Chinese New Year display in Kuala Lumpur – Photo credit

Singapore

When it comes to knockout Chinese New Year celebrations, Singapore is definitely at the forefront. Festivities that span the entire country begin with the ceremonial Street Light-Up in Chinatown. Colourful street lanterns, lamps, stage shows, street bazaars and Singaporean celebrities add oomph to the event.

Where to stay: Oasia Hotel Singapore

Singapore City Guide

Malaysia

Lion dances, parades, and fireworks welcome the Chinese New Year in Malaysia. Red papers with Chinese inscriptions on prosperity are pasted in front of houses for good luck. During family dinners, red packets with money are given to the kids and the elderly. All of this, of course, is very typical stuff and not unique at all to Malaysia. What is not typical, of course, is the party atmosphere in central KL.

Where to stay: The Westin Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Kuala Lumpur City Guide

Vietnam

Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is the Vietnamese New Year that falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year. The most important civic holiday of the year features a festive vibe in the streets of Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City et al and all the requisite noisemakers and fireworks.

Where to stay: Liberty Central Hotel Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City Guide

Hong Kong

The Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong attracts hundreds of people each year. The colourful procession takes place at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

Where to stay: The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong

Hong Kong City Guide

Philippines

Locals and foreigners alike head to the Binondo, Metro Manila’s Chinatown, for Chinese New Year. The focal point for festivities features lion and dragon dances and a lot of good food. Almost everyone eats nian gao, a glutinous rice cake believed to bring good luck when consumed. Others hoard charms and gems to attract wealth, good health, and love.

Where to stay: Edsa Shangri-La Hotel Manila

Manila City Guide

Macau

Temples are always filled to the brim during the annual celebration of the Chinese New Year in Macau. Locals offer gifts to deities for good luck in the coming year. Touristy Senado Square turns into a giant stage for drum groups, dragon dancers, and fortune-tellers.

Where to stay: The Venetian Macau

Macau City Guide

Thailand

The clinking of cymbals, thumping of drums, and banging of gongs all echo in the exhilarating Chinese New Year festival in Thailand. In Bangkok, merry-making is focused on Yaowarat Road, the city’s Chinatown. Sounds of firecrackers erupt one after the other and the entire city is painted with wondrous gold and red colours. Street performers entertain the crowds with acrobatic antics.

Where to stay: Praya Palazzo Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok City Guide

China

Lunar New Year celebrations from Urumqi to Harbin, Kunming to Beijing, provide a chance to display a feverish, collective pride over one of China’s most auspicious inventions: fireworks. The most awesome spectacle takes place in Shanghai, where the fortunate take it all in from rooftops or high-rise observation platforms, like at the Park Hyatt in Pudong.

Where to stay: Park Hyatt Shanghai Hotel

Shanghai City Guide

John C., Auckland

Photo credit

First of all, let me commend your choice to forgo Cortina. Why drive four and a half hours from Milan to wait forever for a lift ticket and spend a fortune on a second-rate espresso? Italy has plenty of other ski resort towns with quality powder and without the attitude and silly snobbery.

Breuil-Cervinia, Valle d’Aosta

The Aosta is one of my favourite areas in Europe. Good food, salt of the earth vibe, gorgeous scenery – what is not to like? I can almost hear the distinctive sound of the Valdôtain dialect in the streets of Cogne now. But I digress. Breuil-Cervinia is a mere 200 km from Milan and just on the other side of the Matterhorn. The fact is, however, that Cervinia trumps Zermatt in a number of departments: quality of snow, restaurants, crowds, prices, you name it. Plus you can access the Klein Matterhorn glacier and go off-piste at your own pace.

Where to stay: Atahotel Miramonti Hotel Saint Vincent

Courmayeur, Valle d’Aosta

Still in the awesome Aosta, the comely little of comune of Courmayeur has a feature no other ski resort can eclipse: Mont Blanc. Indeed, the pinnacle of Western Europe is not only the domain of Chamonix in Haute-Savoie, France. The most altitudinous town in Italy has a claim on the summit as well. Courmayeur is a paragon four seasons paradise, popular with hikers in summer and, of course, ski bums in winter.

Where to stay: Mont Blanc Hotel Courmayeur

La Thuile, Valle d’Aosta

Just 40 km west of Valle d’Aosta capital Aosta, La Thuile is a de facto twin to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and the Isère Valley in France. The tiny town marks the extreme northwest corner of Italy and a brilliant section of the Alps. You can drive over the Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo (Little Saint Bernard Pass) to test your skills at La Rosière in France but why bother? La Thuila has it all.

Where to stay: L’Espoir Hotel Antagnod-Ayas

Passo del Tonale, Lombardia

The upper recess of Lombardy is as fine a place to ski in the world as any. The three hours from Milan to the Tonale Pass, across the Rhaetian Alps between Lombardy and Trentino, is a drive of a lifetime. To use the word dramatic is to understate the scenery from the slopes.

Where to stay: Locanda Del Bel Sorriso Hotel Trento

Livigno, Lombardia

If Tonale feels remote, hold on to your ski poles. Livigno is 100 km to the north, on the border with Switzerland. Swish St. Moritz and the Engadin valley may reside on the other side of the Alps but Livigno is a gem. Duty-free status is a nice bonus and with a max altitude of 2,800 m, snow is in abundance.

Milan City Guide

Christmas market, Strasbourg – Photo credit

Nuremberg, Germany

Well over 1 million people visit Nuremberg over the holidays for what is surely one of the most eclectic and venerable markets in Europe.

Where to stay: Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg

Nuremberg City Guide

Dresden, Germany

The Free State of Saxony has a Christmas gem in the Dresden Striezelmarkt. The market lures a remarkable 2 million patrons, on average, every December.

Where to stay: Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden

Dresden City Guide

Augsburg, Germany

Bavaria celebrates Christmas with singular festive flair. The Christkindlesmarkts in Augsburg is a good place to start.

Augsburg City Guide

Where to stay: Steigenberger Drei Mohren Hotel Augsburg

Strasbourg, France

The fine capital of Alsace has held a Christkindelsmärik on UNESCO World Heritage Grande Île since 1570.

Where to stay: Cour Du Corbeau Hotel Strasbourg

Strasbourg City Guide

Bolzano, Italy

The capital of Bolzano-Bozen proves that pockets of Italy can Christmas market with the best of them. The South Tyrol is a winter sports haven blissfully free of big tourist crowds. For this reason alone, we heartily recommend the December market in lovely Bolzano.

Where to stay: Hotel Touring Santa Christina Valgardena

Bolzano City Guide

Salzburg, Austria

Celebrate Christmas in a UNESCO World Heritage city. Sublime Salzburg comes to life in December with a market at the foot of the Salzburger Dom.

Where to stay: Sacher Hotel Osterreichischer Hof Salzburg

Salzburg City Guide

Brugge, Belgium

Belgium, too, has a deep affinity for Christmas markets. We like to get all Colin Farrell In Bruges and mix it up on December 6, Saint-Nicolas style.

Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Dukes Palace Brugge

Brugge City Guide

Aarhus, Denmark

Denmark loves Christmas. The Nordic nation-state has a rich caboodle of Christmas traditions, all of which visitors to the East Jutland city of Aarhus can witness in person at the market in the Ridehuset, or Equestrian Hall.

Where to stay: Best Western Hotel Ritz Aarhus

Aarhus City Guide

Copenhagen, Denmark

Double your pleasure in København with Christmas market stalls in Tivoli and Freetown Christiania.

Where to stay: Scandic Palace Hotel Copenhagen

Copenhagen City Guide

Gothenburg, Sweden

The urbane second city of Sweden hosts a swanky street market in December that easily rates as one of the best in Scandinavia.

Where to stay: Novotel Gothenburg Hotel

Gothenburg City Guide

Thank you kindly in advance,

Ramona T., Wellington

Palawan, Philippines – Photo credit

How I envy international teachers! What a life – a new country and culture every few years if you have the wherewithal and ambition for it and, of course, the chance to indulge your wanderlust over the long school holidays.

The problem with your specific request is not one of scarcity, of course, but of abundance. From Taipei you can easily hop to the likes of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines and find a bucolic one-two beach/hike punch. For the sake of brevity, however, I will enumerate several of the most notable, with key hotels to keep in mind.

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

The Phi Phi archipelago in Krabi Province is home to some of the most beautiful island scenery in Southeast Asia, let alone Thailand. While common knowledge that the film The Beach was shot on Ko Phi Phi Leh, do not let the backpacker crowds dissuade you. A worthwhile departure from Phuket.

Where to stay: Zeavola Resort & Spa Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Islands Guide

Ko Samui, Thailand

Meanwhile, on the other side of Thailand, Samui seduces weary travellers with a mix of pristine coast and dense, highland jungle.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Ko Samui Guide

Langkawi, Malaysia

The Andaman Sea Jewel of Kedah, Malaysia has a picturesque beach for every day of the week and, for rainforest canopy panoramas, the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Where to stay: The Danna Langkawi Hotel

Langkawi City Guide

Palawan, Philippines

The Philippines spans 7,107 islands but, incredibly, only two natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Peerless Palawan is home to both: Tubbataha Reef and Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Where to stay: El Rio Y Mar Resort Palawan

Palawan City Guide

Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is one of the most under-the-radar islands in the Philippines, despite the fact that Chocolate Hills Monument is a foremost national symbol (and on the UNESCO Tentative List) and that tiny, adjacent Panglao is on the verge of a Boracay-like facelift.

Where to stay: Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa Bohol

Bohol City Guide

The Malukus, Indonesia

For a tidy island cluster way, way off the mainstream antenna, you have to turn to Indonesia. With 13,466 islands, the archipelago nation makes the Philippines look small. Inevitably, a few remote diamonds in the rough escape the notice of developers. The Malukus (or Moluccas), the former Spice Islands of the country, may well be the last bastion of unspoilt paradise. Flit from volcanos to coral reefs from dawn to dusk.

Indonesia Hotels

Bali

Beach resort bliss and the rice paddy, arabica foothills of Ubud. I think Bali is up to snuff.

Where to stay: Ayana Resort & Spa Bali

Bali City Guide

Kenting, Taiwan

Why not stay in Taiwan and hit the beach in Kenting National Park? For a memorable hike, the rooftop of East Asia, Yushan, is just a few hours to the north.

Where to stay: Castillo De Amour Bed & Breakfast Kenting Fairy Tale Building

Kenting City Guide

Sarawak

Impossible to exclude Borneo from a list of hike and beach hot spots in Asia. The state of Sarawak, Malaysia is where to go. Crash in Kuching, the dynamic capital, and get languid on the coast. For incomparable primeval rainforest treks, Bako National Park is close by.

Where to stay: The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage

Kuching City Guide

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

With Nha Trang overrun, the new beach star in Vietnam is the island of Phu Quoc, which – bonus! – is also mountainous and thickly forested.

Where to stay: Chen La Resort & Spa

Phu Quoc City Guide

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea – Photo credit

8. Mount Giluwe (Papua New Guinea)

Mount Giluwe is the fourth-tallest summit on New Guinea – an island bigger than the entire nation of Turkey and in the vicinity of Pakistan in total area. Slopes with diverse forms of vegetation strategically frame the base of the magnificent volcano and unfurl trails laced with ferns, shrubs and wildflowers.

Where to stay: Lissenung Island Resort

7. Taveuni (Fiji)

Taveuni, the “Garden Island of Fiji”, is a gigantic elongated shield volcano on Taveuni Island. The third-largest in Fiji is explored by thousands of tourists per annum. Visitors indulge in tropical R and R on the numerous resorts scattered all over the island.

Where to stay: Paradise Resort Taveuni

Fiji Island Guide

6. Tinakula (Solomon Islands)

Tinakula is a stratovolcano that rises almost 900 m above sea level. Those who want to see the volcano up close must arrange for special transport and be prepared to get wet when boats dock a few feet from the shore.

Where to stay: Heritage Park Hotel Honiara

5. Mount Yasur (Vanuatu)

Tanna is called the Island of Fire because of its active volcano, Mount Yasur. A volcano experience involves a 1.5 hours trip onboard a 4-wheel drive vehicle, a 10-minute trek to the crater and another 1.5-hour 4WD trip back to base. Night tours are recommended because of the astonishing displays of molten magma.

Where to stay: Friendly Bungalows Tanna

Tanna Island Guide

4. Mount Pagan (Marianas)

The Northern Marianas has a volcanic island called Pagan – an uninhabited island made up of two active island-arc stratovolcanoes connected by a slim cape. The larger of the two is Mount Pagan, on the northeastern side.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Saipan

3. Savai’i (Samoa)

Savai’i is Samoa’s biggest island and the largest shield volcano in the South Pacific. It has fascinating lava tubes and volcanic craters wherein new ones are formed when eruptions take place every 150 years. But it is not at all only gray stony coastlines and lava pools. Tourists are treated to excellent sand and majestic lagoons perfect for snorkeling.

Where to stay: Insel Fehmarn Hotel Apia

2. Mount Taranaki (New Zealand)

Taranaki is one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world. It is considered a young one too, activity has “only” been traced back to 135,000 years ago. Its strong resemblance to Japan’s Mount Fuji made it the perfect backdrop for the movie The Last Samurai.

Where to stay: The Waterfront Hotel New Plymouth

New Plymouth City Guide

1. Mauna Loa (Hawaii)

Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on the face of the earth. How about that? The opportunity to go to UNESCO World Heritage Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to study it up close is a major career move for a vulcanologist.

Where to stay: Kona Coast Resort Hawaii

Hawaii Big Island Guide

Diwali garlands in Durbar Square, Kathmandu – Photo credit

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

If Carnival is any indication, the capital of T and T knows how to party. Hindus account for one-quarter of the population of the Caribbean nation. For another energetic Calypso-style Diwali celebration in the area, hop over to Georgetown, Guyana.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Port of Spain City Guide

Kandy, Sri Lanka

UNESCO World Heritage Kandy is a scenic city for holiday fun in the highlands of Sri Lanka.

Where to stay: Earl’s Regency Hotel Kandy

Kandy City Guide

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Diwali is a public holiday in Malaysia and a dynamite time to be out and about in KL.

Where to stay: Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur By Shangri-la

Kuala Lumpur City Guide

Suva, Fiji

Good news if you want to visit the South Pacific in late October: multicultural Fiji is 28% Hindu. Party it up in the capital, Suva, then make a dash for a beach resort on one of the more remote islands in the Melanesia nation.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Suva

Suva City Guide

Leicester, East Midlands, England

With over 35,000 people on Belgrave Road for the annual switch on the lights celebration, Leicester throws one of the top Diwali festivals outside of India. Close to 30% of the populace of the East Midlands city is of South Asian provenance.

Where to stay: Belmont Hotel Leicester

Leicester City Guide

Pokhara, Nepal

The UNESCO World Heritage Kathmandu Valley is one of the most sacred places on the planet and a singular backdrop for a holiday like Diwali. We, however, love the second city of Nepal, Pokhara. The Himalayas provide a festival backdrop too dramatic to pass up.

Where to stay: The Fulbari Resort & Spa Pokhara

Pokhara City Guide

Mandalay, Burma

The cultural capital of Myanmar (Burma) is going through cataclysmic change as a result of mass immigration from Yunnan, China but still throws the best Diwali party in the country.

Where to stay: Sedona Hotel Mandalay

Mandalay City Guide

Singapore

Diwali is one of 11 major national holidays in Singapore and the best time to be in Little India, Serangoon Rd.

Where to stay: Grand Park City Hall Hotel Singapore

Singapore City Guide

Mauritius

From the small capital of Port Louis to the countless paradisal resorts on the coast, the island nation of Mauritius marks Diwali in vibrant, colourful fashion.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius At Anahita

Mauritius Guide

Bali, Indonesia

Though only 2% of Indonesia is Hindu, close to 90% of incomparable Bali adheres to the faith. The lush highland heart of the exceptional island is the best place to celebrate Diwali like a local.

Where to stay: The Royal Pita Maha Resort Bali

Bali City Guide

Mumbai, India

The alpha metropolis of India pulsates to a frenetic rhythm year round but the pace hits a fever pitch on the high holidays.

Where to stay: JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai

Mumbai City Guide

Pamela W., Cairns

Le Méridien Bora Bora – Photo credit

Honestly, Maui comes immediately to mind. The Hawaii island is not prohibitively expensive, like more über-remote dots in the Pacific Ocean, but is lush and luxe enough to marry postcard scenery with the plush creature comforts you most likely want on a honeymoon. The result? Tropical romance on a pineapple poi platter. Choice Maui resorts to consider include:

The Ritz Carlton Hotel Kapalua delivers sublime service, from the spa to the many restaurants. You pay a premium for all this oceanside indulgence but in the case of a honeymoon in the Pacific, you go big or go home.

Grand Wailea Hotel is a Waldorf Astoria property so you know by brand alone what kind of service and luxury is in store. The quality level is platinum standard high and most evident in the Hydrotherapy Circuit at Spa Grande and on the plates that come out of Humuhumu’s kitchen.

Fiji has to be on your shortlist. The South Pacific is a predictable play but why not? It has the requisite components for a perfect, unforgettable honeymoon. I personally recommend the Yasawa or Mamanuca islands in Fiji. Less development than Nadi and, in manifest parts, the embodiment of white sand bliss.

Tokoriki Island Resort Mamanuca Islands offers sumptuous private luxury villas on the beach. The two of you will barely have to see another soul between check-in and check-out.

Navutu Stars Resort Yasawa Islands is the only upmarket hotel on Yaqeta Island and a total fantasy of a resort. The numbers tell the tale: 10 beachfront bungalows for maximum 20 very fortunate people at a time.

The over 130 islands of French Polynesia provide much honeymoon fodder, with Bora Bora and Tahiti the most suitable for romance travel. Both evoke fanciful visions of ivory powder sand and blood-red sunsets and, to a degree, the islands fulfill the fantasy. Though you pay for the privilege of a holiday in both, few regret the experience after the last credit card installment.

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa lives up to the name. The resort is a pearl and a rare one at that. Simply put, the property is one of the best small resorts on the planet. Service is flawless and tasteful and rooms extraordinary, from garden pool suites to premium overwater bungalows.

Le Méridien Tahiti draws on Starwood’s notable track record in the luxury resort business to remit first-class hospitality in Punaauia. Rooms feel and look like boutique flats with traces of Polynesian flair – over the water no less.

Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands, feels very Survivor and Castaway. This is just fine if you sincerely want to escape from it all. To accomplish that aim in style, splurge silly at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, where the quality of the beach villas and bungalows eclipses even the lofty rates.

Angela L., Glebe

Photo credit

Good question Angela and one, I assume, on the minds of most prospective travellers of late. In these tough global economic times, where out of control fuel prices have made long-distance travel prohibitively expensive for so many, we can use all the help we can get. The new trend in the corporate world in fact, is to downgrade to “premium” economy from business class for frequent flyer executives in order to massage the bottom-line. Hard times indeed.

In order to get some help, however, you have to help yourself first. You have to be, in other words, like my frugal grandmother. A pesky haggle-machine infamous with local merchants, she was relentless with scissors and a coupon book and knew the price of apples and yarn within a 20 km radius. So be like my nan Angela. Be resourceful, get to know the lay of the land and research with implacable zeal. When you hit a level of confidence in your knowledge about flights, hotels and your overall itinerary, take some common sense steps to secure upgrades:

Ask and have a reason in mind. I hate to be glib but just ask. No joke! It stuns me how few people just come out and ask for a flight or hotel room upgrade. Like a shy schoolchild, I think some people quake at the thought of rejection or the wrong answer. Newsflash: there is no wrong answer! The worst that can happen is the person on the other end of the line says “No.” So do the obvious and ask first. And remember, the more specific your request (“I need more legroom because I have a newborn.”, “Can I get a room upgrade for my honeymoon?”), the more reason they have to grant or at least consider it. Another word to the wise: ask more than once. For example, if you book a flight well in advance, casually ask about a courtesy bump. But make sure to ask one more time at the last second – you just never know.

Schmooze. OK, so this is another form of ask but up another notch. “Schmooze” is not tantamount to “Beg” – desperation is very unsexy in negotiation matters – and involves a lot more savvy wordplay. Mention, for instance, that you are a loyal customer of airline X, hotel Y and never stray. Be nice but not obnoxiously polite, sincere but not maudlin and dress sharp. Believe me, it helps to look put-together and present a somewhat professional image. Other tactics to curry favour and get comps? Check in early and board late.

Loyalty and frequent flyer programs abound and do offer potential windfalls for very regular customers. They do come with inherent Catch-22s and pitfalls, however, so pore over the fine print … much like my grandmother at the kitchen table with her loupe and coupons.

In the end, patience and persistence yields rewards. So if you plan to fly from Sydney to London, for example, do a competitive analysis between Qantas, Virgin and British Airways. Make some calls, inquire, try to gain a little wriggle room for yourself. Then, take a look at hotels in London and see what kind of offers you can score. Go for it and do not be timid!

London City Guide

La Pergola, Cavalieri Hilton

Photo: Credit

The padrino of Rome’s elevated, al fresco dining scene is helmed by Heinz Beck and oiled by a staff so elegant and synchronised you’d swear they’re all recovering ballerinos. The décor is verging on rococo as only Italians can do, but you’re not going to care when viewing the smuggest of panoramas from atop Monte Mario.

La Terrazza dell’Eden, Hotel Eden

A piano bar, smoking area and Beluga on blinis – you shouldn’t expect anything less. Situated on the ritzy Via Ludovisi, this 120 year old relic has embroidered tablecloths and claims to regularly host “prestigious guests protected with discretion, gentle smiles concealing tough and upright characters”. Amazing, really.

Bramante, Hotel Raphael

Photo: Credit

Med and Asian dishes with a French technique in the Piazza Navona with views of the Tiber, St Peter’s and, oh, the list goes on. Mingle with journalists, artists and other media types while snacking on prawn cocktails soaked in cognac.

Ristorante Aroma, Palazzo Manfredi

With a startling view of the Coliseum and the Imperial Forum, who cares about Guiseppe Di Iorio’s award winning menu? Just bring the Barolo and we’ll watch the sun set over this view you simply couldn’t dream up.

The Rooftop Garden, Grand Hotel De La Minerve

The closest rooftop restaurant to the Pantheon’s dome (and surrounding inferior domes) offers fish, pasta and other Italian traditionals. The summer months make for a dreamier experience, but they’ve just announced year round opening hours, so warm yourself with numerous Amaros if you’re there during winter.

Imago, The Hassler

Replete with its 1^st Michelin star, this is Rome’s hot dining property at its best. A blend of traditional and experimental Italian cuisine sates well heeled diners pretending not to notice the stunning view from atop the Spanish Steps.

Circus, Forty-Seven Hotel

Less showy, more local, still fabulous. This restaurant has views from the Aventino to the Campidoglio and products sourced from the Lazio countryside. The terrace has undergone a recent renovation by 4 “emerging” artists. This may not be your décor bag, but with a view like that, you’re not likely to be fussed.

Here is one of his favorite Christmas light displays:

Amazing Grace Techno – Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.