It’s always easiest to stick with what you know. Thinking of hitting the beach? Thailand or Bali are the obvious choices. Fancy an Asian city break? Try Bangkok. But there are plenty of other places to try, which offer similar experiences, but may have other advantages too. Keep these alternative destinations in mind when planning your next trip, and get ready for new experiences in 2016.
Go to Hong Kong instead of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Like Dubai, Hong Kong is an ultra-modern city with a beautiful skyline and lots to do and see. But Hong Kong offers a convenient public transportation system, making it easy for visitors to get around without depending on cars or taxis. Hong Kong also boasts a long history, immense cultural diversity and a variety of exceptional opportunities for shopping and dining, making it a perfect mix of old and new.
Go to Osaka, Japan, instead of Beijing, China
There are high stakes when it comes to food between these two contenders, but Osaka pips the top spot for its local specialities, whether you want to try the okonomiyaki (a pancake-pizza-omelette hybrid) or the sushi and dumplings that are specific to the city. Both cities are also home to wide cultural and historical offerings, but Osaka is close enough for day trips to historic Kyoto, sake-centric Kobe, the scenic ancient city of Nara and Himeji, home to Japan’s finest castle, once the biggest in all of Asia, making it the perfect base from which to explore even more of Japan.
Go to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, instead of Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a great weekend away – there’s fantastic food, both on the street and off, a river to float down, temples, shopping, massages and an energetic hustle and bustle. But why not consider Ho Chi Minh City? Vietnam’s capital has a similar bustle, but much improved traffic, as well as historical monuments and vibrant markets to explore. There are plenty of opportunity for relaxation, and the food is similarly exceptional. Be sure to try street-food staples, like Vietnamese pancakes, fresh rice rolls and pho.
Go to Costa Rica instead of Palawan, Philippines
With gorgeous unspoiled beaches and tropical flora and fauna, Palawan is an untouched paradise that draws visitors from all over Southeast Asia. Explore caves, waterfalls and the underground river which snakes beneath St. Paul Mountain. But, for adventure and nature lovers who found Palawan to be a dream come true, it may be time to go further – to Costa Rica. Similarly untouched, with tropical rainforests, beautiful trails and beaches and a number of outdoor adventures to be had, it is a bucket-list experience for nature lovers who first fell in love with Palawan.
Go to Borneo, Malaysia, instead of Phuket, Thailand
Phuket in recent years has become ever-more crowded and increasingly expensive, and it’s often all about the beach. Look to Borneo for much more than that. With its outlying islands offering similar experiences to those off Thailand, including swimming, snorkeling, diving and more, it also has mountains to climb (give a trek up Mount Kinabalu a try) and gorgeous rainforest to explore.
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Go to New York City, United States, instead of Tokyo, Japan
While New York City doesn’t have the quirkiness of Japan’s capital, it’s certainly got the urban bustle, excitement and variety on par with Tokyo. There is no shortage of things to see and places to explore in this populous U.S. city. Check out museums and galleries for the visual arts or Broadway for a play, try the exceptional variety of restaurants and do a little window shopping at the many shops and boutiques on offer.
Go to Sydney, Australia, instead of Los Angeles, California, United States
Rather closer than Los Angeles, Australia’s oldest and largest city, Sydney has plenty to attract even the most globetrotting travelers. Set on the beautiful Sydney Harbor, a simple ferry ride offers sightings of the nation’s most iconic structures: the Sydney Opera House and the famous Harbor Bridge. There’s also plenty more to see and do, from stunning beaches to galleries, theaters, fashionable stores and restaurants, as well as a host of sporty activities to undertake and wildlife to watch. A packed festival and events calendar means there are special events taking place throughout the year. Can Los Angeles really beat all that?
Go to London, England, instead of Singapore
Like Singapore, England’s capital and Western Europe’s largest city, London has a rich cultural and historical past and offers visitors a wide range of art, theater, food, fashion, music and entertainment. If you have already seen Singapore and loved it, why not add London to your bucket list? And, if you enjoyed the Singapore Flyer, take a spin on the London Eye while you’re there.
Go to Jamaica instead of Boracay, Philippines
Flora and fauna abound on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. While Boracay is a similarly beautiful island with its turquoise oceans and white sand beaches, it lacks the lush greenery and endemic species found on Jamaica. While both islands have opportunities for adventure, Jamaica’s variety — think hiking, camping, golfing and horse-back riding as well as snorkeling, diving and kite-surfing — makes it an exceptional destination for active travelers. Reggae fans also need look no further — in Jamaica, they can visit Nine Mile where Bob Marley was born and is now buried.
Go to Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, instead of Macau, China
Macau is often called Asia’s Las Vegas, but if you have the time and means to travel a little further, there’s nothing like visiting the original Las Vegas, particularly if it’s not all about the gaming. Aside from the old Portuguese parts of town in Macao, which swarm with tourists on holidays and weekends, Vegas has much more to offer in terms of leisure and entertainment, with exciting bars, celebrity chef restaurants and a host of musicals, shows and stage performances to ensure there’s never a dull moment.
Feature image: Featured image: istockphoto.com/milanstojanovic
Slider image: Wilerson S Andrade, Colorful-New-York-City-1800×2880, via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
