Category Archives: Asia/Pacific travel

Active Travel, Asia/Pacific travel, experiential travel, Experiential, Immersive Travel, Group Travel, international travel, Tour and Travel Companies, tour programs, Travel Sales-Discounts-Deals

EF Ultimate Break Launches Black Friday Sale with Up to $1,000 Off Tours to Europe, Asia, Africa and Beyond for Travelers Ages 18–35

New itineraries in the Baltics, Thailand, Spain, Japan and Costa Rica, plus additional departures for Ultimate Murder Mystery and Camp Ultimate give young travelers more reasons to turn their travel plans into reality

Hakone, Japan, is visited on one of the new itineraries offered by EF Ultimate Break for travelers Ages 18–35. The tour company launched Black Friday Sale with up to $1,000 Off tours to Europe, Asia, Africa and Beyond. © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 28, 2026 — EF Ultimate Break, a leader in experiential, guided travel for Gen Z and Millennials, today launched its Black Friday Early Access sale, offering up to $1,000 discounts and up to 35% off select tours worldwide. With $99 down payments and interest-free monthly payment plans, the brand’s biggest savings event of the year makes it easier for travelers ages 18–35 to commit to their next adventure.

Alongside the savings, EF Ultimate Break is giving travelers more ways to explore new regions, connect over shared interests and make friends abroad. New itineraries span Europe, Asia and Central America, including a Baltics trip through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Following its first sold-out departure, the Ultimate Murder Mystery: London to Ashridge House returns with a new 2028 departure, while Summer in Switzerland: Camp Ultimate adds new departures for 2027.

“Travel can change how you see the world and what you believe is possible for yourself, and we want more young people to have access to that experience,” said Shane Steffens, President of EF Ultimate Break. “Making travel attainable means recognizing that people have real budgets and responsibilities, even when exploring the world is a priority. We’re excited to pair our biggest savings of the year with flexible ways to pay and more trips that give travelers something to look forward to—and people to share it with.

Black Friday savings and booking details

Early Access runs October 28–November 18, 2026, followed by the Black Friday Sale from November 19–27, 2026. Travelers can visit efultimatebreak.com/deals to unlock offers, reserve a trip for $99 during the promotional period and choose from flexible payment options, including interest-free monthly installments and buy now, pay later plans

Select departures on the following tours feature $1,000 of  

Tour Description Tour Details Savings 
Ultimate Europe A 35-day odyssey with 11 local-guided city tours — champagne on the Seine, a gondola through Venice, a Munich beer hall and the Acropolis before ferrying to the Greek Islands. 35 days, 14 cities $1,000 off 
Unlock Japan: Tokyo to Osaka Sleep at a traditional ryokan in Hakone, dress in a yukata for a kaiseki dinner, ride the bullet train and walk the 10,000 torii gates of Fushimi Inari. 14 days, 5 cities $1,000 off 
Safari Kenya: The Maasai Mara & Beyond Track the Big Five on four game drives through Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, meet Maasai artisans in Nairobi and share a Farewell Dinner under the stars in the bush. 10 days, 4 cities $1,000 off 
Uncover Athens & the Greek Islands Climb the Acropolis with a local guide, then island-hop to Santorini, Paros and Mykonos for cliffside wine tastings, sunset-clapping in Oia and beach clubs until dawn. 11 days, 4 cities $1,000 off 
Experience Italy, France & Spain Kayak Provence’s Lake of Sainte-Croix, hike the Cinque Terre, marvel at La Sagrada Família and eat your way through tapas and sangria in Barcelona. 16 days, 8 cities $1,000 off 
Explore London, Paris & Amsterdam Afternoon tea in London, a champagne cruise down the Seine beneath the Eiffel Tower’s light show and a bike ride past windmills in the Dutch countryside. 10 days, 3 cities $1,000 off 

Land only prices on tours include accommodations, planned excursions, some meals, and a tour director to support logistics and teach travelers about the destination they’re visiting. For an additional fee, EF Ultimate Break also offers flight packages (airport transfer included) and “cancel for any reason” insurance.

More reasons to go, more ways to connect

The sale is also a chance to plan a trip around what makes travel personally meaningful, from discovering an emerging destination to connecting over a shared interest. EF Ultimate Break’s new Baltics itinerary arrives as the region gains tourism momentum, drawing travelers who want a destination that still feels like a discovery, with walkable capitals, a growing food and design scene, and history around every corner.

Beyond the Baltics, the new Iconic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket itinerary takes travelers from Bangkok’s temples to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai and Phuket’s beaches. New additions to College Break, EF Ultimate Break’s collection exclusively for travelers ages 18–24, offer more ways to explore Spain, Japan and Costa Rica with peers. Together with returning favorites, these trips offer something for every travel style, from ziplining through a Costa Rican rainforest to solving a mystery at an English estate to reliving summer camp in the Swiss Alps.

New itineraries

  • NEW: Baltics: Tallinn, Riga & Vilnius: 10 days, three countries; up to $300 off! Three countries, three capitals and one of Europe’s most distinctive corners: the Baltics are drawing attention as affordable, cooler escapes with culture and character to spare. Travelers wander medieval Old Towns on guided walks through all three capitals, explore Tallinn’s Telliskivi Creative District, graze their way through Riga Central Market, cross the water to Trakai’s island castle and stand among thousands of crosses at the Hill of Crosses. They also roll up their sleeves in a cepelinai cooking class, learning to make Lithuania’s beloved national dish alongside locals.  
  • NEW: Iconic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket: 11 days, three cities; up to $400 off! From Bangkok’s Wat Pho and a floating market to an overnight train north, travelers observe elephants in their habitat at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, then fly south to Phuket for Patong Beach and an optional starlit Phang Nga Bay cruise with kayaking through limestone caves. 
  • NEW: College Break Spain: Madrid, Ibiza & Barcelona: 10 days; up to $500 off! Part of the College Break collection for travelers ages 18–24, this trip pairs guided sightseeing in Madrid leads into three nights in Ibiza with beach days and a sunset stop, then on to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. Optional add-ons include a catamaran cruise and a sunset cruise with live music.  
  • NEW: College Break Japan: Osaka to Tokyo: 11 days; up to $500 off! Part of the College Break collection for travelers ages 18–24, this trip has travelers taste takoyaki in Osaka’s Dotonbori, walk through Fushimi Inari and visit Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion. They also see Nagoya Castle, ride the Hakone ropeway for views of Mt. Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and end in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Asakusa neighborhoods.
  • NEW: College Break Costa Rica: Sarapiqui to Puntarenas: 9 days; up to $200 off! Part of the College Break collection for travelers ages 18–24, this trip sends travelers ziplining above the Sarapiquí rainforest, kayak Lake Arenal beneath the volcano, swim at La Fortuna Waterfall and soak in hot springs. The trip ends on the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio, with a coffee plantation tasting on the way back to San José.  

New dates for fan favorites

  • NEW 2028 DATE: Ultimate Murder Mystery: London to Ashridge House: 7 days; up to $200 off! After a sold-out debut, the real-life whodunit returns. Three nights in London, including a dark-history walking tour, lead into the Cotswolds and the Gothic Ashridge House estate. There, murder mystery dinners and team sleuthing turn fellow travelers into partners in solving the case. Departs February 4–10, 2028. 
  • NEW 2027 DATES: Camp Ultimate: Summer in Switzerland: 8 days; up to $500 off! Summer camp nostalgia meets Lausanne and Engelberg. The trip pairs friendship bracelets, camp games and lakeside s’mores with Swiss wine tasting, a chocolate-making workshop and time in the Alps. Departs July 24–31 and July 31–August 7, 2027.

Meet EF Ultimate Break

With affordability one of the biggest concerns for Gen Z and Millennial travelers, EF Ultimate Break has travelers covered with stress-free booking.

EF Ultimate Break offers travelers:

And no one cares for travelers like we do at EF Ultimate Break, where traveler safety is a top priority.

From our EF Global Safety Network to our crisis response team, we lead the way in safety and support, with 24/7 on-call support, a full-time trained Tour Director on every trip, regular quality and safety checks on all accommodations, on-the-ground support across all destinations, and 60+ years of experience supporting travelers on tour.

Benefit from our Referral Program!

How it works: Give $100. Get $100 – with $1000 earned at your 5th referral!

  1. Refer a friend: Any traveler who has taken a trip with or is currently booked on tour with EF Ultimate Break, Go Ahead Tours, or EF Adventures can share a personal referral link via email, text, social media, or their EF World Journeys mobile app. Friends must be new to EF World Journeys, 18 or older, and have a valid email address to qualify.
  2. Both travelers earn $100: When the referred traveler books, both receive $100 in travel credit. Rewards are issued 60 days after booking confirmation, and referrals must book within six months.
  3. Earn $1000 on every fifth referral: Referring travelers receive a $500 bonus for every fifth successful referral – resulting in $1000 of travel credit in total! There is no limit to how many referrals can be made, and rewards NEVER expire!

Visit to learn more: https://www.efultimatebreak.com/traveling-with-us/refer-a-friend

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Adventure Travel, Around-the-World, Asia/Pacific travel, Cultural Travel

Explore Worldwide Debuts 14 Tours Leading Travelers to Quieter Corners for New Adventures

Explore Worldwide announces new tours for 2027 that touch on the parts of destinations most itineraries skip (Photo courtesy of Explore Worldwide)

TORONTO, ON – Explore Worldwide, B Corp-certified small group adventure travel operator, announces its first round of new tours for 2027, ready to be booked now. The new departures touch on the parts of destinations most itineraries skip: the lesser-visited north of Sri Lanka rather than the southern beaches, the quiet back side of Mount Fuji rather than the standard Tokyo-Kyoto trip, the rainforests and volcanic highlands of Sumatra rather than Bali, and the white hill villages of Andalucia rather than the coast. 

With more than 400 tours across over 100 countries, Explore Worldwide’s 2027 itineraries reflect the company’s mission to create travel experiences that are rooted in hands-on cultural immersion, led by expert local guides, and enjoyed in small groups. 

“In the 45 years of developing guided experiences, we’ve learned that it’s not only about the destination itself, but the version of them that most don’t see,” says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide. “Our seasoned product team, alongside our valued partners on the ground, have spent years finding the best routes to take and know the quieter pockets that are worth a look. They’ve spent time building relationships with locally-owned businesses, and know which trails are worth that extra trek. It’s that deep destination knowledge that sets these travel experiences apart.” 

A sample of Explore’s first wave of new tours for 2027 include: 

  • The eight-day Highlights of Sumatra tour trades Indonesia’s better-known islands for Northern Sumatra’s rainforests, volcanic highlands and the world’s largest volcanic lake. In Bukit Lawang, travelers trek through Gunung Leuser National Park in search of wild, critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, joined by a guided night walk in search of the park’s nocturnal wildlife. The trip continues with a sunrise climb to the steaming crater of Mount Sibayak before reaching Lake Toba, where a boat tour of Samosir Island introduces the traditions and architecture of the Batak people. Rates start from US $1,380 per person, with departures available from May through September 2027. 
  • The eight-day Essential Japan – Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Kyoto tour pairs Tokyo’s essential sights with the quieter, less-visited side of Mount Fuji. In the capital, travelers take part in a hands-on wagashi sweet-making experience, a traditional tea ceremony, and a lantern-painting workshop before boarding the bullet train to Shizuoka, Japan’s green tea heartland. There, they visit a gyokuro tea farm and take in views of Mount Fuji from Nihondaira Yume Terrace. In Kyoto, the trip includes a Zen meditation session led by a Buddhist monk and a guided hike along the Kurama-Kibune trail through the Kitayama Mountains. Rates start from US $3,730 per person, with departures available from February through November 2027. 
  • The 11-dayTaste of Northern Sri Lanka – Jaffna to Colombo tour is a culinary-focused itinerary through the island’s lesser-visited northern region and cultural heartland. The journey begins in Jaffna, with its ornate Hindu temples and a boat excursion to the remote island of Delft, before continuing to the laid-back coastal town of Trincomalee with a visit to a sunrise fishing market. Throughout, guests will sample regional specialties from Jaffna seafood broth and crab curry to Dutch Burgher-influenced lamprais. Rates start from US $2,460 per person, with departures available from March through October 2027.

 Among the new tour departures, Explore Worldwide continues to grow its Upgraded Tours portfolio for 2027, adding four new premium itineraries like the 10-day Upgraded – Highlights of Nepal and Upgraded – Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert. 

Launched in 2024, the Upgraded collection pairs Explore’s signature hands-on cultural access and expert local leaders with a premium selection of hotels and boutique stays. Explore has seen a 35% increase in bookings for 2026 Upgraded departures. Rockett continues, “As the premium adventure market continues to grow, our Upgraded tours enable us to meet the evolving expectations of travelers while staying true to the authentic, immersive experiences that define Explore.” 

  • The 12-day Upgraded – Highlights of Mexico tour introduces travelers to Mexico’s colorful history, from its captivating capital to the sun-soaked Caribbean coast. The journey covers the cities of Oaxaca and Valladolid, with a food tour of Puebla and a hands-on Oaxacan cooking class, alongside Mayan sites including Coba, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban and Teotihuacan. The itinerary closes with two nights on Cozumel Island. Travelers stay in hand-picked Premium accommodations, including a historic hacienda near Chichen Itza and a beachfront resort on Cozumel. Rates start from US $6,130 per person, with departures available from March through November 2027. 
  • The 11-day Upgraded – Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise tour travels from Cairo to Luxor, including a visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, home to more than 100,000 artifacts, which opened in November 2025. The journey includes stops in the historic coastal city of Alexandria, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, along with a calligraphy workshop and a cooking class. Rates start from US $5,120 per person, with departures available from April through November 2027.

 Additional new tours will be announced on a rolling basis.

Explore Worldwide has over 45 years’ experience in providing exciting and authentic small-group travel experiences from cultural discovery trips to hiking and cycling adventures. With over 400 trips in 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel ensure unforgettable travel experiences. Explore has immersive, sustainable travel in its DNA, achieving B Corp Certification, and as a founding signatory of the Glasgow Declaration with one of the leading Climate Action Plans in the industry. In 2022, Explore Worldwide completed the largest carbon-measurement project in the industry, to date, and is now working toward reducing the carbon emissions of its tours by 50% by 2030.

For more information on Explore Worldwide’s breadth of tours and new itineraries, visit www.exploreworldwide.com.

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Asia/Pacific travel, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Cultural Travel, ecotourism, experiential travel, Homestays, Importance of Tourism, Indigenous Tourism, Nature & Wildlife

Community Homestay Network’s New Wildlife Experiences in Western Nepal Empower Indigenous People

Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travelers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.

Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travelers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.

The communities of Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal are home to the Indigenous Tharu people. This new, multi-day itinerary – Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – is available to book now, and as well as wildlife spotting in remote areas, travelers will be hosted by local families at homestays as they are introduced to their way of rural life.

Shiva Dhakal, the founder of Community Homestay Network, which was this year named one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’ –  says community tourism is a powerful force that goes well beyond travel. 

“This new itinerary epitomizes what Community Homestay Network stands for. At a time where overtourism is a real concern, there are places that can benefit greatly from having a well-managed number of travelers visit. Our homestays and other experiences offer visitors a two-way exchange, building meaningful connections between travelers and local people.

“Both Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal see very few tourists, making them an exciting alternative for wildlife-spotting to more well-known Chitwan, with Bardiya very much still opening up to tourism. 

“As well as having a special wildlife and cultural experience, this itinerary will help to preserve the traditions that are so unique to the Tharu people. Community tourism empowers women and youth in terms of employment, brings money into the local community’s economy, and helps mitigate urban migration as more jobs are created,” says Dhakal.  

Highlights of the new Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life trip include: 

  • Spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people. The Tharu originated in India centuries ago, and now have traditions, language and cuisine that resemble both hill Nepali and North Indian cultures.
  • Experiencing local community life, cooking classes and culture at the Bhada Community Homestay and Bardiya Community Homestay in western Nepal. 
  • Going wildlife spotting on a Jeep safari in Bardiya National Park, searching for elephants, rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal tiger. 

Locally owned and operated, Community Homestay Network was developed to bring tourism to Nepal responsibly and sustainably, and to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities significantly benefitting women, youths, and marginalized communities while safeguarding local culture and tradition. With a strong focus on co-creation, Community Homestay Network (CHN) collaborates with 50 communities across Nepal, actively engaging local residents to assist in developing and managing their tourism services. Locally owned and operated, the award-winning Community Homestay Network currently has 50 different experiences available for travelers to book, made up of 40 community homestays and 10 experiences focussed on spending time with local artisans. This year, Community Homestay Network was named as one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’.

For more information, visit: https://communityhomestay.com. 

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Asia/Pacific travel, bucket list travel, Cultural Travel, ecotourism, experiential travel, international travel, Nature Travel

Grab a BOGO Deal from TRIPS by Culture Trip During Holiday Sale

Vietnam is one of the destinations offered by Culture Trip © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

TRIPS by Culture Trip is offering a BOGO deal from Nov. 22-Dec. 3, 2021: book a spot on one of their trips and bring someone along for free to places like Scotland, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Italy, Nepal and 20 more destinations.

Travel must take place before May 31, 2022 (the Iceland itinerary in Jan. 2022 is excluded).  All trips available are on a first booked, first served basis. Space is limited and certain conditions apply.

TRIPS by Culture Trip are unique small-group adventures that help people experience extraordinary destinations in unexpected ways, together with other culturally curious travelers. Curated by travel experts and led by Local Insiders, the multi-day adventures offer itineraries that combine immersive activities, hyper-local experiences and unique places to stay. Thoughtfully planned with ample free time to unwind or explore, the itineraries offer the right balance of exploration, action, and relaxation.
 
Some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are part of TRIPS by Culture Trip and can be enjoyed with this Black Friday deal:

Welcome to the Jungle: Exploring Northern Thailand
10-day trip from $1,599* per person; based on departures 20 February and 14 April 2022
Watch the sunrise over the highest mountain in Thailand and feed elephants in a sanctuary during this 10-day adventure. Take in Chiang Mai, Pai and the Doi Inthanon National Park and float through a 5,466 ft. cave and watch the sunset over the scenic Pai Canyon. In between jungle trekking and waterfall swims, enjoy a slice of slow living at a geothermal hot springs and savor local Thai delicacies. This off-the-beaten-track journey will showcase an authentic side of the former Lanna Kingdom.

From the Amalfi Coast to Puglia: the Complete Southern Italy Tour
10-day trip from $2,029* per person; based on departures 2 April and 7 May 2022
Discover cliff top villages, secluded beaches and authentic Italian cuisine on this journey across southern Italy. Sample street food in Naples, cruise along the Amalfi Coast on a private boat tour, uncover the secrets of Altamura bread at Il Frantoio and explore the ancient hilltop town of Matera, featured in the latest James Bond movie. Round off the trip by relaxing on the secluded beaches of Polignano a Mare and explore the Salento peninsula.

Riches and Ruins: Wine, Dine and Step Back in Time in Rural Georgia
9-day trip from $1,369* per person; based on departures 5 May 2022
Whether hiking in the Caucasus Mountains or whipping up a feast from a farmer’s market, this nine-day journey yields an immersive Georgian experience. Begin in the Old Quarter of Tbilisi and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites at nearby Mtskheta. See the ancient wine-making – and drinking – before exploring Lagodekhi National Park. The spectacular Truso Gorge, a hike up to Gergeti Church and a ramble beyond remote Juta village showcase the best of the High Caucasus. 

La Vida Local in Mexico City
5-day trip from $1,209* per person; based on departures 10 February, 17 March and 14 April 2022
Climb ancient temples in Teotihuacán, watch lucha libre wrestlers in action and toss back mezcal shots on a five-day trip to Mexico City. Stay at the artsy Cadillac Hotel near Roma, before hitting the streets on a walking tour of the Condesa district. Enjoy sizzling meat tacos in Roma, visit Frida Kahlo’s house, then sing with the mariachis floating along the Xochimilco canals.
 
TRIPS by Culture Trip offers over 30 itineraries in some of the world’s most captivating and off-the-grid places, with new itineraries added regularly. TRIPS range from four to 13 days, welcoming a maximum of up to 18 travelers aged 25 and over who can join solo or with friends. With a focus beyond mass-market offerings, the itineraries often put local people at the center and avoid areas of over-tourism as well as unethical activities or wildlife interactions that aren’t in the best interest of the animals.
 
TRIPS by Culture Trip offers its Ultimate COVID Booking Guarantee, so if COVID regulations change a customer’s plans, they can rebook for free (valid for bookings made by Nov. 30, 2021 for travel before Feb. 28, 2022). For bookings outside these dates, no change or cancellation fees are imposed and customers can get a full refund should they need to postpone or cancel a trip up to 30 days prior to departure. All trips have COVID safety measures in place.

Full terms and conditions can be found at:  https://theculturetrip.com/bookable/booking-terms-and-conditions/

To book a TRIPS by Culture Trip Black Friday deal visit culturetrip.com/trips or contact tripssupport@theculturetrip.com or +1 (678) 967-4965

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Active Travel, Asia/Pacific, Asia/Pacific travel, bike trips, cycling trips

Grasshopper Adventures Introduces 9-Day Taiwan-By-Bike Trip

A new Grasshopper Adventures biking tour of Taiwan goes through the UNESCO Heritage-listed Taroko Gorge © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(Bangkok, Thailand) — On this new cycling tour of Taiwan, Grasshopper Adventures guests will bike the length of the country, from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip.  Bikers will ride past emerald-colored rice paddies and Taoist temples dedicated to the sea-god Matsu. Along the way, they’ll take in the sheer beauty of Eastern Taiwan’s rugged Pacific Coast, with pristine beaches, exotic hot springs, and gorgeous valleys, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taroko Gorge. The 9 Day/8 Night tour starts at $3,150 and covers 355-435 km. The terrain varies from gently undulating to steep ascents and descents over the coastal mountain range. Pedal assist E-bikes are available for $495 surcharge. For more information, visit https://www.grasshopperadventures.com/multi-day-cycling-tours/bike-taiwan-tour/.

“This classic cycling route takes us from Taroko Gorge down along the coast and into the lush East Rift Valley before we re-emerge on the rugged Pacific East Coast,” said Adam Platt-Hepworth, CEO of Grasshopper Adventures.  “Along the way, we’ll hike to the beautiful Shakadang Stream, cycle narrow paths through banana palms to the coast for a beach-side rest stop, and pedal into the little-visited East Rift Valley full of vibrant rice paddies and small communities.”

Offering unparalleled scenery and challenging terrain, Taiwan draws more and more visitors from across the globe each year. Riders will visit the striking Saoba Monuments and hike along the Walami Trail to spot wildlife. They’ll take a rest day to enjoy the beach of Dulan before the final leg of the ride along the dramatic coastal cliffs and then inland across the mountains to Kenting in the tropical south.

“Whether marveling at the sheer power of the Pacific Ocean, soaking away the stresses of life in one of the island’s numerous hot springs, or slurping down a hearty bowl of delicious noodles, Taiwan assaults the senses and leaves guests hungry for more,” said Platt-Hepworth.

Tour Highlights:

Cycling through the dramatic Taroko Gorge on part of the famous King of the Mountain route

Viewing monkeys, deer, eagles and Formosan black bears on a hike into the Central Mountain Range on the Walami Trail

Pedaling through the lush East Rift Valley into the jungle then past gorgeous beaches to Dulan

Soaking up the sun and swimming in the bright blue waters of the Pacific Ocean

Grasshopper Adventures is a cycling and active travel specialist, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. They host more than 25,000 travelers of all ages and abilities, on tours ranging from one day to two weeks in Japan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan & Myanmar. https://www.grasshopperadventures.com

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Asia/Pacific travel, cruises, expeditionary cruises

Pandaw Builds New Ship for Burma Soft-Adventure River Expeditions

Bagan, the city of temples, in Myanmar © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Pandaw, a small-ship cruising company, has announced the construction of a new 14-cabin K-class ship for Burma. The ultra-shallow twin decked K-class vessel can go where other ships cannot and is perfect for Pandaw’s style of soft adventure river expeditions.

Despite the political situation in Burma and a decline in mainstream routings the demand for small ship expeditions in Burma has actually increased.

“With the recent departure of three K-class vessels to India it has proved necessary to order one more to meet this demand, principally on the Upper Irrawaddy, Chindwin and Delta expeditions into remoter untouristed parts of the country. Many of these are now fully booked for the coming season and a support vessel urgently needed,” the company said.

In the tradition of naming all K-class ships after original Irrawaddy Flotilla vessels, the new build is to be named the KANEE PANDAW, and is being built in Pandaw’s own yard in Mandalay.

These much-loved, safari-style vessels offer outdoor or indoor dining, run-round promenades and ample indoor and outdoor living space. The cabins are slightly smaller than on Pandaw’s larger ships but cleverly designed and very comfortable with roomy bathrooms.

Like all Pandaw’s expedition ships the KANEE will carry mountain bikes and is being aimed at a younger demographic and family travel into these remote reaches.

“We began in Burma 25 years ago and remain attached to the country and its people,” said Pandaw Founder, Paul Strachan.“Since we started the Pandaw Charity in 2008 the company has funded the Pandaw Clinics program providing essential health care to a whole region of the country; to me it is a personal mission to ensure that our business in Burma, despite recent political setbacks, continues to prosper so that we can maintain these funding commitments”

Pandaw enjoys one of the highest repeat rates in the industry and much of the growth in remote river cruising is coming from within the Pandaw community. Two years ago, the company launched its Pandaw Member’s Club and now has over 10,000 members seeking new adventures on the rivers of Asia.

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Asia/Pacific, Asia/Pacific travel

World Spree Travel Markets $1599 Air-Inclusive Tour of Vietnam, Country in Spotlight with Trump-Kim Summit

World Spree’s 13-day air-inclusive “Amazing Vietnam” package that starts with two days in Hanoi, the capital city © Dave E Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Bellevue, WA—The eyes of the world are on Vietnam this week with President Donald Trump and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un meeting in Hanoi. For travelers whose interest has been sparked, World Spree offers a very affordable and appealing tour that covers all the highlights of this increasingly popular destination. (Travel expert Pauline Frommer led a recent group.)

The 13-day Amazing Vietnam tour, which starts at $1,599 from Los Angeles and San Francisco ($100 more from New York), includes round-trip international airfare, ground transportation in Vietnam, accommodation in  deluxe hotels (like the Hanoi Nikko and Grand Hotel Saigon), daily buffet breakfast, five other meals, an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, sightseeing tours with entrance fees, professional English speaking guides, baggage handling and audio earphones.

The tour starts in Hanoi, Vietnam’s lovely capital, full of parks and French-colonial mansions and a fascinating Old Quarter of tiny shops and street vendors. Sightseeing here includes monuments associated with Ho Chi Minh and there’s an optional tour of the Old Quarter and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison.  Next comes a tour highlight: an overnight cruise on a traditional-style junk through the beautiful waters of Halong Bay, which is celebrated for its spectacular seascape of towering limestone pillars and some 1,600 islets.

A flight south to Da Nang and a short ride past China Beach brings the tour to Hoi An, a charming market town that retains much of its traditional architecture, with well-preserved temples and pagodas, not to mention shops that can produce a bargain-priced dress in 24 hours. On to Hue, the old imperial capital and its wealth of royal palaces, temples and gardens.  Sightseeing here includes the impressive Citadel and its Forbidden City and there’s an optional cyclo excursion through the old town, ending with a very special banquet.

And finally, the bustling metropolis called “Saigon” (officially Ho Chi Minh City), where skyscrapers are rising beside ancient temples and French-colonial landmarks.  Here there are two not-to-be-missed optional excursions: the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s “rice basket,” and the truly unbelievable Cu Chi Tunnels.

Prices are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. For more information, log onto www.worldspree.com, click Vietnam and then Amazing Vietnam, or call toll-free 1-866-652-5656.

World Spree Travel, which started 15 years ago as China Spree, with tours of China, is a tour operator renowned for  5-star trips at 3-star prices.  Based in Bellevue, Washington, World Spree has expanded all over Asia and now operates tours to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bali, Myanmar and, yes, Peru and Ecuador.  Foodie tours are on the horizon.  Some 70% of World Spree’s tour participants are repeat clients who value well-planned trips at a reasonable price.

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Adventure Travel, Asia/Pacific travel, bike trips

Explore Laos by Bicycle with Grasshopper Adventures

On Grasshopper Adventures’ 8-day cycling tour, guests pedal past karst mountains, alongside rivers, and through remote hill tribe villages.

(Bangkok, Thailand) — With its dense forests, limestone caves and seemingly endless waterways, Laos is a dream destination for intrepid travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-track corner of Asia. On Grasshopper Adventures’ 8-day cycling tour, guests pedal past karst mountains, alongside rivers, and through remote hill tribe villages. They boat down the Mekong River, hang out with Buddhist  monks, take cooking lessons, learn about rice wine making, and visit both bear and elephant conservation sanctuaries.

“This tour gets people away from the large infrastructure works that are being undertaken throughout much of the country and closer to what Laos is all about, the villages, the tribes and the natural environment,” said Grasshopper Adventures founder Adam Platt-Hepworth.

The cycling offers nice variety, including back roads and quiet highways. There are some short, manageable climbs, but the stunning views and Hmong village scenery are ample rewards for the effort.  Most days include undulating terrain, with a fair share of flat pedaling along winding river roads.

“When not exploring by bike, we make use of boats for some added variety,” said Platt-Hepworth. “There is a good mix of on and off-bike activities with a number of free afternoons to spend at your leisure, be it enjoying some R&R or delving deeper into the environment.”

Tour highlights:

  • Exploring Mekong Elephant Park
  • Taking Laotian cooking lessons
  • Boating down the Mekong River to see river/village life
  • Touring sacred Pak Ou caves filled with thousands of Buddha relics
  • Experiencing the traditional Monks Alms ceremony in Luang Prabang
  • Cycling to Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’ most important monasteries
  • Seeing how silk is made at Ock Pop Tock
  • Learning about rice wine making
  • Visiting the Free the Bears enclosure
  • Partaking in massage and yoga a luxurious resorts

The trips starts at $2,600 per person double and include 195 km of moderate cycling from Muang Xa to Luang Prabang. For more information, visit https://www.grasshopperadventures.com/en/scheduled-tours/lao-lao.html.

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Asia/Pacific travel, Cultural Travel

Architect Leads Immersive Art, Architecture & Design Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan

The 2019 Art, Architecture & Design Cherry Blossom Japan Tour by Robert Day Travel, a small-group tour taking place March 27 to 6 April 6, 2019, offers a “less known” experience to discriminating travelers that will tap into the Japanese design psyche as the tour visits famous galleries, museums and architectural landmarks in and around Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan is a global design epicenter making it a must-see travel destination for anyone interested in Art, Architecture and Design and there is no better time to visit Japan than during Cherry Blossom season.

The 2019 Art, Architecture & Design Cherry Blossom Japan Tour by Robert Day Travel, a small-group tour taking place March 27 to 6 April 6, 2019, offers a “less known” experience to discriminating travelers that will tap into the Japanese design psyche as the tour visits famous galleries, museums and architectural landmarks in and around Tokyo and Kyoto. There is also the opportunity to join the optional extension to visit Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama.

This is not just the typical sight-seeing tour, but a definitive display of Japanese artistic and cultural expression visiting fascinating traditional and contemporary buildings, ancient temples, famous pottery artisans, wonderful Japanese gardens and sampling delicious Japanese food. This 10-day Japan Tour is conducted by Architect, former Japan resident and Japan expert Robert Day.

Tour highlights include:

TOKYO (6 nights): Walking tours of famous districts of Ginza and Omotesando, famous art galleries and museums including National Art Center Tokyo, 21_21 Design Sight, Sumida Hokusai Museum, Jiyu Gakeun School by Frank Lloyd Wright, 350m high view from Tokyo Sky Tree, Tsukiji Outer Markets, Tokyo Midtown, Meiji Shrine, Nezu Museum and Gardens, Shitamachi “old town” district, Yoyogi Park, Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, National Museum of Western Art by Le Corbusier, Bullet train to Kyoto.

KYOTO (4 nights): Famous Japanese temples and gardens including Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, Nijo castle and Kodaiji, Gion geisha district, Nishiki traditional local food market, Kawai Kanjiro Museum, delicious local cuisine, Pontocho restaurant alley, Kamogawa River, Japanese antique shops, 400-year old Hikone Samurai Castle, Miho Museum, Meiji-mura.

OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION (3 nights): KANAZAWA, SHIRAKAWAGO & TAKAYAMA Kanazawa – Kenrokuen Japanese Garden (one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Nomura Samurai House, 21 Century Contemporary Art Museum. Shirakawago – UNESCO World Heritage Village with Gassho Zukuri “Praying Hands thatched roof houses. Takayama – Edo period “Old Town” district, local sake tasting. (Optional Tour Extension is an additional cost).

The tour, priced at $4400 pp/double ($4900/single), includes accommodationa, ground transport costs during the tour hours, venue entry costs and expert daily personal tour escort by Japan expert, Robert Day.

Robert Day Travel, phone +61 407 611 972, email robert@rdayarch.com.au, visit http://www.japanarchitecturetours.com.

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Asia/Pacific, Asia/Pacific travel, Resorts

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas Opens in Vietnam with Exclusive Offers for Virtuoso Travelers

The newly opened Anantara Quy Nhon Villas in Vietnam will provide advantages solely for travelers who reserve through an advisor affiliated with leading global luxury travel network Virtuoso®.

The newly opened Anantara Quy Nhon Villas offers a host of distinctive luxury experiences, including villas with exceptional features, rare dining and wellness activities, all in stunning surroundings. The Vietnamese resort will provide advantages solely for travelers who reserve through an advisor affiliated with leading global luxury travel network Virtuoso®. Virtuoso guests who stay for at least three nights before February 28, 2019 will receive the following at no charge as part of a generous opening offer:

  • Unlimited spa treatments subject to availability at time of booking
  • One BBQ in villa with chef
  • Daily minibar refill
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner from the Sea.Fire.Salt a la carte menu
  • One-way airport transfer

The above perks are in addition to these ongoing complimentary advantages:

  • Upgrade on arrival if available
  • Daily buffet breakfast for two guests
  • $100 USD food and beverage credit
  • Early check-in/late check-out if available
  • Wi-Fi

Nestled on a secluded bay with an exclusive beach, Anantara Quy Nhon is an all-villa hideaway set amidst 18 acres of tropical gardens. The 26 one- and two-bedroom villas feature infinity pools, cellars with premium wines, floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air bathrooms and spacious sundecks. Some villas offer amazing ocean views, while others are mere steps from the beach. Emphasizing personalized service, each villa comes with its own butler and customizable amenities such as room scents ranging from lemongrass to green tea. The contemporary resort blends into its environment, incorporating local materials, craftsmanship and influences.

“We continue to see Vietnam on the rise with upscale and experiential travelers, with it ranking as an emerging destination on Virtuoso’s 2018 Luxe Report and as a destination seeing significant year-over-year growth,” says Albert Herrera, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of Global Product Partnerships. “With Anantara Quy Nhon, true luxury has arrived in this alluring part of the world. The Anantara brand is synonymous with stunning retreats in exotic destinations, coupled with exceptional experiences and intuitive service. Anantara Quy Nhon brings these qualities to life through unique offerings that will delight discerning travelers looking for an escape from daily life in an authentic setting.”

Dining outlets celebrate local seafood and flavors. At Sea.Fire.Salt, the all-day restaurant, guests can perfect each dish with rare salts from around the world housed in the resort’s salt library. The swim-up bar serves premium cocktails, Vietnamese craft beers, light bites and Cuban cigars in an ocean-facing setting. In-villa dining offers everything from gourmet breakfast in bed to poolside barbecues to luxury Vietnamese street food. Anantara’s unique Dining by Design program allows guests to select experiences including “Castaway” island picnics and fishing trawler expeditions followed by five-star dining. As part of the Spice Spoons offering, guests can walk along the beach to a fishing village and select fresh seafood, vegetables and herbs before returning to the Sea.Fire.Salt show kitchen for an immersive cooking class.

Anantara Quy Nhon offers Anantara’s pioneering Balance Wellness concept, unique in the region. It provides a flexible approach to wellbeing through experiences, treatments and seminars, as well as private sessions with visiting healers. Perched on a cliff overlooking the water and shrouded by jungle, Anantara Spa features treatments such as Thai massage, reiki and mindfulness in indoor and outdoor pavilions. Suites offer double massage beds and oversized bathtubs for coconut milk soaks.

Just six miles away in historic Quy Nhon, a variety of cultural experiences beckons. From hikes to temple visits, travelers can immerse themselves in the heritage of this fascinating country. Binh Dinh province, of which Quy Nhon is the capital, appeals to families, couples and friends, with sights including the relics of Champa civilization and centuries-old Buddhist pagodas.

Anantara Quy Nhon is the newest luxury property to launch in conjunction with the esteemed Virtuoso Preview program, which provides benefits only to clients of network travel advisors. Preview is part of Virtuoso’s renowned Hotels & Resorts Program, which includes more than 1,300 of the world’s finest properties in over 100 countries.

These exclusive perks at Anantara Quy Nhon are only available through Virtuoso. Travelers will have two ways to take advantage of them: either reserving their stay through Virtuoso.com or by booking with a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor. To find an advisor, visit https://www.virtuoso.com/advisors#.

 

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