Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi – Photo credit

While prestige developments like Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa have made Dubai a poster child for the region, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is no idler. Abu Dhabi, after all, is a place where Pritzker Prize architects like Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel and Zaha Hadid draft extraordinary museums and arts centres, innovative hoteliers like Sir Rocco Forte offer a new level of luxury hospitality and three Michelin star chefs like Juan Amador go for fresh inspiration. The result? A city with verve and boundless hopes for the future. All in all, not a bad place for a 24 hour layover.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

For sheer pomp and majesty, few places of worship top Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It took over half a billion USD and a global band of artisans years to craft the flagship temple of the U.A.E. The result is duly powerful. A bona fide work of art, the mosque can hold 40,000 faithful at a time and has 80 domes, some 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Free tours start at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday to Thursday.

Yas Island

There are megaprojects and then there is Yas Island. The host of the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, some 30 km from the city, is familiar to motorsports fans the world over but the USD 36 billion development venture is about a lot more than chassis and tyres. Try theme parks, a world class marina, championship-caliber golf, signature hotels and yes, Ferrari World. The first – and only – Ferrari theme park in the world delivers all the thrills the Scuderia is famous for. Just look for the big roof in Testa Rossa crimson.

Saadiyat Island

Upon completion Saadiyat Island will offer a unique experience: a cultural magnet for arts aficionados, dazzling architectural icons, a pristine beachfront and compelling sports and recreational pursuits, such as the Gulf’s first tidal and ocean golf courses. This island is infused with a richness that serves cultural, social, emotional and environmental needs. And as the future home of the Louvre and Guggenheim museum, Saadiyat is positioned to become a flagship destination for Abu Dhabi, and a treasure for the world. Saadiyat is just a five-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and one hour from Dubai.

Heritage Village

On the other end of the spectrum, Heritage Village provides a window to the past. A dutiful homage to a veritable oasis village, the open-air museum presents the desert way of life, from a falaj irrigation system to traditional metal work and pottery. Be sure to visit the on-site gift shop for a range of authentic products to enjoy back home.

Arabian Wildlife Park

If you must travel 240 km outside of Abu Dhabi, the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island provides a worthwhile – and unforgettable – experience. The game reserve is a sanctuary for more than 10,000 animals, from hyenas and cheetahs to gazelles and giraffes. Stay at the plush Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and go on a 4×4 Nature & Wildlife safari with expert island staff.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi:

Shangri La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri

Fairmont Hotel Bab Al Bahr

Emirates Palace Hotel

Abu Dhabi City Guide

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Video

Photo credit

History

In 1990, Taipei’s tourism bureau consolidated resources for a major event to celebrate Lantern Festival in order to promote folk traditions. It soon became one of the most important annual festivals in Taiwan. At first, celebrations were held in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park in Taipei. But in 2001, various cities were assigned to play host for the festivities as well.

Where to stay: W Taipei

Traditions

During the day, families pray for good luck at temples. Houses are decorated with lanterns of varying shapes such as historical figures, saints, or gods. The main ones, about ten metres tall, are built to represent the zodiac signs based on Chinese astrology wherein the current year’s animal symbol (dragon for 2012) is the most famous theme.

Where to stay: Riviera Hotel Taipei

On the night of the Lantern Festival, lanterns are carried by children out on the streets and are used to decorate both temples and the town square. Traditional paper lanterns are adorned with candles. But thanks to modern technology, laser-powered lanterns can have a full range of movements with sound effects.

Where to stay: Fullon Hotel Taipei

To add even more excitement to this event, different contests are staged all over the city. There are lantern-making competitions where awe-inspiring works of art are created for judging. It is also part of tradition to hold lantern riddle parties throughout the night.

Where to stay: Hotel New Continental Taipei

Aside from the lanterns, celebrants also serve tang yuan – sticky glutinous balls made of rice flour. These can be filled with peanut butter, red bean or sesame paste. Customarily, these are prepared with sugar but others choose to make the balls a little bit salty. Eating tang yuan is believed to help tighten family bonds and foster smooth relationships.

Where to stay: Shangri-la Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei

2012 Festival

The preparations for the 2012 Taiwan Lantern Festival commenced in Changhua Country this past January 29. It will be held until February 19 in three major venues in Lukang, a city known for its temple culture. It is expected to draw about 5 million visitors.

Where to stay: City Lake Hotel Taipei

With a main theme of “Soaring Dragon in Radiant Skies,” the festival’s design will be based on customs and culture merged with technology and art to depict Taiwan’s growth into its centenary during the festival. The main lantern is a beautiful landscape piece which transforms into a fiery dragon by night.

Where to stay: Leader Landmark Lukang Hotel Changhua

Where to stay: Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Taipei

Taipei City Guide

John L., Brisbane

Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town – Photo credit

South Africa is a wonderful place for a memorable family holiday. In fact, for culture and natural wonders, UNESCO World Heritage gems and spectacular game reserves, Blue Flag beaches and wildlife, you can hardly improve your lot. Check out a dozen great bets in the country for adults and little ones alike, with top-notch family accommodations to boot.

Kruger National Park

One of the most venerable and vast game reserves on the continent, Kruger is a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve that teems with every member of the Big Five. Clearly, this is where to get your safari on and at close to 20,000 km², Kruger provides ample opportunity to do just that.

Where to stay: Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort Hazyview

Shamwari Game Reserve

The city of Port Elizabeth has a lot of charm, thanks in no small part to points of interest like Shamwari. The small 250 km² game reserve has won numerous “best in the world” accolades over the years and is a popular locale for television and film shoots.

Where to stay: Protea Marine Hotel Port Elizabeth

Bayworld

Another reason to visit Port Elizabeth? Bayworld. The cultural history museum also envelops a Snake and Dinosaur Park on a pristine swath of Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront.

Where to stay: Radisson Hotel Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth City Guide

uShaka Marine World

The skyline of subtropical Durban is one of the most impressive in South Africa, from the Golden Mile to Moses Mabhida Stadium. First stop for the kids in the KwaZulu-Natal city has to be the world class uShaka Marine World theme park.

Where to stay: The Square Boutique Hotel & Spa Umhlanga

Durban City Guide

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

The explicit luxury and casino resort of Sun City is two hours from Johannesburg and close to 2010 World Cup host city Rustenburg. Amid the adults-only allure is the terrific Pilanesberg Game Reserve, with all the telltale African fauna kids crave.

Where to stay: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge Pilanesburg

Rustenberg City Guide

Two Oceans Aquarium

Smack dab in the heart of Cape Town is Two Oceans Aquarium, on the pretty Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The world class facility is miles in front of most marine life zoos and even offers visitors the chance to swim with sharks (with the proper scuba certificates, of course).

Where to stay: Cape Grace Hotel Cape Town

Robben Island

Even your 6-year-old will appreciate the significance of Robben Island. The former penal colony island home of Nelson Mandela and scores of other apartheid-era political prisoners is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay: One&Only Cape Town Hotel

Muizenberg

Muizenberg, a lovely beach suburb of Cape Town, is a superb place to relax, swim and take some surf lessons.

Cape Town City Guide

Where to stay: Protea North Wharf Hotel Cape Town

Plettenberg Bay

Drive the exquisite Western Cape Garden Route and discover the place Portuguese circumnavigators dubbed Bahia Formosa.

Where to stay: Beacon Island Hotel Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay Guide

Winelands

The incomparable Stellenbosch wine region is not just for 18-and-over oenophiles. A Children’s Route winds past attractions like the Green Door Fairy Garden in James Town, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch’s Toy & Miniature Museum and a butterfly sanctuary.

Where to stay: Kleine Zalze Lodge Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch Guide

uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park

Yet another UNESCO World Heritate jewel, uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park is the de facto roof of South Africa and covers some of the most dramatic and exceptional landscapes on the continent. The park, from San cave art to wildlife, is a marvel and, happily, quite accessible.

Where to stay: Stonehaven Lodge Drakensberg

Drakensberg Guide

Vredefort Dome

How about a singular asteroid impact site to cap off the list? The Vredefort Dome is just 120 km from Jozi and, yes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kids will love it!

Where to stay: The Peech Hotel Johannesburg

Johannesburg City Guide

Aso Kujū National Park – Photo credit

Fukuoka

The premier city on the island of Kyushu has upward of 1.5 million people and major cultural allure. Fukuoka, too, is old, even for Japan, and unfurls a treasure trove of first-rate heritage eye candy as such. The dynamic ward of Hakata is a hot spot flush with manifest gastronomic potential. Vital festivals like Dontaku Minato Matsuri and Gion Yamakasa take place in Hakata as well.

What to include on the itinerary: Fukuoka Art Museum, Genko Historical Museum, Kyushu National Museum, Maizuru Castle, Nokonoshima Island Park

Where to stay: Grand Hyatt Hotel Fukuoka

Fukuoka City Guide

Nagasaki

Few link Nagasaki with events other than the atomic bomb attack of WWII but the Kyushu prefecture capital has come far since 1945. As a polestar of Euro commerce and trade from the early 16th century to late 19th century, the city has a very different vibe for Japan. To wit, Nagasaki’s church and Christian monuments await formal UNESCO World Heritage status sometime in the next year or so.

What to include on the itinerary: National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, Urakami Cathedral, Koshibyo Shrine, Kofukuji Temple

Where to stay: Nisshokan Bettei Koyotei Ryokan Nagasaki

Nagasaki City Guide

Kagoshima

Kagoshima is a port city with a divine backdrop in the form of Sakurajima, a stratovolcano and former island. Come for the Ohara Festival, explore the Satsuma Peninsula and Kirishima-Yaku National Park and marvel at the local Kagoshima-ben dialect.

What to include on the itinerary: Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Kagoshima onsen, Kagoshima City Museum of Art

Where to stay: JR Hotel Yakushima

Kagoshima City Guide

Kumamoto

Tidy Kumamoto is home to just under a quarter of a million people but has the look and feel of a more modest metropolis. Kumamoto Castle, one of the most vital cultural assets in Japan, is the indubitable magnet for domestic and international visitors alike. The city has some modern lures as well, however, from a lively student-centric nightlife to abundant parks and gardens.

What to include on the itinerary: Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto City Tramway, Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine

Where to stay: Yusai Ryokan Kumamoto

Kumamoto City Guide

Oita

The capital of Oita Prefecture is a Kyushu must, namely to indulge in onsen bliss at Beppu and the heritage town of Yufuin. Aside from spas, however, do book a day trip to the Kunisaki Peninsula to admire vestiges of Japan’s early civilisations.

What to include on the itinerary: Shibaseki Onsen, Kitahama Termas Onsen, Hihokan Sex Museum

Where to stay: Beppu Bay Royal Hotel Oita

Oita City Guide

Miyazaki

Did you pack your surfboard? Good because Miyazaki has some sublime surf. A warm climate makes the Kyushu prefecture capital a popular draw throughout the cold Honshu winter.

What to include on the itinerary: Aoshima Subtropical Botanical Garden, Kizaki-hama Beach, Aoshima Beach, Shira-hama Beach

Where to stay: Aoshima Grand Hotel Miyazaki

Okinawa

See what made Mr. Miyagi so nostalgic in The Karate Kid. 80s pop culture references aside, Okinawa is a gem with a major growth industry in beach holiday tourism. Culture, however, is what makes us jones for the island in the East China Sea. Naha, the island and prefecture capital, is a coastal city of 315,000 people and superb gateway to it all. Okinawa Island is also the portal to the rest of the prefecture, all 1,000 km of the Ryukyu (Nansei or Southwest) archipelago, from Kyushu to Taiwan. Explore Okinawa but try to include one or two of the Southwest Islands for good measure.

What to include on the itinerary: Naha Folkcraft Museum, Nago, Yakushima, Miyako-jima, Ishigaki-jima

Where to stay: Miyakojima Tokyu Resort Okinawa

Okinawa City Guide

The final tally includes a duo of stellar heritage districts, an incomparable volcano, rosy botanical garden, two of the best restaurants on the planet, a gargantuan cave system and a world wonder of a canyon. All extraordinarily romantic, Valentine’s Day or not.

Photo credit

10. Hayden Planetarium at Rose Center for Earth and Space
79th Street and Central Park West, Manhattan, New York

The Big Apple’s icons – from Broadway to the Statue of Liberty – loom large on the February 14 agenda but the peerless planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History is the best way to see the stars. For dinner, make a beeline for Masa (if you have the lucre) or Frankies Spuntino in Brooklyn.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel New York

New York City Guide

9. The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, California

Thomas Keller is the best chef in America, bar none, and runs two of the top restaurants in the world in Per Se at the Time Warner Center in New York and The French Laundry in Yountville. For Napa winery vibes and scenery, the California address wins in the romance department.

Where to stay: Napa Valley Lodge Yountville

8. Little Torch Key
Florida Keys

For the ultimate romantic getaway, escape to Old Town Key West and the plush Little Palm Island Resort on Little Torch Key.

Where to stay: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Key West City Guide

7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii County, Hawaii

Thanks to massive Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai At Historic Kaupulehu

Hawaii Big Island Guide

6. Historic Districts of Savannah
Savannah, Georgia

Historic Savannah is the epitome of Old South gentility and Federal architectural charm.

Where to stay: Mansion On Forsyth Park Savannah

Savannah City Guide

5. International Rose Test Garden
400 Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon

Find out why hipster Portland is the Rose City.

Where to stay: Monaco Portland A Kimpton Hotel

Portland City Guide

4. Garden District New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana

Take a lazy streetcar past Colonial villas and Late Victorian estates in the beautiful Garden District, grab a cone at The Creole Creamery and a late dinner at Galatoire’s.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

New Orleans City Guide

3. Husk
76 Queen Street, Charleston, South Carolina

Sean Brock is the chef de rigueur at the moment and his restaurant Husk has made Charleston – always a good food destination – a must on the epicure circuit.

Where to stay: The Restoration On King Hotel Charleston

Charleston City Guide

2. Mammoth Cave National Park
1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

A toss-up between Carlsbad and Mammoth – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – but proximity to superb Louisville makes the Kentucky national park triumph in the end.

Where to stay: 21c Museum Hotel Louisville

Louisville City Guide

1. Grand Canyon National Park
Coconino and Mohave, Arizona

Number one for awe and romance from here to eternity.

Where to stay: ARIA Resort & Casino At CityCenter Las Vegas

Las Vegas City Guide

The spectrum is far and wide, ranging from whiskey mixology heaven and punchy cocktail providores to high walled beer gardens and indoor beer barns that double as music venues. Brooklyn Social’s on trend crowd unknowingly pay homage to the venue’s previous incarnation as an Italian social club. Dutch Kills does a modern play on the traditional speakeasy, while Southpaw takes cheap and cheerful to the next level with band postered wallpaper and a cavernous vibe.

It’s warmer and sunnier in Brooklyn, which makes the beer garden and speakeasy proliferation no coincidence.

Sunny’s Bar, Red Hook, Brooklyn – Photo credit

Hotel Delmano
82 Berry Street at North 9th Street

A bona fide old-fashioned pre-Prohibition saloon that hits all the right notes and accents.

Where to stay: Distrikt Hotel New York City An Ascend Collection Hotel

Botanica
220 Conover Street

Cocktails and board games in Red Hook’s few and far between.

Where to stay: The Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel New York City – Capella Managed Hotel

Metropolitan
559 Lorimer Street

It’s Williamsburg. It’s gay. And it’s about time.

Where to stay: Hotel Giraffe New York City

Southpaw
125 5th Avenue

Pabst and gigs, but thankfully without the trucker caps, in Park Slope.

Where to stay: Hotel Elysee New York

Hot Bird
546 Clinton Avenue (at Atlantic)

The food truck and picnic tables mean patrons don’t mind being fenced in to this outdoor drinking sprawl.

Where to stay: Nolitan Hotel New York

New York City Guide

Newcomers abound but Ignatius Chan’s molecular route is a little more firmly – ahem – rooted in the Singapore dining scene. It’s an East meets West fusion and there’s now bar seating for a more ‘interactive’ experience. Les Amis, one of the granddaddies of fine French cuisine is going 17 years strong and has a famous foie gras people book months ahead for.

Go on. Make that booking. Credit cards and expense accounts aren’t meant to be saved for a rainy day.

Orchard Road, Singapore – Photo credit

Les Amis
1 Scotts Road

Fine French fare with a gentle homage to its Asian location, it’s one of Singapore’s oldest and best.

Where to stay: Royal Plaza On Scotts Singapore Hotel

Iggy’s
The Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road, Level 3

Restaurateur and sommelier Ignatius Chan at the helm of number 27 of the S Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Where to stay: Hilton Singapore

Gunther’s
Talib Centre, 36 Purvis Street

Haute nouvelle despite the German sounding name, residing in a cosy yet refined space on Purvis Street.

Where to stay: InterContinental Hotel Singapore

Restaurant André
41 Bukit Pasoh Road

French trained, Taiwanese André Chiang deals in his own brand of octaphilosophy.

Where to stay: New Majestic Hotel Singapore

Tippling Club
8D Dempsey Road

A welcome industrial, airy break from the oft stiff Singapore scene. Cocktails are serious business here.

Where to stay: Regent Singapore – A Four Seasons Hotel

Singapore City Guide

From the inevitable pull of Patpong Market (think haggling and cheap knock offs) to the pricier and more brand focused Siam Square, the shopping options here can keep you occupied for days. And while those ritzy rooftop bars have their Mecca-like haze, you can get your drinks cheaper and stronger on the ground. Wong’s Place bucks trends in every way with an indoor smoking area and an honesty bar where you hand over cash and help yourself to the beer fridge. Cheap Charlie’s may make you sit on the street, but the extremely cheap drinks make it all OK.

Keep pounding the Bangkok pavement and you’ll find food, drinks and all manner of things that you won’t find on the 64th level of that high rise monstrosity.

Wong’s Place – Photo credit

Wong’s Place
27/3 Soi Sribamphen, Rama 4 Road, Yannawa

Not for the fainthearted but completely fulfilling if you’re a smoker and/or a fan of authentic and crazy dive bars.

Where to stay: Metropolitan Hotel Bangkok

Cheap Charlie’s
Soi Sukhumvit 11/1, Khlong Toei Nuea

What it lacks in finesse it makes up for in bargain basement booze and the best street view in Bangkok. Literally!

Where to stay: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Patpong Night Market

Yes it’s smack bang in the middle of the red light district, but no need to let that distract you from the bargains.

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park

Siam Square

The nucleus of Bangkok shopping that connects you with other shopping centres by footpath or sky bridge.

Where to stay: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Silom Soi 2 & 4

Alleyways play host to Bangkok’s crazy scene. And we mean crazy – from the clubs to the cocktails.

Where to stay: Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok City Guide

Northbridge caters to all facets of food and booze renaissance and they’re moving in thick and fast. Mexican hipness isn’t relegated to the East Coast and the eatery La Cholita is holding her own on this side of the country. Kung Fu Kitchen is ignoring the overcooked and over-garnished burger revolution and dishing up tasty organic fare. And why should Sydney and Melbourne be the only ones to smugly benefit from raw food providores? The Raw Kitchen Café is pushing the boundaries with their raw pizzas and glass drinking straws.

Be spoilt for wine choice at Fremantle’s Who’s Your Mumma, find small bar heaven at Hula Bula and take this up a notch at the Sentinel bar and eatery.

Photo credit

La Cholita
279 William Street, Northbridge

Mexican cantina and bar serving guacamole and tequila cocktails to hipsters and other William Street traffic.

Where to stay: Criterion Hotel Perth

Kung Fu Kitchen
145 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

Back to basics pork and beef burgers and pared back garnishing so you can really taste what you’re eating.

Where to stay: Northbridge Hotel Perth

The Raw Kitchen Café
36 South Terrace, Fremantle

Good luck trying to figure out just how they do it without an oven or a stove in sight.

Where to stay: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle

Who’s Your Mumma
Unit 7A, 142 South Terrace, Fremantle

Small plates and drinks from the owners of Harvest and La Cholita in North Fremantle jazz up a dowdy intersection.

Where to stay: Pier 21 Apartment Hotel Fremantle

Hula Bula
12 Victoria Avenue, Perth

OTT cocktail hour lives right here with Polynesian décor and about as an authentic Tiki experience you’ll find on the West Coast.

Where to stay: Pan Pacific Perth

Perth City Guide

Photo credit

Lake Burley Griffin

Canberra’s most iconic geographical feature may be artificial but the recreation potential of Burley Griffin is most definitely not. Walk it, bike it, row it and make some time for the National Carillon on Aspen Island.

Where to stay: Hyatt Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel

National Museum of Australia

Is it the best museum in Australia? Arguably yes. For Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles and exhibits on Aboriginal heritage, reason alone to visit the ACT.

Where to stay: Diamant Boutique Hotel Canberra

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Frolic with flora at the foremost botanical garden complex in the country.

Where to stay: Rydges Lakeside Hotel Canberra

Australian War Memorial

The Anzac Parade opens on to a tasteful and top-drawer national war memorial and museum devoid of over-the-top, rah-rah histrionics. Powerful stuff.

Where to stay: All Seasons Olims Hotel Canberra

National Film and Sound Archive

Audio and cinephiles take note: the National Film and Sound Archive has a spectacular collection that makes history come alive.

Where to stay: BreakFree Capital Tower Canberra

National Gallery of Australia

You need more than 24 hours to take in some 120,000 works of art but give it a shot. From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to a marvelous sculpture garden, the National Gallery is a triumph.

Where to stay: Rydges Capital Hill Canberra

Parliament House

One of the most expensive government projects ever built, the Parliament of Australia is impossible to miss and deserves a bit of your time.

Where to stay: Forrest Hotel & Apartments Canberra

Namadgi National Park

It behooves Canberra visitors to explore the wonderful ACT if they can manage it. Namadgi National Park is a good place to start, since it covers almost half of the territory.

Where to stay: Country Comfort Greenway

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

Finally, a science museum that enthralls adults as much as wee ones.

Where to stay: Burbury Hotel Canberra

Black Mountain Tower

One of the best panoramas in the country, bar none, is from the very top of Black Mountain Tower. Grab a perch and point and click to your heart’s content.

Where to stay: Novotel Hotel Canberra

Canberra City Guide