Monday, April 30, 2012

Myanmar: Is now a good time to go?

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 14:41 — Anonymous by Gemma PriceTwo years of political
reforms, the lifting of sanctions and the floating of the Myanmar currency at
818 kyat (pronounced 'chat') to the U.S. dollar -- the opening up of this
hitherto hermetic state suggests big changes in its economy. But what are the
implications for travelers? With investors encouraged to move in, companies
in Myanmar will find it easier to do business and any moral reservations that
international visitors might have harbored about visiting Myanmar will likely
soon begin to dissipate. In the last six months, Myanmar has rocketed to the
top of must-go-now lists as travelers -- just like the world's powers --
scramble to get in before the country is overrun by fellow travelers. Last
year, 391,176 visitors traveled to the country according to the Ministry of
Hotels and Tourism. In 2012, the ministry predicts an increase of nearly 30
percent to 500,000 -- possibly straining the Southeast Asian
nation's infrastructure.read more

Kids playing with guns: Open day at PLA Hong Kong garrison

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 12:47 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorWhen the
People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong opens up its barracks to the
public each year, military buffs of all ages and sizes go nuts. Held around
the May 1 Labor Day holiday, the PLA open house event is particularly popular
with parents who hope to inspire their children to be more martial in their
self-discipline. There's just nothing more character-building than an
afternoon with mom, dad and a range of semi-automatic firearms supervised by
men in uniform. Also on CNNGo: All aboard! China to open luxury hotel on
Soviet aircraft carrier This year's open house event was held April 28-29 and
celebrated the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese
sovereignty. The 28,000 free-of-charge tickets to the event were all handed
out within two hours on April 22. read more

Sunday, April 29, 2012

13 most overplayed Filipino cover band songs

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 05:06 — Anonymous by Candice Lopez-QuimpoFrom Manila and
Singapore to Dubai, Phuket, Hong Kong and Hanoi, bands from the Philippines
command the stages in Asia's cheesiest hotel lobbies, sweatiest bars and
hottest nightclubs. Taking requests from all comers, they provide
the-roof-is-on-fire entertainment with note-for-perfect-note renditions of
old favorites for rowdy crowds and romance-bound couples. But, like
Kardashians and tequila shots, even old favorites can induce nausea when
taken in large doses.  That's why we asked some of the top Filipino cover
bands to fire back on the songs that we could all stand to hear a little less
of. More on CNNGo: How to be a Manila local: 10 tips for faking itread more

Cheer up: Chinese airport uses cheerleaders to soothe stranded passengers

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 02:57 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffWhile some Chinese
travelers storm the tarmac when flights get delayed, others might wish their
flights never take off -- assuming they're flying from the northeast China
city of Dalian.  To entertain waiting passengers, Dalian International
Airport recently recruited a squad of cheerleaders to perform kicks, jumps
and splits in the airport's main hall. During massive fog-related delays in
Dalian last week, the cheerleaders' pom-pom routines "soothed emotion and
alleviated fatigue" for more than 5,000 stranded flyers, according to the
Dalian Evening News. More on CNNGo: Traditional Thai cheerleading explained
The cheerleading show is part of the airport's effort to "bring more
convenience to passengers in the summer-autumn air season," said Zhen Qun
(郑群), an airport official.read more

Best of Manila

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 05:28 — Anonymous by Cheryl Tiu For many travelers, the
Philippine capital of Manila is viewed as a stopover or transit city to the
white sand beaches of Boracay and Palawan, or the vacation island of Cebu. 
Despite not bringing in big tourist numbers, however, Manila is one of the
most vibrant cities in the region. The people, soul, camaraderie and fiesta
attitude are all part of the best of Manila charm. Where else in the world
can you sing karaoke in an air-conditioned jeepney, cocktail in hand, while
weaving in and out of city streets? To help you find the best of Manila,
here's a quick guide to the city's highlights.   More on CNNGo: How to be a
Manila local: 10 tips for faking itread more

iReport: My favorite Japan destinations

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 01:55 — Anonymous by Patrick BudmarIn a recent CNNGo
iReport assignment, we asked readers to share their photos of their favorite
Japanese destinations. Patrick Budmar, a 30-year-old Aussie from Sydney, told
us what led him off the usual, well-worn tourist trail. "I just wanted to
show that there are places that can be easily and cheaply visited from
Tokyo," he said. "Not all sightseeing has to be limited to Harajuku and
the Imperial Palace, though they are great places to visit as well." Nearby
nature While central Tokyo has much to offer in terms of sightseeing, things
only start to get more interesting once you venture outside of the
well-trodden paths of the city center. Anyone keen to experience the natural
beauty that Japan has to offer will realize that inner Tokyo has very little
in this regard, but you don't need to travel far to come into contact with
a different side of the country.read more

How to be a Manila local: 10 tips on faking it

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 00:33 — Anonymous by Lou E. AlbanoManila can be an
intimidating city for a newcomer. It doesn't have to be. Follow these 10 tips
on how to look like a local and pretty soon people will be calling you "Chip"
or "Te." More on CNNGo: Best of Manila 1. How to talk to strangers If you run
into Manny Pacquiao, show off your Tagalog skills by calling him "Pogi." In
Manila, it's all about balancing familiarity and respect.read more

Insider Guide: What to do in Beijing

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 00:00 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Raemin Zhang, Tom
O'MalleyImportant things happen in Beijing. You can feel this everywhere in
the city of nearly 20 million people. There are the majestic imperial
buildings, perfectly preserved in their gold and blood-red, sharing the same
sidewalk with Soviet masterpieces designed to intimidate. In the last few
years, before and after the Beijing 2008 Olympics, modern wonders of glass
and chrome plucked from some architect's whimsical imagination have appeared.
It all makes Beijing's cityscape a study in superlatives; the grand scale of
the city planning a campaign for headlines. And yet, there is a Beijing that
is growing organically on a human scale, particularly within the narrow
hutongs (tiny alleys that separate traditional courtyard homes).read more

The Philippines' best beaches and islands

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 00:37 — Anonymous by Candice Lopez-QuimpoPicking a
favorite beach in the Philippines is like trying to pick a favorite child.
 Challenging, but not impossible.  With more than 7,000 islands edged by
white sand buffering turquoise waters filled with some of the world's most
diverse marine life, not everyone will agree on which one is best.  Disagree
with our picks? Share your favorite Filipino island or beach in the comments
box below.  More on CNNGo: Special Report: What's the future of Philippines
tourism? 1. El Nido, Palawan Hollywood loves El Nido. Scenes for the
upcoming final installment of the "Bourne" series were shot here. The island
was also the setting of a pit stop on "The Amazing Race."read more

36 hours on a Philippine bus

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 02:13 — Anonymous by Gelo GonzalesJeepney. Moto-trike.
Banca boat. Kuliglig. (Click through the gallery above if you don't know
what that last one is.) There are lots of creative ways to get around the
Philippines. To experience the best of the country's gorgeous countryside
and meet its outgoing locals, however, one of the most fun ways is to hop on
a bus for a trip through the provinces. That's why we dispatched Manila
native Gelo Gonzalez to spend 24 hours on a Philippine bus trip and document
his trip. Also on CNNGo: How to be a Manila local: 10 tips for faking itread
more

Friday, April 27, 2012

10 reasons to love the Middle East

Sat, 04/28/2012 - 00:00 — Anonymous by Sara HamdanThere are a lot of things
you can't do in the Middle East. Just ask that couple who got caught kissing
on the beach in Dubai a few years ago. Twice.  But there are a lot of things
you can do, that you can't do anywhere else. Here are some of the best. 1.
Bash dunes, Dubai There's nothing like blasting music while riding a
four-wheel drive haphazardly up and down sand hills to feel the rush that
comes from dune bashing. So much for slow-paced safaris and quiet dinners in
tents -- this is one way to experience the desert that you can only do in the
Gulf. In Saudi Arabia, dune bashing is most popular in border cities such as
Al-Khararah.read more

Tokyo International Bar Show brimming with world champs

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 11:36 — Anonymous Here's an idea for Golden Week --
spend it recovering from the vast array of superb imbibing on offer at the
Tokyo International Bar Show. The capital's most-celebrated drink
extravaganza takes place May 5 and 6 at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi and
promises seminars in sake, gin, whiskey and rum, drinks made by top
bartenders from London, New York, Paris and Tokyo, and best of all,
free-flowing alcohol. The TIBS story began 12 years ago with the birth of
"Whisky Magazine Japan." The local publisher, David Croll, threw a
launch party and invited distillers to hand out samples. He called it
"Whisky Magazine Live." The formula (lots of people + lots of alcohol)
proved popular and the event has been repeated every year since.read more

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Take the edge off at Hong Kong's first craft beer festival, 'Beertopia!'

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 05:30 — Anonymous by Christopher DeWolfThe first Hong
Kong craft beer festival, Beertopia!, will bring together 90 remarkable brews
from around the world to be tasted within century-old Western Market in
Sheung Wan.  The emphasis at Beertopia! is on artisanal quality and
diversity, so we can finally discern our Doppelbock from our Lambic.   Also
on CNNGo: Best Hong Kong beer purveyors "It's about more than getting
huge mugs of beer to get drunk," says organizer Jonathan So. "There are
so many different types of beer, so many flavors, and this is a way to try a
bunch of them." Like many Hong Kong beer nerds, So got his first taste of
quality brews abroad, when he was living in New York.read more

Welcome back, Shanghai Tang! Hong Kong flagship biggest in the world

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 14:50 — Anonymous by CNNGoDuddell Street no longer needs
street lamps now that Shanghai Tang Mansion is open. Hong Kong's Shanghai
Tang was kicked out of its Pedder Building home of 17 years last November
when Abercrombie & Fitch won the bid for the lease at HK$7 million. But they
got the last laugh in the face of Hong Kong's property bubble. Shanghai Tang
are now back with a fierce three-story monument to Chinese chicdom on Duddell
Street, just a stone's throw from their old digs.    Dubbed the Shanghai
Tang Mansion, the nearly 1,400-square-meter flagship store is the largest
branch of Shanghai Tang in the world. More on CNNGo: Shanghai Tang moves
into Mongolian yurts in Hong Kongread more

Exhibitionists only: Visitors strip at Sydney expo

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 03:38 — Anonymous With a forecast high of 22 C this
weekend, most Sydney visitors will be looking forward to some
pretty-much-perfect weather, but there's a select bunch who may find that a
touch chilly. That's because they'll be touring the city's Museum of
Contemporary Art (MCA) completely naked in an event led by Melbourne Artist
Stuart Ringholt. He'll be checking his clothes in at the door too, by the
way. Ringholt's tour is actually billed on the MCA website as a
performance, so that should give some clue as to his motivation here. He says
he aims to address "themes of fear and embarrassment." The event itself
comes with the equally attention-seeking -- not to mention long -- title,
"Preceded by a tour of the show by artist Stuart Ringholt 6-8pm (the artist
will be naked. Those who wish to join the tour must also be naked. Adults
only)."read more

Deal of the week: Super-cheap Shinkansen pass

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 08:51 — Anonymous by Gail NakadaWe all know that train
travel in Japan is super-fast, super-efficient and super-expensive. Equally,
the historically strong yen makes it even more costly for visitors looking to
stretch their travel horizons beyond Tokyo's concrete sprawl. Until now.
Following the March 11 earthquake last year, tourism and travel chiefs are
anxious to lure travelers back to Japan and the latest carrot at the end of
the stick is looking pretty tasty -- it's called the JR East Pass. For only
¥10,000 yen (US$123), Japan Rail (JR) East is offering a three-day unlimited
train pass on any of its lines and routes, including the Shinkansen bullet
train, from Tokyo all the way up to Aomori Prefecture in the far north. The
three days can be within a 10-day window, meaning there's no need to
rush. As a point of reference, a single fare from Tokyo to Aomori typically
costs around ¥16,000. Tourism officials are hoping incoming tourists will
head toward the quake-hit Tohoku region and there's a "Destination
Iwate" campaign on the JR website to encourage just that.read more

How to make a mint at Japan's antique markets

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 02:55 — Anonymous by Lisa JardineIf you've been to an
antiques market in Tokyo or one of the area's many shrine sales in the past
few years, it's likely you've come across Jacqueline Wein -- or Tokyo
Jinja as she's known to her dedicated band of online followers. She often
draws small crowds waiting to see what gem she will pick up and examine.
Selections made, it's not unusual to find her making several trips between
the market and her car, loading up purchases she's made on behalf of her
customers around the globe. Jacqueline Wein runs the numbers at another
sale.Wein's fascination with treasure hunting started at a young age in
flea markets and garage sales in the United States. This fascination led to
Princeton where she studied history and art. From there she went on to deal
in 19th-century silver -- a period directly influenced by the "opening"
of Japan -- and spent several years in the 1990s in Hong Kong studying
Chinese and Japanese antiques. Helping clients integrate the quintessential
piece into their home, regardless of their particular style, is her
specialty. Wein prides herself in finding the one valuable object in a crowd
of junk.read more

Beyond the duck: 20 best Beijing restaurants

Tue, 04/24/2012 - 23:57 — Anonymous by Tom O'MalleyBeijing hums with the
steam and sizzle of 70,000 restaurants showcasing the country's best regional
cooking. Diners can eat their way through China without leaving the capital
city. Every type of classic Chinese food is represented in Beijing, from
Chongqing-style spicy hot pot joints to holes-in the-wall selling mutton
skewers made by Xinjiang natives. The city's fine dining scene is also
experiencing a boom, attracting celebrity restaurateurs such as Daniel
Boulud, and giving rise to a generation of maverick contemporary chefs.
Here's our list of 20 of Beijing's best eateries to match every budget.
Expensive More than RMB 250 per person, excluding drinks.read more

10 reasons travelers can't keep away from Jeju Island

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 08:00 — Anonymous by Jennifer BarclayJust off the coast
of South Korea, Jeju Island pulls in vacationers and honeymooners by the
thousands.  April to June is prime time for school trips. "You get a lot of
students on field trips from April to June," says Kim Mi-ryang, of the Korea
Tourist Organization's Jeju branch.  But there is plenty of space for all.
With half a million people spread over an area that's three times as big as
Seoul, there's a lazy feel to the place.  Even if you haven't just gotten
married, a vacation here sure can feel like it. Regular direct flights to and
from international cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing and Shanghai (as well
as South Korea's domestic airports) and liberal visa requirements also make
getting here a snap.read more

iPad-controlled superyacht almost does away with deckhands

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 09:28 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffSailors around the world
have been admiring the US$15-million superyacht, Adastra, which launched in
Zhuhai two weeks ago. Hailed as the first made-in-China superyacht, the
futuristic, three-hulled vessel -- whose name translates as "to the stars" --
belongs to 62-year-old Hong Kong shipping tycoon Antony Marden and is the
brainchild of U.K.-based boat designer John Shuttleworth, who spent more than
five years crafting the design. The 42.5-meter yacht contains one en suite
master cabin, two guest cabins, a lounge area, a dining area, a galley, and a
bar on the aft deck. Adastra can accommodate as many as nine guests and six
crew. Despite the unusual structure and luxury interiors, Adastra's
iPad-control system is what everybody is really talking about. More luxe
yachts to be iPad-controlled Although remote access is by no means news to
the yacht industry, Adastra pushes the tech to a new level.read more

Turbulence after Victoria Beckham Twitter pic

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 10:18 — Anonymous "Cabin crew prepare for landing!
Welcome to Beijing!!" tweeted Victoria Beckham. Ever been on a flight waiting
for the restroom and decided to park your butt on one of those horribly
uncomfortable looking jump seats the airline attendants sit in when taking
off and landing? If so, you were likely told to move given those seats are
reserved for cabin crew only.  Unless your name is Victoria Beckham. The
former Posh Spice/current fashion designer and wife of the planet's second
prettiest soccer player -- after Christiano Ronaldo, of course -- caused a
stir this past week after she posted a Twitter photo of herself sitting with
a Cathay Pacific crew member, apparently pretending to make an announcement
on her Hong Kong to Beijing flight.  Some internet users criticized her for
putting the flight at risk, others said people need to lighten up. read more

10 of the best medieval walled cities

Tue, 04/24/2012 - 23:01 — Anonymous by Bruce HolmesFor history buffs,
photographers and anyone who's ever said "Wow!" there's nothing quite
like the sight of a medieval walled city approached from a distance. Then
there are the explorations within, tours of castles, walks along the walls
and shops and restaurants in medieval squares. Many cities still have their
medieval walls predominantly intact in various parts of the world. Did I
mention my obsession? I've visited quite a few. Also on CNNGo: Asia's 10
greatest street food cities 1. Pingyao, China Situated in Shanxi province,
the 14th century Han Chinese city of Pingyao was once China's foremost
financial center with half the country's banks located there.read more

Best Hong Kong beer purveyors

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 12:58 — Anonymous by Christopher DeWolfEvery man in Hong
Kong has a drinking problem: two hands and only one mouth.Good news for craft
beer lovers in Hong Kong: there is more quality quaffage than ever before.
Depending on the hops, yeast and malts used in the brewing process, beer can
range from thick, sweet and rich, like the high-alcohol German Doppelbock, to
crisp, citrusy and bitter like an India Pale Ale (IPA). Along the way there
are beers as diverse as Lambic (a dry fruit ale made in Belgium) hefeweizen
(a perfect refreshing summer treat) and stout (like Guinness, but with many
even tastier options). Craft beers are made in small batches with special
attention paid to the quality of ingredients and the nuances of style.
"Craft beer is amazing because it has this awesome array of flavors that
still can surprise and amaze you 20 years after you have had your first,"
says Jeff Boda, a journalist and beer critic whose new company, Hop Leaf,
imports American and Japanese craft brews like Rogue and Baird.read more

Jessica Alba's whirlwind tour of Seoul

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 14:30 — Anonymous by CNNGo staff Hundreds of fans mobbed
Incheon Airport today when Jessica Alba flew out of Seoul after a whirlwind
five-day visit to Korea with husband Cash Warren and daughters Honor and
Haven. The star of "Sin City" and "Fantastic Four" was in town for a --
relatively -- low-key family trip which was booked through Cosmojin Tour,
which specializes in VIP tours of Korea. Other patrons have included Woody
Allen, Cindy Crawford and YouTube co-founder Steve Chen. Korean media and
blogs started humming once they realized Alba was in country when she began
tweeting photos at Seoul landmarks. In addition to enjoying a couples'
massage at the Hilton Hotel's Swiss Perfection Spa, Alba was photographed
at the hottest Seoul club of the moment -- Octagon at the Hilltop Hotel --
last Saturday night. We hope the babysitter got a fat tip. After clubbing,
she then headed to a pojangmacha to celebrate her forthcoming 31st birthday
with soju and and fruit.read more

Budget carrier Scoot adds Bangkok flights

Wed, 04/25/2012 - 12:29 — Anonymous Singapore Airlines' new low-cost
carrier Scoot just announced it will be operating daily return flights to
Bangkok from July 5.  As a promotion, Scoot is selling return tickets for
S$88 (US$70.42). The addition of the Bangkok route means Scoot will be
challenging Singapore Airlines' other budget carrier, Tiger Airways, as well
as Jetstar and AirAsia.  Scoot executives previously announced the airline
would be flying between Singapore and Sydney, the Gold Coast in Australia and
Tianjin in northern China.  Scoot's inaugural flight out of Singapore will
take off on June 4, to Sydney. To book, visit Flyscoot.com.  read more

What do airline CEOs pack when they travel?

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 09:49 — Anonymous by Rachel Sang-hee HanEnough
repurchasing USB adaptors and phone chargers because you keep forgetting to
pack them. The key to packing smart is knowing what you really need.  We
asked some of the most frequent fliers in the world -- airline CEOs -- about
their favorite picks to pack. iPad: Temel Kotil, CEO, Turkish Airlines The
ultimate travel, entertainment, business companion. It really depends on the
style of the traveler -- reader, film buff, game addict -- but it can all
come down to the trusty iPad.  "Most trips I take are quite long, generally
five hours or more and the two things I make sure I have with me are a book
and my iPad," says Temel Kotil, 53, of Turkish Airlines.  "While I enjoy the
in-flight entertainment provided and often watch a number of movies, the
uninterrupted time while in the air provides a quiet period for reading and
listening to music that is found in few other places.read more

Survey reveals the best airplane seat

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 11:05 — Anonymous by James DurstonIf I were to guess what
airplane seat you preferred on flights, and be correct, that would be
impressive, wouldn't it?  Well here I go. 6A. OK that may not have worked.
But had I said a seat in rows one to six, I would have been right for nearly
half the people reading this article. Had I predicted an even number, I would
have been right for nearly two-thirds of you.read more

Tune budget hotels set for Sydney, Melbourne

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 03:55 — Anonymous Complaints about the high price of
holidaying in Oz are set to lose a little legitimacy with the news that Tune
Hotels is about to set up shop with new budget hotels in both Melbourne and
Sydney. The no-frills hotel chain -- owned by AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes
-- opened its first property in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2007 with rooms
selling for as little as US$3 a night. Melbourne will be first Australian
destination to get a Tune hotel, when a Swanson Street branch opens in August
next year. After that, Melbourne appears to be next on a hit list that's
bound to have the established hotels looking over their shoulders. More on
CNNGo: AirAsia boss announces new airline for the super richread more

Legoland Hotel Malaysia set for 2014 launch

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 09:47 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongSo far, only the model of
Legoland Hotel Malaysia has been finished.Tired of the usual cookie-cutter
hotel rooms and safe, neutral colors? Check out Legoland Malaysia as a
potential next holiday. The park has announced plans to open Asia's first
Legoland Hotel in 2014, adjacent to the theme park in Johor. The 249-room
hotel is not built with Lego bricks but visitors can still expect to find the
little plastic cuboids everywhere. Even the fries in the restaurant are
shaped like them.  Unusually for a hotel, children were front of mind during
the design phase. Too bad the receptionist isn't dressed up as a Lego
man.read more

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Stone the crows: It's the Sydney Comedy Festival!

Mon, 04/16/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous Get ready for three weeks of big yuks
with acts like Charlie Murphy at the Sydney Comedy Festival.Whatever you
think about the Aussies, there's no denying they have a sense of humor --
they pinched most of it from the Brits, after all. Keeping that reputation
alive is the much-loved Sydney Comedy Festival, which hits its eighth edition
later this month. Running from April 24 to May 12, this year's bash
features homegrown and international acts tickling ribs at venues across the
city. Organizers expect the usual inrush of tourists as well as locals keen
on yuks by the bucket load. International appeal "Its fantastic to see the
festival grow year after year," says Festival Director, Jorge Menidis.
"Our audience members fly in from all round Australia to attend, with some
performances bringing in visitors from New Zealand and even Southeast
Asia." The festival opens with its traditional Cracker Night -- American
readers might need an Oz dictionary, lest they get the wrong idea -- on April
24.read more

Insider Guide: Best of Bangkok

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 23:02 — Anonymous So, you're in Thailand on a mission to
cram the best of Bangkok into a weekend? It's a big ask -- there's no city in
the world like this one -- but it can be done. With incredible street food,
world-class hotels, killer nightlife, packed markets and temples so sparkly
they make your eyes water, there's almost too much to choose from. But you're
in luck. This quick guide to the best of Bangkok ensures you can at least hit
the highlights on your quest for the best of Bangkok.  And, yes,
gender-defying lady boys, included. Keep in mind that hotel prices vary
dramatically depending on the time of year. High season runs from October to
April, while the best bargains can be had May to September.read more

Southeast Asia travel: A guide to overland border crossings

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 23:12 — Anonymous by Merritt GurleyFlying might be quick,
but to really get a real feel for Southeast Asia, try rolling old-school and
make your way through the region on the ground, where you'll gain a better
understanding of the varying landscapes and cultures across the region. There
is a variety of popular routes. For instance, it's possible to follow the
Mekong River from China's Yunnan province to Vietnam through Burma, Laos,
Thailand and Cambodia. But as with any form of adventuring, there are
drawbacks. When traveling overland you will deal with a whole mess of border
crossings, which can mean smooth sailing or a huge headache, depending on
your level of preparation. Here are a few tips on how to make it across a
land border with as little hassle as possible.  Manage your expectations An
overland trip can provide a window into ground-level daily life. That daily
life may include bumpy roads, long lines and unexpected detours.read more

10 of the world's weirdest film festivals

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 23:31 — Anonymous by Candice WardWere we to turn a
spotlight on film festivals across the world then stalwarts like Cannes,
Toronto and San Sebastian would surely shine brightest. And that's only
natural. Occupying a darker corner of the stage, however, are scores of
cinematic celebrations that showcase the unorthodox, the weird and the
creepy. If it weren't for these quirky additions to the global festival
calendar, our great storytellers might never have known, for example, the
Kevin Norwood Bacon Achievement Award -- a gong awarded for exemplary
achievement to a filmmaker or actor connected to Kevin Bacon in six films or
fewer. With that taster still lingering in the senses, here are some of the
oddest and most wonderful celebrations of film, all (well, most) screening at
a town near you over the next year or so. Book your tickets now. 1. Mile High
Horror Film Festival (United States) Not sure which one's Dorothy, but The
Emerald City definitely ain't in Denver.read more

Saturday, April 14, 2012

10 outrageous yachts for hire -- if you're filthy rich enough

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 05:25 — Anonymous by Fiona HarperIf all this talk about
the Titanic centenery has you hankering for an ocean jaunt, check out these
rides.   Few things are more indulgent than a private yacht charter.  There
are scores of worthy contenders plying the world's best cruising grounds,
but these 10 are guaranteed to make your bank account crawl into a corner and
start weeping.  1. Maltese Falcon What: 88-meter mega sailing yacht Where:
Mediterranean and Caribbean Crew: 16 Sleeps: 12 How much: US$74,000 per day
To charter: www.symaltesefalcon.comBuilt by the innovative Italian
firm Perini Navi, Maltese Falcon's traditional sailing rig belies her
extraordinary state of the art technology and design. Record-breaking speeds,
courtesy of her lightweight sail rigging, make 10-day, trans-Atlantic
crossings commonplace. With head-turning, sleek contemporary styling, Maltese
Falcon is for traditionalists who don't mind a modern twist.read more

Friday, April 13, 2012

Gallery: Songkran's water fights, parties and old school traditions

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 13:15 — Anonymous Nationwide water fights, traditional
Buddhist rituals, parties, parades and plenty of alcohol.  The Thai new
year, better known as Songkran, is now officially under way.  Running from
April 13-16 this year -- some cities stretch the celebrations out for a full
week -- Songkran marks the beginning of the new solar year and the summer
season in Thailand.  Though Songkran is more famous for the huge water
fights that rock the streets of Chiang Mai and popular Bangkok tourist zones
like Silom and Khao San Road, there is a traditional side to the event.  On
the first day of festivities, families and friends celebrate Songkran by
visiting temples and pouring water on each others' hands as a blessing, to
start the year filled with good luck. People also pour water -- seen as a way
of washing away bad luck -- over Buddha statues.  Over the years, those
traditions have evolved into a nationwide water fight, a welcome form of
relief given that April is the hottest month of the year. read more

Mario Batali in Hong Kong, obsessed with century egg

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 11:12 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorMario
Batali: "Century eggs are so beautiful."Mario Batali was really bothered
about the bread at Lupa, his new restaurant in Hong Kong. He took a slice of
the bread they were serving that day and made me smell it, looking at me
expectantly. I detected a nice anise scent and wanted to eat it. "Caraway
seeds! That has no business here!" says Batali, snatching it back. It just
doesn't go with his sauces and meats. I get it. It's like having char kway
teow made with egg noodles. It's practically an insult to a food lover.
Batali came to Hong Kong and discovered a city of kindred spirits. "People
talk about food like religion here," he says. It's his kind of place.read
more

Thursday, April 12, 2012

World’s 10 rudest countries for travelers

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 08:34 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffTravel search site
Skyscanner recently released a list of the world's rudest nations for
visitors, naming the countries whose smiley and friendly natives are
apparently confined to their promotional videos. The result, which lists 34
countries, is based on Skyscanner's online poll, which received more than
1,200 responses from Europe, North America and Australia. France, the
champion of impoliteness La Belle France was declared the champion of
impoliteness, garnering nearly 20 percent of the total votes. French people
are known for "their abrupt and curt nature," especially while facing
foreign tourists,  Edinburgh-based Skyscanner told International Business
Times.  Russia took second place with 16.6 percent of the votes, followed by
the United Kingdom (10.4 percent), Germany (9.93 percent) and a puzzingly
labeled "Others" (miscellaneous countries).read more

10 Titanic sites for travelers

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 01:00 — Anonymous by Anthea GerrieWhen the
"unsinkable" 52,000-ton RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and slid to the
bottom of the ocean on her maiden voyage on April 15, 1912, you'd think it
would be a night to forget, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives. But not a
bit of it -- the Titanic centennial will be a worldfest of commemorations,
re-enactments, auctions and other special events taking place on both sides
of the Atlantic, plus a couple of less likely sites around the globe.
Here's a rundown on where to see the fixtures, fittings and other artefacts
which survived, relive the voyage of those who didn't and buy into the
atmosphere of the world's most advanced steamship of the times, doomed
forever to the deep by pride, folly and human error. 1. Belfast, Northern
Ireland Even the chippie is getting on board in Belfast. In the city where
the fated liner was built, £90 million (US$143 million) and three years have
been invested to create a "Titanic Experience" on the old Harland and
Wolff ship-building yard. The show -- the world's largest such experience
-- opened on March 31 with full-scale reconstructions, rides and a bevy of
special effects to tell how Titanic was conceived at the dawn of the 20th
century prior to sailing out of Belfast on April 2, 1912.read more

Gallery: A year in the life of a travel photographer

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 00:00 — Anonymous by Frances Cha, Seoul EditorSeoul-based
travel photographer Julie Mayfeng has one of the coolest jobs in the world --
taking pictures for Monocle, the United Kingdom-based lifestyle magazine that
covers everything from politics and business to fashion and travel.  At
Monocle's fifth anniversary party in Seoul last year, Mayfeng would interrupt
conversations by pointing her camera and shooting quickly -- without a flash
in what was a very dark bar -- then resume merrily talking and laughing while
barely missing a beat.  The photos she took that night turned out to be
stunning. Mayfeng manages to infuse voice and style into the most seemingly
bland of scenes, and it's astonishing to see what she captures at her
favorite shooting spots.  After seeing those photos, we knew we needed to
talk. read more

Could budget airlines topple Asia's legacy carriers?

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 12:54 — Anonymous by Frances Cha, Seoul EditorTraveling
on budget airlines is a way of life in Europe and North America. But in Asia,
where low-cost carriers have only recently begun cutting into the market
shares of established airlines, their impact on commercial aviation will
likely far surpass anything seen in other markets. Budget operators' share
of the Asian aviation market surged from zero to 25 percent over the past
decade, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, which estimates
that there will be 50 budget airlines in the region by the end of 2012, with
approximately 1,000 aircraft on order. "Ten years ago, network airlines
almost universally declared that low-cost carrier operations simply
wouldn't work in the Asia Pacific region, but today nearly all full-service
airlines in the region have their own low-cost offshoots," says Tom
Ballantyne, Hong Kong-based chief correspondent for commercial aviation
magazine Orient Aviation. Peaches freshens up Japanese market The latest
quirkily named and brightly colored, low-cost carrier to debut in the region
is Japan's Peach Aviation -- a partnership between All Nippon Airways (ANA)
and an investment group in Hong Kong -- which inaugurated service in March
with a flight from Osaka to Nagasaki.read more

From hot dogs to 'haute dogs' -- food trucks turn on the culinary charm

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 13:45 — Anonymous by Rachel Sang-hee HanLater this year a
team of British cooks and chefs is planning to head to New York to compete
with counterparts in the United States.  But don't expect any Michelin stars
or fancy restaurant napkins to be wafted around.  These guys are street food
vendors, and their willingness to cross an ocean to show off their skills is
the surest sign yet that food trucks, also known as mobile kitchens or
container restaurants, have fled their Southeast Asian nests to take on the
world.  "At a time when consumers are cutting back on their restaurant
spending, a van serving up fresh and inexpensive lunches and dinners is an
easy sell to the public," says food journalist Richard Johnson, who also
founded the British Street Food Awards.  Where the props grow, Street
Kitchen goes. read more

A million views and counting: The making of 'Make It Count'

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 10:08 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorSingapore
drove Casey Neistat wild. When Nike hired director Casey Neistat and editor
Max Joseph to make an advertisement for the Nike FuelBand (an
athletic-performance tracking device), the Oregon-based company expected the
pair to hunker down in their New York studios and come out with a killer spot
highlighting the slogan, "Make It Count." What Nike didn't count on was what
the duo did next. Instead of producing the agreed-upon treatment showing how
everyday people are making their lives count, Neistat and Joseph took the
money and ran -- right around the globe. In the vernacular of the trade, they
just did it.read more

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Malaysia Airlines launches kid-free economy zone

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 03:03 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffIf you want to stir up a
fiery debate -- or maybe even a fist fight -- start talking about air travel
and children. Inevitably, someone will declare that airlines should offer
"kid-free flights."  While that's yet to happen, Malaysia Airlines
might have come up with the next best thing. A kid-free economy upper deck
aboard its first A380 service, nonstop between Kuala Lumpur and London, which
takes off July 1.  Families traveling with under-12s –- including
babes-in-arms -- will be automatically allocated seats in the main
all-economy lower deck, says a Malaysia Airlines spokesperson. But before we
all jump to brand the decision makers at the flag carrier as a bunch of
child-hating monsters, the airline is quick to point out that the 350 economy
seats on the main deck of its new A380s will be enhanced and designated as a
family and children-friendly inflight zone. Malaysia Airlines says the main
deck of its new A380 will be an enhanced family friendly inflight zone. And
if there's overwhelming demand for seats in economy class from families
with children and infants, resulting in full load in the main deck, "we
will still accommodate such demand in the 70-seat upper deck economy class
zone of our A380."read more

Tokyo's best museums blow the cobwebs away

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 01:55 — Anonymous by Kelly WetherilleJapan may not have a
history of museums to rival the impressive tourist draws of Rome, London or
Paris, but what it lacks in longevity it makes up for in scale and
innovation. From vast labyrinths of Japanese art from throughout history to
ultra-modern galleries and institutions dedicated to anime or science, Tokyo
has a museum to satisfy even the most voracious culture vultures. Read on for
our pick of the top five. 5. Edo-Tokyo Museum Who needs a time machine when
you've got Edo on your doorstep? If you're able to ignore the fact that the
whole thing exists inside a huge, modern building, then a visit to Edo-Tokyo
Museum is almost like a trip back in time. Several floors of permanent and
temporary exhibits aim to give visitors an idea of what Tokyo was like in the
past, starting from the Edo period and going up to present day.read more

Quake strikes off Indonesia

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 17:24 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffTravelers in and near
Indonesia's Sumatra island, India's east coast, Sri Lanka, Thailand and
other areas in Southeast Asia facing the Indian Ocean are being urged to be
on alert after an 8.6-magnitude earthquake struck 430 kilometers off the west
coast of northern Sumatra. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a
tsunami warning for "all areas of the Indian Ocean." The PTWC went on to
say, "Earthquakes of this size have the potential to generate a widespread
destructive tsunami that can affect coastlines across the entire Indian Ocean
basin … However -- it is not known that a tsunami was generated." Shortly
after the quake hit, the United States Embassy in Bangkok issued the
following emergency message to its citizens: "An 8.5 to 8.9 magnitude
earthquake has occurred off the coast of Sumatra and sparked tsunami warnings
along the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand including the provinces of Phangnga,
Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Ranong.  Please follow safety instructions from
local authorities." For more information see CNN's story "Big quake
strikes off coast of Indonesia."read more

Flights rerouted as North Korea prepares to launch rocket

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 12:16 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongMore than 20 commercial
airline flights will be rerouted to avoid North Korea's rocket launch
expected sometime between April 12 and April 16. The North Korean launch is
meant to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the country's late
founder, Kim Il-Sung, according to North Korean authorities. The secretive
state announced the launch in March, emphasizing that the rocket's debris
will not affect neighboring countries, and saying that its accompanying
satellite is intended for peaceful purposes, according to North Korea's state
news agency. North Korea claims that the Kwangmyongsong-3 (Shining Star)
satellite, carried by the rocket Unha-3, will be used to collect data on
forests and natural resources. But the United States and other nations fear
the launch may be a pretext for a ballistic missile test, which would
potentially violate U.N. resolutions created after a similar launch in April
2009.read more

Japan's new reality show a picture-perfect trip

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by C.B.LiddellWhen visiting Japan,
it's worth remembering -- and stop us if you've heard this one before --
that there's more to the country than kimonos, sushi, tradition and
temples. A lot more. According to those in the know, Japan is one of Asia's
hot spots for contemporary modern art -- manga and anime, anyone? -- and
exhibitions worth at least a half day out of your trip are thick on the
ground. The Hoki Museum, about an hour's drive from Tokyo, is one of a slew
of outstanding new centers that take Japan's reputation for cutting-edge
art to another level. Currently, it's taking a fresh look at Realist art
through one of the year's must-see exhibitions, "Beauty of Existence --
Look, Smile, Sorrow." The astounding-looking building, which opened a few
months before the 2011 earthquake, is the creation of Tomohiko Yamanashi, the
architect behind the stunning art venue.read more

CNNGo TV: Kuala Lumpur -- stylish, cultural, culinary center of Malay life

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 00:20 — Anonymous Petronas Towers? Done. What's next?
We'll show you, in this episode of CNNGo TV. From Southeast Asia's largest
Islamic Art Museum to the majestic Chinese Thean Hou Temple; from a fine
restaurant for authentic Malaysian food to a retro-salon in Chinatown, these
are six of the places that no KL visitor would want to miss. A salon that
recalls the 1940s moment when it opened. Stylo Barber Shop The Stylo Hair
Dressing Saloon (we're not sure if this is an intended misspell) is hard to
miss. Located in Chinatown, the retro-front door with colorful strips and
check patterns is a reminder that the shop is more than 70 years old. read
more

How a trip to Guyana became a short-listed novel

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Samantha LeeseWhat does it mean to
"really travel" in a world where so much is connected and so little seems
new? One answer may be to spend a year in a place that everybody else seems
to have forgotten. And, from there, to write a novel so adventurous and
beautiful that it reminds us how much of the earth there is left to see.
Former cricket writer Rahul Bhattacharya does just that. The result of his
year-long stint in Guyana was "The Sly Company of People Who Care" --
short-listed for this year's Man Asian Literary Prize. The debut novel
follows the picaresque travels of a young Indian journalist who goes to
Guyana to escape the "deadness of his life." Of mixed Bengali and Gujarati
descent, Bhattacharya is no stranger to relocations. The 32-year-old author
compares his childhood to that of an army cantonment kid.read more

Sydney uncovered on urban gourmet tour

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:19 — Anonymous While most top-end hotels make every
effort to keep paying customers happy, fed and watered on-site, the
InterContinental Sydney is taking a very different approach from this month
in pushing guests out the door on a food-centric tour of the city. The
hotel's Sydney Gourmet Tour costs from $511 per night and includes a stay
for two, breakfast at the Café Opera restaurant and the main attraction -- a
choice of two tours of Sydney's finest eating and drinking spots. Expert
guides from tour operator Ultimately Sydney pick up guests by limo at the
hotel after breakfast and usher them round either the Asian and Mediterranean
riches of the South Sydney Tour or the European accents on the Inner West
Tour. Each four-hour-plus excursion promises seasoned buying and tasting
guidance on bounty from Taiwanese dumplings and Lebanese snacks to handmade
chocolate and local wines. Migrant heritage Back at the hotel, the
InterContinental's chief concierge, David Patt, explains the appeal of the
Gourmet Tour.read more

Meet the world's luckiest traveler

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 11:00 — Anonymous by Ian Lloyd Neubauer It's a bold
boast and one we'd all like to lay claim to, but what makes Briton Ben
Southall the world's luckiest traveler? Try this for starters: winner of
Tourism Queensland's 2009 "Best Job in the World" -- a six-month stint
as caretaker of Hamilton Island that paid AU$150,000 (US$154,000) -- Southall
beat 34,684 hopefuls from 200 countries to get the job of a lifetime. While
that should be enough for the former charity fundraiser from Hampshire,
Southall's luck just keeps on rolling in. Since completing the caretaker
gig a little more than two years ago, he spent six months traveling Europe,
Asia and the Americas as the face of a global sales mission for Queensland.
The journey saw him eat scorpions on Taiwanese TV, visit a travel agency in
Guangzhou that was plastered with his photos and hobnob with John Travolta
and Greg Norman in Los Angeles.read more

Insider Guide: Best of New York City

Sun, 04/08/2012 - 23:01 — Anonymous by Jordan BurchetteTrying to do the
best of New York City in a few days is like announcing you plan to see Africa
in a week: it minimizes just how much there is to experience while completely
disregarding travel times. Our menu of the best of New York City eats,
drinks, sights and photo ops ensures you don't waste a New York minute --
which Johnny Cash supposedly once defined as the time it takes for the
traffic light to turn green and the guy behind you to honk his horn. Just
understand you're only taking a very quick bite of the metropolis, not
consuming the entire Apple. Hotels Luxury Don't forget to check out the rest
of the city, OK? Mandarin Orientalread more

Food map: Eat your way around Korea

Fri, 04/06/2012 - 08:00 — Anonymous by Violet Kim Think of it as a
delicious treasure map. They say it takes a village to raise a child. But in
Korea it takes the legacies of a region to create a legendary dish.  Ancient
royal lunches, former fertilizers, dishes that look too pretty (or too
hideous) to eat -- these regional South Korean delicacies have been local
favorites for years. Now, they offer the savvy traveler an alternative to
mediocre franchise fare.  1. Seolleongtang (설렁탕), Seoul  Seoul has
been incorporating regional dishes into its local menu for as long as it's
been a center of culture and commerce in Korea.read more

Where to golf in Macau: Choices are few, but attractive

Fri, 04/06/2012 - 11:32 — Anonymous by Dan ShapiroWhich provides the more
intense pleasure/pain stimulus: gambling or golf? In Macau, many are
beginning to put that question to the test. Visitors are increasingly
traveling to the city not just for its shiny casinos, history and great food,
but for world-class golf courses that lure the likes of Colin Montgomerie for
the annual Macau Open Golf Tournament. Taking note of the trend, we asked
Macau's resident golf pros for suggestions on when and where to play in
Macau. The selection is limited, but the courses are impressive.read more

10 quintessential U.S. meals and where to get them

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 23:00 — Anonymous by Tom TiberioSick of high-and-mighty
travelers telling you the Big Mac is the apex of the U.S. culinary tradition?
They don't know what they're missing. Do the unenlighteed rabble a favor next
time they mount up their high horses, and point them in the direction of
these classic eats. Better yet, get there yourself and get gorging. 1.
Barbecue Can't go wrong at: Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous (Memphis,
Tennessee)read more

10 of the world's most beautiful cemeteries

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 00:01 — Anonymous by Anthea GerrieNot all graveyards are
somber places best left to the dead. Thanks to their famous inhabitants, many
heave with sightseers. Others lay silent and deserted, but are worth a visit
for their overgrown beauty. Here are 10 super cemeteries worth bringing your
camera to, even if you don't know anybody there. 1. Recoleta, Buenos Aires,
Argentina Designer tombs? Fitting for the place where the ever-designer-clad
Eva Peron is buried, Recoleta cemetery unsettlingly resembles London's Bond
Street.read more

Military tourism in Thailand: Shoot guns, ride tanks, eat bugs

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 04:59 — Anonymous by Cole PenningtonIllicit military
experiences have long characterized the Southeast Asia travel experience.
Most expat residents and seasoned backpackers in the region know at least one
person who has destroyed a small patch of jungle with a rocket launcher or
popped off a few rounds from a government issue sub-machine gun by
"renting" these weapons from enterprising military personnel. But since
1997, the Royal Thai Army has been working with the Tourism Authority of
Thailand to develop programs that allow civilians to catch a glimpse of
military life, legally. The operation is simple -- give tourists a roughneck
experience they can't get anywhere else. Let them fire M16 assault rifles,
put them behind the controls of a tank and teach them what insects are OK to
eat when learning jungle survival techniques. Of the 300-plus armed forces
bases throughout Thailand, more than 60 run programs such as simple bike
rides or parachute jumping from a tower, from Phuket all the way up to Chiang
Mai. To locate the nearest base, give the Royal Thai Army's Tourism
Promotion Working Committee a call at +66 (0)2 297 5715-8.read more

8 products to bring you back to life after a flight

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Tara DonaldsonAir travel brings out
the ugly in everyone. While sleep and a shower would be ideal, quick
post-flight fixes are more realistic. Thankfully, we live in an age of
solutions: whatever the ill, there's a product to cure it. Whether the
paparazzi really await your arrival in baggage claim or not, these eight
products will leave you looking ready for some "welcome home, here's a camera
in your face" action. 1. Mint mini-wipes Like baby wipes, but with a touch of
minty freshness. Wipe the journey off your face with cleansing mint
mini-wipes.read more

Social travel start-ups: Social media finally hits the road in style

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 09:45 — Anonymous by Frances Cha, Seoul EditorYou
wouldn't think it'd have taken so long for social media sites to start taking
travel seriously. Sure, for years we've been making our sedentary friends
back home jealous by posting "me tanning on deserted beach" photos on
Facebook. And sites like CouchSurfing, which claims to host "the world's
largest travel community," and Airbnb and Wimdu, global social networks
listing accommodations provided by locals, have been helping budget travelers
find lodging around the world for several years. But only recently have
social media sites aimed directly at enhancing the travel experiene begun
popping up. The best of the new sites go beyond Yelp reviews and Wikitravel,
pushing toward a type of extremely personal travel guide based on users'
social networks and experiences of like-minded travelers.read more

Historic Singapore: 5 Chinatown businesses that endure

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 17:51 — Anonymous by Eddie TeeFor some, Singapore's
Chinatown is nothing more than a colorful tourist attraction filled with
shops hawking over-priced knicknacks to clueless travelers. But it's not all
about kitschy souviners. Plenty of locals have been coming to this
neighborhood to shop and eat for decades.  Here are five heritage
businesses that have been serving generations of Singaporeans since the early
1900s.   Pek Sin Choon The oldest tea merchant in Singapore -- they've
been in business since 1925 --  is also one of the few that regularly
creates new flavors adapted to local taste buds and cuisines. It started with
founder Pek Kim Au, who used to import raw tea leaves from China but found
the combination unsatisfying.read more

AirAsia X to give away a plane ... temporarily

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 12:44 — Anonymous by Hiufu WongFinally, something useful
about having all those hundreds of Facebook friends. Malaysia-based budget
airline AirAsia is promoting its new Kuala Lumpur-Sydney route by giving away
a flight to the winner of its latest Facebook contest. The winner can take
302 Facebook friends on a four-day trip from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. To
enter, contestants must populate an Airbus aircraft with 302 Facebook friends
through AirAsia Australia's Friendsy app online. In addition to the
round-trip flight, the winner and friends will receive three nights'
accommodation courtesy of Accor Hotels. read more

Flying dragons: Private jets are new status symbol in China

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 08:42 — Anonymous by Tracy YouUntil as recently as 10
years ago, a personal jet was little more than a dream for even the richest
mainland Chinese. Apart from anything else, the government has only allowed
individuals to own and fly private aircraft since 2003. But now, a shiny,
personal fly-about is the new business card of the elite, touted abroad by
established entrepreneurs such as Zhang Yue (张跃) and such influential
celebrities as Jackie Chan (成龙).  In less than a decade, the number of
mainland-registered business jets has rocketed from zero to more than 130. 
Industry experts expect the market to grow nearly 10 times over the next
decade; in other words, mainland tycoons will be shelling out for roughly 100
private jets a year -- with prices starting at RMB 3 million (US$475,000) --
from now till 2022.read more

Tracking down F1 stars in Shanghai

Thu, 04/19/2012 - 13:18 — Anonymous by Chen ZhihongThe 2012 Shanghai F1 (a
k a China Grand Prix) runs April 13-15. Racing fans are eagerly anticipating
the chance to see their favorite drivers -- not only on the track but also
around the city. Here are top five off-the-track Shanghai spots to rub
shoulders with F1 drivers. Venue 1: Pudong Airport Who you are likely to
see: Pretty obvious, but it is the easiest way to spot drivers from all
teams and their assistants. Naturally, the airport has become the preferred
gathering ground for most F1 fans in Shanghai. No race car driver can avoid
passing through this gateway. A crowd of fans eagerly awaiting their arrival
is enough to warm the hearts of most drivers, who will usually find it hard
to reject requests for autographs and photos.read more

Monday, April 9, 2012

Post-flight essentials, best of NYC, 10 classic U.S. meals

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 10:03 — Anonymous Newsletter Date:  10 April 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles:  8 products to bring you back to life after a
flight Insider Guide: Best of New York City 10 quintessential U.S. meals and
where to get them Social travel start-ups: Social media finally hits the road
in style How a trip to Guyana became a short-listed novel Promo:  What's
the world's best street food? Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover:  China:
Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry By City:  Military
tourism in Thailand: Shoot guns, ride tanks, eat bugs Into the deep:
World's 50 best dive sites Songkran is coming: Where will you get wet?
Where to golf in Macau: Choices are few, but attractive VIEW62 by Paco
Roncero: Tapas are so last decade How to be a Hong Kong local: 10 tips on
faking it Best places to spot tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi
Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Insects, dog meat, MSG, evil tofu and
other Chinese food fallacies Shanghai walking tour: The former French
Concession Tracking down F1 stars in Shanghai Southeast Asia: The next
Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of
Kuala Lumpur Japan's new reality show a picture-perfect trip Art student
creates world's first shipshape sushi Video: Japan drinks -- the alcohol-free
edition Sydney uncovered on urban gourmet tour Bonza brews: The best pubs in
Sydney What recession? See Australia on the cheap Food map: Eat your way
around Korea 24 venues open 24 hours in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why
Koreans love drinking in tents Show map at bottom of page

Thursday, April 5, 2012

How to be a Hong Kong local: 10 tips on faking it

Fri, 04/06/2012 - 11:40 — Anonymous Newsletter Date:  6 April 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles:  How to be a Hong Kong local: 10 tips on
faking it Into the deep: World's 50 best dive sites What's it like to be
crucified? Insider Guide: Best of Mexico City Songkran is coming: Where will
you get wet? Promo:  Follow CNNGo on Twitter Discover:  China: Luxury hotel
'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry By City:  Thai Airways brings
WiFi, mobile phone services to the sky Abandon land for Southeast Asia's best
'floatels' Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a weekend in the vineyards
VIEW62 by Paco Roncero: Tapas are so last decade Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2
steams out of Hong Kong World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong
Best places to spot tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering
Dhaka: 10 things to know Insects, dog meat, MSG, evil tofu and other Chinese
food fallacies Shanghai walking tour: The former French Concession 20 best
Beijing hotels Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons
to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur Art student creates world's
first shipshape sushi Video: Japan drinks -- the alcohol-free edition 'Weird
Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon What recession? See Australia on
the cheap Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight powered by
cooking oil YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Places Obama
should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in
tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page

Into the deep: World’s 50 best dive sites

Fri, 04/06/2012 - 11:00 — Anonymous Newsletter Date:  6 April 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles:  Into the deep: World's 50 best dive sites
Food map: Eat your way around Korea Songkran is coming: Where will you get
wet? Bonza brews: The best pubs in Sydney What's it like to be crucified?
Promo:  Like CNNGo on Facebook Discover:  China: Luxury hotel
'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry By City:  Thai Airways brings
WiFi, mobile phone services to the sky Abandon land for Southeast Asia's best
'floatels' Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a weekend in the vineyards
VIEW62 by Paco Roncero: Tapas are so last decade How to be a Hong Kong local:
10 tips on faking it World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong
Best places to spot tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering
Dhaka: 10 things to know Insects, dog meat, MSG, evil tofu and other Chinese
food fallacies Shanghai walking tour: The former French Concession 20 best
Beijing hotels Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons
to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur Art student creates world's
first shipshape sushi Video: Japan drinks -- the alcohol-free edition 'Weird
Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon What recession? See Australia on
the cheap Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight powered by
cooking oil YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Places Obama
should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in
tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Bonza brews: The best pubs in Sydney

Thu, 04/05/2012 - 10:57 — Anonymous Newsletter Date:  5 April 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles:  Bonza brews: The best pubs in Sydney VIEW62
by Paco Roncero: Tapas are so last decade Insects, dog meat, MSG, evil tofu
and other Chinese food fallacies Maggots on a plane, and other in-flight
foodie horror stories What's it like to be crucified? Promo:  Follow us on
Google+ Discover:  China: Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned
quarry By City:  Thai Airways brings WiFi, mobile phone services to the sky
Abandon land for Southeast Asia's best 'floatels' Thailand wine tours: Where
to spend a weekend in the vineyards How to be a Hong Kong local: 10 tips on
faking it World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong Bon voyage:
Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Best places to spot tigers in India
Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Shanghai
walking tour: The former French Concession 20 best Beijing hotels 7 of
China's coolest outdoor activities Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean
of cruises? 3 reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur Art
student creates world's first shipshape sushi Video: Japan drinks -- the
alcohol-free edition 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon What
recession? See Australia on the cheap Qantas to charter Australia's first
commercial flight powered by cooking oil YouTube viral video gives Melbourne
edge over Sydney Places Obama should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why
Koreans love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas
Show map at bottom of page

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Faking it as a HK local, in-flight foodie horrors, bizarre U.S. hotels

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 15:02 — Anonymous Newsletter Date:  3 April 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles:  How to be a Hong Kong local: 10 tips on
faking it Maggots on a plane, and other in-flight foodie horror stories 18
wacky hotels in the United States Thai Airways brings WiFi, mobile phone
services to the sky Art student creates world's first shipshape sushi
Promo:  What's the world's best street food? Discover our NEW iPhone app
Discover:  10 natural wonders of Australia By City:  Abandon land for
Southeast Asia's best 'floatels' Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a
weekend in the vineyards Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits
Thailand World's first airport IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong Bon voyage:
Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and
Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Best places to spot tigers in India Insider Guide:
Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka: 10 things to know Shanghai walking tour: The
former French Concession 20 best Beijing hotels 7 of China's coolest
outdoor activities Southeast Asia: The next Mediterranean of cruises? 3
reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of Kuala Lumpur Video: Japan drinks
-- the alcohol-free edition 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon
US baseball's opening day heads to Japan What recession? See Australia on the
cheap Qantas to charter Australia's first commercial flight powered by
cooking oil YouTube viral video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Places Obama
should visit in Seoul Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in
tents Hwanseon cave: Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page

Monday, April 2, 2012

Mexico City uncovered, SE Asia's best 'floatels,' new Ipad travel apps

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 13:51 — Anonymous Newsletter Date:  2 April 2012
Newsletter Contents Articles:  Insider Guide: Best of Mexico City Abandon
land for Southeast Asia's best 'floatels' 10 best travel apps for your new
iPad Video: Japan drinks -- the alcohol-free edition Flights resume to
storm-hit Fiji Promo:  What's the world's best street food? Discover our
NEW iPhone app Discover:  China: Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in
abandoned quarry By City:  Thailand wine tours: Where to spend a weekend in
the vineyards Calling all voyeurs: Google Street View hits Thailand Travel
chaos: Bangkok airport ordered to get its act together World's first airport
IMAX cinema coming to Hong Kong Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong
Kong Liberatum brings Pharrell Williams and Mike Figgis to Hong Kong Best
places to spot tigers in India Insider Guide: Best of Delhi Uncovering Dhaka:
10 things to know Shanghai walking tour: The former French Concession 20 best
Beijing hotels 7 of China's coolest outdoor activities Southeast Asia: The
next Mediterranean of cruises? 3 reasons to ditch Bali Insider Guide: Best of
Kuala Lumpur 'Weird Japan' blinds tourists to the real Nippon US baseball's
opening day heads to Japan Not so strange after all: Making sense of 'weird
Japan' What recession? See Australia on the cheap Qantas to charter
Australia's first commercial flight powered by cooking oil YouTube viral
video gives Melbourne edge over Sydney Places Obama should visit in Seoul
Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents Hwanseon cave:
Hiking with bats and Buddhas Show map at bottom of page