Tessa Kaur

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

Planning a K-drama marathon on your next flight to Seoul? You might want to make sure your phone is at 100 percent before boarding. Following a string of lithium-ion battery scares, South Korea’s biggest carriers have pulled the plug on the use of portable power banks on flights. The ban covers all Hanjin Group airlines, including heavyweights Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, plus budget carriers Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul. South Korea’s Jeju Air has also followed suit as of January 22. The new safety rules are strict. You can still carry your power bank in the cabin, but it must stay unplugged. To be specific, you cannot charge your phone or laptop using a portable charger, you cannot plug the battery itself into the plane's USB ports, and you must keep your batteries in your seat pocket or under the seat – stashing them in the overhead bin is now a no-go. This isn't just Korea being cautious. These carriers are joining the likes of Scoot, Thai Airways, and China Airlines, who all implemented similar "no-charge" policies in 2025. The crackdown follows some serious close calls, including an Air Busan fire last January that resulted in a plane being written off at Gimhae International Airport. Bottom line? Pack a wall charger for the airport lounge, because once you’re in the air, that power bank is essentially a paperweight. Have you heard? Here are the cheapest destinations to travel to in 2026, according to Skyscanner Plus: The world's first 'IQIYI Land' immersive

You know Skyscanner from every single time you’ve looked up flight tickets on impulse because you saw a TikTok of a travel influencer enjoying herself in Japan or a photo dump of an acquaintance riding horses in Mongolia on Instagram. The website is a mainstay in any traveller’s toolbox, helping frequent flyers sniff out the best prices any airline has to offer. This year, Skyscanner has done users one better: it’s crunched the numbers to figure out the top 10 cheapest places to travel to in 2026, and broken the prices down into the cheapest destinations every month, as well as figured out the cheapest day to fly (spoiler: it’s usually Sunday). The cheapest destination on average this year is Phuket, which will average you SGD 236 for a return trip. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, dive spots, and exciting nightlife, and you should make sure to eat some excellent Thai food while you’re at it. In second place is Manila at an average of SGD 240, the beautiful, historic capital of the Philippines. Its bustling markets, vibrant food and nightlife scene, and famously warm Filipino hospitality make it a hugely underrated spot for Asian tourism. Might as well tick it off your travel bucket list, with airfares this affordable. In third place, and one of the most popular tourist spots in Asia, is Bali at SGD 247. Whether you’re looking to get in touch with your spiritual side, visit its UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces, or just catch some rays and do some surfing on o

If you’re a big fan of South Korean culture, you’ve undoubtedly already been to Seoul to soak in its culture and eat to your heart’s content. What you may not realise is that if you venture a little bit out of Seoul, you can visit a nearby UNESCO Heritage Site, a part of Korea’s rich history. If you’re looking for something new to do, and you’re a fan of history and a little bit of hiking, consider making an excursion to Namhansanseong in Gwanju, Gyeonggi Province. What makes Namhansanseong special? This UNESCO Heritage Site has a lot of historical value. It was created as an emergency capital for the Joseon dynasty in the 17th century as a substitute for Seoul’s palaces in wartime, and has been rebuilt several times, incorporating fortress architecture from Korea, Japan, and China. It’s also a symbol of Buddhism’s role in the protection of the state – it was built and defended by Buddhist monk-soldiers! If that isn’t enough, it’s also located within a gorgeous natural landscape. Where is it, and how do I get there? Namhansanseong is about 25 kilometers outside of Seoul, and fairly easy to get to. Take Seoul Subway Line 8 to Sanseong Station, and take exit 2. Walk 100 meters to the bus stop and take bus 9 or bus 9-1/52 (these are quicker but arrive less frequently). Get off at Namhansanseong bus stop. There will be plenty of signs directing you to the fortress. When is the best time to visit? Namhansanseong Fortress is open all year round, from 10am to 6pm from April to Octob

If you live in Asia and prefer to get the best deals on flight prices possible, you’re likely already very familiar with AirAsia. The Malaysian budget airline is the largest in Malaysia, and has a network of affiliate airlines serving the Southeast Asia region, even connecting to Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its network spans over 130 destinations globally, and the airline intends to expand into the Middle East and Central Asia. It’s also widely considered to be the world’s best budget airline. At the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2025 in Bahrain, it won the award for World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the World Travel Awards for the thirteenth year in a row, while its cabin crew has just been named the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the ninth year in a row. Meanwhile, AirAsia X has won World’s Leading Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline for the third consecutive year.  The World Travel Awards have been running since 1993, celebrating achievements in global travel and tourism: this is where excellence in innovation, network growth, and service quality are highlighted. AirAsia’s excellent performance at the WTA 2025 came after it secured multiple regional titles at the WTA Asia & Oceania Awards in October. Graham E. Cooke, founder of the WTA, said: “These three awards reflect its unwavering commitment to delivering seamless, world-class travel experiences. The dedication and professionalism of the AirAsia team continue to set new benchmarks across the glo

What makes a landscape award-winning? Is it natural beauty? Biodiversity? In the eyes of the World Architecture Festival, at least this year, it’s revitalisation. The 2025 Landscape of the Year award went to the Embracing Flood: Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor, in Shangrao City, China. Designed by Turenscape, the Xinjiang River Corridor is a 102-hectare floodplain that was once degraded by invasive species and informal agriculture. Seasonal floods left the area largely inaccessible, while catastrophic floods would wipe out its ecosystem roughly every two decades. By the early 1970s, its banks had been stripped bare of trees due to climate change and human activity. Turenscape stepped in to transform the land, redeveloping it to protect its ecological value while restoring native habitats, boosting flood resilience, and opening it up to the public year-round. Impressively, it did this all sustainably and cost-effectively. The design features modular concrete walkways on pole structures, alongside durable, natural materials that blend into the environment. Among design strategies that help to naturally manage floods and minimise environmental disruption, the floodplain has also been thoughtfully designed for public use. An elevated skywalk offers panoramic views safely above flood levels, while three boardwalk layers respond dynamically to changing water levels. There’s an educational element, too, with waterfront platforms and observation decks that combine recreation with

Going out past sunset in the city often means restaurants, bars, and clubs to the seasoned urbanite, but there’s a sore lack of spots to just sit and unwind in a peaceful, quiet place, no partying involved. Cafes close early, libraries aren’t open all night, and most other places are loud. What’s a night owl to do? The Library by BookXcess offers a solution. The 38,000 square foot space is a bookstore that’s open 24/7 – the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia – with open reading corners, desks to work at, and tall shelves full of books to browse. Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Sunway Square Mall, it’s modern library meets gathering space, designed for night owls, late-night muggers, and wanderers to find peace and quiet in the busy city. Expect cushioned benches, rocking chairs, and study nooks complete with power sockets. The sprawling store is warmly lit and full of art, spread across two floors and nearly a kilometer of walkways to meander down. You should, of course, take your time to explore its literary offerings, but do make sure to stop and notice its many sculptures, paintings, and installations.  As if that’s not enough, it’s got snacks to fuel your 3am reading sessions. Inside, you’ll find Good Mojo Smoothies and the much beloved Kenny Hills Bakers for pastries, ice cream, and drinks while you browse or work. The Library was originally designed as a library for students at the nearby Sunway University to work due to a lack of dedicated study spots on campus, and it ev

It's official: Deepavali is now a certified world-class treasure. At its 20th session – held appropriately enough at Delhi's iconic Red Fort – the UNESCO committee officially added India's Festival of Lights to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Anyone who's ever celebrated Deepavali already knows its a big deal, but this nod puts the festival on the same global pedestal as practices like yoga and Paraguayan poncho-weaving. It's all about the spotlight on the traditions that make us human, whether they're massive global parties or niche village crafts. For those new to the festivities, Deepavali (or Diwali) celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The celebration involves the iconic clay lamps that Indians light outside their homes, but celebrants also gather for prayers, feasts, and firework displays. It's a Hindu tradition at heart, but celebrated by just about everyone across the Indian diaspora. Deepavali is now the 16th Indian tradition on the list, joining the likes of the Chhau Dance and the Garba of Gujarat. The committee was busy this year, also handing out honours to Arabic kohl, Iceland's legendary swimming pool culture, Swiss yodelling, and the delicate art of Japanese washi paper.  It wasn't all just celebrations, though. UNESCO also flagged several traditions that need "urgent safeguarding" to keep them from disappearing. These include the Filipino craft of making asin tibuok (artisanal se