All by Nannette Holliday
Asia is home to many superstitions and beliefs, some of which date back centuries. Whilst many Westerners may scoff at the rituals that supposedly bring health, wealth and happiness, millions of people continue to follow traditions to bring luck that have been handed down through generations. We take a look at some of the rituals you’ll likely come across in the coming months.
The hamam is the Turkish version of a Roman bathhouse, but the modern-day hamam offers so much more than bathing for both men and woman. It provides the opportunity to enjoy a unique cleansing ritual in beautiful historic buildings. With massages available to supplement the traditional services, a session in a hamam might well be the most relaxing experience you can enjoy on a visit to Turkey. The pampering you will receive is guaranteed to sooth the soul.
If partying in a glitzy alfresco rooftop bar is your scene, then Singapore has some of the best options in Asia for seeing in the New Year. You’ll not only be able to enjoy jaw-dropping views with great food and drinks, but see spectacular displays of fireworks and laser lights whilst relaxing in the balmy night air high above the urban jungle.
Singapore has always shone, especially as a shopping mecca. However, this small island nation has much more than streets and malls of bright, shiny branded shops vying for our attention. Abounding in colourful culture, exotic foods, rich history, exciting animals, tropical gardens and golden beaches, Singapore has something for everyone.
Asia offers some of the best luxury train experiences in the world with Japan and India leading the field. Travelling by train provides the opportunity to enjoy scenery and sights at a leisurely pace with onboard fine dining and entertainment. Many multi-day journeys offer tours at stopovers to interact with locals and visit places of historic and cultural interest.
Asian airports have always ranked well in the annual Skytrax awards, but this year Singapore’s Changi has been knocked from its top perch by two others in the region. Here’s a rundown of where the top Asian airports have ranked in the 2021 awards, so if you have to spend time at any of these Asian airports, at least you know you’ll be staying amongst the world’s best.
Asia is most often associated with tropical beach resorts for winter holiday destinations, but for some who prefer it cooler there are plenty of options offering adventures in the snow. For older travellers who may not be into skiing or snowboarding, this ice village in Japan offers a unique opportunity to relax amongst the white stuff.
If you are looking for a holiday destination that’s off-the-beaten track, somewhere that’s peaceful where you can slow down, smell life, rest and rejuvenate, then Nikko in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture is the perfect destination. Just two hours north of Tokyo, you can unwind, meditate, relax in hot springs, and enjoy the authentic delights of Japanese culture away from the crowds.
Japan’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa has a sub-tropical climate and a slower pace that may appeal to older travellers looking for a restful holiday. The prefecture is made up of over 100 islands and is home to more centenarians than anywhere else in the world. Many have claimed that’s because of the healthy Okinawan cuisine and eating habits which visitors can sample.
The Singapore Sling is a drink that most visitors to Singapore will try at least once. This legendary cocktail, created by a barman at the Raffles Hotel over 100 years ago, has retained its distinctive taste and flashiness over the years, but now the Raffles is working to reduce its carbon footprint and make the Singapore Sling a more sustainable and eco-friendly drink for the environment.
Aichi Prefecture is one of Japan’s most diverse regions offering a mix of coastal and inland attractions for all seasons. It’s known to locals as the ‘heart’ of Japan and is an ideal destination for older travellers wanting to enjoy a calmer and slower pace away from the larger cities.
Dubai has established itself as a global transportation hub well known for its duty-free shopping and upmarket malls. But it’s more than a shopping paradise – this ultra-modern cosmopolitan melting pot of many races and cultures has a wide range of attractions and activities that will appeal to older world travellers from discerning foodies to history buffs.
As many are starting to plan post-Covid travel and look for destinations where contact can be minimised with others, the appeal of remote retreats is greater than it has ever been. Asia has many such escapes along its thousands of kilometres of remote coasts and jungle interiors, especially for those looking to combine luxury with a little adventure.
Travelling solo in Asia may not be for everyone – especially for older females – but for those who enjoy time on their own, it can be liberating and rewarding. It enables you to travel at your own pace, do what you want to do, when you want, and change your schedule whenever you feel like it. With a few sensible safety precautions, solo travel in Asia can be a safe and enjoyable experience for anyone.
While most visitors only travel to Seoul or Busan when visiting South Korea, one of the best places to connect with the country's delights is its fifth-largest city, Daejeon. This slow-paced city is safe, but it isn’t boring. There’s plenty to see and do for older travellers in and around the city. And everything from shopping and eating out to travelling around is cheap.
South Korea is a country that has a lot to offer older travellers at any time of the year. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit for sightseeing its historic palaces and temples or hiking its scenic mountains and valleys. There are many winter resorts too for those looking for a holiday in the snow, and wellness destinations that are open all year round. It’s one of the safest countries in Asia and easy to get around.
