The morning sun pierces through palm fronds as I stand at the edge of Cloud 9, Siargao’s legendary surf break. The wooden boardwalk stretches before me like a runway to paradise, leading to the three-story viewing deck where photographers and tourists gather to witness surfers dance with the waves. The Pacific Ocean swells roll in with clockwork precision, each one transforming into perfect barrels that have made this tiny Philippine island a pilgrimage site for wave riders from around the globe. I arrived in Siargao just as the last rays […]

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Escape to Hokuriku for a Masterclass in Artisanal Craft, World-Class Gastronomy, and Holistic Wellness Beyond the neon lights of Tokyo and the crowded temples of Kyoto lies a region of profound serenity and artistic mastery. The status of Hokuriku—comprising Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui— as Japan’s premier craft hub is a beautiful legacy born from a blend of political strategy and natural resilience. Once a hidden gem accessible only to the most intrepid travelers, the Hokuriku Shinkansen now whisks you from the heart of Tokyo to this cultural sanctuary in just […]

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The morning fog clung to the emerald mountains like a lover reluctant to leave. Our jeepney lurched forward on the winding road, and I steadied myself against the metal frame, my knuckles white with anticipation. The province of Apayao had long been a blank space on my mental map of the Philippines—a remote northern frontier that even many Filipinos know little about. This obscurity is precisely what drew me here, to the northernmost reaches of Luzon, where the rugged Cordillera mountain range creates a natural fortress that has sheltered both […]

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This cute teahouse and restaurant is located about a 20 minute drive from the center of Chiang Rai. Established in 2022, this restaurant combines wild tea, local food, and regional culture into one calm, yet vibrant space. Created by a Kengtung family who once focused solely on foraging and producing wild Bansai tea (gushu cha), it has grown into a teahouse‑eatery that still feels deeply personal. The menu celebrates local ingredients through Chiang Rai and Chiang Tung dishes, served alongside carefully brewed wild teas and Chiang Rai teas that highlight […]

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A rigid kayak strapped to a rental car roof in Portugal cost me 47 euros in unexpected fees and a heated argument with an airport shuttle driver. That was three years ago. Last month, the same trip happened with a 35-pound bag checked as regular luggage, and by noon I was paddling the Mondego River while other tourists waited for organized boat tours. The assumption that serious paddling demands serious equipment has kept countless travelers from experiencing waterways that buses and hiking trails simply cannot reach. Inflatable kayaks have quietly […]

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Most visitors to Japan follow a well-worn path: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, maybe a day trip to Nara. And for good reason — those cities are extraordinary. But across the Seto Inland Sea, on the southern coast of Shikoku island, sits a prefecture that barely registers on most travel itineraries: Kochi.   That’s exactly what makes it worth visiting.   Kochi Prefecture occupies the entire Pacific-facing coast of Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island. It has no bullet train and no major international gateway. No Instagram-famous shrine gates. What it does have […]

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“You Need A Reason. We’ve Got Deals.” Dynamic travel offers make it easy to plan the perfect island getaway KINGSTON, Jamaica – March  2026 – The Jamaica Tourist Board, in collaboration with its trusted partners, is showcasing exclusive travel deals through March 31, giving travelers exciting new reasons to experience the island. As part of the “You Need a Reason. We’ve Got Deals.” campaign, visitors can discover fresh offerings each time they check the Visit Jamaica Travel Deals hub, making every trip to Jamaica a one-of-a-kind adventure. These limited-time offers […]

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Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp By Sunita Khadka The alarm went off at 4:30 AM, waking me up from a restless sleep 3,700 meters above sea level. My head hurt a little, which was a sign that the air here doesn’t have as much oxygen as I’m used to. But when I unzipped my sleeping bag in the cold, dark teahouse, the thrill of it all made any discomfort go away. I would finally get to Annapurna Base Camp today, after six days of hiking. When I first saw the […]

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Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress known as the “Queen of Martial Arts Films.” She holds black belts in multiple disciplines and was a world-champion competitor before starring in her first Hong Kong movie, Yes, Madam, co-starring Michelle Yeoh. Her recent work includes Black Creek and the upcoming horror film Steel Donkeys. Q. I grew up watching Hong Kong action films in the late 80s and early 90s. You were a very cool martial art actress known as 罗芙洛 (Luo Fu Luo). I later learned that you […]

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The morning sun cast golden rays across the waters of the Basilan Strait as our ferry approached Zamboanga City’s port. Known as Asia’s Latin City, this historic settlement on the southwestern tip of Mindanao held the promise of a unique cultural tapestry woven from Spanish, Muslim, and indigenous influences. My journey began at the iconic Paseo del Mar, where the salty breeze carried whispers of the city’s maritime heritage. Local families strolled along the waterfront promenade, their conversations a melodic blend of Chavacano – the only Spanish-based creole language in […]

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Montego Bay is more than just a picturesque spot on Jamaica’s north coast. This vibrant city actually breathes life into your vacation with its endless white-sand beaches, lush hills, and a local culture that’s genuinely inviting. It’s the sort of place where you’re as likely to hear reggae rhythms drifting on the breeze as you are to watch the sun dipping behind palm trees. If you crave a mixture of serene days by the sea and bursts of excitement, you’ve already found the right starting point. Now, before you race […]

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Louis Potenziano, also known as Bangkok Louie, is an American expat who has been living in Bangkok for over 6 years. He owns O’Leary’s Irish Pub (Soi 15, Sukhumvit), Louie’s on 15 Bamboo and Bourbon, a Thai European restaurant in the same area. Before moving to Bangkok, he worked in Doha on a hospital project, where he led a team installing integrated low-voltage security and communications systems. Q. How did the name ‘Bangkok Louie’ come about? I will tell you but I must go back in history, my history. My […]

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I’ve spent a fair few nights on sleeper buses around the world at this point, and honestly? The experience is wildly different depending on where you are. I’ve taken overnight buses in Turkey, Western Europe, Thailand, Vietnam, all over South America, Mexico, and even the UK, and each region has its own quirks, comfort rating, and chaos level. Some buses are genuinely brilliant, like in Vietnam, where they have lie-flat seats that could rival a hostel bed. Others… well, let’s just say I’ve spent more than one night wide awake, […]

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Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality. Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa – a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence. The 17th-Century farmhouse, which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment in 2013, now has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic […]

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World-class entertainment magnets: Cirque du Soleil and show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast Basketball events, French Summer, reopening of the Hohenzollern crypt, design and gaming in the capital The city of freedom celebrates its second Berlin Freedom Week Berlin, 7 January 2026 Berlin will be one of Europe’s most exciting cities in 2026. From shows, international sporting events and art exhibitions to new attractions and a packed trade fair and conference calendar, visitors to Berlin can look forward to a programme with great appeal. First-class entertainment Berlin has new show highlights: Cirque […]

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