The best Place to Honeymoon in Asia

Plan the perfect honeymoon to Asia. Uncover the best beaches, nightlife, resorts and attractions with our guide to the best destinations for a honeymoon in Asia.

To get you started, here are the 10 most popular locations for a honeymoon in Asia

1.Bali Honeymoon Discover Bali and savour one of Asia’s most exotic honeymoon destinations. Blessed with a rich and ancient culture, Bali is home to friendly, hospitable people, great natural beauty and sun-kissed beaches that offer numerous fun-filled activities for your honeymoon. Things to do and see in Bali Do nothing at all while lounging by the pool and relax on the beach in a hammock hung beneath sweet-scented jasmine, magnolia and frangipani trees. Or, be as active as you want, with a choice of active pursuits including hiking, rafting, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and paragliding. Hike to the summit of Gunung Besakih; whitewater raft the turbulent Ayung River past vertical gorges, rice terraces and unspoiled rainforest; or experience Bali at its best on a cycling tour along the popular 25km Bakur Trail, with mainly downhill cruising past picture-perfect landscapes and shrines little changed in centuries. Away from the beach, Bali offers a choice of compelling attractions and sights: Discover narrow roads that weave among ancient temples, mountain lakes, soaring volcanoes, picture-perfect rice terraces and unspoilt rainforest. Experience genuine Balinese hospitality, watch colourful festivals and rituals, be enchanted by traditional Balinese dance and listen to the soothing and hypnotic sound of the gamelan, which bring to life Hindu mythology and legend. In quaint stores, browse for casual clothing or look out for a memorable honeymoon souvenir among Balinese handicrafts such as wood and stone carvings, fine art paintings and antiques.    2.Phuket Honeymoon, Thailand Phuket is Thailand’s top resort island and one of the country's best honeymoon destinations. It is located on the west coast of Thailand. Blessed with long sandy beaches, tranquil bays, lush inland forests and a reputation for some of the finest seafood in the country, Phuket offers all the ingredients you need for a romantic honeymoon holiday from sightseeing attractions to your favourite activities. Things to do and see in Phuket Ranking among the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world, Phuket offers couples crystal clear water, spectacular reefs and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life and providing great opportunities for diving and snorkelling. The sea is also ideal for windsurfing and sailing, while inland, jungle paths and forested hills wait to be explored on foot or atop an elephant. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches on Phuket Island, from popular and crowded beaches to those that are secluded and relatively unknown to overseas visitors. Kata Beach on Phuket’s western coast is one of Phuket’s finest beaches, with a broad curve of soft white sand that runs 1.5km along a protected bay of calm, crystal clear water. Relax on a sun bed or rejuvenate with a Thai massage in the shade of the palm trees that fringe the beach’s edge. Or visit Laem Singh Beach, a small hidden gem south of Surin Beach, accessible only by a steep path from the road and Nai Thon Beach, one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets, just a short drive through forested hills along the coastal highway. Other well-known beaches include Patong Beach, Karon Beach and Surin Beach. After dark, experience a colourful Thai dance show, relax over delicious Thai cuisine or hit a disco at Patong Beach and dance the night away.    3.Hong Kong Honeymoon Hong Kong’s visually stunning landscape – anchored amid glass and steel skyscrapers, colonial buildings and traditional Chinese temples – offers a fascinating and eclectic mix of British colonial history and Chinese culture.   Things to do and see in Hong Kong Watch life unfold from the century-old green-and-white Star Ferry as it glides across Victoria Harbour or from the top deck of an old tram car as it winds across Hong Kong Island – first settled by the British in 1842 and home to some of the world's best shopping experiences. Discover Kowloon’s bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district, boasting iconic luxury hotels, glitzy shopping malls and countless bars and restaurants. Admire century-old Chinese art inside the Hong Kong Museum of Art or pop into Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong's oldest temple, on Hollywood Road. To escape the crowded streets: hike along the Dragon's Back on Hong Kong Island or across the New Territories on the 100km-long MacLehose Trail, taking in Hong Kong's highest peak, Tai Mo Shan (985m). Ccycle through scenic countryside along the Tolo Harbour Track from Sha Tin to Tai Po or taste the briny air on a ferry ride to one of the 260 off-shore islands – Lamma is great for hiking, while Lantua is home to the famous Tian Tan Buddha, the world's largest seated outdoor Buddha.  4.Ko Lanta Honeymoon, Thailand Ko Lanta is the ideal honeymoon destination for couples wishing to ‘get away from it all’ in a secluded and serene island environment.   Things to do and see in Ko Lanta Koh Lanta has a quiet, laid-back ambience, with long, uncrowded golden- and white-sand beaches lapped by crystal clear waters that are perfect for kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and diving. Here you can choose from several soft white-sand beaches that lie along a 25km-long stretch of the west coast, separated by picturesque jungle-clad promontories and linked by a paved coastal road. Should you tire of lazing on the beach it’s easy to go snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing or fishing. Inland, explore the densely forested hills on foot, motorcycle, car, bicycle or elephant. Along the way, experience the local culture and customs of the indigenous population, a mix of Muslim, Chinese and a clan of Chao Ley (sea gypsies). You can even brush up your Thai cooking or Thai boxing skills with a lesson or two.  5.Pangkor Laut Honeymoon, Malaysia   Pangkor Laut Island is an exclusive, privately owned island offering a tropical island hideaway just 1.6km off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Once the private domain of the Sultan of Perak, this beautiful island offers secluded bays fringed by pristine white-sand beaches and unspoiled rainforest that envelopes 80 per cent of the tiny 1.2km² island – the perfect spot for a romantic getaway and secluded honeymoon holiday. Things to do and see Sunbathe on gorgeous white-sand beaches flanked by palms and lush vegetation-covered rocky headlands. Relax on the verandah of an overwater Malay-style chalet, perched atop stilts in the turquoise waters of Royal Bay or enjoy a range of activities including snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, sail-boarding, water-skiing and fishing. Together with the island’s resident naturalist, enjoy a fascinating hike through the jungle and gain an insight into this spectacular virgin rainforest – estimated to be more than two million years old. Look out for crab-eating macaque monkeys, tropical monitor lizards and yellow pied hornbills along the way. Later enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise around the island – the perfect setting for a romantic evening. 6.Maldives Honeymoon The Maldives offer idyllic surroundings for newlyweds who want to savour intimate moments together in a unique, serene environment – just one reason why the Maldives is rated as one of the world's best honeymoon destinations. Discover a choice of tranquil and pampered settings on any of the more than 80 exclusive resort islands that stretch like a string of pearls across 70,000 square metres of ocean along the equator. Here you can discover tiny coral islands mainly covered by lush tropical vegetation and encircled by gorgeous palm-fringed, white-sand beaches.    7. Nha Trang Honeymoon vietnam Consider a honeymoon holiday or romantic getaway in Nha Trang. From Nha Trang to Danang and Hoi An in the north, the central and south central coastline of Vietnam offer some of the country’s finest beaches, fringed with swaying coconut palms and dotted with quaint fishing villages. Things to do and see in Nha Trang Relax on Nha Trang’s Tran Phu Beach, a 9km-long stretch of golden sand fronting the scenic Nha Trang Bay and bordered by forested mountains. Shelving gently into the bay, Tran Phu Beach is fringed by a long park lined with mature palm trees, colourful flowers and a range of beachside facilities including bars and restaurants (mainly along the southern end of the beach). Explore Nha Trang on a cycle, visit the Po Nagar Cham towers, pamper your body with a soothing mud bath at the nearby Thap Ba Hot Springs and perhaps learn Tai Chi. In the evening, savour a culinary treat at one of many seafood restaurants or try the local bird’s nest soup, regarded as one of the best in Vietnam. A short drive up the coast along Highway 1 lie the secluded and unspoilt white-sand beaches of Dai Lanh and Doc Let, generally frequented by local Vietnamese families. To the south of Nha Trang sits quiet, sun-drenched Hong Chong Beach. These beaches offer safe swimming and can be enjoyed on a day trip. Or head offshore to relax on the white-sand beaches of Bai Tru Beach on nearby Bamboo Island and Whale Island in Van Phong Bay.

Places to Go On Vacation With Children

When planning a vacation with children, everyone might have a different idea of what would be fun. Some people enjoy the quiet and relaxation of a camping trip. Kids might enjoy the thrill of an amusement park. A themed vacation can be fun and educational at the same time. If you want to save money and stay close to home, you might want to take a "staycation." You can also combine elements from each type of vacation for something everyone would enjoy.

Camping Vacation

Camping is a vacation that can be fun and economical at the same time. You could make it a goal to visit a different national park each year, such as Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Arches or the Shenandoah National Park. Another possibility is to discover a new back-country camping spot and have your very own private get-away.

Amusement Park Vacation

Children generally love the excitement of amusement parks. Disneyland and Walt Disney World are usually at the top of kids' lists when it comes to vacation planning. You could also look for other fun amusement parks to visit, such as Hershey Park in Pennsylvania or Legoland in California.

Educational Vacation

You can turn any vacation into an educational one with a little thought and planning. Read about the history of a city you plan to visit and discuss it with your children. Plan to visit notable historic sites on your trip. You could also plan your visit around a theme, such as the Revolutionary War, space or ocean life, and plan your activities to learn more about that theme.

Staycation

You can save money on gas and hotels by staying at home and visiting nearby attractions. Make a list with your kids on where they would like to visit and what they would like to do. Maybe you could have each child (and maybe each parent) plan the activities for the whole day. Destinations could be museums, amusement parks, natural wonders and historic sites. Activities might include bowling, fishing, roller skating, river running or even just lying out under the stars to watch a meteor show.

Tips for Vacationing with Children

Plan some down time. Nothing can turn a family togetherness into family squabbles like tired, grumpy children. Let kids help with the planning. They will be more happy and cooperative if their desires are considered. Have plenty of snacks on hand. A handful of almonds or some string cheese can give children a little boost when they are starting to get a little hungry.

Visits to the London 2012 Olympics Games

• 
  inSha

There is so much to look forward to with the London 2012 Olympics. Not only is it an opportunity to see more world class sport in a blink of an eye than you might see in a lifetime, it's also a great excuse to explore London.

You might be visiting from abroad, a Brit from outside London or simply someone who really doesn’t know the east of the capital very well. Either way there is lots to see and lots to do. The best bit? We're going to tell what not to miss, and how not to, by using the best websites, gadgets and apps the capital has to offer.

Get a map

Before you do anything it’s absolutely vital you get yourself a paper map. The delights of 3G and smartphone mapping apps can help, but what happens when you lose data connection? Or your carrier blocks your phone for running up a gigantic bill while you get lost. Trust us, without a map London is instantly turned into a maze of back streets and dead ends.

So which one to opt for? You don’t want some gigantic AtoZ flapping about in the wind - not only does it make you look like a vulnerable lost tourist, it's also irritating as hell. Best grab an offline mapping app then, say Smart Maps-London.

Fancy doing it differently? Try something like the Moleskine London City Notebook. It combines guidebook and super trendy notebook in one, so you won't get lost and will look cool at the same time. The Moleskine also throws in things such as a Tube map and even transparent sticky sheets so you can overlay them on the maps and trace out routes.

Get some apps

 

There are a few applications which will really help you get around and about London. Absolutely vital to your app setup should be something that keeps you posted on transport status. You need to know what Tube lines are working and where, to avoid getting stuck while trying to negotiate London.

For Android we recommend London Underground combined with London Bus checker and National Rail Enquiries. This way you have absolutely every base covered when it comes to transport. On the iPhone try London Tube Deluxe, National Rail Enquires and BusLondon. The three will keep you posted on every possible transport eventuality.

You haven’t come to London just to sit on trains and buses however, nor are the Olympic Games all the city has to offer. So pick up an app like TripAdvisor London City Guide or Around Me to get a better idea of what there is to explore in your surroundings. Time Out also does a great London app as does Wallpaper for the trendier among you.

Finally, for the Olympics themselves it is worth getting the Official London 2012 Join In app. It acts like a big Filofax for the Games, giving you directions, updates and even a heads-up on other goings on in the city outside the Games themselves.

Get a pay as you go SIM

 

All that app usage is going to require quite a bit of data and if you aren’t from the UK then this can mean a seriously hefty phone bill. Avoid this by grabbing a pre-paid mobile SIM.

Networks like Three will offer you as much data as you want along with 300 minutes and 3000 texts for £15. The alternative would be using something like GiffGaff which charges £10 for the same deal but with 200 minutes and unlimited texts.

Get online

 

Surfing the web before you set out on your Olympic expedition is most definitely a good idea. There is a lot to discover in London and the internet is the best place to prep for it. Before you get started, ensure you head over to both Transport for London and the Official London 2012 websites. Subscribe to email updates on both, just so you can keep up to date with what's going on.

Another great and locally curated website is Londonist, which features plenty of handy guides to help you find events in the capital.

Take a camera

 

We know it seems silly, but make sure you bring your camera. Even more importantly, for the pro photographers among you, try to ensure it doesn’t exceed the guidelines that the Olympic authority is stipulating. They can be found here, but essentially any huge lenses or multiple pro cameras on monopods are not allowed.

If you are looking to pick up something special for the Olympics, then Panasonic’s FZ150 or Canon’s Powershot SX40 HS are both good ideas. Being bridge cameras, they come with immense zooms yet are still relatively compact. This way you can get close to the action without having to lug a big old DSLR around the Olympic site.

Pack a good rucksack

 

The unique weather of the British Isles means you could be confronted with one of two meteorological situations during the Olympic games. Either you will end up being very sunburned or totally soaked. Whatever happens, a good day bag is essential. Grab something like Kata’s DR-465i, which can be used as both a camera bag and a rucksack. Make sure you stick a decent fold up waterproof in there, say a North Face Resolve, which is cheap and breathable but will keep you dry. Then you are also going to want sunscreen, should the weather improve.

Under the Olympic visitor guidelines, you can take food into the venue, provided it fits in your bag, and an empty plastic water bottle to fill up inside the venue. You cannot bring in liquids over 100ml. The Thermos Stainless King range is definitely one of the best liquid carriers to go for.

Get out of London

 

You don’t need to spend all your time in the UK just in London, there is plenty to see elsewhere. If you do fancy having an explore, then why not check out our section on geek weekends which will keep you posted on the tech goings on of just about every major city in the UK.

Rental car

How to save money on my Rental Car rates?

 

    Shopping the Internet can be the quickest and best way to compare many Rental Car rates.

If you are planning on purchasing extra items such as a damage waiver or insurance, you should also comparison shop those rates.

Make sure their mileage policy is favorable to you so you can avoid extra charges.

Airport fees can be quite large so you might see if it is worth it to use an off-airport facility. However, if the off-airport company picks you up at the airport, you'll probably still have to pay some of the fee.

   You can check their national reservation centers and their local offices; one may be offering a better deal than the other. ASK, if this is the best rate they have available.

Make your reservation as soon as you have decided on plans. Most Rental Car Companies increase their rates as reservations come in and their fleets become booked. Also, certain classes of cars will sell out and you may have to end up reserving and paying for a larger vehicle than you want.

Being flexible about your travel plans can save you money. Rental Companies that focus on the business or replacement market customers often have great weekend specials. The best rates are found during the off season and at other times when the Rental Companies have extra cars sitting around.

   Check into booking your vacation as a package. You might be able to save by booking your car along with a certain airline, hotel or attraction ticket package.

Book the smallest car that you will need and hope for a free upgrade. But, remember you may get stuck with that small car.

Check into other size class vehicles. They may have extra cars in a certain class and be offering discounts for that size class.

   Use coupons, but read them carefully for exceptions. Most upgrade coupons are "based on availability", so if you have an upgrade coupon that you wish to use and also have a monetary discount coupon, bring them both. If they can’t honor the upgrade, they may still give you the monetary discount. Also, remember to book any coupons or discounts in your reservation.

Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible.

When you get to the counter, ask if there are any upgrade specials available, they might have some good deals.

How to choose bus tansportation

A Guide To Cross-Country Bussing

      Before purchasing a ticket, look into all possible options for the best deal. Students, seniors, persons in the military and children can usually ride at discounts. Companion fares offer a discount on one fare with the purchase of a full fare ticket. 

Advanced purchase tickets are usually cheaper than last minute. For the more free-spirited adventurer, Greyhound Discovery Passes can be purchase for virtually unlimited traveling freedom within your chosen region for anywhere from four to sixty days.

Be sure to inquire about limited time specials that might be running; even if you are making a round trip, sometimes taking advantage of sale prices on two one-way tickets can save you money. Keep in mind, however, that tickets purchased for limited sales usually have traveling limitations, such as blackout dates during which the ticket will not be honored

Rules regarding baggage are very strict, so it is to your benefit to make certain that the amount, size and weight of your luggage are within required limits to avoid hold ups at the terminal or additional fees (contact the bus company before departure to ensure your luggage is within restrictions and get details on insurance and reimbursement policies).

Carry on bags must fit in the overhead rack or under your seat. Special rules apply to such items as skis and bicycles; contact the bus company for specifications before your trip. Remember that, when transferring buses, your bags are not handled for you by employees. You are responsible for claiming your baggage when you leave one bus, keeping it with you and checking it when you board another bus.

Greyhound suggests arriving at the terminal at least an hour before departure; get there even earlier, especially when traveling during busy seasons. Seats are not assigned, and boarding is usually on a first-come-first-serve basis. The earlier you arrive, the more choice the seating options will likely be.

When choosing a seat, remember for your own comfort: the back row does not recline, and, if you plan to read while traveling at night, the very front seats do not have working overhead lights. If you like to get up and down a lot, you might want to choose an isle seat to avoid bothering any passenger that might sit next to you. If you don't like to get up and down a lot, you might prefer a window seat to avoid being bothered. In my experience, if you want to try to get two seats all to yourself so you can really stretch out, sitting on the isle seat seems to discourage others from squeezing into the window seat next to you (unless the bus fills up and they have no other options). Also remember that in coaches equipped with lavatories, the bathrooms can sometimes get-- well, rank!-- and getting stuck sitting near them can be unpleasant, to say the least. 

I have always found it beneficial to befriend the bus drivers. While you're not supposed to talk to them when they are operating the coach, take a moment to chat with them before departure or during brief stops-- that way, if unexpected layovers occur, or if there is any confusion, you will find it easier to get their help or, at the very least, get information from them. 

During maintenance stops, when the bus is cleaned and serviced, everyone is required to exit. You can leave your carry on bags, jackets, etc., on the coach; keep in mind though that the bus company is not responsible for anything you might find missing. At the very least, make sure everything is off the floor, as the clean up crew will mop without much concern about your personal belongings. 

Any time the bus stops, know that it will depart without you if you are not back before the scheduled time. Make no mistake-- the driver will not wait for you, nor will any belongings you leave in your seat or on the overhead racks be removed. If the bus makes a stop to pick up new passengers, those already on that coach will get to reboard ahead of new people (make sure you get a reboarding ticket from your driver before exiting the coach during the stop). If you miss the reboarding call, someone just may end up in your seat, leaving you stuck at the terminal to wait for the next bus. 

With unrestricted fares, you can make stopovers at any point on your route, should you decide you want to spend the day sight seeing in an interesting town, or get a room for a good night's sleep before continuing your journey. Be sure to have the driver or ticket agent make the proper notation on your ticket when doing so. Remember when re-boarding that seats are still on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Adventure destination

Top Adventure Destinations in the World

1) Costa Rica Adventures From the dense rainforests to the sparkling seashores, Costa Rica belongs at the top of everyone's favorite destination list. Surfing, whitewater rafting, pristine backcountry adventures, culture, stability, freedom of movement, exploring the forest canopy, rappelling waterfalls, diving, fishing...the list of reasons is long.

 2) New Zealand - The Land of the One Ring
Even if film innovator Peter Jackson didn't film the "Lord of the Rings" epic in New Zealand this year, it would still be a grand spot for adventure -- as more and more will be discovering in the New Year thanks to the publicity provided by the epic adventure films. While the orcs and goblins of the movie are all make-up and CG programming, the landscapes are real. Enough said!

3) South Africa Adventures
The Dark Continent ever remains a popular destination for adventurers worldwide. From great waterfalls and massive, rolling rivers, to abundant wildlife and nature events that rank among the best the world over, the diversity of this region lends itself to travelers looking to see several attractions in the same area. Explore the forests, the plains and the beautiful beaches of South Africa - an experience long remembered.

4) Siberia - Land of Mystery
Closed to most of the world for so many long years, Siberia -- the vast land of the Russian Northeast - is quickly gaining attention as a favorite adventure destination for those willing to experience the wilderness in the raw. From dense forest to rolling tundra, the great outdoors of Eastern Russia are ideal for those wanting to adventure away from the mainstream. Outdoor activity opportunities abound in this little discovered travel Mecca.

Tips for backpackers

  

      Backpacking is an enjoyable way to experience nature and access remote terrain. The folks at Camp Trails offer the following tips to help you get started:

Study a map or guide to know the terrain you'll be hiking and estimate the time it will take to arrive at your destination. Pad your estimates with extra time to account for delays.

Obtain necessary permits and reserve campsites in advance, and check local regulations to avoid fines. Know the area's weather patterns and accommodate for time of year. Always be prepared for the worst weather.

Remember, it's very easy to perspire, even in the winter, so dress appropriately in layers and be prepared for changing conditions, temperature changes at higher altitudes, and evenings. Avoid wearing jeans or cotton clothing. Wear polypropylene, wool or other breathable materials that wick moisture away and dry quickly.

Always pack rain gear.

Get to know your gear before heading out. Seam-seal the tent and familiarize yourself with its design and set-up. Learn how to operate your stove so you're not caught in the dark or the rain trying to figure it out. Know what you can carry and how long you can carry it without straining yourself. The pack shouldn't weigh more than 25 percent of your weight, so take only what you need.

Komodo Island in Indonesia

    Lying 200 nautical miles east of Bali, Komodo National Park nestles between the large islands of Sumbawa and Flores, all of which are part of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara on current maps). This unique biosphere was born in the great volcanic uplift that formed Sumatra, Java, Bali and the islands lying eastward to Papua New Guinea.

     In 1928 the Dutch colonial government of the then Dutch East Indies formalized the nature reserve status originally conferred on Komodo in 1915 by the Raja of Biwa in neighbouring Sumbawa. Indonesia decreed the area a national park in 1980, and in 1992 Komodo was declared a World Heritage Site.

   Despite these official designations and its obvious interest to the scientific community, Komodo is daily suffering irreparable damage by the hand of man. Almost before the world can properly appreciate the natural beauty of Komodo - home of the Komodo Dragon - its wonders are in danger of disappearing forever.  It is disturbing that so little has changed since the declaration of Douglas Burden, leader of the 1926 American expedition to Komodo: 

"a place where every prospect pleases, and only man is vile"

We at the The Komodo Foundation and the Department of Tourism of Manggarai, West Flores want to make a difference and are dedicated to preserving this rich and wonderous area for the benefit of future generations