Cebu, Philippines, there are still other things that make Cebu so very popular with the tourists. First, there’s the food. If you love those ripe yellow mangoes, you absolutely must go to Guadulupe because their mangoes – served dried or not – can never fail to make taste buds water.
And then there’s chicharon or pork rind; if you’ve never tasted chicharon yet, a good place to start would be at Cebu. Other food to explore in Cebu would be “puso”, the hanging rice, dangit, a dried fish usually eaten for breakfast and budbud, another type of rice.
And then there are the souvenirs or other accessories that you may only purchase in Cebu, Philippine. If you come from a country experiencing all four seasons – people back home would probably appreciate if you give them the beautifully hand woven blankets made from Argao. People with deep faith would no doubt appreciate as well gifts of the Medallions of the Christ Child. For fashion lovers, jewelry made from Mactan stone, corals or seashells are very much popular.
Lastly, there are the guitars. People with fine ears for music can’t help but appreciate the quality of guitars manufactured in Cebu. If you also want to see with your very own eyes the manufacturing process of a guitar, from start to finish, LapuLapu City of Cebu is the place to travel to.
And now finally, we come to the places…
Magellan’s Cross – Since the Philippines began to be of interest to the world thanks to Ferdinand Magellan’s discovery in 1521, tourists might as well begin their travel plans by visiting Magellan’s Cross which is found in Magallanes Street of Cebu City. This place is of much historical value to the Philippines because it’s also where the baptismal rites of the earliest Filipino Christians were held.
Mactan Island – Water sports have always been a favorite activity by tourists when visiting the Cebu and if you’re fond of this as well, make sure that you drop by Mactan Island because the waves there are alike no place else!
Cebu is also the jumping point to other exciting destinations like Dumaguete, Bohol and Sumilon.
Why travel to Cebu, Philippines of all places? What makes Cebu, Philippines special among all other places in the whole country – or the world even? If your travel plans for this year includes Cebu, here are some reasons why we’re certain that you won’t regret your decision on choosing Cebu as your travel destination.
What Makes Cebu Popular
Even if we weren’t to talk about any of the famous tourist spots of Cebu, Philippines, there are still other things that make Cebu so very popular with the tourists. First, there’s the food. If you love those ripe yellow mangoes, you absolutely must go to Guadulupe because their mangoes – served dried or not – can never fail to make taste buds water.
And then there’s chicharon or pork rind; if you’ve never tasted chicharon yet, a good place to start would be at Cebu. Other food to explore in Cebu would be “puso”, the hanging rice, dangit, a dried fish usually eaten for breakfast and budbud, another type of rice.
And then there are the souvenirs or other accessories that you may only purchase in Cebu, Philippine. If you come from a country experiencing all four seasons – people back home would probably appreciate if you give them the beautifully hand woven blankets made from Argao. People with deep faith would no doubt appreciate as well gifts of the Medallions of the Christ Child. For fashion lovers, jewelry made from Mactan stone, corals or seashells are very much popular.
Lastly, there are the guitars. People with fine ears for music can’t help but appreciate the quality of guitars manufactured in Cebu. If you also want to see with your very own eyes the manufacturing process of a guitar, from start to finish, LapuLapu City of Cebu is the place to travel to.
And now finally, we come to the places…
Magellan’s Cross – Since the Philippines began to be of interest to the world thanks to Ferdinand Magellan’s discovery in 1521, tourists might as well begin their travel plans by visiting Magellan’s Cross which is found in Magallanes Street of Cebu City. This place is of much historical value to the Philippines because it’s also where the baptismal rites of the earliest Filipino Christians were held.
Mactan Island – Water sports have always been a favorite activity by tourists when visiting the Cebu and if you’re fond of this as well, make sure that you drop by Mactan Island because the waves there are alike no place else!
Cebu is also the jumping point to other exciting destinations like Dumaguete, Bohol and Sumilon.
