Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique spectacles around the world

Visit the most unique trees around the world

Looking for somewhere spectacular and exotic? Here are the most unique tree spectacles around the world that will give you an inspiring love for nature.

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AVENUE OF THE BAOBAB TREE, MADAGASCAR

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

When it comes to Madagascar, the ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ springs to mind which you can easily find enormous trees – approximately  100 feet – lining the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. Tree avenue is considered the most accessible place to see baobabs in Africa and the most marvellous road in Madagascar. In sunny evenings, hordes of tourists are seen wandering along this idyllic road and taking countless pictures.

WISTERIA TUNNELS, JAPAN

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

Every spring, Japan intrigues a large number of visitors to take a walk underneath the mesmerising wisteria tunnels of the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, Japan. As a type of flowering vine, the wisteria tree can be bent to create mystical designs, including a spectacular 100-metre tunnel. Visiting Japan in spring, you should not miss the Wisteria Festival (Fuji Matsuri) in late April or early May which you can indulge in colourful natural spectacles and admire the enormous wisteria ‘tree’ of Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi.

RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS TREE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

Originated from the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the rainbow eucalyptus is an unusual tree with a beautiful trunk. Once its bark is shed, the rainbow eucalyptus reveals its astonishing beauty with striking shades of green, purple, orange and pink that are reminiscent of your average four-pack of assorted highlighters. Aside from the Philippines and Indonesia, you can also admire these unique trees in the US, including Balboa Park in San Diego, California, as well as in specific spots Kauai, Maui, and Oahu in Hawaii.

DARK HEDGES, NORTHERN IRELAND

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

Located on a quiet road near the town of Ballymoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges intrigue with 90 with beech trees twisted branches forming an arch over the road. This eerily tree-lined road is well-known for being featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Today, the Dark Hedges become the most photographed location in Northern Ireland. Tour buses stop regularly here in the afternoon, so get there early to avoid the crowds.

TA PROHM, CAMBODIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

As the mystical backdrop for the 2001 Hollywood hit starring Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is one of the many beautiful temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The 1000-year-old temple impresses visitors with the ceiba and fig trees that are slowly reclaiming the centuries-old stonework, their roots encroaching on the ruins, in a scene that shows the power of nature. Strolling around the temple’s corridors, you will be mesmerised by the ancient trees surrounding the temples and the natural maze created by the expanding roots.

BLUE JACARANDA, SOUTH AMERICA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

The blue jacaranda is a sub-tropical deciduous flowering tree native to South America, particularly north-western Argentina and southern Bolivia. This fabulous plant is known for its bell-shaped violet flowers. You can admire the striking beauty of the blue jacaranda in many other countries such as Australia, Hawaii, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia. Aside from its fascinating beauty, the blue jacaranda is listed as a Category 3 invasive species in South Africa.

BANYAN TREE, INDIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique spectacles around the world

If you are a nature lover, India is a must-visit country that is famous for its rich vegetation. Banyan trees are short and stout trees native to India. What makes these trees a popular tourist spot is that their aerial roots develop from their branches and drop to the ground to grow new trees. Apart from having amazing physical features, this grand old tree is also regarded as a holy place. Nothing can be better than sitting idly under the shades of nature and gazing at its spectacular beauty and magical charm.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions for tea lovers

The 5 major Asian regions for tea lovers

As the most popular drink on the planet, tea is integral to the identity, culture and politics of the Asian continent. If you are a tea lover, then make sure you visit these 5 major tea-growing countries when you are in Asia.

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CHINA – A TEA PARADISE IN ASIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions in Asia for tea lovers

China is the largest producer of tea on the planet, cultivating around 35 per cent of the tea exported across the globe. It is also the world’s largest consumer of tea, drinking around 1.6 billion pounds of tea leaves every year. There are four major tea-growing regions in China, including Jiangbei (north of Yangtze River), Jiangnan (south of Yangtze River), Southern China and Southwest China which produce oolong, green, black, white and rare yellow teas.

The Zhejiang Province is famous for its green tea and Longjing (or dragon well) tea in particular. China, the beautiful country of Asia, also specialises in oolong teas and the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong produce some of the best in the world. In Anhui Province, the speciality is black tea. Qimen, harvested in Anhui, is China’s premier black tea and is featured prominently in many English breakfast blends.

INDIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions in Asia for tea lovers

In 1835, tea exports from India were among the top exports alongside indigo, spices and herbs in Asia, but tea consumption across the country was relatively low. As a result, the Indian Tea Association try to popularise tea as a drink. There are three main tea-growing regions in India, including Darjeeling, Nigiri Hills and Assam. Assam is famous for its black breakfast teas which are typically described as having a malty or honey flavour. Meanwhile, the Darjeeling region in West Bengal produces black, green, white and oolong tea from the Camellia sinensis. Fragrant and smooth black teas are grown in the Nilgiri Hills region. If you are keen on Indian culture and cuisine, you might know masala chai (or spiced tea), a medicinal Aruyvedic beverage consumed in India for at least 5,000 years.

SRI LANKA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions in Asia for tea lovers

Located mainly in the central highlands, complete with the fertile soil, humidity and higher rainfall, Sri Lanka is one of the main tea-growing countries in Asia. Here, you will find rolling hills clad with row upon row of luscious, green tea plants, making it the perfect escape from the heat of Sri Lanka’s glorious beaches. The seven main tea growing areas in Sri Lanka are Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva, Uda Pussallawa, Ruhuna, Sambaragamuwa and Kandy, with flavours that range from mellow, to tangy to full bodied.

JAPAN – HOME TO THE TEA CEREMONY IN ASIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions in Asia for tea lovers

Aside from being famous for natural sights like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, cutting-edge technology, Japan is home to the art of the tea ceremony in Asia. Shizuoka and Uji are the most tea-growing regions in Japan. Although Shizuoka produces the most tea in Japan, accounting for 40 percent of the country’s tea plantations, it is said that Uji produces the best-tasting tea and Uji Gyokuro is the highest grade Japanese green tea. Today, green tea (or ryokucha), the most widely produced and beloved tea in Japan, is consumed in two principle ways: Sencha involves simply infusing the whole dry tea leaves in hot water and Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf powder that can be infused into noodles, ice cream and coffee.

TAIWAN

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions for tea lovers

If you are a tea drinker, you have probably heard of Taiwan’s teas in Asia. Taiwan’s Wulong (or Oolong), also called Formosa Wulong, are considered the best Wulong teas in the world and are highly sought-after exports. The Nantou region, home to Dong Ding oolong, is responsible for producing half the island’s tea. Sun Moon Lake in Nantou also cultivates Taiwan’s most renowned black tea, a sweet, rich variety called red ruby. In Pinglin, Taipei, tea plantations grow pouchong, an exceptional green-hued oolong famous for its floral aromas. “Come in and drink tea” is a common greeting to guests in Taiwan.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious dishes in Africa you should try

A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

No matter the exact origin of curry in Africa, there is no doubt that this dish has an intricate history on the continent. A simmering bowl of freshly made curry can take you on a journey of the senses. Here are some of the most delectable curries everyone should try on their next trip.

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CAPE MALAY CURRY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

If you are seeking a dish that carries hundreds of years of history, Cape Malay Curry should be a must-try. Deriving from East Asia in the 1600s, the dish makes its way to South Africa with a different group of immigrants, known as the Cape Malay people. Cape Malay curries usually include dishes such as bedie, a tomato-based stew-like dish with mutton, breyani and bobotie (made with spiced minced meat). These curries also incorporate turmeric, cumin, coriander and masala curry powder and sometimes served with sambals.

DURBAN CURRY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

Another African curry awaits the wandering gastronome, Durban curry. The origins of this dish can be traced all the way back to the indentured servants who were brought to South Africa by the British to work on sugar plantations. Bunny chow is basically a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with curry. Today, Durban, South Africa, is home to 800,000 Indian people and Durban curry and bunny chow remain iconic and beloved dishes throughout the country, which usually incorporate chunks of fish, potatoes or lamb and are characterised by their searingly spicy flavour, oily texture and deep rich red colour.

KUKU PAKA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curry dishes in Africa you should try

Kuku is the Swahili word for chicken and paka is the Bengali word for delicious. This rich dish of chicken in a spiced coconut sauce comes from Mombasa, a coastal city in southeast Kenya. Seasoned with cumin, coriander, turmeric and garlic, kuku paka gets a zing of freshness from lemon or lime juice. Also known as kuku na nazi, the dish is also popular in Uganda and Tanzania, where there are large communities of Indian migrants. Chowing down on a bowl of kuku paka is an essential part of any trip to this amazing African country of Kenya.

TAJINES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curry dishes in Africa you should try

A tagine is both a North African dish and the earthenware pot in which it is made. This Morrocan dish shares many similarities with other African curries. It is usually seasoned with garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger and turmeric. Chicken, lamb and beef are all common in both tajine and curry dishes and are cooked in a broth until thickened. One big difference is that tajine is not served over rice or couscous, whereas curry is usually always served with rice. Traditional recipes aside, tagines are excellent utensils for many one-pot, low-and-slow dishes.

CARIL DE CARANGUEJO OR CRAB CURRY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curry dishes in Africa you should try

Drawing on strong influences from the Arabic, Portuguese and native African food cultures, Caril de caranguejo is one crab curry you will not want to miss in Mozambican cuisine. This unique dish often incorporates various types of seafood and is served hot with rice or cornmeal dough and pickled mangoes. Fish and shellfish curries are often seasoned with peri peri, the iconic pepper sauce created by Portuguese colonialists.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Entertainment centres can reopen in April

Entertainment venues in New York can reopen in April

A variety of entertainment venues in New York will be allowed to reopen next month with new capacity rules. Accordingly, everyone will still have to wear a face mask and socially distance.

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New York’s indoor entertainment venues will be able to open next month with new capacity rules in the state’s latest reopening announcement. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning April 2nd, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present a negative Covid-19 test, venues will be able to accept up to 150 people indoors and 500 people outside. Social distancing and face coverings in New York will remain in effect.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Entertainment centres in New York can reopen in April

Manhattan‘s Radio City, Lincoln Centre and comedy clubs will be able to open their doors. Broadway will remain dark, but a series of pop-up shows will become available at select theatres. Following the successful reopening of arenas such as Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Centre, the state has also developed an app to make safe entry an even more seamless process.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Entertainment centres in New York can reopen in April

Individuals will be able to use the app as a mobile airline boarding pass in New York. Once they have uploaded their data, like their Covid-19 test result, they will receive a QR code, which they can print out or store in their phone’s Wallet App. Venues will then scan the code, receive the confidential data transfer and confirm attendees’ Covid health status.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Entertainment centres in New York can reopen in April

The app was recently tested at a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Centre and a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. What’s more, the Governor also issued new travel guidance. Domestic travellers to New York State who have been vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine or test out within 90 days of full vaccination and vaccinating performers will be a priority.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate the festival of colours around the world

Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Originated in India, Holi has explored in popularity and spread throughout the world. If you are not in India during the Holi festival, then check out these 7 best places to enjoy this colourful celebration from all over the world.

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CELEBRATING HOLI IN MAURITIUS

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Mauritius is a small island nation east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and it is home to a large Hindu presence. One of the best ways to experience the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic country of Mauritius is to embrace one of their magical festivals, Holi. The Festival of Colours not only celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, but it is also an occasion for Hindus of all ages from around Mauritius to come together and indulge in the festivities by folk singing, dancing and throwing handfuls of coloured powder and water on each other. This year, Mauritius will celebrate Holi from March 29.

HOLI IN GUYANA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Sitting hidden on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is an ideal place to celebrate the Holi festival of Colours which boasts a fascinating mix of Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Asian and native cultures. In Guyana, this celebration is called Phagwah because it was originally celebrated during the month of Phagun, the twelfth month of the Hindu calendar. Guyanese celebrates by throwing dye in the form of water and powder, along with processions, traditional songs called chowtals and foods like gulab jamun, gulgula and pholourie. This year, Guyana will celebrate the Holi festival on March 28.

HOLI IN NEPAL

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

If you want to experience one of Nepal’s most lively and colourful festivals, the spring festival of Holi, known as Phagu Purnima, is a fantastic option. The Holi festival intrigues visitors with lots of colours and picturesque traditions. Unlike India’s festival, Phagu Purnima is celebrated with the erection of the chir, a wooden pole decorated with colourful strings of cloth, in a public space one week prior to the start of the festival. In Kathmandu, the capital and largest city, Durbar Square and the streets of Thamel are the best places where participants throw powdered dyes and water balloons at each other, dance, pray and exchange food during the festival. In 2021, Holi will be celebrated on March 28 and 29.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

There is a significant presence of the Indian diaspora on the Caribbean island. In Trinidad and Tobago, Holi, popularly known as Phagwa, is one of the country’s most important celebrations. Dating back to 1854, the festival is observed with much splendour and enthusiasm. Like everywhere else, Hindus in Trinidad ring in spring with a festival of colours, folk songs, dance and a variety of special Holi dishes. The community members take advantage of this festival as an opportunity to rid themselves of all types of enmity and animosity.

BERLIN, GERMANY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

The Holi Festival of Colours has made its way to Berlin, Germany. As a celebration of summer, people colour each other with dry powder. This year, the Holi Festival of Colours will take place on August 28 from midday to 10pm. You will see huge crowds descending upon the Zentraler Festplatz in Berlin for the most lively colourful festival in the country. DJs, bands and musicians from India and all over the world will be performing live on stage. You can spend more on colour packages and VIP experiences and tickets cost approximately $22.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, USA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate the festival of colours around the world

Located in the southern part of California, Riverside is famous for the Holi Festival of Colours. This Californian take on Holi combines the festival’s traditional and spiritual elements with more modern features that make participants feel like they are at one big party. Taking place at Riverside’s Martha McLean Park, the festival intrigues huge crowds with amazing activities, for instance, live music, yoga, traditional dancing, Indian cuisine and the throwing of colours.

SPANISH FORK, UTAH, USA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate the festival of colours around the world

Just outside the city of Spanish Fork, Utah, USA, approximately 70,000 people regularly attend the Festival of Colours, which was started by the local Hare Krishna temple in 1989. There are two days of lively, colour-filled activities, including interactive dance, bands, yoga classes and cuisine. People of all different ages are seen dancing, singing and throwing environmentally-friendly colours on each other. The celebration of Holi 2021 takes place at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple on Saturday, September 25 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 4pm. Colours, dust masks and bandanas will be available for sale.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens to explore this summer

The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Europe has plenty of conventionally gorgeous gardens, but there are others with weird designs and fascinating histories. If you are taking a visit to Europe this summer, make sure you check out one of these unusual gardens.

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QUINTA DA REGALEIRA, SINTRA, PORTUGAL, EUROPE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

When travelling to Lisbon, Portugal, Sintra’s Pena Palace might be the obvious choice for tourists, but nearby Quinta da Regaleira offers quirkier views with fewer crowds. Customised between 1898 and 1912 by businessman António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and his architect Luigi Manini, this sprawling property is considered the stranger-than-fiction landscaped garden in Europe, inspired by Renaissance art, Gothic architecture and Greek mythology. There are grottoes, caves, secret tunnels and fountains. The most dramatic is the Initiatic Well, a tower heading into the Earth, complete with a spiral staircase, used for masonic ceremonies.

UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW LIBRARY ROOF GARDEN, WARSAW, POLAND

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Covering 17,000 square metres at the University of Warsaw Library, the roof garden is the perfect destination to visit this summer in Europe. The library’s outer walls are covered in trailing plants and vines. As the bright colours of spring blooms give way to lush greenery, the garden becomes the ideal place to relax, including two distinct areas, each with a stream, joined by a fountain and walkways lined with climbing plants. Throughout the garden, windows and panels give glimpses of the library beneath, reminding you are on top of a building, not a ground-level oasis. After its launch of 15 years, the roof garden remains popular with locals, tourists and students in this green city.

KYLEMORE ABBEY VICTORIAN WALLED GARDEN, CONNEMARA, IRELAND

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Whether you are basking in the sun on the lawns or exploring the cooler leafy retreats, this stunning garden has something for you to appreciate. Revered as a masterpiece of landscape gardening in Europe, this garden was one of the last walled gardens to be built during the Victorian period in Ireland. Discover the magic of the beautiful garden with 21 heated glasshouses and a 60-foot banana house. Uniquely, only plants and vegetables which grew in Victorian times are grown in the garden today. There are also walks signposted around the main gardens with details about each of the highlights.

HORTILLONAGES, AMIENS, FRANCE, EUROPE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Just a few minutes’ walk from Amiens Cathedral, the floating gardens of Amiens, known as Hortillonages, have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Located in the Somme, an area forever associated with World War I, the floating gardens might bring mental respite for battlefield visitors with some time to spare. They spread across 300 hectares of marshland, linked by water channels. There are roughly 1,000 individual gardens, most used as weekend retreats or for gardening projects and only seven gardeners earn their living here.

EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL, UK

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Opened in 2001 in a former quarry, the Eden Project consists of several gardens: some outdoor and others arranged inside giant biomes with microclimates. Whether you are strolling down through the exotic, tropical ‘cloud bridge’, spying a giant bee sculpture or passing a rubber-tapping exhibit, there is a strong conservation message amidst the Instagram-worthy views. As a family-friendly garden in Europe, it is home to a stunning variety of activities such as tasing rum-infused baobab smoothies, discovering the plant extracts used in painkillers and many others.

ORVYDAS GARDEN, SALANTAI, LITHUANIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens to explore this summer

One of the most unusual gardens in Europe is the Orvydas Garden in Salantai, Lithuania which became a symbol of defiance against the regime. Living under Soviet rule, young Vilius Orvydas knew religious symbolism, including tombstones and roadside shrine statues, was banned. However, his stonemason father, Kazys Orvydas, saved and hid the illegal artefacts on their land while Vilius sculpted huge new pieces in stone, metal or wood, using discarded stone, Soviet missile debris and fallen trees. He then added pathways and water features among them. Today, the garden remains an important reminder of historical oppression and becomes a popular attraction in Lithuania.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most essential breweries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The top breweries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is home to a stunning array of breweries and styles, ranging from classic lagers to the most cutting-edge crafted flavors. Check out our list of the six best breweries to kick off a beer tasting tour of this fantastic city.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to see stars in Asia

The best places to go stargazing in Asia

If you want to plan a trip to one of the best stargazing spots in Asia, here is the list of destinations that offer incredible views of the night sky and little light pollution and allow you to have a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical experience.

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YEONGYANG ECOLOGICAL PARK, SOUTH KOREA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to go stargazing in Asia

Designated Asia’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2015, South Korea’s Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park is an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts. Located in the Wangpi River Basin Ecological Landscape Protected Zone in eastern South Korea, about a five-hour drive southeast from Seoul, this dark-sky park has minimal light pollution and crystal-clear skies thanks to a small population. Apart from the star-studded sky, this park protects the millions of glowing fireflies, who require darkness to communicate with each other.

STARGAZING IN THE HEHUAN MOUNTAIN, TAIWAN

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to go stargazing in Asia

The dark skies and less air pollution make Hehuan Mountain on the best stargazing list. Located in Taroko National Park, about two hours by car from Taichung International Airport, this International Dark Sky Park intrigues a large number of stargazers from far and wide. During your stargazing time in Hehuan Mountain, you can not only see very unique star alignments but also go camping in several campgrounds such as Heliu campground (at the Lüshui Trail entrance) and Lushui campground near the Lushui Geological Exhibition Hall.

HATERUMA ISLAND STARRY SKY OBSERVATORY TOWER, JAPAN

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to go stargazing in Asia

Built on the most southerly inhabited island in Japan, the Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observatory Tower is known as a very good place to view the starry night sky. Approximately 15 minutes by car from Hateruma Port, this observatory is home to a 200-millimetre refracting telescope which allows you to see 84 constellations during peak new-moon periods, from late April to mid-June, including the Southern Cross. Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, Japan’s first International Dark Sky Park, located on the nearby Iriomote Island, is also an impressive stop for you to have the ultimate cosmos experience.

GREAT WALL, CHINA – A DREAM FOR STARGAZING ENTHUSIASTS

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to go stargazing in Asia

If you want to be blown away by nighttime sky spectacles, Great Wall is your ideal destination. Opened to the public day and night, the old stretch of Gubeikou has some of the most surreal stargazing in China. With small crowds, few nearby residents and low light pollution, this section of the wall gives stargazers incredible views of glittering constellations. For the ultimate cosmos experience, many local tour operators like Great Wall Hiking and the Great Wall Inn offer an array of activities such as hiking or camping.

GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to go stargazing in Asia

Nothing compares to a night under the stars, especially on Asia’s largest desert, the Gobi Desert in  Mongolia. With its crystal-clear skies and high elevation of over 5000ft above sea level, the Gobi Desert offers exceptional views of the Milky Way, along with the blanket of shimmering stars. Your stargazing trip to Mongolia would not complete without staying at Three Camel Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. So pack your bags, escape the city light and experience this magic.

TIGER LEAPING GORGE, CHINA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to see stars in Asia

Located about 37 miles north of Lijiang, Yunnan, China, at the tail end of the Himalayas, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of Asia’s best spots for mountain stargazing. There is an 11-mile mountain-ringed trail, which takes travellers up rugged switchbacks and rocky descents overlooking the Yangtze River en route. Visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge, you should spend a couple of days trekking and then exploring the dazzling night sky at one of several budget-friendly accommodations like Tiger Leaping Gorge Guesthouse.

GO STARGAZING IN LAN HA BAY, VIETNAM

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to see stars in Asia

Looking for another great stargazing spot in Asia? Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam is a must to add to your bucket list. Aside from widely known for its spectacular seascapes and peaceful ambience, this destination is particularly ideal for stargazing in Vietnam. Small-boat cruises take travellers through Ha Long Bay and out into calm, clear Lan Ha Bay for two tranquil, star-filled nights. You can also take buses or ferries jet to get to bungalows in the jungles of Cat Ba Island, where they can stargaze in near solitude before dozing off to the rhythm of the waves.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive streets in the world

The most expensive shopping streets in the world

Shopping is one of the best ways to explore the culture and lifestyle of your destination. If you own a piece of luxury, make sure to visit some of the most expensive shopping streets around the world.

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CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, CHINA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

Causeway Bay, commonly called Tung Lo Wan by locals, is known as one of the most popular shopping, dining and entertainment destinations in Hong Kong. Situated on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, the street is jam-packed with restaurants, shopping hotspots and luxury fashion retailers such as Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Calvin Klein, BVLGARI and Dior. Located in the eastern part of Causeway Bay, the largest park in Hong Kong, Victoria Park, is also a great site to enjoy the lantern festival every year and watch the beautiful moon at Mid-Autumn Festival.

UPPER 5TH AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

One of the most expensive shopping streets in the world and the main artery of New York City’s shopping scene, Upper 5th Avenue is a part of the Fifth Avenue in Manhattan that intrigues lots of shopaholics with an array of luxury department stores, designer boutiques and spectacular window displays, especially around Chrismas. The retail street is just a short stroll away from the iconic Times Square and Central Park and is also home to the 24-hour flagship Apple Store.

BOND STREET, LONDON, UK

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

Located in the heart of historic Mayfair in the West of End of London, Bond Street has been a fashionable shopping street since the 18th century. Today, this luxury retail street is revered throughout the world for its incredible wealth of elegant stores, luxury goods, fine jewellery and designer fashion. Here, you will find luxury brands, for instance, Chanel, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Asprey, BVLGARI, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and many others.

AVENUE DES CHAMPS ELYSÉES, PARIS, FRANCE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

The most beautiful avenue in Paris, Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the place intrigues nearly 300,000 visitors each day with its magnificent monuments and expensive shopping experiences. One of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Champs Elysees is home to legendary perfume maker Guerlain, high-end American jewellery brand Tiffany & Co and the very popular French department store Monoprix.

VIA MONTENAPOLEONE, MILAN, ITALY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

Known as Milan’s most exclusive shopping street, Via Montenapoleone reflects its reputation as the ‘fashion capital’ of the world. This upscale shopping street is famous for its plethora of international fashion brands and exceptional Italian design. There are numerous refined boutiques and the flagship stores of the world’s leading brands such as Gucci, Versace and Valentino.

GINZA, TOKYO, JAPAN

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

If you want to visit one of the most expensive shopping streets in Asia, Ginza, Tokyo’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment district, should be added to your bucket list. The 1km-long stretch of Chuo-Dori is filled with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes that attract thousands of tourists from far and wide. Alongside luxury stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and BVLGARI, this massive area hosts numerous high street retailers such as Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, GU, GAP and many others.

PITT STREET MALL, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive streets in the world

Situated in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District, Pitt Street Mall is the busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping area in Australia. It accommodates over 600 stores, including retail centres Myer, David Jones, Glasshouse, Sydney Arcade, Westfield Sydney, Mid City Shopping Centre and The Strand Arcade. What’s more, this retail strip is just a short stroll to Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and vibrant Chinatown.

BAHNHOFSTRASSE, ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive streets in the world

Considered one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe, Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is a dream for shopping enthusiasts. Here, you will find luxury brands, department stores, perfumeries, watch shops and some of the best Swiss delicacies. In summer, you can stroll along the Lake Zurich or enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate at every corner in winter.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning flowers around the world

Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

In the springtime, there are so many destinations across the globe that show off their best floral varieties. Check out these 8 charming spring places for your first best trip in the new year.

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SKAGIT VALLEY, WASHINGTON, USA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

If you are travelling to Washington, USA, in April, then not to be missed to visit Skagit Valley. Every April, Skagit Valley boasts a splendid beauty with long rows of rainbow-hued tulips in bloom. What’s more, the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, one of the largest Tulip Festivals in North America, is designed as a driving tour, to make it as easy as possible to view the scattered tulips throughout the valley. This festival intrigues a large number of visitors every year with a whole host of fun activities including photo competitions, barbecues and even helicopter rides that allow you to appreciate the flowers from above.  

KEUKENHOF GARDENS, LISSE, HOLLAND – THE BEST SPRING FLOWER VIEWING SPOT

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

When it comes to the land of tulips, Holland is a must on the bucket list. In spring, you will see the brightly coloured flowers pop up in clusters all over the region, but the place where you will find the most is in the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Holland, just a short bus journey away from Amsterdam. Dating back to the 15th century, the garden attracts up to millions of visitors from far and wide, making it one of the most popular spring gardens in the world. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens from mid-March to mid-May for the best views.

PANJIN RED BEACH, CHINA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

Located in the Liaohe River Delta, about 30km southwest of Panjin City in China, Red Beach in Panjin is one of the biggest wetlands in the world, covered by a rare red-coloured form of the plant called Sueda. Opening from May to October every year, Panjin Red Beach allows visitors to admire the brightly red carpet from above by walking across the artfully-arranged wooden bridges. Red Beach is also home to an abundance of rare species of birds such as the red crane and Saunders’s gull.

MOUNT FUJI, JAPAN

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

Aside from cherry blossoms, Japan is home to another pretty-in-pink spring bloom: Shibazakura. Considered the most famous Shibazakura viewing spot for multiple centuries, Mount Fuji looks gorgeous with millions of pink moss phloxes dotting this picturesque mountain and creating an impressive display. No spring trip to Mount Fuji is complete without attending the Fuji Shibazakura Festival which is held from mid-April to early-June each year and enjoying local food and drinks.

JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA – A DREAM FOR SPRING FLOWER ENTHUSIASTS

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

One of the most beautiful locations in South Korea, Jeju Island boasts the start of springtime with its famed spring flowers and is a dream for flower enthusiasts. It is the perfect place to experience gorgeous views of blooming bright yellow rapeseed, canola flowers and cherry blossoms that are sprawling up the slopes of Halla Mountain and Sanbangsan Mountain. Visit between late March and early April, you will be able to feast your eyes on the gorgeous scenery of spring flowers in full bloom.

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

Each spring, the Antelope Valley in California ignites in a carpet of wild poppies, making it great for admiring beautiful florals. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve boasts the dream-like landscape of wild poppies infused with the imposing mountains in the background. Visit the scenic Antelope Valley between late March and early April to see the best view of the flowers in the area and stroll along over 12 kilometres of winding trails. Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out as the poppies open up in the heat and curl up when it is cold.

UMBRIA, ITALY – THE STUNNING SPRING LOCATION

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning flowers around the world

A dream for outdoor enthusiasts, the Piani di Castelluccio plain, Umbria, Italy is also world-renowned for its dense vineyards, lush green hills and wildflower meadows, attracting huge throngs of visitors from around the world. Take a stroll amongst the endless collection of meadows that burst with colour in the spring and you can spot avalanche poppies and undulating mountains in an impressive display. Visit Umbria from early May to late June, walk along the hiking trails and snap photos of the expansive views of the florals.

CARDIFF, WALES, UK

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning flowers around the world

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, earns its name when this spot comes alive with yellow daffodils – the national flower of Wales. Known as one of the first flowers to be seen in spring, the yellow daffodils remain a firm British favourite. The best time for you to admire the most enchanting view of the flowers is between late February and early April when you can soak up these floral beauties across Cardiff or on the grassy hill outside Cardiff Castle.

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