Destination Asia, with CNN

As travel returns full-scale, Asian destinations in particular are keen to boost their tourism economies after the pandemic. Hong Kong has already announced plans to give away half a million airline tickets:

Taiwan, which is planning to offer tourists $165 each to vacation there. Cash rewards will also be offered to tour groups to encourage them to visit the island.

Most countries in the region have done away with Covid-19 entry restrictions or are in the process of fully reopening to foreigners. International flights are regaining frequency. And an array of stunning new hotels are opening left and right.

If you’re looking for something even more from your hotel, though, than infinity pools and Egyptian cotton sheets, we’ve found nine hotels in Asia-Pacific where the adventure starts before you even reach the front door.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Staggering Scenery and Beautiful Towns

Sarajevo – a place that crams in so much history, beauty and heartbreak it can make your head spin. Picturesque Jajce, a small walled mountain town 100 miles from the capital, has a 22m-high waterfall at its heart. The ancient capital of the Bosnian kings, with a fort, catacombs and a multi-ethnic population, it was also the birthplace of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, formed during the second world war, and the town’s AVNOJ Museum offers a fascinating dive into 20th-century history.

12 Private Islands You Can Rent Without Being Rich

Lounge chair overlooking ocean

If you think private islands are only for the billionaires and Bond Villains of the world, however, you’re wrong. You can actually rent a wide range of private islands all around the world, from tropical paradises to chilly river experiences. Even more surprising, many of these private islands can be yours for a price that’s a lot more reasonable than you might expect. Here are 12 private islands you can rent without completely draining your bank account.

Food Magic of Caribbean Columbia

Leonor Espinosa — who’d just been crowned the 2022 Best Female Chef by World’s 50 Best, an influential ranking group owned by a British media giant — suggested the sesame paste known locally as pasta de ajonjolí was one of many delicacies in the area that transcend mere taste, and soon I’d know why.

Longevity noodles, a Popular Lunar New Year Dish

What Are Longevity Noodles?

This year, Lunar New Year falls on January 22, but celebrations occur over several days – collectively referred to as the Spring Festival. Traditional rituals, foods included, are filled with symbolism.

Longevity noodles symbolize long life. According to tradition, the chef can’t cut the noodle strands, and each strand needs to be eaten whole – no breaking it before you eat it.

But that’s where the consensus ends.