https://www.scmp.com/rss/11738/feed Tim Pile has written more than 300 travel articles for the South China Morning Post. He has been to over 100 countries and has a Master’s degree in Tourism Environment and Development. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Tim Pile Tim Pile Increasingly, tourist destinations are embracing sustainability in ways that protect nature and benefit local communities. These places are taking concrete steps to reduce waste, preserve ecosystems and transition to clean energy without losing their appeal. The changes bring cleaner streets, warmer welcomes and healthier environments for residents, along with more fulfilling holidays. Copenhagen, Denmark Polished and progressive yet grounded in green values, the Danish capital integrates... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3323014/8-holiday-destinations-embrace-clean-living-and-sustainable-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3323014/8-holiday-destinations-embrace-clean-living-and-sustainable-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:00:12 +0000 Tim Pile Tim Pile Elevated Asian settlements offer dramatic landscapes, mesmerising vistas and farming techniques that have endured for generations. Rice is cultivated on steep terraces, homes are built to withstand severe weather and local traditions endure and even flourish far from the commotion of the city. Whether reached by winding road, forest trail or cable car, each of these six villages invites travellers to slow down, breathe deeply and experience ways of living shaped by altitude, heritage and a... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3317841/head-hills-best-highland-village-destinations-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3317841/head-hills-best-highland-village-destinations-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:15:07 +0000 Tim Pile Tim Pile Wingsuit flying Sometimes described as the closest humans come to true flight, Wingsuit flying is not for the faint-hearted, and to enrol in a training course a novice must already be an accomplished skydiver. Wearing fabric wings stretched between their arms and legs, these thrill-seekers steer with subtle shifts in body position like dive-bombing flying squirrels. One of the most dramatic locations in which the activity takes place is Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, in Zhangjiajie,... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3314795/wingsuit-flying-kitesurfing-and-other-daring-adventures-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3314795/wingsuit-flying-kitesurfing-and-other-daring-adventures-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:00:08 +0000 Tim Pile Tim Pile If you’re reluctant to visit the United States in these uncertain times, you’re not alone. International visits fell 12 per cent year on year in March, according to Oxford Economics. But the good news is that many of the adventures you might seek in the US can be found elsewhere. From epic road trips and national parks to world-class cities, here are a few stand-ins that offer a similar experience. 1. Copper Canyon, Mexico More than 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon each year, to hike,... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3312209/trump-slump-tourists-avoid-usa-here-are-8-stand-destinations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3312209/trump-slump-tourists-avoid-usa-here-are-8-stand-destinations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:09 +0000 Tim Pile Tim Pile Beaches provide a wonderful setting for tropical sunset photography. Skies blaze in a kaleidoscope of crimson, claret and gold while swaying palm trees lend a sense of calm. Strong silhouettes give an image drama and definition. Whether it’s a beachgoer holding a yoga pose or a couple strolling hand in hand along the water’s edge, backlit figures add depth and aesthetic beauty. Here are seven west-facing Asian beaches with plenty of evening activity to keep snappers happy, along with some... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3309731/asias-best-sunset-beaches-spectacular-golden-hour-scenes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3309731/asias-best-sunset-beaches-spectacular-golden-hour-scenes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 23:00:09 +0000 Tim Pile Tim Pile Opened in Paris 100 years ago this month, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs introduced the world to a bold design movement defined by sleek lines, geometric patterns and a streamlined symmetry. Art deco would leave its mark on a wide array of design, influencing everything from skyscrapers to cinemas, even finding its way into London’s Tube stations. Dubbed the “first international style”, it blended glamour with modernity, shaping architecture from Miami to Manila. As the... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3308484/6-hotspots-where-art-deco-still-dazzles-london-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3308484/6-hotspots-where-art-deco-still-dazzles-london-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:15:14 +0000 Across Asia, you’ll find plenty of breathtakingly scenic golf courses that welcome non-members. Some may place restrictions on tee-off times, charge non-members slightly higher fees or require advance booking, but they are anything but exclusive. Amid beautiful landscapes and with world-class facilities, here are six clubs offering an exceptional golfing experience for all. Kawana Hotel Golf Course, Japan Visitors to the Kawana Hotel Golf Course, to the southwest of Tokyo, Japan, must book an... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3306603/6-scenic-golf-clubs-asia-where-non-members-can-tee-mission-hills-haikou-pineapple-hills-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3306603/6-scenic-golf-clubs-asia-where-non-members-can-tee-mission-hills-haikou-pineapple-hills-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:00:07 +0000 Champagne flows, mega yachts glide by and the high seas beckon with the promise of adventure – marinas are more than just a place to dock. From first-class facilities to spectacular locations, here are six that serve as destinations in their own right. 1. Port Hercules, Monaco The ultimate in exclusivity, Port Hercules, aka Billionaires’ Harbour, has long been a symbol of wealth and extravagance. Located in the heart of Monte Carlo, it has been Monaco’s main anchorage since ancient Greek and... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3300562/6-marinas-around-world-are-destinations-themselves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3300562/6-marinas-around-world-are-destinations-themselves?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:15:08 +0000 There’s nothing quite like floating above some of the most spectacular landscapes at dawn. Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences rarely come cheap, and hot-air ballooning is no exception. However, the thrill of drifting silently skywards as the first light of dawn colours the horizon is likely to make it worth every penny. The stillness of the early morning air enhances the serenity as rolling landscapes, historical landmarks and natural wonders are gradually illuminated. If ballooning is on... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3296154/6-destinations-best-observed-hot-air-balloon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3296154/6-destinations-best-observed-hot-air-balloon?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jan 2025 13:15:08 +0000 With surfing now banned at all of Hong Kong’s 42 public beaches for safety reasons, board riders will have to venture further afield to pursue their passion. From beginner-friendly swells in Thailand to the powerful barrels of Indonesia, here are eight Asian spots that together offer something for every wave chaser. 1. Phuket, Thailand Aside from the monsoon season (May to October), Thailand isn’t renowned for monster barrels but there are plenty of places where waves roll relentlessly... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3293091/8-asian-surfing-spots-ride-waves-phuket-sri-lanka?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3293091/8-asian-surfing-spots-ride-waves-phuket-sri-lanka?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2025 22:15:07 +0000 It’s that time again. Travel companies and magazines, websites and tour operators are unveiling their lists of places to visit in the coming year. Some are old favourites with something new to offer, others are appearing for the first time. A few appear in more than one list, which means you’ll need to get there before everyone else does. Greenland has a shiny new international airport linking the capital, Nuuk, with North America. Previously, direct flights were available only to Copenhagen,... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3290951/hottest-travel-destinations-your-holidays-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3290951/hottest-travel-destinations-your-holidays-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:15:08 +0000 Step into a magical world of frosty landscapes, twinkling lights and festive markets. Breathe in crisp, unpolluted mountain air or wander through snow-dusted cities. Glide around a glistening ice-skating rink, then warm up in a cosy cafe with a velvety hot chocolate. Embrace the seasonal spirit in a bustling town square, stay in a luxurious Arctic treehouse or sleep under the stars in your own tent – if you dare. These winter wonderlands capture the joy and beauty of the season, blending charm... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3287557/6-winter-wonderlands-visit-christmas-budapest-yes-even-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3287557/6-winter-wonderlands-visit-christmas-budapest-yes-even-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:15:13 +0000 Fashion shows and photo shoots take models to an array of glamorous locations – from Milan to New York, Zanzibar and Bora Bora – but where do the catwalk queens and cover stars go when they need some downtime? France’s first supermodel, Brigitte Bardot, propelled Saint-Tropez to fame in the 1950s after the film And God Created Woman was shot locally. Seven decades later, the glitzy Mediterranean resort town continues to attract beautiful people, who arrive on luxury yachts, shop in designer... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3277448/where-do-supermodels-go-holiday-kylie-jenner-gigi-hadid-and-emily-ratajkowskis-balearic-breaks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3277448/where-do-supermodels-go-holiday-kylie-jenner-gigi-hadid-and-emily-ratajkowskis-balearic-breaks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Sep 2024 21:45:08 +0000 Passengers travelling to Kerala, south India, used to buy bus, train and plane tickets to Trivandrum (“Triv-AN-drum”), confident they were pronouncing the name of the city correctly. Then, in 1991, Trivandrum changed its name to Thiruvananthapuram (“tiru-wan-anta POOR-am”) – and bookings to Goa surged. OK, that’s not entirely true but it’s fair to say that some place names are harder to pronounce than others, and our often bungled attempts give locals reason to snigger. Here’s a collection of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3269258/how-say-place-names-most-get-wrong-laos-and-leicester-new-orleans-and-oaxaca?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3269258/how-say-place-names-most-get-wrong-laos-and-leicester-new-orleans-and-oaxaca?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:15:07 +0000 Thailand, like a number of global holiday destinations, is grappling with the challenges of overtourism. In 2023, and according to different surveys, Bangkok was the world’s most visited city and Phuket the most overcrowded destination. Maya Bay has become so popular that authorities close it for two months every year to allow damaged coral reefs and marine life to recover. If all this discourages you from visiting Thailand, fear not. There are still places where you can enjoy peace, quiet and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3267777/khao-yai-thailand-waterfalls-golf-wineries-and-bill-bensley-designed-resort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3267777/khao-yai-thailand-waterfalls-golf-wineries-and-bill-bensley-designed-resort?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Jun 2024 08:15:09 +0000 If you are going to drive around Corsica, you’ll need your wits about you. Mountain roads are sometimes little more than gravel tracks littered with blind curves, precipitous drops, herds of goats and marauding wild pigs. Most lethal of all are locals who think they’re rally drivers. They flash their headlights, blast their horns, overtake aggressively and suggest, in the strongest possible terms, that other drivers get out of the way. The more precarious a road is, the faster Corsican motorists... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3267536/corsica-road-trip-rugged-scenery-hilltop-towns-traces-napoleon-aggressive-drivers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3267536/corsica-road-trip-rugged-scenery-hilltop-towns-traces-napoleon-aggressive-drivers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Jun 2024 08:15:09 +0000 I have never sipped champagne in a railway station waiting room before – but today I am travelling on the inaugural Vietage by Anantara 2pm train service from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon, in south central Vietnam. If you have ever dragged your suitcase down a long platform and peered into crowded compartments in the forlorn hope of spotting an empty seat, your heart will leap as you are welcomed aboard this luxury carriage. After a short ceremony, staff usher railway dignitaries, passengers and press... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3266005/champagne-cocktails-caviar-and-snacks-vietnamese-train-ride-its-low-carbon-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3266005/champagne-cocktails-caviar-and-snacks-vietnamese-train-ride-its-low-carbon-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jun 2024 08:15:10 +0000 Spend a few minutes browsing online reviews of hotels, sightseeing attractions and activities and you will notice certain phrases appear more often than others. “Avoid this hotel” is a familiar heading, usually followed by a list of grievances that can run to hundreds of words. “I would give this zero stars if I could,” is another sign that a tourist enterprise has overcharged or under-delivered. And things definitely are not going well when a reviewer resorts to: “I’m standing in the ticket... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3264685/sad-niagara-falls-boring-grand-canyon-venice-its-just-canal-tourists-lol-online-reviews?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3264685/sad-niagara-falls-boring-grand-canyon-venice-its-just-canal-tourists-lol-online-reviews?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 10:15:10 +0000 Some of us find them cramped, others happily spend hours exploring them. Some were places of work, others places of death. Some were built as military deterrents, others are illuminated to create a fairy-tale world of colour. Here are seven underground attractions, mines, caves, catacombs, concrete bunkers and tunnels that are well worth a visit – if you dare. 1. Tham Luang Nang Non, Thailand For 18 days in 2018, Tham Luang Nang Non, in northern Thailand, became the most famous cave in the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3262866/underground-attractions-caves-tunnels-catacombs-cold-war-bunkers-7-worlds-best-subterranean-sights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3262866/underground-attractions-caves-tunnels-catacombs-cold-war-bunkers-7-worlds-best-subterranean-sights?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2024 11:15:13 +0000 You might not be familiar with Plaatjieskraal Ghost Town in South Africa. I wasn’t, until I read about Russ Cook, who recently became the first person known to have run the length of the African continent. The 27-year-old Englishman began his journey at Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost point, and finished 16,300km (10,130 miles) away, in Tunisia. He crossed 16 countries in 352 days and, on completing the epic feat, admitted with typical British understatement that he felt “a little bit... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3262567/worlds-longest-walk-24262km-south-africa-china-what-see-and-countries-avoid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3262567/worlds-longest-walk-24262km-south-africa-china-what-see-and-countries-avoid?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 May 2024 08:15:13 +0000 You’re strolling along the beach when you see a sign that says, “Beyond this point you may encounter nude bathers”. Do you make a swift U-turn and hurry back the way you came, or continue walking, eyes peeled for a patch of sand where you can discard your clothing? Nude sunbathing isn’t widely accepted in Asia. In Thailand, public indecency laws forbid nudity and parting with your swimsuit is a legal grey area in Bali, Indonesia. Officially no nudist beaches exist, but that does not stop... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3261288/8-worlds-best-nudist-beaches-miami-florida-berlins-wannsee-and-vancouvers-wreck-beach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3261288/8-worlds-best-nudist-beaches-miami-florida-berlins-wannsee-and-vancouvers-wreck-beach?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 May 2024 10:15:11 +0000 Frozen in time, ghost towns stand as mute witnesses to gold rushes, wartime massacres and natural disasters. Here are nine abandoned places that once bustled with life but now lie eerily silent. 1. Bodie State Historic Park, United States The term “ghost town” is synonymous with the mid-19th century gold rush era. It usually refers to settlements in the western United States that teemed with activity until the gold ran out and the prospectors moved on. The area now known as Bodie State Historic... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3260301/9-ghost-towns-visit-china-africa-ukraine-and-hong-kong-eerie-reminders-war-disaster-and-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3260301/9-ghost-towns-visit-china-africa-ukraine-and-hong-kong-eerie-reminders-war-disaster-and-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:45:12 +0000 Sports fans have a busy summer ahead. 1. Euro 2024 The opening match of the Uefa Euro 2024 football tournament, between Germany and Scotland, kicks off at the Allianz Arena, in Munich, on June 14. The game is a sell-out but fear not, entry to the Olympiapark fan zone is free for each of the six matches to be played at the stadium. All games, including the final, which will be held in Berlin on July 14, will be shown on three giant screens. The fan zone will also feature live music, open-air... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3259643/summer-holiday-ideas-2024-malaysia-sri-lanka-sun-and-sea-euro-2024-olympic-games-paris-escapes-heat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3259643/summer-holiday-ideas-2024-malaysia-sri-lanka-sun-and-sea-euro-2024-olympic-games-paris-escapes-heat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Apr 2024 20:15:18 +0000 Saying goodbye to a son or daughter as they head out into the world on their first solo adventure can be a bittersweet moment, full of excitement for what they are about to experience, and anxiety – also for what they are about to experience. Here, I pass on some fatherly advice in an email: Hi son, I’m delighted to hear that you’re about to begin your first backpacking trip. I did a bit of that myself back in the day. Exploring new places will broaden your perspective, create lasting memories... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3258673/backpacker-travel-tips-beginners-southeast-asia-where-eat-who-avoid-what-clothes-pack-and-much-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3258673/backpacker-travel-tips-beginners-southeast-asia-where-eat-who-avoid-what-clothes-pack-and-much-more?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Apr 2024 09:15:11 +0000 Known to Western travellers as the Pearl of Asia and the Paris of the East in the 1920s and 30s, Phnom Penh was famed for its grand boulevards and colonial architecture, charming riverside promenades and a cosmopolitan atmosphere reminiscent of the French capital. The Cambodian city is located at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonlé Sap rivers and takes its name from the 14th century Phnom temple. Legend has it the first pagoda on the site was built to house four Buddha statues... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3257807/pros-and-cons-visit-phnom-penh-colonial-buildings-and-khmer-relics-crime-and-harrowing-reminders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3257807/pros-and-cons-visit-phnom-penh-colonial-buildings-and-khmer-relics-crime-and-harrowing-reminders?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:45:18 +0000 The post-Covid travel resurgence has brought with it a corresponding spike in tourist taxes, entry fees and time-slot booking systems. Aimed in part at clawing back income forfeited during the pandemic, the revenue-generating levies are earmarked for the upkeep of historical sites and tourism infrastructure, and for tackling environmental challenges. Others are designed to deter badly behaved travellers or to discourage low-end sightseers. Several destinations have implemented a tourist... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3257105/barcelona-hanoi-travel-hotspots-levy-tourist-taxes-and-take-other-steps-curb-crowds-pollution-bad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3257105/barcelona-hanoi-travel-hotspots-levy-tourist-taxes-and-take-other-steps-curb-crowds-pollution-bad?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Mar 2024 08:15:14 +0000 Often portrayed in the media as a politically volatile nuclear power, Pakistan is home to some of the most genuinely hospitable people on Earth. It’s a country of parched, dusty landscapes that give way to a beautiful land of snow-capped mountains, massive glaciers and azure lakes that few outsiders could find on a map. From the capital, Islamabad, there are two ways to reach the Hunza Valley. Flying to the city of Gilgit, then switching to a bus or taxi, will have you there in about four hours.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3254603/pakistans-karakoram-highway-ups-and-downs-taking-8th-wonder-world-stunning-views-welcoming-people?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3254603/pakistans-karakoram-highway-ups-and-downs-taking-8th-wonder-world-stunning-views-welcoming-people?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2024 04:41:55 +0000 Imagine a celebration where, for 24 hours, no one does anything – and if they do, they’re likely to be fined. Residents (and tourists) are forbidden from leaving their homes (and hotels). No one sings, dances or listens to music. People refrain from daily activities and chores, public transport is suspended and all vehicles, except emergency services, are banned from the streets. The Balinese Hindu festival of Nyepi marks the start of a new year and is so strictly observed that even Ngurah Rai... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3253764/how-survive-balis-nyepi-day-when-silence-golden-nobody-does-anything-and-airport-and-atms-are-closed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3253764/how-survive-balis-nyepi-day-when-silence-golden-nobody-does-anything-and-airport-and-atms-are-closed?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:15:15 +0000 The Good The annual World Travel Awards have something of a problem. The Maldives keep winning. In 2023, the Indian Ocean archipelago picked up the prestigious title of World’s Leading Destination for the fourth year in a row. Its Marketing & PR Corporation was voted World’s Leading Tourist Board (second year running) and there was even a Global Tourism Resilience gong for swift post-Covid recovery. The Maldives was also nominated as the World’s Leading Dive Destination, World’s Leading... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3252960/maldives-good-bad-and-ugly-celebrated-holiday-destination-has-fans-taylor-swift-tom-cruise-prince?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3252960/maldives-good-bad-and-ugly-celebrated-holiday-destination-has-fans-taylor-swift-tom-cruise-prince?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:15:16 +0000 The three “Fs” – family, friends and food – are the things we miss most when travelling abroad, according to online forums and informal polls. But while we might not be able to take our nearest and dearest on a business trip or round-the-world backpacking tour, we can at least keep homesickness at bay by slipping a few of our favourite foods and condiments into our luggage. Unless you are flying first class and have a baggage allocation to match, it is crucial to plan carefully. Keep things... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3252145/soy-sauce-beef-jerky-tea-bags-instant-noodles-comfort-foods-and-drinks-travellers-cant-live-without?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3252145/soy-sauce-beef-jerky-tea-bags-instant-noodles-comfort-foods-and-drinks-travellers-cant-live-without?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Feb 2024 08:19:00 +0000 Tim Pile Tim Pile If there’s one thing that unites the world, it’s the love of a good festival, as will become apparent on February 10 as Chinese people at home and around the world usher in the Year of the Dragon. Vibrant or solemn, mesmerising or mournful, festivals bring people together to commemorate and celebrate. They honour traditions and rituals with performance and costume, song and dance. Some bring communities closer; others attract tourists by the planeload. A few involve a lot of mud. Here’s an A to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3251256/beyond-lunar-new-year-z-must-see-festivals-notting-hill-carnival-camel-fair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3251256/beyond-lunar-new-year-z-must-see-festivals-notting-hill-carnival-camel-fair?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:15:13 +0000 Attending football matches during my childhood in England was a rough and ready experience. Dad frequently took me to dreary towns, where stadiums were hemmed in by rows of decaying Victorian-era terrace houses. Cigarette smoke mixed with the whiff of sweat and asbestos dust, and you could smell the stench of the toilets long before you got anywhere near the entry turnstiles. Fortunately, not all sporting theatres are as dilapidated and dismal as those I visited in the 1970s. Here are seven... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3249599/7-worlds-most-spectacular-sporting-venues-europes-highest-football-pitch-longest-golf-course-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3249599/7-worlds-most-spectacular-sporting-venues-europes-highest-football-pitch-longest-golf-course-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:15:18 +0000 Originally made up of seven islands separated by mosquito-infested swamps, India’s richest and most powerful metropolis is now home to 21 million people. Or is it 23 million? A land of opportunity, Mumbai is known as the City of Dreams. An estimated 10,000 new migrants swell the population every day, most of them arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The railway station was built by the British to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, in 1887. It was a time of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3248161/mumbai-india-good-and-bad-bollywood-british-raj-relics-taj-mahal-palace-hotel-pricey-accommodation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3248161/mumbai-india-good-and-bad-bollywood-british-raj-relics-taj-mahal-palace-hotel-pricey-accommodation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jan 2024 03:15:14 +0000 On a pleasantly cool January morning in Thailand’s northern capital, Chiang Mai, early risers jog beside the city moat, past fruit vendors selling fresh produce; plump red strawberries from the surrounding hills are a popular purchase at this time of year. There’s a flurry of activity at the temples as well. In the courtyard at Wat Pan Whaen, young monks sweep fallen leaves into neat piles and, after they’ve mopped the entrance steps, two women place offerings of incense sticks, bananas and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3247624/how-cheap-excellent-us5-thai-massages-no-frills-temple-chiang-mai-attract-locals-and-tourists-alike?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3247624/how-cheap-excellent-us5-thai-massages-no-frills-temple-chiang-mai-attract-locals-and-tourists-alike?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:06:47 +0000 It’s that time of year again. Guidebook publishers, travel companies and online influencers have all been busy compiling their lists of must-see destinations for 2024. Old favourites await rediscovery, up-and-coming hotspots vie with “undiscovered gems” and “sustainable havens” for inclusion, and, according to at least one industry player, some tourist attractions should be avoided altogether. Forbes In its 24 Best Places to Travel in 2024, global media brand Forbes leads with the gorgeous... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3244143/where-travel-2024-melbourne-malta-utah-udaipur-according-expedia-lonely-planet-american-express?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3244143/where-travel-2024-melbourne-malta-utah-udaipur-according-expedia-lonely-planet-american-express?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:15:14 +0000 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a European Union certification guaranteeing that the quality, characteristics and reputation of a food or drink are deeply connected to a geographical location. This means, for example, that a winemaker in Portugal’s Douro Valley can insist that fortified wines from elsewhere in the world cannot be labelled and sold using the word “port”. Here are 10 culinary items that are prepared, processed and produced in a particular place, along with some... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3242442/istanbul-bordeaux-kobe-10-places-synonymous-food-or-drink-and-what-do-there-apart-sampling-their?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3242442/istanbul-bordeaux-kobe-10-places-synonymous-food-or-drink-and-what-do-there-apart-sampling-their?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:15:07 +0000 If you’ve been to Thailand, the chances are you’ve met people from Isaan without realising it. The hotel receptionist in Phuket, the tuk-tuk driver in Chiang Mai, the bartender in Hua Hin or the masseuse in Koh Samui could all be from the region that borders Laos and the Mekong River to the north and east, and Cambodia to the south. Isaan is mostly populated by ethnically Lao people and has much in common with its neighbour from historical, linguistic and cultural standpoints. But despite making... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3239148/isaan-thailand-good-and-bad-khmer-temples-dinosaur-fossils-and-vibrant-festivals-unhealthy-food-air?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3239148/isaan-thailand-good-and-bad-khmer-temples-dinosaur-fossils-and-vibrant-festivals-unhealthy-food-air?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Oct 2023 05:15:12 +0000 China’s National Day every October 1 launches a week of parades and parties, flag-waving and fireworks to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China, much as other, similar dates have deep significance for nations around the world. Here are some of the other public holidays that mark historical milestones – from declarations of independence and anniversaries of statehood, to the honouring of one beloved monarch and the overthrowing of another. Thailand Thailand is the only... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3236216/10-national-days-around-world-and-how-they-are-celebrated-usas-fireworks-kites-india-flirting-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3236216/10-national-days-around-world-and-how-they-are-celebrated-usas-fireworks-kites-india-flirting-france?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Sep 2023 09:15:15 +0000 While the long-term impact may be minimal, natural disasters usually deter holidaymakers from visiting the affected area in the immediate aftermath. This can trigger a chain reaction, leading to the closure of tourism-related businesses and lay-offs, which in turn reverberates throughout the local community. Here are eight natural disasters – and disasters exacerbated by human-influenced climate breakdown – that left their mark on tourists and their hosts. 1. Venice – 2019 floods Hong Kong had a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3234262/8-natural-disasters-shook-tourists-their-core?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3234262/8-natural-disasters-shook-tourists-their-core?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:15:20 +0000 Roads are the lifelines of civilisation, connecting people, cultures and landscapes. Here are a few that stand out from the crowd. 1. Most famous road Linking Chicago and Los Angeles, Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, has been immortalised in song and on screen and is certainly a candidate for the title of world’s most famous road. Also in the running, the stylish, stately Avenue Champs-Élysées will take centre stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Australia’s sublimely... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3232243/worlds-most-famous-road-and-highest-longest-most-dangerous-straightest-and-curviest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3232243/worlds-most-famous-road-and-highest-longest-most-dangerous-straightest-and-curviest?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:15:12 +0000 Straddling the equator, Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world – 172 Hong Kongs could fit inside it. A biologically diverse region of awe-inspiring landscapes, its natural beauty seduces botanists and backpackers, birdwatchers and beach lovers. Volatile volcanoes belch clouds of steam and ash skywards and earthquakes generate shock waves that reverberate for thousands of miles. National parks such as Gunung Leuser are recognised for their abundant and varied wildlife – the Unesco... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3230605/why-sumatra-indonesia-well-worth-visit-tigers-orangutans-ethnic-diversity-dramatic-volcanoes-lakes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3230605/why-sumatra-indonesia-well-worth-visit-tigers-orangutans-ethnic-diversity-dramatic-volcanoes-lakes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:15:16 +0000 Planning a holiday and can’t decide between shopping and sunbathing? Love museums and galleries but can’t do without golden sands and glistening surf? Need a good selection of swanky restaurants and lively bars but also enjoy boogie boarding and boat trips? Here are nine cities that offer the best of both worlds: 1. Rio de Janeiro Seven kilometres (4 miles) from downtown Rio de Janeiro, crescent-shaped Copacabana Beach is famed for its stupendous scenery and stylish sun worshippers. Glistening... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3229876/9-best-city-destinations-beaches-barcelona-rio-and-sydney-miami?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3229876/9-best-city-destinations-beaches-barcelona-rio-and-sydney-miami?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:15:09 +0000 Cluj Napoca is my kind of place. Romania’s second city was shortlisted for the title of European Capital of Culture, 2021, but when the bid failed, the organising committee decided to go ahead and implement the programme of events it had prepared anyway. Projects covered contemporary art, well-being, cultural and artistic education, urban regeneration and social inclusion, among other things. A guided walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with the Transylvanian city and its soothing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3229216/transylvania-sarajevo-and-dubrovnik-albania-greece-1980s-gothic-churches-baroque-palaces-sleepy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3229216/transylvania-sarajevo-and-dubrovnik-albania-greece-1980s-gothic-churches-baroque-palaces-sleepy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:15:17 +0000 From mirror-like reflections in the calm of early morning to waters crowded with kayaks and ferries, speedboats and pedalos, lakes evoke a sense of tranquillity and a space for recreational activities. They also serve as a resource for hydroelectricity generation, agricultural irrigation and wildlife habitats, as well as providing food and drinking water for humans. The following nine lakes are renowned for their beauty, status as a national treasure or as the fabled home of an elusive... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3228307/9-worlds-most-beautiful-lakes-george-clooney-favourite-lake-como-mythical-loch-ness-and-canadas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3228307/9-worlds-most-beautiful-lakes-george-clooney-favourite-lake-como-mythical-loch-ness-and-canadas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:15:08 +0000 Italy is the planet’s largest wine-producing country (7.5 billion bottles annually), but only dedicated oenologists will be aware that Ethiopia has won gold medals at international wine competitions. France churns out bottles by the billion as well, but who knew that wine is made in Tahiti, French Polynesia, with grapes grown in what is probably the world’s most remote vineyard. Spain and Portugal are well-established vino (or vinho) producers, but Morocco and Tunisia have also crafted... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3226783/7-wine-tours-beaten-track-georgia-china-and-india-and-other-cool-attractions-visit-while-you-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3226783/7-wine-tours-beaten-track-georgia-china-and-india-and-other-cool-attractions-visit-while-you-are?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Jul 2023 11:15:16 +0000 Surrounded on all sides by one or more rivers, rather than a sea or lagoon, river islands come in many shapes and sizes. Some are celebrated centres of finance, culture and the arts while others disappear at high tide. A few go by a different name entirely: an eyot or ait is a British English term that refers to a small island, often barely more than a sandbank in a river. There are more than 100 of them in the River Thames alone. Here are seven river islands with little in common except that to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3220190/seven-best-river-islands-visit-manhattan-new-york-paris-ile-de-la-cite-and-guangzhous-shamian-island?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3220190/seven-best-river-islands-visit-manhattan-new-york-paris-ile-de-la-cite-and-guangzhous-shamian-island?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 May 2023 11:15:09 +0000 You can be sure a tourist attraction has hit the big time when it appears on a banknote. Alpha destinations such as the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, Petra and the Eiffel Tower have all co-starred on currencies that also feature royalty and revolutionaries, scientists and suffragettes, poets and painters. Here are some other natural wonders and man-made marvels that are right on the money. The Chinese 20-yuan note depicts a fisherman on a bamboo raft floating down the Li River amid the otherworldly... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3219547/best-travel-destinations-banknotes-mount-fuji-sphinx-ha-long-bay-theyre-right-money?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3219547/best-travel-destinations-banknotes-mount-fuji-sphinx-ha-long-bay-theyre-right-money?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 May 2023 20:15:08 +0000 A recent article in the South China Morning Post described how Hong Kong couple Simeon Pang Beh-sing and Gale Lok Yuk-tong, completed a nine-month, 6,000km journey across the United States on a tandem bicycle. Along the way they overnighted in fire stations, churchyards and strangers’ homes but it was their mode of transport that interested me. Had they set a world record for the longest distance travelled by tandem? It turns out they hadn’t. Not by a long chalk, according to the Guinness World... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3216748/distance-related-guinness-world-records-will-leave-you-breathless-fastest-swim-around-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3216748/distance-related-guinness-world-records-will-leave-you-breathless-fastest-swim-around-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Apr 2023 06:15:09 +0000 Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word sankranti, which roughly translates as “astrological transition”. The Buddhist festival, which is celebrated from April 13 to 15, marks the Thai New Year. It’s a time for personal cleansing, making merit and keeping cool amid searing heat. It’s also an opportunity for families to get together and enjoy specially prepared meals. In readiness for the holiday, Thais deep-clean their homes and public places, including offices and schools. Parks and pavements are... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3215821/songkran-thailands-water-festival-its-buddhist-rituals-family-traditions-mass-water-fights-and-dark?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3215821/songkran-thailands-water-festival-its-buddhist-rituals-family-traditions-mass-water-fights-and-dark?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:45:08 +0000 Resilience is an attribute Manchester has shown on many occasions since its establishment during Roman times. The northern English city has weathered the rise and fall of textile manufacturing, second world war aerial assaults and the 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing, all the while proving that “There is a light that never goes out”, to borrow from the singer Morrissey, a celebrated son of the city. Nowadays, it is vying for the attention of tourists with more prestigious European rivals. What... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3214129/3-unique-manchester-attractions-visitors-manchester-uniteds-old-trafford-stadium-europes-3rd-largest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3214129/3-unique-manchester-attractions-visitors-manchester-uniteds-old-trafford-stadium-europes-3rd-largest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:15:09 +0000