In a recent awards list of the top 100 sustainable tourist destinations in the world, 22 in Asia were recognised for their efforts in providing tourism experiences that had a positive impact on the local environment or culture. Many of these will appeal to older travellers seeking destinations that are off-the-beaten-track and travel experiences that are supporting local communities.
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is a city with a torrid history, but it’s slowly recovering from the cruel genocide inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. It’s a destination that older travellers interested in history and culture will enjoy. The people are welcoming and their hospitality is genuine, and your visit can play a small part in helping this country recover from its darkest days.
Goa on India’s west coast has long been known as a beach and party destination for young Europeans, but it has a lot to offer older travellers too. Aside from its tropical beaches, there are spice plantations, a bird sanctuary, local markets and interesting historic and cultural places to visit, as well as good restaurants to enjoy the local seafood.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a treasure trove of historic places, cultural heritage, culinary delights, and contrasting old and new architecture. It’s an easy and safe city to explore on foot. This guide for first-time visitors to the city will ensure that you don’t miss out on any of its highlights.
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.
A boat trip along the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia is a leisurely way to see and learn how people live in the Mekong Delta — a vast section of Indo-China that provides fascinating insights into the culture and history of a region that has been described as the heart and soul of Southeast Asia.
Georgia is often called East Asia’s best kept secret because it is a destination that has much to offer older travellers. It is one of Asia’s newest democracies boasting beautiful scenery, easy mountain hikes, romantic cities, historic buildings, colourful churches, friendly people, a vibrant culinary scene and is home to one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.
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.
World Expo 2020 is being held in Dubai, UAE, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The event offers visitors the opportunity to see how new technology is changing the world, sample cuisine from many different nations, and learn about the culture of different countries through live music, dance performances and art exhibitions.
Travelling to Tibet as an older visitor brings many rewards, especially for those interested in history, culture or who want to enjoy one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. A visit to Tibet provides opportunities to explore monasteries, view breathtaking mountains, take in the stunning Tibetan Buddhist art and architecture, and engage with the friendly Tibetan people.
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.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hierapolis – Pamukkale in south-west Turkey is an outstanding historical and photogenic landscape. The magical sight of dazzling white travertine terraces filled with mineralized waters, close to the ruins of the ancient holy city of Hierapolis, make this a fascinating destination to visit for older travellers.
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.
A first-time visitor to Dhaka is likely to be mesmerised by the huge numbers of cycle rickshaws that ply the streets of Bangladesh’s crowded capital. In an age when rickshaws have largely disappeared from most Asian cities, they remain as popular here as ever. They give Dhaka a distinctive feel and are a vital means of transport for local people.
Japan has some excellent snow skiing destinations for older travellers who are looking for quieter and more relaxing places to ski than the crowded mountain resorts in North America and Europe. For most residents of Asia it is the easiest ski destination to reach, and for travellers from Australia and New Zealand, it provides the additional opportunity to ski in the southern hemisphere summer.
