The sacred city of Mecca is Prophet Mohammed’s birthplace and the holiest city in Islam. ‘Makkah,’ as it’s usually spelled, is where Muslims arrive to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. What’s more, it also sees round-the-year pilgrims perform the Umrah pilgrimage. So, for those who live outside Saudi Arabia, Mecca is no less than a lifelong…
Manila is one of the most underrated and coolest cities in Southeastern Asia. The capital city of the Philippines overlooks Manila Bay in the South China Sea. It might be a cliche to call Manila a city of contrasts, but it’s true. Gleaming malls and skyscrapers sit beside bucolic shantytowns and urban parks. Yet, the…
Sitting at the head of an enchanting archipelago in the Persian Gulf is Manama, the fascinating capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The coastal city’s charm lies in the fact that it doesn’t feature gauche commercialism as seen in other Gulf capitals. At the same time, Manama bears all hallmarks of modern Middle Eastern affluence.…
There’s no place on earth like mesmerizing Macau. With a scintillating skyline and gambling aplenty, the moniker of the “Las Vegas of Asia” suits it. Indeed, it’s the center of all that is decadent on this side of the world. But, that’s not all that this Special Administrative Region of China is known for. It’s…
Age-old Kyoto is Japan’s spiritual heart and brims with a rich culture, whether it is geisha culture, zen gardens, traditional teahouses, or ancient shrines and temples. The city’s Japanese culture is a dizzying old-and-modern blend of onsens, tea ceremonies, matcha (powdered green tea), and manga! To experience the city at its best, it’s important to…
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city is all about captivating rather than cliched contrasts. Glass skyscrapers and Mughal-style minarets make for a juxtaposing skyline. Lush green gardens set off grey six-lane highways. What’s more, buzzing markets sit right next to glossy malls. Above all, the city is a blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures and…
Krabi on the breath-taking west coast of Thailand is known for its azure-turquoise waters, encrusted limestone formations, and lush. Right from Krabi town to its long, languorous beaches, Krabi is a water baby and beach bum paradise. What’s more, the entire province is all about exploring the stunning natural attractions of Andaman, indulging in thrilling…
Kobe is perched on a hillside facing the sea, while nestled in the shadows of Mountain Rokko and overlooking the Osaka Bay. The former maritime gateway is located just 30 minutes west of Osaka and is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Apart from a picturesque harbor, Kobe also teems with a great…
The capital of Nepal Kathmandu is like a kaleidoscope; a dizzying riot of colors, aromas, and sounds that will overwhelm your senses. Kathmandu’s sights and attractions know no bounds, whether it’s the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square or marigold-filled temples. So, where does one put up in the city? Interestingly, the best hotels in Kathmandu include…
The ‘Blue City’ Jodhpur, also known as ‘Sun City,’ basks in the glory of the beautiful Thar desert. The lovely desert city sits in the shade of the rocky outcrop that is Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest castles in the world, and is a Tetris-like maze of shimmering medieval streets. Heritage structures in Jodhpur…
There cannot be enough said about Jerusalem, Israel‘s capital city, and one of the world’s holiest cities. Nestled in the Judaean Mountains between the Dead and Mediterranean Seas, the scarred spiritual city has seen destruction and resurrection beyond mortal belief, and still radiates enduring magnetism. One of The 11 Most Religious Cities in the World,…
Jeju Island is a fantastic place to explore South Korea without the hustle-bustle of its big cities. This is where you get to stay close to nature and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Jeju is the largest island off the Korean Peninsula. It boasts white sand beaches, waterfalls, lush nature, and a breathtaking panorama. It’s no…
The splendidly enchanting desert-fortress city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India is an exotic mirage rising from the golden sands of the Thar Desert. There’s so much to explore within and outside the walls of the ‘Golden City.’ There are majestic Havelis, royal palaces, traditional handicrafts, and, of course, the gorgeous Sam sand dunes. The best…
Hong Kong is one rare glass-and-steel city of our times; over 70% of the city is lush country parks and mountains. The captivating and culture-rich city is home to world-class food, historical and cultural gems, dizzying markets, picturesque hikes, and beautiful beaches. However, the vertical city is most known for its iconic, skyscraper-filled skyline and…
Hiroshima is like a phoenix that has risen from the ashes of the horrors of World War II. The historic city overlooking the Hiroshima Bay and the Seto Inland Sea is a fascinating destination. Today, Hiroshima is the city of peace, with its wide, leafy boulevards dispelling any darkness that you might expect from it. Moreover,…
The gorgeous capital of Vietnam Hanoi is one of the fastest-growing and most popular destinations in Asia, and rightly so. Picturesque pagodas, Chinese and French-colonial structures, serene, tree-lined boulevards, and loads of noodle soup vendors are what make up this historic city. So, it’s no surprise that Hanoi can be called home for every kind…
‘Heaven on earth’ Hangzhou straddling the Qiantang River has the repute of being China’s most romantic city, and why not? The city is most known for the lush forests-fringed dreamy West Lake and its willow-lined banks and the mist-swathed hills. However, Hangzhou is also famous for its shíkùmén (stone-gate) architecture, quiet, serene temples, and ornate and…
The glittering maritime city of Guangzhou, formerly Canton, is also one of China’s wealthiest cities. The dazzling city straddles the lovely waters of the Pearl River and is a heady mix of old-world China and its 21st-century variant. Guangzhou is best known for being home to some of the world’s most skyscrapers and its delicious…
Goa is a kaleidoscopic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures, sweetened by the sun, sand, sea, seafood, spirituality, and susegad! This pocket-sized paradise, a.k.a. sunshine state is everyone’s favorite getaway, and even more so now. Whether it’s the long and beautiful coastline, hippie markets, Portuguese villages, or green fields, Goa’s charm is boundless. Making it all…
When you think of Fukuoka, Hakata Ramen should come to mind. The dish and the city’s culinary scene are indeed what make Fukuoka so popular. But this beautiful city won’t only please your belly. This is where you can carve out the most beautiful memories of your life. Fukuoka boasts unique culture, diversity, and world-class…
The stunning island of El Nido in the Philippines is nestled in the dreamy waters of Bacuit Bay. The stunning region is located a short flight away from capital Manila and lies at the very northern end of Palawan. Above all, El Nido is most known for the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the South China…
Dubai is ‘exotic desert glamour’ at its shimmering best. It’s hard to imagine that this ‘City of Gold’ overlooking the blue waters of the Persian Gulf is a former fishing village. Now, it is famous for its splendid shopping malls, scintillating souqs, culinary prowess, glitzy nightlife, and traditional splendor. The futuristic city is famous for…
The capital of Qatar, Doha is one of the richest cities in the world. The gilded Middle Eastern city on the Persian Gulf puts a new spin on the word “luxury.” Think ostentatious shopping malls, cloud-touching architectural marvels, and grand cultural icons. However, its also known for traditional souqs, thrilling desert fun, and white-sand beaches.…
Not our first time in Japan but we’re now in one of the best cities and one of our favorites! It’s Chiba, this city that stretches along the coast owning breathtaking beaches and lovely natural sights. We love destinations where we can go sightseeing, but we love the mix between nature and amusement more. So,…