One of the most colorful seasons in Japan is Hanami; a season where the country’s famous cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show, a show cherished by tourists and locals alike. Groups gather in city parks to bathe in the pink atmosphere of the flowering cherry and plum trees, and spring parties are thrown which can last well into the night.
The Hanami season begins in March and lasts until late May, and fortunately, some of Japan’s most iconic cities are also the best places to witness the flowering spectacle. But the cherry blossoms are fleeting, and most cities only offer a short window of 2-3 weeks (you can check online flower forecasts to find peak viewing times across the country).
We therefore decided it was best to head on an organized tour. And the great thing for anyone wishing to catch the cherry blossoms in 2018, is that Luxury Escapes is offering 40% off the tour we chose.
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When you imagine a tour of Vietnam, what visions come to mind? Perhaps wild jungles, white sandy beaches, and fantastic street food? Breathtaking natural beauty, ancient history, and adrenaline pumping activities?
Vietnam is home to a wealth of destinations that will seduce every type of traveler, and with a diverse mix of everything mentioned above, travel here quickly becomes addictive.
Situated between the South China Sea and Cambodia borders, the narrow country punches well above its weight when it comes to unforgettable experiences. Here are 7 places you can’t afford to miss.
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Kathmandu is a myriad of experiences: it’s dusty and beautiful, chaotic and serene, all at once. But one thing is definite: you’ll never discover all of it if you head here as just a tourist.
Come as an international volunteer, however, and you’ll get to discover the city’s secrets, learn its culture, and experience something so much more than a holiday.
Hannah, from Perth, Australia, is two months into a three-month research volunteer opportunity with UK-based charity Street Child, and she can’t believe how quickly her time in Nepal’s capital city has flown by.
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When I visited Manila, the one thing which blew me away was the culinary scene. Year by year, Manila’s local food scene has been flourishing, and it’s clear that mealtime reigns supreme in the capital of the Philippines.
Filipino cuisine has new legs to stand on thanks to a number of innovative and passionate Manila-based chefs who are not afraid to push boundaries. And there are now so many incredible places to eat.
Whether they’re flying in produce from far flung places, or staying true to locally sourced ingredients, it’s is an exciting time to dine in Manila. The following are not only the best restaurants in Manila for your taste buds, but also your meticulously curated Instagram feeds.
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Who says you can’t travel with all the comforts of home? Summer in Australia is fast approaching, and the Gold Coast is the country’s top coastal destination. An iconic Australian beach city famous for surf, sand, and sun.
And when it comes to choosing accommodation, we highly recommend an apartment; something which offers you ample space to lay out after an exhausting (but exhilerating!) day, and facilities that make a beach getaway easy; like your own laundry, kitchen, and a private balcony.
One of our favorites for contemporary self-catering apartments is Ambience on Burleigh Beach, in a convenient beachfront location between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta.
Fronting what is easily the best beach on the Gold Coast, it’s also a great base for more theme parks than you could ask for, as well as access to Queenslands most beautiful national parks.
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The most rewarding travel moments are when you can have an experience that few others achieve.
When it comes to exploring China, visiting popular tourist sites like the Great Wall or eating Peking Duck may satisfy the bucket list, but that makes your experience just like any other tourist.
So when we visited China, we wanted to make our experience unforgettable and uncover the real China that few tourists ever get to see. We decided to teach English in China, and on reflecting back, have the following advice for those looking to achieve an immersive experience.
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Orlando is an exciting destination, and with its diverse range of entertainment, this is a place which is ideal for every type of traveler; not only families but young singles, baby boomers, foodies, outdoor adventurous types, luxury shoppers and international visitors too.
The city is home to more than a dozen theme parks, that’s true; you’ll find the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando among the funnest things to do. But once you come down from the coasters there’s also an incredible mix of cultural events (performing arts and museums), fantastic gardens and nature preserves, high-end outlet shopping centers, and fabulous cuisine.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip to Orlando, so we’ve put together some quick tips on things you should consider, just in case the adrenaline-pumped fantasy has distracted you!
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One of the oldest celebrated holidays, Halloween is a traditional festival which is observed by many countries around the world. Derived from ancient rites and rituals, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.
Even though Halloween is said to have its roots in Ireland, these days it has become a somewhat secular holiday and is celebrated with equal gusto in Canada, United States, Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Wondering where to travel for Halloween this year? Check out how the following cultures and countries celebrate. Or, if you’re staying at home, why not use these fun facts for your Halloween trivia questions!
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When you think about Rio de Janeiro, what instantly comes to mind? Did you say beaches?
Your plans will likely include the most famous beaches in Rio, though with a reputation for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the city is so much more than Copacabana and Ipanema!
The following are secret beaches in Rio you may not have heard about – these may not be listed in guide books as landmarks or Rio de Janeiro points of interest, but that’s the point of visiting a new city; discovering the local hidden gems!
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As you walk along Hobart’s waterfront, the breeze carries a thousand captivating stories of those who were there before; from convicts, crooks, and captains of industry, Tasmania’s history is made up of a cast of remarkable characters, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Though the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Tasmanian stories is not at a museum; it’s at the world’s first storytelling hotel.
Nestled on the waterfront of Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, and inspired by the history and colourful characters of Tasmania’s past, MACq 01 is an exciting new luxury hotel, and the perfect base for exploring Hobart and surrounds.
An ultra-exclusive $45 million project, doors have only recently opened on what is Hobart’s hottest new boutique hotel.
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During the past 20 years, wine consumption in the United States has almost doubled. In fact, approximately 789 million cases of wine were purchased by consumers in the United States alone!
If you’re like most wine connoisseurs, your fascination with a good bottle of wine does not end once you purchase your favorite variety. You probably enjoy spending a day (or weekend) at exquisite wineries.
From scenic views of the vineyards to exquisite tours, there are plenty of winery tours you can take without having to take out a 24 hour title loan to afford them. The following is a glimpse into a few of the best wineries around the world.
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Have you ever visited a city where layers of history, different religions and cultures, modern vibes, and welcoming people mix in a colourful union?
Are you ready to explore the most unexpected sights and activities in the Bulgarian capital? The following are unexpected things to do and see in Sofia.
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It’s rare these days to find a destination where you can go from a downtown setting to literally being lost in the jungle in a matter of hours. But Peru does just that; a country which blends a diverse mixture of cultures, from the high plateaus of the Andes to the jungles surrounding the Amazon. And it’s wildlife is as colorful and vibrant as its cities and culture too.
But for all its diversity, this means attempting to tackle Peru on your own can be daunting. With so much to see and do you run the risk of missing a lot of what the country has to offer should you choose to do it alone.
So to really dive in, and make sure you don’t miss a thing, we recommend booking a tour. And the great thing for anyone wishing to travel this year, is that Luxury Escapes is offering 20% off the tour we chose.
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Ever since same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands in 2001 (props to the Netherlands for always being at the front of progressive change), the legalization of same-sex marriage has snowballed throughout the world.
28 countries (26 with another two pending) now legally recognize the right for same sex couples to marry, so if you’re part of the LGBTQI community, and want to travel, live overseas, or plan a destination wedding, these countries will recognize your right.
More than 760 million people now live in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, and I encourage all travelers to support those countries at the forefront of equality and recognition of human rights. I also have one thing to say to my own country, in a slogan they coined: Australia, where the bloody hell are you?
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As far as wildlife experiences go, Australia is known for having unusual wildlife, and Australian animals are unlike any found elsewhere in the world!
From kangaroos and koalas, to the platypus and Tasmanian devil, Australia has a huge range of wonderful wildlife and exotic species which provoke a sense of wonder and awe throughout the rest of the world.
But most tourists to Australia head straight for the big cities – and you’re unlikely to find a Kangaroo jumping down Bourke Street, or Penguins at Bondi Beach. So for those who want the chance to experience Australian wildlife, day trips are the best way to see them up close!
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With plant species found nowhere else on earth and numerous endemic subspecies of Australian fauna, Kangaroo Island is truly a magical destination much like the Galapagos. Its isolation from mainland Australia has created an oasis for native wildlife where they are protected from the devastating impacts of foxes and rabbits.
The island has retained over fifty percent of its natural habitat with over a third protected under national parks or reserves. A trip here means getting up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, glossy black cockatoos, seals, and more.
The sheer amount of wildlife you will see is almost unbelievable and in my opinion one of the best places in Australia where you can see such a large variety of iconic Aussie animals living in the wild.
Kangaroo Island’s incredible landscapes and wildlife are just the beginning though. It is an outdoor recreation dream offering horseback riding, sandboarding, caving, kayaking, and quad biking. Add the finest in food and wine along with luxury accommodation and you’ve got the complete package.
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Phuket is a lovely place to take in the best Thailand has to offer however the newly opened MAI HOUSE Patong Hill gives you every excuse to stay in.
High up on the lush tropical hillside overlooking Patong Beach and the sparkling Andaman Sea, the exotic 79-room resort is one of the newest in Phuket, standing out as an oasis of modern Thai culture and chic relaxation.
With spacious rooms for families, couples or individuals, including rooms with private pool access, and private outdoor jacuzzi’s, local character and the historic flavor of Phuket Island intertwines with contemporary 5-star facilities to provide you with a magnificent and personal getaway to another world.
For those seeking a modern luxury experience in the Patong Beach district of Phuket, this is hotel opening you don’t want to miss!
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Sharing a 2,000 km border with Sweden, in the northern European region of Scandinavia, Norway is a beautiful Nordic country, and in recent years rumors have begun to spread of it’s insane natural beauty.
A country defined by epic landscapes which rank among the most stunning in the world, the sheer drama of the fjords is alone worth the effort of coming here.
Rumors of this magical place are spreading like wildfire, though what can a traveler actually do? While 98% of its territory is uninhabited and impossible to live in, for those who choose to travel, there are unlimited possibilities for adventure. The following are our 5 favorite choices.
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Guatemala is a hidden gem among tourists, and a perfect destination for those interested in an authentic cultural immersion experience. While gaping at the expansive landscapes, exploring volcanoes, and becoming entranced by the colorful artisan crafts of the Mayans, volunteering in Guatemala has become another point of interest for those seeking a more fulfilling travel experience.
It is no secret that Guatemala’s government struggles to provide adequate resources to their citizens. Being the biggest country in Central America, with the largest economy, it’s baffling to realize that over half of the people live in poverty. While the tourist industry booms, the common people suffer.
So if you are looking to volunteer abroad, Guatemala is a great place to start. There are projects for every type of personality, skill, and interest, so knowing your options is a great starting point. Check out these top volunteer projects in Guatemala, and make your next trip a reason to get involved.
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The EM District is Bangkok’s newest tourist hotspot with its massive luxury shopping malls and some of the city’s finest cuisine. And a city in itself, once you arrive it’s difficult to find a reason to leave.
Perfectly positioned within walking distance to all the EM District has to offer, and with the peaceful retreat of Queen’s Park in its backyard, when it comes to Bangkok accommodation, you can’t go wrong with the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
Deal Alert: Save up to 67% off your stay at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park with package deals from Luxury Escapes.
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Traveling to Thailand is one of the most exotic trips you can take, and luckily, it’s a very easy country to experience on a budget. Even first times travelers can easily spend under 100 USD a day, and that includes your hotel, activities and transportation!
There are many ways to save money while traveling in Thailand, but here are 7 tips for the budget traveler to come in under budget.
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Stretching nearly 100 miles along pristine Caribbean coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find Mexico’s premier tourism and resort district, Riviera Maya.
This region takes in exciting destinations from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, including the archaeological wonders of Tulum and resort mecca of Playa del Carmen. It is a place of natural beauty mixed with exceptional service all which add up to an incredible getaway.
The area is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world’s second largest barrier reef at nearly 600 miles long. It is home to several sea turtle species, crocodiles, manatees, and an incredible variety of fish. But the reef is just one of many reasons why tourists continue to flock here every year.
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What is the first thing that comes to mind whenever you think of India? Obviously, you try to picture its varied and diverse culture. But apart from being a land of multilingual and multi-ethnic communities, India has one more feather in its cap: it’s history.
India is probably the only country to boast of a rich and glorious past that spans for more than a 750 centuries. (Almost since the beginning of time!) So it won’t come as a surprise that the country has no less than a 100 monuments in each of its 29 states. You can do the math to arrive at that total!
To visit every single monument is, of course, an impossible task. But the following 7 structures and sites will offer a glimpse into the historical richness of the land.
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As The Economist’s most liveable city for the seventh year in a row, Melbourne is the place to be (plus, you won’t find a better coffee anywhere else in the world!).
Aside from the well-known Federation Square, MCG and Botanical Gardens, there are many other incredible areas to explore, and today we highlight the Docklands and Geelong as our two top picks for families.
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Australia is an enormous and amazingly diverse country. In order to explore the vastness of the continent’s interiors, the best way is to embark on an outback journey and drive those rugged roads.
You can stop along the way for a cool swim, and stay on sprawling outback stations. Though there are many routes to the Australian Outback, many entry points, and many destinations.
You could enter along the rugged coastlines or through the western outback. Just make sure that your 4WD vehicle is in as good condition as you.
With your wheels donning on all season tyres, make sure that your vehicle is safe and sturdy before entering the heart of Australia and driving remotely. The following are 4 ideas on possible routes.
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