Inspiration

VIDEO: Dive in and play with these friendly (mini) giants.

Dream away in the Philippines’ barely visited Calamianes.

In some of the most remote places on Earth, conscientious companies are putting tourism dollars to good use.

Down under the land down under is a gorgeous island offering offbeat adventures.

Get off the tourist track and delve a little deeper into Japan.

From Thailand to the U.K., people love to share their bike photos.

From cage diving with sharks to jumping out of a plane, these adventure vacations are guaranteed to break you out of your comfort zone.

Heartthrob Chris Hemsworth isn’t the only one living his best life Down Under.

Using astrology as our guide, we’ve made it easy for you to choose your next destination with this list based on each sign of the zodiac.

Here are the dishes, drinks, cultural attractions and stays that have us dreaming of booking a plane ticket.

The best way to travel responsibly in Australia is with indigenous-owned and -operated tour guides who have 500-million-years’ worth of history, legends and learnings to share.

With its dense jungles teeming with wildlife, this biodiverse island beckons aspiring explorers.

With some lockdown restrictions easing and travel bubbles trying their hardest to pop up, these destinations should be on your radar right now.

How’s your Gross National Happiness? Probably not as high as the beautiful, basically Covid-free Kingdom of Bhutan.

In New Zealand, a wave of Indigenous-tourism experiences is opening up the history of some of the archipelago’s most remote and intriguing lands.

We can’t wait to get back to Sri Lanka, with its tea-covered hills, historic architecture and trains ambling through insanely picturesque countryside.

If you’re looking for love, look no further than this stunning archipelago.

Mysterious Khao Sok National Park has no cell service but 160 million years of lush beauty. Sleep in a floating bungalow on this massive man-made lake.

From flying through treetops to indigenous immersions, these are some of Southeast Asia’s shining stars that put sustainability at their heart. In honor of Earth Day, plan your next trip to make a difference.

Thinking about retiring in Europe? Consider these nine destinations.

Here you’ll find the intersection of Shintoism and Buddhism, and a host of neighbors you’d love to call your own.

Crystal blue waters, towering mountains, and endless rainbows. What more do you need?

What’s it like to hang out of a helicopter above Thailand’s most bucket-listed bay? Check out these insanely beautiful photos of ‘The Beach’ and more.

Ramble through the lush central coast of Vietnam while dining on gourmet fare, getting a headrub, and imbibing bottomless bubbles.

Located in the country’s verdant north, this region is an underrated gem that’s blissfully free of crowds.

360 Hong Kong Moments will transport you right to the heart of the bustling metropolis.

If you’ve been dreaming of a villa stay on a private island, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives is the perfect place to indulge.

These Global Vision Awards honorees are setting a new standard in the industry — caring for their staff, for their communities and for the environment.

When travel is used as a force for good, it can help provide economic empowerment to communities around the world by creating jobs that pay living wages while preserving traditions at risk of being lost.

It may not be one of the Big Five, but the often-overlooked pangolin is attracting growing interest from safari-goers. One wildlife lover shadows researchers in South Africa to learn why.

What screams ‘cinematic vacation’ more than horseback riding down a beautiful beach? Nihi Sumba has a stable of rescue ponies.

Why we’re green with envy at vacationers booking this uber-luxe, uber-green hempcrete beach villa in Australia.

Cherry blossoms are expected to bloom as early as March 15 in Tokyo.

One lucky group of whale watchers crossed paths with a pod of dolphins stampeding right next to their boat in Newport Beach, California.

Whether it’s when the irises open, the tomatoes are hung, the manatees migrate or the lobsters lose their shells — to everything there is a season. Japan might be the most poetic, but Adam H. Graham finds microseasons enrich your travels everywhere.

Famous Thai writer Kong Rithdee shows us Bangrak and the Charoen Krung Road of his childhood.

Plan ahead and pin all these places in the Philippines for your next vacation.

From art installations to breathtaking boutiques, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, is a
different kind of retreat.

We asked our insiders for their favorite places to travel domestically. Veronica Inveen tells us what’s tops in Thailand.

We asked our writers for their favorite places to travel domestically. Chloe Sachdev writes our post-pandemic bucket list for Australia.

We asked our writers for their favorite places to travel domestically. Here, Christian Barker tells us where he fancies in Singapore.

We asked our writers for their favorite places to travel domestically. Add these in Malaysia to your post-pandemic bucket lists

We asked our writers for their favorite places to travel domestically. Here, Kee Foong tells us where to go in Hong Kong.

There’s more to this magical archipelago than meets the eye.

This quiet emirate challenges the typical U.A.E. stereotypes, with deeply rooted heritage and rugged mountains, desert, and coastline. Make the hour’s drive from Dubai and you just might find your great escape.

With rigorous safety measures in place, the Shinkansen and Local train is a dreamy way to explore the sights of a snowy Tohoku Region.

Quarantine got you fantasizing about the wide open ocean and a cozy community that’s totally Covid-free? Distant Tuvalu might be just what the doctor ordered.

Since September, Gili Lankanfushi has been hosting guests. Here’s how they’re doing it safely.

At Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, you’re just one call away from swimming with vast squadrons of manta rays.

“This capture is the first documented record of the species surviving post-fire.”

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at the Chao Phraya River and MOCA Bangkok are collaborating on a groundbreaking creative installation.

If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering calligraphy, drumming or gardening—all while staying in style—Capella Singapore has you covered.

From family fun to boozy cruises, Bangkok’s fave seaside escape has the season sewn up.

Wonderfruit goes local, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less awesome.

With Kayumanis, it’s easy to get away from it all while enjoying Bali’s legendary hospitality.

These hotels offer virtual explorations in time for Thanksgiving… emphasis on the giving.

Traversing Australia on the longest north to south rail journey in the world.

Now that we are living in the new normal, hospitality power players, tech entrepreneurs, and governments around the globe have been coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to keep people safe.

Okada Manila welcomes back staycationers with its well-loved brand of five-star luxury.

Singapore’s super cute critically endangered monkey species has a new safe haven–and a new fresh baby.

From exquisite cuisine to enchanting art, Spain’s charms are captivating. Prepare to fall in love and get in the spirit.

Want to cultivate life skills and still retire to your fluffy four-poster at night? Try the experiences at these luxury hotels.

Our resident pan-spiritualist Mark Lean learns to pivot from a Javanese shaman at an Aman resort to the whole internet’s worth of healers.

Discover some beloved corners of the insanely biodiverse 17,000-island nation through the eyes of eco-minded independent outfitters and guides that champion sustainability, education and giving back.

Thailand is world-renowned for its service with a smile, but there are plenty of places to learn a little self-reliance, too. Set sail on the high-seas, or just in your own imagination.

In this lush land of hippies and holistic healing, we could’ve come up with dozens of ways to be at one with the earth. Here are four fully immersive activities that’ll put a roof over your head and fill your belly with both flora and fauna (of the fish variety).

When Bodhi’s 50-Year Storm comes (yes, we just name-checked Point Break), you want to be ready. Grab some extra-long flippers and learn to swim like the fishes in the Philippines.

Only in Japan would a rustic country farmstay include a disco greenhouse. A quick hop from Tokyo takes you straight into this organic wonderland. Strawberries and sweet potato heaven.

A long-time partner of T+L, Black Tomato specializes in crafting bespoke travel experiences around the globe, and their foray into tailor-made survivalism trips offers the ultimate sense of freedom.

A vast, sparsely populated nation whose apocryphal origin story lies in taming the wild. A continent whose original inhabitants lived at one with nature for eons. Zero surprise that Australia is leading the trend in self-sufficiency stays.

There’s a reason so many independent-minded travelers want to keep the Teardrop of India on the DL. Inland from Sri Lanka’s gorgeous southern beaches, the simple, sustainable, spiritual life beckons.

Embrace the nature, culture and communities of Jeju Island with a hike along its spectacular coastlines.

If your idea of a Kiwi adventure involves DIY RVing around the two islands, the fend-for-yourself offerings highlighted here will make that plan look like the luxe life. There’s foraging and trekking, but the many ways to cook without a stove are alone worth the long-haul flight.

In offbeat Perak, a new boutique homestay is throwing the spotlight onto Malaysia’s least-known UNESCO World Heritage Site.

No longer just a transit point, El Nido Town and its neighboring beaches are coming into their own.

These days, more travelers are gazing at the skies than taking to them in airplanes. Dark Sky Parks, telescope meetups and bioluminescent zones herald the dawn of Asia’s astrotourism.

There’s no need to worry about your wallet at these incredible destinations around the region.

When you’ve been stuck in a studio apartment for the greater portion of the year, horror-movie-thick cloud coverage and ocean horizons murky with sheets of rain can only do so much to ruin a trip.

Enter your next Tokyo trip as an in-the-know local.

A whirlwind trip to Kyoto ponders the ancient, the new and the impermanent.

Solo adventuring in the outback takes grit, even for a seasoned traveler. During three weeks adventuring in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland, Chloe Sachdev finds a salve in the solitude.

The top 10 islands in Asia as voted by our readers in the T+L World’s Best Awards 2020.

Some of Southeast Asia’s best getaways don’t require getting on a plane. Isolate in style with your own luxury villa.

Sydney returns as the category favorite on the strength of its iconic harbor and postcard-worthy beaches.

Hoi An, Chiang Mai and Ubud reappear in this year’s edition of T+L World’s Best Cities. Add these cities to your bucket list.

These far-flung winners promise way more than pristine beaches. Expect world-class wildlife viewing, delectable local foods and as much (or as little) outdoor activity as your heart desires.

A bit beyond Bali, boats bob in waters so clear you can see their shadows in the sand. Beach clubs ask only that you shed your pretentions with your flip-flops. And mola molas and mantas remind us of the important things. From a cliffside resort at the heart of Nusa Lembongan, Jeninne Lee-St. John finds paradise is draped in bougainvillea.

It might be a trek to get to Tioman, but the little Malaysian diving star rewards with reefs teeming with turtles and an utter disregard for clocks.

A flourish of hip new hotels, dining spots and micro-bars sees Queensland’s once-dismissed capital on course to become one of Australia’s coolest cities.

When urban living gets claustrophobic, there’s nothing like a hike to lift the spirits.

On the south coast of Sri Lanka a sleepy surf town will have you pondering a sea change.

No need to live out of a suitcase: extended stays these days mean city-center locations, spacious modern abodes and top-notch 24-hour dining.

High-contrast mid-city stays that deliver stylish comfort without breaking the budget.

Bohemian isles, castaway retreats, adults-only hideouts—make it a magical couple’s getaway in one of these lush luxury escapes.

All work and no play is no way to do business travel. Mix up your next corporate trip with rooftop cocktails, sightseeing or soaking up the sun.

Family trips are rarely as relaxing as you hope they’ll be. Luckily for parents, some kid-savvy properties in the region are making all-ages getaways child’s play.

Armchair travel to the streets of Central Vietnam through these wanderlust-inducing snaps by Andrew Faulk.

As Thailand targets the LGBT+ market, local hoteliers are adopting cool new services and amenities that give deeper meaning to the term “all-inclusive.”

We are SO ready for a Palawan sunset.

The emergency decree is ending and coronavirus cases in Japan are waning, so naturally we’ve started to plan our next trip.

Past trips aren’t the only thing we’ve been reminiscing about. Here are the T+L articles from the past year that our editors loved a little extra.

Apart, but somehow not alone. Here’s what lockdown looks like for 10 people across the globe.

Food might be our favorite way to escape outside our homes these days. Here, a writer muses about the Philippines’ region of Bicol and offers her recipe on zesty Bicol Express Chicken.

We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to entertain yourself while quarantining.

Add these to your quarantine reading list.

Mix things up on your next family trip with activities that get the imagination—and the adrenaline— flowing.

A kids-optional retreat in Bali provides a nurturing space for moms to invest in themselves, recharge and reconnect with themselves.

As soon as we can fly, these are the trips we’ll be (re) taking.

Fine, we’ll admit it: we miss the chaos.

Even time-honored family-travel mainstays can lose their shine—in which case, get inspired by these up-and-coming kid-friendly destinations.

A fleet of luxury boats is plying Bangkok with some of the classiest cocktail hours in town and meals that’ll sate the most selective sailors.

A cheat sheet to the newest hotels and restaurants in the imperial city.

Happier days are ahead! For now, virtually escape to these 10 cheerful places.

There are few places as kinetic as the Indonesian capital, where layers of history mesh with the contemporary, and modern drinking and dining venues are elevating the city’s game—and the most elevated address in town is the new Park Hyatt Jakarta.

The best way to gear up for the Tokyo Olympics? Three days of intensive training in sport and culture. Just keep your gloves on.

Wonderful, walkable Waitematā harbour beckons, and now there’s a new waterfront manse to call “your wharenui” for travellers and locals alike. The understated luxury of Park Hyatt Auckland presents perfectly in low-key but ahead-of-the-curve New Zealand.

We can’t imagine a better beginning to 2020 than a holiday at one of these gems in the Cape Hotel Collection.

T+L’s monthly selection of trip-worthy places, experiences and events.

Often squeezed out by the cuisine of its neighbors, Laos offers its own menu worth exploring, we go on a historic tasting binge in Luang Prabang.

This electric city—with its beloved mix of good eats, commerce, history, culture and nature—has been centered on the sea for centuries. Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong offers an easy access, upscale stay where there are seriously no bad views.

Some places just scream “cool”, others do it with a casual whisper. Seoul, with its historic nooks and enviable style, is the rare place that does both. Ensconce yourself in chic city living that stays rooted in the culture at Andaz Seoul Gangnam.

A new suite in a beloved boutique hotel lets you feel the call of the wild in the middle of Bangkok.

Beyond the overwater villas and sparkling lagoons, the friendly giants of the Maldives inhabit a paradise of their own.

A new luxury ship with a focus on wellness carries cruisers to a quiet corner of Halong Bay, promising a mindful journey through 500 million years of history—if that thought gets too heavy for you, just faceplant on a massage table and commune with working out your kinks instead.

Twenty places to visit this year, including the majestic Hunza Valley, Bangkok for those with an appetite, and a new-look Kyoto.

In a palm-oil plantation in Sabah, an unlikely eco-tourism alliance paves the way for Borneo pygmy elephants.

These stylish watering holes at InterContinental resorts serve up drinks with a view.

InterContinental Maamunagau may have opened up the Maldives’ less-developed Raa Atoll to more visitors, but this sparkling new jewel makes protecting its pristine foundations the prime mission.

Tracing her roots to Bacolod, Stephanie Zubiri discovers one secret to happiness in the Philippines’ “City of Smiles.”

Sail into Komodo territory, visit retired elephants in Phuket, or try horse whispering in Gurgaon—this assortment of new experiences across Asia provides animal-friendly answers to the call of the wild.

With a group of young, wildly creative chefs leading the way, the Taiwanese capital is emerging as Asia’s buzziest culinary destination.

In Western Australia, the little-known atolls of the Rowley Shoals have not only somehow escaped coral bleaching, but are thriving in defiance of global trends.

Squeezed into whisky or steeped in a bath— Japanese citrus works its magic on us.

T+L’s monthly selection of trip-worthy places, experiences and events.

At the top of the Philippines is a clutch of windswept islands where the bonds of community have been forged by the elements. In verdant Batanes, Stephanie Zubiri dances among lighthouses, absorbs lessons from tribal elders and just lets go.

Just off the coast of Abu Dhabi is an enchanting wildlife reserve with 8,000 years of human history. Jeninne Lee-St. John heads to a resort island where it’s hard to tell your sitting room from the savannah.

A little-known north Borneo beach is Sabah’s best alternative diving spot, writes Marco Ferrarese, who asks that you keep Mengkabar Bay to yourself—and don’t disturb the tarsiers.

Off the west coast of Japan, Adam H. Graham visits Sado Island seeking an immersion in the nation’s golden age, and discovers a shingle-roofed, pine-ridged, Midcentury time capsule.

With its myriad legends and legendary treks, mystical Nepal is adventure incarnate. Two decades after his first visit, Duncan Forgan heads back and finds you don’t need to climb Everest to reignite your sense of wonder.

How to prep a corner of paradise for the outside world while keeping it as pristine as possible is on the minds of many in Phu Quoc these days. It’s shockingly easy to get to this on-the-up Vietnamese idyll— just please don’t eat the sea urchin.

If you ever need to get away from the bustling crowds in Macau and neon lights of the Cotai Strip, Coloane village offers a breath of fresh air and slices of nature: beaches, hiking trails, pandas and more.

Fashion designer Tomo Koizumi pauses from his breakout year to share some of his favorite places to shop in the Japanese capital, stops that inspire him every day.

In China’s Guizhou province, a tech-forward culture rubs shoulders with ancient traditions.

T+L’s monthly selection of trip-worthy places, experiences and events.

Touring the south of Thailand on a vintage motorcycle is a chance for Duncan Forgan to get a true taste of the region and its limestone karsts, abandoned beaches and more than a plate or two of spicy food.

With a prolific population of creative, locally-minded cool kids, the place to be in Bali right now is surf town Canggu.

Eric Ripert may be one of the globe’s most highly lauded chefs, but he stays grounded with daily meditation—and keeping things simple on the road.

T+L’s monthly selection of trip-worthy places, experiences and events.

Taiwan might not be the first locale that comes to mind when speaking of whisky. But Duncan Forgan seeks out the water of life here, and finds its single-malt expressions maturing mighty finely.

The eastern shore of Koh Lanta offers a more subdued take on the popular Thai island, writes Joe Cummings, who is already daydreaming of his next visit.

Where do food writer Juliana Loh and her head chef husband, Guillaume Galliot, of the Michelin three-starred Caprice at the Four Seasons, dine out in Hong Kong? From cheap eats to high-end, the foodie couple serves us some of their favorites in the city.

You know that phrase, “do it for the gram”? We’re pretty sure floating breakfasts were born from it, and, well, as long as we get the shot, we’ll welcome the trend from every angle.

Vietnam’s last dynasty may have built extravagant monuments around its imperial citadel, but Lester V. Ledesma says the enduring monarchic influence is found in the food of the commonfolk—the banh Hue.

Asia’s craft suds scene keeps getting better. Craig Sauers checks in with six exciting breweries using local flavors and ingredients to push beer boundaries.

Meet some of the cool women shaking things up in Southeast Asia’s best drinking dens.

Lined with crumbling fin-de-siècle buildings, Rangoon’s Pansodan Road transports visitors back to the former capital’s colonial yesteryears. But now, on-trend restaurants are breathing new life into the heritage edifices that once housed government offices and banks.

Boracay is back, cleaner and greener than ever. We return to the island to see if this Philippines favorite can preserve its soul along with its shores.

First class isn’t the only way to fly. How about flatbeds, chefs and your own crew on one-of-a-kind trips that let you skip the customs line? Private-jet tours are taking well-heeled travelers for the most luxurious cultural exchanges.

A flashy new mall has lured more visitors over to the Thonburi side of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river than ever before, but its Khlong San neighborhood has long been a local hub for Sino-Siamese eats and a lively social scene.

Newly paved roads in Cambodia’s northeast make exploring via motorbike easier than ever. An intrepid solo trip around Banlung leads to natural discoveries and tasty local eateries and, best of all, that warm Khmer hospitality.

Twenty years after its hard-won independence, Timor-Leste is only just beginning to open up its natural landscape to the region. Exploring every corner of Southeast Asia’s youngest country, Sophie Raynor discovers the pristine wonders we’ve been missing out on.

By Daven Wu. As islands go, the first impression of Ulleungdo tends to be a little underwhelming. Rising out of South Korea’s East Sea, this squat, dark mound of cedar-and juniper-cloaked volcanic rock seems an unlikely dream destination, especially as getting here is, to put it mildly, a major schlep. And yet, for generations, successive waves of […]

Often considered a gateway town, Vientiane is an underrated destination in its own right. Laurel Tuohy wanders its heritage streets and finds hip new hangouts that are reinvigorating the city.

Following the well-trod pilgrim path to Vietnam’s most spiritual peak, features editor Eloise Basuki spends a few nights at Yen Tu mountain’s new designer resort, a sprawling palace that honors the mountain’s regal history.

Rajasthan is littered with the former forts, castles and chateaux of the Rajput Maharajas who ruled the region for centuries. On a royal tour of new palatial digs turned into heritage hotels, Rachna Sachasinh finds luxurious renewal projects that manage to conjure the community spirit of far humbler abodes.

Sinking? More like sprouting. There are so many beautiful new reasons to visit the Maldives, it’s hard for us to keep track. Read on for a hit-list of some of the freshest resorts in this far-flung Indian Ocean paradise nation.

Low-budget, high-design, next-gen hotels have begun to sweep Asia, an on-trend fit for digital nomads, flashpackers and aesthetes alike.

Traveling on the job doesn’t have to be boxy and boring. These upscale hotels do the hard work for you, leaving more time to enjoy your surroundings.

Sydney is in the midst of a cultural renaissance, with a booming contemporary art and festival scene that could rival any on the global stage. Tony Perrottet explores the creative side of Australia’s iconic city by the sea. Plus, where to stay, eat and drink right now.

Off the south coast of Burma, the barely touched, largely uninhabited Mergui Archipelago beckons the intrepid sailor. We check the phone at the cabin door for an exploration of the new eco-resorts in one of the least touristed places in Southeast Asia.

As Malaysia goes through a political shake-up, the capital is rippling with change. With an influx of luxury hotels and experimental, proudly Malaysian restaurants, plus a community of small bars adding cool spots to spend the night, Eloise Basuki finds it is now worth lingering in Kuala Lumpur.

From a former royal guesthouse to a room with sweeping Mount Fuji views, these intimate, extravagant and picturesque resorts are just the spots to celebrate those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

With its landmark heritage buildings, and now shimmering skyscrapers, Dong Khoi Street is undoubtedly Saigon’s most prestigious address. But it’s the drag’s more inconspicuous charms, squirrelled away in century-old apartment blocks, that continually coax Connla Stokes to the area.

Adventure group Experience Co’s Indigenous rangers tell the creation stories that were passed down to them from First Nation land and sea owners.

We know it’s no easy feat to vacation with multiple people, ages and energy levels, so here are some of our favorite hotels where everyone can get their kicks.

On the shore of Western Australia, once-sleepy Perth is coming of age as a new culinary and creative destination.

If small-town surfing center Siargao island isn’t already on your radar, it will be very soon. Jeninne Lee-St. John propellers out to the eastern edge of the Philippines, where hand-woven hammocks hang on still-empty sands, laissez-faire beach life sets the tone at bars, in boutique hotels and on the breaks—and the pacific currents roll in uninterrupted.

Emerald karsts, cascading paddy fields and majestic rivers abound in the rural Chinese regions of Yangshuo, Longji and Guilin. Touring via two wheels allows a slow traveler to keep ahead of the masses.

Across Australia, compact quarters among the great outdoors are sometimes the coziest way to spend a weekend. Eloise Basuki uncovers a few tiny hotels offering big experiences.

With designer digs and creative spaces, a new crop of hotels is making it easier than ever to ditch the nine-to-five and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle.

Channel your inner Buddha on a Belmond cruise through Burma.

The Southeast Asian City of Angels definitely looks its best from high up in the sky. Soak in the stellar panoramas from these stylish watering holes.

Vietnam’s narrow waistline is bursting with indigenous dishes and inviting eateries. Duncan Forgan dines and drives from Hue to Danang to Hoi An.

You can’t walk a block in the capital with out passing two things: a 7-Eleven and a massage place. In truth, we’d entrust our sore muscles to plenty of the latter, but the following spas truly surpass your standard street-side foot rubs .

Sleepy Tangalle, on the south coast of Sri Lanka, is getting investments on its perfect sands. Head there soon, before you have to share the waves.

Whether they’re served in a bar, a humble street restaurant or a Michelin-worthy gastronomic temple, some specialties are worth seeking out no matter where in the world they may be.

On verdant, volcanic Cheju, farmers raise tasty black pigs, grandpa statues boost fertility, and lady divers pry abalone from the icy depths of the sea. Duncan Forgan reports from this legendary treasure chest in the Korean Strait.

One Philippine beach town is toeing the green line before tossing up tourist-filled resorts. JENINNE LEE-ST. JOHN lives to tell the tale of why you should visit sustainable San Vicente—just not too many of you, please.