With the Valentine's Day just around the corner,
it's never too late to book a ticket and plan your next romantic getaway. If you and you're honey are up to some dash
of adventure, South East Asia is the perfect destination for you. As the region
boasts some of the best beaches in the world, it is your gateway to an early
summer sand frolic and memories of sweet nothings that are meant to last for a
lifetime.
Boracay, Philippines
The island has been known to be one of the best
acclaimed beaches in the world. Located on the northwest corner of Panay Island
in the Philippines, the seven kilometer island is home to long beaches, fine
white sand and breath taking sunsets. It's also been known to have vast
selection of restaurants and resorts, which can set a perfect ambiance to your
romantic date. If you're up for some action, various water sports and hiking
trails are available for your leisure at a fraction of the cost. Bazaars are
also set-up that features local Filipino crafts and delicacies. Nightlife is
buzzing with multiple events set-up all year long.
For many tourists who've been to the island, it's a
destination they say that would keep you coming back for more.
Bali, Indonesia
Surf's up for the surfing enthusiast. The most well-known
and smallest island of Indonesia lies in the east of Java only separated by the
Bali Strait. The island is around 112 km long and features mountain ranges with
peaks as high as 3,000 meters. More than just a mecca for surfers, it features
diverse and exquisite wildlife as well as ancient temples that remind the
island of its historic past. Its tourist friendly ambiance is a great first
stop if you're travelling in Asia for the first time. Diving, surfing and
hiking are only some of the activities you can do in the island. Once there,
you'd be surprised of the number of options you can add in your itinerary.
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
You probably saw Koh Phi Phi in the adventure drama
film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The small archipelago is
composed of 6 islands in the province of Krabi, Thailand. The distinct feature
of the island is its population diversity aside from lush wildlife. Buddhist,
Thai's, Malay Muslims and indigenous groups have settled to the island and have
lived in harmony. Going around the island Koh Phi Phi also very convenient as
the biggest island, Ko Phi Phi Don is only about 8 km long. World renowned Thai
cuisine reflects the plates of every restaurant in the island. If you are up to
some gastronomic adventure, not only do you have the option of trying the best
dinning places but can even learn how to make it by yourself. Multiple classes
are offered in Koh Phi Phi with program schedules that can be customized to
your need.
El Nido, Philippines
The tranquility of the island is contagious to any
traveler. The majestic limestone formation of El Nido would impress outdoor
lovers around the globe. A part of the
province of Palawan, it has been recently named as the Best Beach and Island
destination in the Philippines according to the CNN Go's report. It hosts 50 white sand beaches, various
endangered species, and a vast coral formation. Palawan is also known as
"The Last Frontier" with the island's Tubataha Reef Marine National
Park named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This hidden jewel is perfect for
lovers that want to elude densely populated tourist destinations.
Redang, Malaysia
A great place for honeymoons and weddings, the
island of Redang is a perfect backdrop to your beach nuptial photos. The island
is known for crystal clear waters, fine white sand and spectacular skyline. It
is also a good spot for underwater tourism with historic shipwrecks found in
its waters. The richness of flavor found in Malaysian food never escaped the
island. With top of the line beach resorts and international hotels, a
commodity is worth every dime you spend.
Best travel tips ever
ReplyDeleteI log around 400,000 real air miles a year (those earned in the air, not by credit card purchases) as travel editor for CBS News, and if there's anything I've learned, it's that most airport, airline, hotel, and other rules and policies are only misguided suggestions. Here are my special tips on saving time, money, and stress, without breaking any rules or ever cutting in line -- in fact, without ever standing in a line!
Best travel tips ever
I log around 400,000 real air miles a year (those earned in the air, not by credit card purchases) as travel editor for CBS News, and if there's anything I've learned, it's that most airport, airline, hotel, and other rules and policies are only misguided suggestions. Here are my special tips on saving time, money, and stress, without breaking any rules or ever cutting in line -- in fact, without ever standing in a line!
Pick the farm-team airports
Unless I'm flying long-haul international nonstop, I try to forget O'Hare, J.F.K., San Francisco, and Boston. Instead, in good weather or bad, I head from, to, or through Milwaukee, Islip, Oakland, and Providence. Those are the alternative airports that function so much better than their huge counterparts.
Avoid baggage blues
If you're like me, you believe that there are two kinds of airline bags: carried on, and lost. And while the airlines are doing a better job with baggage these days, I still don't check bags on domestic flights. I FedEx them or UPS them (or there are 15 other courier services that will do this job).