Tessa Kaur

What does it mean to feel welcomed by a city? Is it to feel oddly at home in an unfamiliar place? Is it to have its residents treat you with warmth, as if you were an old friend coming back to visit a haunt from a past life? Or is it to unexpectedly find community when you’re not looking for it? For Booking.com, a friendly city is one that stands out for excellent service and a strong commitment to hospitality. The fourteenth edition of the Traveller Review Awards ranks the top ten friendliest cities based on more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers worldwide. Two cities in Asia have clinched a spot in the top ten, making them wonderful hidden gems worth visiting this year. In second place is Magong, Taiwan, a lively harbour city along the western coast of Penghu Island. The city is known for its centuries-old temples and traditional architecture, including Tianhou Temple, the oldest temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu in Taiwan. Nearby are lively night markets, such as those on Zhongyang Old Street, which serve delicacies like oyster omelettes, grilled squid, and cactus sorbet. It’s also got beautiful coastal scenery that you can admire as you explore fishing villages to sample fresh seafood and locally brewed drinks – the island has lovely basalt cliffs, sandy coves, and gorgeous clear waters. Visit during the Penghu Fireworks Festival to fully immerse yourself in its cultural spirit. Eighth on the list is Takayama, Japan. The town is high in Japan’s moun

When we think of spring blooms in Asia, most of us think of one thing: the gloriously beautiful cherry blossoms that open their petals all over Japan, drawing throngs of onlookers and admirers as far as the eye can see.  But spring flowers are so much more than cherry blossoms, and Asia is so much more than just Japan. Agoda has narrowed down its favourite cities for spring blooms, highlighting the natural beauty and vibrant colours of these locations, and some of them may surprise you. Of course, Tokyo, Japan, is on the list. Locals picnic under the beautiful flowering trees, and the cherry blossoms' bloom is enough of an event to make it a citywide celebration, with seasonal food offerings and festivals. Head to Ueno Park, Meguro River, and Shinjuku Gyoen from late March to early April to see the iconic flowers. Also on the list is Seoul, South Korea, which has its own cherry blossom season in early April. While you might not think of Seoul as a hotspot for cherry blossom viewing, it offers spots like Yeouido Hangang Park and Seokchon Lake, where the blooms set off modern cityscapes and water views. These neighbourhoods also have plenty of cafes worth visiting, and the city has no lack of activities to explore. If you’re looking to see the cherry blossoms earlier, consider visiting Taipei in Taiwan. The flowers usually bloom from late February into March, especially around Yangmingshan, which offers wonderful hiking trails and thermal valleys with hot springs. The park is a

Everybody’s dreaming about being a digital nomad these days, especially since so many of us got a taste for remote working during and after the pandemic. While there are certain spots that are more popular for those dreaming of a change of scenery – Bali, anyone? – more and more countries have been launching their own digital nomad visas, giving remote workers far more options than were available just a few years ago. Sri Lanka has just joined the fray, launching a digital nomad visa that was first discussed way back in 2021. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage, making it the perfect place to settle down for a bit if you’re looking for a slower pace of life. Who is eligible for this digital nomad visa? You must be over 18 and earn at least USD 2000 (around £1470) per month. You can bring up to two children, but for each additional child, you’ll need to earn USD 500 (around £358) more per month. You must also work exclusively for clients outside Sri Lanka. You can live and work there, but you cannot take work from any company or client within the country. How much does it cost? You’ll have to pay USD 500 (around £368) a year for each person moving there. That means you’ll have to pay separate fees for you, your spouse, and every dependent you bring with you. What benefits do I get? Apart from legal residence in Sri Lanka for up to 12 months, you can open and maintain bank accounts in the country, enr

Modern dating is hard – anybody who's ever downloaded a dating app or tried to chat up a stranger at the bar can tell you that. But is the scene really as dry as it seems? The latest results from our Valentine's Day survey suggest that some cities in Asia are better built for romance than others.  Time Out surveyed 18,500 residents of cities all over the world to find out how often they go out on dates, flirt, and have sex. Incredibly, Macau tops the global list for how often people get freaky, averaging 9 times a month – that's sex about twice a week. Good for them, the rest of us totally aren’t jealous. Across Asia, though, Macau is seeing some competition. While Macau tops the list across all categories: frequency of going on dates, having night outs that might lead to romance, having sex, and even just seeing attractive people and flirting in general, other cities are establishing themselves as romance hubs. For example, if you’re looking for eye candy, Manila is the place to be – it ranks just under Macau at a 10.7 monthly average frequency, compared to Macau’s 11. It’s also the runner-up for most flirting, at 6.61 times a month, maybe boosted by the number of hotties to hit on. If you’re more inclined to a city where your conversations are more likely to turn into face-to-face dates, take a dip into the dating pool in Beijing, where date nights take place about 7 nights a month for the average person. Want to meet someone on a night out? Try Bangkok, where the average p

If you've been holding off on that Great Wall trek because of visa pains, it's time to start packing. China has been on a massive mission to boost tourism and soft power lately, and it's officially making it easier for the world to cross its borders. In the last two years, China has strengthened ties with over 44 countries. And now, it's extending its unilateral 30-day visa-free policy to the vast majority of Europe. In 2024 alone, more than 20 million visitors entered the country visa-free, a figure that has likely skyrocketed now that its borders have become more open. Here's the big news for 2026: the United Kingdom is finally in on the action. After being a notable outlier for years, the UK was finally added to the 30-day visa-free list in early February following a high-level summit in Beijing. Canada is also set to join the "visa-free club" following Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent state visit, through travellers should check the exact start date before booking that flight. In a move that's a significant upgrade from previous 15-day limits, eligible travellers can now stay for up to 30 days. This applies to ordinary passport holders visiting for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. This policy shift is already sparking a major tourism rebound in China. Travel agencies are reporting a surge in demand, and for the first time in years, English-speaking tour guides and services are becoming the norm. Whether you’re coming from London, Paris, or right here in As

The hospitality world is no stranger to experimental experiences. Want to stay in a beautiful, luxurious lodge overlooking a monastery in Bhutan? You got it. Want to sleep in a hotel made entirely of ice? Sure! We don’t know how many of us have voluntarily checked into a former prison, though. While “jailhouse chic” already exists in cities like Boston, Helsinki, and Istanbul, Japan is finally joining the ranks of high-end incarceration. The former Nara Prison, a stunning Meiji-era relic, has been reimagined as the tenth flagship for Hoshino Resorts. Opening on June 25, Hoshinoya Nara Prison will be the country’s first-ever luxury hotel to inhabit a penitentiary. Don’t expect a utilitarian experience. The hotel features 48 guest rooms cleverly crafted from renovated solitary confinement cells. These cells have been transformed into high-ceilinged, minimalist suites that blend original 100-year-old brickwork with contemporary wood panelling and the brand’s signature omotenashi hospitality. Photograph: Hoshinoya Nara Prison Beyond the suites, the prison itself is an architectural marvel. Built in 1908, it’s the last of the “Five Great Prisons” of Meiji. Designed by the late architect Keijiro Yamashita, it features red-brick domes and arched gateways that resemble a European manor more than a correctional facility, earning it a spot on the list of National Important Cultural Properties.  For a deep dive into the former prison’s past, guests and day visitors can visit a museum

If the recent headlines about the Nipah virus have you feeling a little antsy, you’re not alone. Following an outbreak in West Bengal, India, health authorities across Southeast Asia are watching the situation closely. To help separate the facts from the frenzy, we’ve put together a guide on what the virus actually is and why officials are on alert. Where is the current outbreak? Currently, there are no reported cases outside West Bengal in India. There are also no reports of cases outside rural areas of the state. About 200 people who were in contact with those cases have been traced and tested negative for the virus, according to India’s health ministry. Are there travel restrictions or airport screenings? There are currently no travel restrictions. Thailand is screening passengers at airports serving flights from West Bengal (Subernabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket), and Nepal is screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and at land border points with India. Vietnam has also tightened health screening at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, as has Malaysia at all airports serving international visitors. How is the virus transmitted? Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans through direct contact with the animal or its fluids, and directly between humans or through contaminated food.  What are the symptoms and the timeline? People who contract the virus may show a wide range of symptoms, or none at all. The incubation period ranges from four to 14 da

Maybe you’re tired of visiting the same old cities year after year, and you’ve worn out Tokyo and Bali for the time being. Maybe you’re looking for a new, undiscovered gem to explore. Maybe you want to be the trendsetter who introduces all your friends to their new favourite travel destination. If you feel this way, you’re not alone – KAYAK’s second annual ‘What the Future’ report finds that 71 percent of Gen Z and 75 percent of Millennials are craving ‘undiscovered destinations’. The report, based on community data from TikTok, says China is the place to be in 2026, though not in the cities you might expect. Coming in second-place on the global list is Chongqing, China, a city that has gone viral many times on TikTok for its mind-boggling layout. The city is built on steep, hilly terrain, with roads, metro lines, bridges, and more laid out in labyrinthine layers. ‘Street-level’ is a mythical concept in Chongqing, and the city appears to be 90 percent stairs. It’s a fascinating city, and full of ancient and modern Chinese history to boot, so it’s no wonder it’s starting to get attention. If sub-zero temperatures don’t faze you, then the third-placed city might be your speed. Harbin, China, is a city renowned for its freezing winters – hence its nickname, the ‘Ice City’. It hosts the world-famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, the world’s biggest ice festival. It’s well-worth freezing your toes off for the sight of astounding ice castles and detailed sno

Time Out has ranked the most beautiful concert venues in the world, and amongst a plethora of beautiful natural landscapes like the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Tennessee’s The Caverns, historical concert halls like Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, and even an Irish castle, is Beijing’s stunning National Centre for the Performing Arts.  The only Asian entry on the list, the venue is often referred to as The Giant Egg, but from the outside it more resembles a silver-and-glass insect, with a shell made of thousands of metal and glass plates. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the venue has been open since 2007 and is located in the heart of Beijing. It’s a feat of design and a technological marvel in how it deals with the abundance of groundwater beneath the building. The eye-catching oval building holds an opera hall, music hall, theatre, and more, and it’s the largest performance venue in Asia. The eponymous NCPA Orchestra calls this building its home, but you’ll also see local and international opera singers and musicians performing in this landmark. NCPA stages original works of drama and opera, as well as weekly Chinese opera shows, but 2026 will also see the Spanish Ballet Flamenco de Granada performing The Phantom of the Opera and Carmen in February. Also in February, the Shanghai Ballet will perform Swan Lake at the Opera House, and there will be a Ryuichi Sakamoto classics concert to ring in the Lunar New Year.  Other dramatic classics, like Singin’ in the Rain, Pride a

Japan is a popular travel destination for many reasons, but not least for its rich, long history and beautiful architecture. Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Kyoto, also known as Kyoto Studio Park, celebrates that history – the theme park is also a film set, featuring a collection of traditional buildings that are sometimes used to film historical movies and television dramas. Soon to be renamed Uzumasa Kyoto Village, it will undergo a complete renovation for its 50th anniversary, becoming an immersive experience park themed “getting lost in Kyoto during the Edo period”. Here’s what we know. Where is it? Uzumasa Kyoto Village is in the Uzumasa neighbourhood of Kyoto. Eight film studios once called this area home, and it’s a special site in Japan’s film history. It is just 30 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. When does it open? The first phase opens on March 28 2026, while phase two of the renovations will open in 2027 and add five new restaurants and shops, as well as a nightlife district zone. Phase 3 will add a new theatre, and a new hot spring facility is planned for a later phase. What’s new? The park will recreate a realistic Edo-period town, featuring live performances and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in Kyoto's history. Part of that includes opening 10 new restaurants showcasing Kyoto cuisine, including curry udon, traditional Japanese desserts, yakitori, and Kyoto-style gourmet dining. It will also offer new cultural experiences, in

Japan, the pioneer of high-speed rail, is about to reclaim its throne with a new monster of a machine: the L0 Series Maglev. While China's Shanghai Maglev currently holds the speed title, Japan's latest project is set to shatter records. Recent tests show the L0 Series clocking a staggering top speed of 603.5 km/h, nearly double the speed of the current Shinkansen and far surpassing the Shanghai Maglev (460 km/h). This is a massive win for travellers hoping to hit Japan's most popular cities. The first leg of the Chuo Shinkansen line will connect Tokyo to Nagoya in just 40 minutes. Currently, the trip takes about an hour and a half on the fastest Nozomi train.  There will be an eventual extension to Osaka, too, cutting that journey down to a mere 67 minutes. Besides the time-savings, it's also pretty cool to be travelling on a train that literally floats above the tracks – no wheels, means no friction, resulting in an incredibly fast ride. When can you hop on? We'd love to book a ticket for this weekend, but futuristic tech takes time. While construction is underway, it's been stalled due to complex tunneling through the Shizuoka region. For now, the Tokyo-Nagoya section is projected sometime between 2034 and 2035.  Japan's rail systems remain the gold standard, though, so don't let the delays hold you back – especially when it's one of the country's most affordable cherry blossom seasons, yet. Check out our guide to the official sakura forecast for 2026 to get started on pla

If you’re lucky enough to hold a passport from Singapore, Japan, or South Korea, it’s time to stop dreaming and start booking. The 2026 Henley Passport Index is officially out, and Asia is once again dominating the global leaderboard. Singapore continues to reign as the world's undisputed mobility king, with citizens enjoying visa-free access to a whopping 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea are not far behind, sharing second-place with 188 destinations each. In other words, Europe is playing catch-up to Asia's travel might.  It's not just the usual suspects making noise, either. Malaysia has officially broken into the top ten for the first time in a decade, while Hong Kong has staged a comeback to the top 15. China is making its mark too – not by strengthening its own passport, but by becoming ever more open to the world. The country has opened its borders to over 44 countries in two years, now ranking 62nd on the Henley Openness Index in 2026.  It's never been easier for Asian travellers to explore the world. If you're itching for an impromptu getaway, here are some spectacular destinations you won't regret booking a flight to this year.  Here are the top 10 most powerful passports in Asia for 2026: Singapore – 192 visa-free destinations Japan – 188 visa-free destinations South Korea – 188 visa-free destinations Malaysia – 180 visa-free destinations Hong Kong – 171 visa-free destinations Brunei – 162 visa-free destinations Macao – 141 visa-free destinations Taiwan – 13