Wanderlust Tips travel magazine’s February issue 2017: Spring awakening

February issue 2017 of Wanderlust Tips travel magazine will bring you exciting travel stories in all corners of the world, the story of the solo travelers.

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The winds were whirring, and the pounding waves kept crashing down as if wanting to sweep everything away. In a small, blue house on the beach, I warmed my hands with a hot cup of tea, listening to the life stories of the family that live here. The old man often interrupted: “You have to visit us during the summer. Remember! It’s beautiful, you’ll love it here!” I was so fortunate that a minute of spontaneity had brought me to Tam Thanh Mural Village on that stormy December day. I had missed the best time of the year to visit, but in return, I had received the warmth and hospitality of the people here.

I was on another journey, on the road crossing the forests through the beautiful Angkor temple complex; I was up for a new conquest. I was fascinated by the greatness of the complex and the meticulous skills of the ancient craftsmen who had built Bayon Temple, and was amazed at the beauty of the intricately carved sandstone in Banteay Srei Temple. In the twilight, I climbed to Phnom Bakheng peak with new friends who didn’t understand my language, but felt like old friends to me because they shared my passion for travelling.

On that sunny winter’s day, I turned down the invitation to hang out with friends so I could pack and start a new journey. I headed down the lonely road toward the West, following the sun. If you’re not really keen on sunshine, try just once, visiting the mountain on a sunny day to really see its beauty. Along the way, a few women sat on the road embroidering clothes for their families, their cheeks pink in the sun; I could see happiness in their eyes.

Children seem to grow, thanks to the sunshine, and the rice fields are blessed by the sun for a prosperous year ahead. Every morning, the sun woke me up in my mountainside tent, and I thought I was lost in a fairytale land. Could you feel this too? When you’re travelling solo, all your senses will be awakened to absorb all that life has to offer.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

3rd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism to be organized in Poland

Coinciding with the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to be celebrated throughout 2017, the third International Congress on Ethics and Tourism will be held in the city of Krakow Poland, on 27-28 April 2017.

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Organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and the Government of Poland, the event will put the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting a more sustainable tourism sector up for discussion.

Held in the framework of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals, the congress will discuss the global sustainability agenda, particularly issues of governance and corporate social responsibility, responsible consumption patterns, universal accessibility as well as effective management models for natural and cultural resources.

On the agenda are also inclusive tourism practices that contribute to socio-economic empowerment of local communities and individuals and spread the benefits of tourism development, notably to women, youth, indigenous people and persons with disabilities.

The congress will further highlight the competitive advantages of investing in a more inclusive and diverse tourism sector. The agenda will be devided into 4 sessions discussing 4 different topics.

“With more than 1.2 billion international tourists crossing international borders in one single year and the prospects of continuous growth, it is crucial that we manage growth in an ethical and responsible manner,” said UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai. “The tourism sector needs to build equitable partnerships and adopt effective national policies and sustainable business strategies in all areas of development.”

The event of the third International Congress on Ethics and Tourism will include the signing ceremony of the Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism by a group of prominent companies and trade associations with sound CSR policies and strategies.

Wanderlust Tips

Salsa restaurant: Spice up Sai Gon with authentic Latin American cuisine

The Latin American restaurant Salsa has been opened on January 18 on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, marking the next step of expanding the restaurant portfolio of Times Square (Vietnam) Investment Joint Stock Company.

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The restaurant which has outbursted in the heart of Sai Gon will be managed by the Sai Gon based Windsor Property Management Group Corporation (WMC Group).

Salsa Restaurant presents a gourmet experience of traditional Brazilian, Mexican, Peruvian, and other Latin American dishes from Brazilian Chef Marcelo Geraldini, available for dine-in or take-away. It features the signature dishes including Carne Asada, Peruvian Ceviche, Fajitas, Tacos, and Alitas de Pollo, one is sure to experience a gastronomic adventure touring through Middle and South American culinary favorites.

In the evening, it serves up classic cocktails like margaritas, caipirinhas, and daiquiris from the skilled bartender.

“We are delighted to introduce authentic Latin American cuisine at Salsa Restaurant,” said Mr. Kai Speth, Vice President Operations and Business Performance of WMC Group. “The latest addition to Saigon’s restaurant scene brings new flavors for a fun and flavorful dining experience. Salsa Restaurant further diversifies our group’s portfolio of dining offers in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Salsa Restaurant

Add: 20 Nguyen Hue Blvd., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (848) 3982 6688

Wanderlust Tips

The extravagant Valentine’s Day at Hotel Nikko Saigon

On this Valentine’s Day, Hotel Nikko Saigon would change its garden into a romantic venue with flowers and shimmering lights for couples to celebrate their sweet love under the stars.

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It will be a very romantic place for couples to enjoy an impressive Valentine dinner party under the stars, live music softly fills the air and sparkling candles on the table. Besides, the love messages are also prepared for the couples to give each other and remark the sweet moments with their special loved one.

The hotel’s talented chefs will serve you a sumptuous six-course set menu features Tsarskaya oysters imported from France, foie gras, lobster Ravioli, salmon, special soup and sweet desserts complemented by Valentine cocktail, artisanal chocolates and giveaway flowers.

The romantic dinner await you on February 14, 2017 at VND2,800,000 ++/couple.

Hotel Nikko Saigon

Add: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Tel: +84 8 3925 7777

Wanderlust Tips

Palau targets to rich tourists to create high-end tourism

Palau’s president Tommy Remengesau plans to allow only five-star hotels to open aiming to reduce visitor numbers and attract richer tourists. The new scheme is part of a “quality rather than quantity” tourism strategy.

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The Pacific island nation is hoping to pass a new law that will encourage only affluent tourists to holiday there. The new hotels would have to be built within strict guidelines, but in return the government would provide tax breaks for the businesses.

“Our definition of high-end [tourism] would be that they would also come in with their own designed water treatment system, power back-ups,” said Mr. Tommy Remengesau. “If there are any other infrastructures that they have to do, like opening a road, the investor would do that themselves.”

“In return for that we will give them the necessary tax break and exemptions for the,” he continues.

According to reports, the legislations came about as a result of increased tourism from mainland China over recent years.

Package tours from the country saw large numbers of Chinese visitors, which the government claims has had a negative effect on the environment and they have since halved the number of flights to Palau from China.

President Remengesau said that when the tourist number when down, the actual tourist spending went up.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

“Women only” section in an Indian Airlines

Air India has announced plans to save 6 seats on each aeroplane for solo female passengers in an attempt to enhance the safety of women travelling alone.

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Accordingly, all of the seats in row three in economy class of Air India planes will now only be allocated to women. The state-run airline will also keep plastic handcuffs on all flights to restrain passengers who get “totally out of control.”

“We feel, as national carriers, it is our responsibility to enhance comfort level to female passengers,” said Meenakshi Malik of Air.

The move comes after a recent incident where a female passenger was groped by a male passenger while asleep on one of their planes.

The move, which is thought to be a first in the aviation industry, has received mixed reactions from customers though.

While some have applauded the decision, others have said that it is a token gesture.

While one Twitter user called PoonamJayant said it was a welcome step that should also be extended to private airlines, others were less impressed.

One user called annabelle_bzhp said: “Reserving seats for women is a patronising, sexist move by Air India.”

Another called ReachDanish said: “Seat reservation for women? Thank you Air India for “fortifying” the gender stereotypes. Air India [has] gone cuckoo.”

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

Valentine’s Day highlights at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

To celebrate your sweetest moment with your lover on Valentine’s Day, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers create a romantic atmosphere to make the lasting memories for your day of love.

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Saigon Café Restaurant

With candlelight, rose petals, chocolate and fabulous buffet dinner featuring mouthwatering dishes from the plentiful buffet stations of Japanese specialties, Vietnamese food corner, seafood bar, cook-to- order action station and carving station. The food ranges from oven roasted beef prime rib, baked whole sturgeon fish, seafood casserole, oyster with cheese and spinach, grilled foie gras, lobster bisque soup, lobster tail cooked to order, or half baby lobster with cheese sauce to the tempting sweet corner chocolate buffet, fresh seasonal fruits, and mouthwatering cakes.

The Valentine’s Day buffet dinner will be served from 6PM-10PM, at VND1,500,000++/person including house wine, Valentine cocktail, draft beer and soft drinks. Violine performance during the night and gift for couple.

At the venue from February 16 to 19, 2017, guests can enjoy the authentic Japaneses food from fresh sushi and sashimi to fried seafood, vegetable tempura, soba noodles with wasabi, tako nosunomono and maguro nuta, and watch the hotel’s professional chefs showcasing the art of cooking Japanese specialties at the open kitchen. At the live cooking station, Nipponese food lovers can have shabu-shabu and suki shabu hot pot with thinly sliced beef and fish poached in hot stock a la minute, and ramen noodle soup with roast pork roll braised in miso stock. Selection of Japanese sweets including oshiruko, soya milk pudding, mocha, kuzukiri and oshiruko perfectly end up your night of authentic Japanese food dining experience.

The Lounge at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

The Lounge in the Hotel Lobby will be introducing a special treat on the occasion of Valentine’s Day available on Tuesday, February 14th. In the cozy ambiance of The Lounge, guests can savor chocolate dipped strawberries and premium Sparkling Chandon to feel the love is all around you. There is also selection of dark or white chocolate foundue served with dry fruit and fresh fruits in the month of February.

Sparkling and fresh strawberry in chocolate, from VND488,000++, just available on February 14.

Chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and dry fruit, from VND228,000++ per set, available every day in February.

Level 23 Signature

Your sweetheart would be stunned by the degustation set menu specially designed for the couple ranging from freshly marinated salmon with herbs on creamy avocado and egg và smoked salmon terrinate; corn chawder and scallop, roasted guinea fowl or roasted pork loin; char-coal grilled Wagyu tenderloin and half of frozen local lobster to a glass of rose sparkling. Your memorable dinner will take place under the candle light, with rose and live jazz music.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Add: 88 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, HCMC, Vietnam | Tel: (+848) 3827 2828

Hotel Equatorial introduces Tet Hamper Collections

To welcome a new prosperous year, Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City has launched three luxury Tet hamper collections.

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The hamper packages including tea, wine, cookie, jam and Teddy bear are presented in luxury and different designs and named under the hotel’s wishes for New Year which are Wellbeing, Happiness, Success hampers. Cookies and treats are speacially prepared by the hotel’s chefs, bring the sweet flavours standing for the sincere thank and good luck to the valued friends, family and business partners.

Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

Add: 242 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 4, District 5, HCMC, Vietnam | Tel: (+848) 3839 7777

Wanderlust Tips

À La Carte Da Nang Beach: A warm Tet holiday in the coastal city

When the traditional Tet is becomining a boring anually routine, À La Carte Da Nang Beach creates an unforgettable Festive Season in a new way with abundant cuisine and accommodation choices.

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Tet Delightful package offers guests who book minimum 3 nights and stay from January 2 to 31, 2017 a chance to discover the ultimate holiday season. The package includes accommodation in Light Studio, daily buffet breakfast for 2 pax at Fishca Restaurant, 1 time 60 minute Spa treatment for 2 pax at Spice Spa, 1 time set menu with one glass of wine for 2 pax, 1 time signature cocktail on The Top Bar for 2 pax, csomplimentary see off airport shuttle bus. The package is at VND2,950,000nett/Room/Night. A surcharge will be applied on January 27 – 28 – 29 – 30 – 31, 2017.

Delicious Deli Cafe will be the perfect venue for afternoon tea gathering to share a pleasant moments with friends or family. Tet afternoon tea is served at VND120,000-135,000/pax, from January 6 to February 5, 2017.

FishCa restaurant promises to give all guests exclusive cuilinary journey in the festive time. Tet should not be the exhausted time of cooking when FishCa restaurant has prepared for you and family a lavish traditional Tet’s meal with all tasty delicacies. Tet set menu serves from January 15 to February 5, 2017, at VND365,000/pax

At the same venue of FishCa, guests can experience a sumptuous Lunar New Year reunion with Tet traditional and exotic Vietnamese buffet featuring a vast array of Vietnamese flavors with an extraordinary Vietnamese Vintage themed buffet, including traditional favorites such as Vietnamese cold cuts, Banh Chung served with pickles, and of course, Tet cake.

You can enjoy the delicious meal in a vibrant entertainment programe and try your luck with Lucky Dip to get Gift Vouchers. Best cuisine, warm gathering and fun stories would be perfect to end a year and start a new journey into 2017. The buffet would be served from 6:30PM till late, January 29 (2rd day of Tet) and January 31 (4th day of Tet). Price is at VND495,000/adult and VND295,000/child (6-12 years old).

At The Top Bar on 23rd floor from 6:30PM till late of January 28, 29, 30, 2017, a lively event awaits you with effervescent activities of live DJ and dance performances and a massive selection of drinks. You can enjoy a night of fun on a height and take panoramic view over the city.

At the same place, you can celebrate a sweet Valentine’s Day with your romantic partner by a dinner with live DJ and great perfomance. Special Offer on Valentine includes VND465,000/pax for a buffet dinner at FishCa, a drink and a strawberry cupcake, VND765,000/pax for a body massage (60min) at Spa, a drink and a strawberry cupcake, and 965,000/pax for a body massage (60min) at Spa, a buffet dinner at FishCa, a drink and a strawberry cupcake.

If you want a total relax at the most stressful time of a year, Spice Spa offers a revitalizing package including 30 min x Herbals Steambath, 75 min x Body Therapy with Spice Oil, 15 minute & painting the nails, cake of the day, and artichoke tea at VND950,000/pax.

À La Carte Da Nang Beach

Add: Corner of Vo Nguyen Giap Street & Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Son Tra, Danang, | Tel: +84 511 3959 555

Wanderlust Tips

10 Hottest places for 2017 adventures

It is the perfect time to plan your 2017 adventures. 10 below hottest destinations will stun you in your new year trips.

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Wine, walks, and wonders of Chile

The fantastically long and narrow country of Chile is one of the most remote in South America. But a new direct British Airways flight to Santiago changes all that.

It is easier than ever to experience the moon-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, sip some of the world’s best wines at vineyards, hike in the Andes or explore the fjords, glaciers, and penguin-filled islands of Patagonia.

When to go: Now. Chile’s seasons are the reverse of ours, so Santiago basks in temperatures of around 30°C in January and February, with warm weather until April.

Canada’s 150th birthday bash

Its rich heritage may go back much further, but Canada only became a united country in 1867. Cue huge celebrations this year as it marks its 150th birthday.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the country’s diverse landscape, entry to all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas will be free in 2017.

You will also find a year of events and some very special Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Visit canada.pch.gc.ca for more information.

When to go: It’s reliably warm in July and August across the country and you can easily coincide with Canada Day.

Alternative Spanish break

A medieval treat in northern Catalonia, Girona is much overshadowed by neighboring Barcelona. But this year sees new Jet2 flights from Belfast, East Midlands, and Edinburgh.

Explore the Old Quarter of Gothic and Romanesque buildings that are perched next to the Onyar and Ter rivers and crowned with a hilltop castle. If you’re looking for beaches, the Costa Brava is only an hour away.

When to go: It’s balmy from May to October. July and August are hottest, with highs of 29°C

Soak up Russia’s rich history

In 2017, Russia will mark 100 years since the Bolshevik Revolution, which overthrew the Tsars and ushered in new world order.

The unrest began in March 1917 in St Petersburg, and Moscow was reinstated as the capital city just a year later.

Take in both cities to compare imperial opulence and canals of the former, with the stark Soviet buildings and the preserved leader of the latter.

When to go: June and July see long days of warm, sunny weather and plenty of cultural events. August is warm, but slightly quieter.

See the sparkle of New Orleans

This March, British Airways launches the first direct flights from London.

Make it your chance to discover parties on Bourbon Street, see the amazing recovery after Hurricane Katrina, experience the music scene, and explore its history.

When to go: The weather is warm, but comfortable from February to May. Mardi Gras is on February 28 this year and the world-renowned Jazz Fest starts on April 28.

Explore the sleek style of Denmark

Why have one celebration when you can have two? This year sees the Danish city of Aarhus become the European Capital of Culture and the European Region of Gastronomy.

It is also easy to explore, has a beautiful setting on the Jutland Peninsula, and has won a slew of architecture awards for its modern design.

When to go: June and September are pleasant. Expect 22°C in July and August.

Contemporary Cape Town

South Africa’s most beautiful city is about to become the home of Africa’s largest contemporary arts museum.

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opens in September on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.

Looking for a place to stay? Luxury 28-room hotel The Silo opens in March above the new museum, with waterfront and Table Mountain views as well as a rooftop infinity bar and pool.

When to go: Cape Town is pleasant all year round, but the warmest months are from December to March, with an average temperature of 26°C.

Golden shores of the Caribbean

Turks and Caicos are famed for its beautiful Long Bay beach, often voted among the best in the world.

The Shore Club is the first resort on the famous stretch of sand. A beautiful colonial building with 106 suites and six villas, its setting is ideal for relaxation. Active types can try everything from snorkeling to exploring the island by bike — all included in the price.

When to go: The peak season is from December to March, with dry weather and warm temperatures of 27°C.

Persian perfection

The Foreign Office has relaxed its travel advice to Iran thanks to thawing diplomatic relations.

Take a tour to experience Esfahan, with its feast of Islamic architecture, graceful bridges and beautiful mosques, and the beautifully preserved Achaemenid ruins of Persepolis.

Add in the medieval grandeur and Persian culture of Shiraz and you have the ingredients for a holiday like no other.

When to go: The high season is from March to May. September and October are also pleasant and often cheaper.

The toast of Yorkshire

The UK’s City of Culture for 2017 is much-maligned Hull.

It kicked off a year of events last week by telling the city’s story on its streets. On February 22-25, every corner of Hull will host award-winning shows in the Back To our event.

The port has inspired centuries of poets and incited the English Civil War when it closed its gates to Charles 1 in 1642.

Explore the beautiful buildings of the old town, stroll by the restored marina and visit the amazing aquarium Deep.

When to go: Time your visit with one of the events this year, visit Hull 2017 for details.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet