Subject:

asia

Image: will hybrid.

The vibrancy of India has inspired artists for ages and their attempts to capture what they see results in a array of breathtakingly beautiful colors. Whether it be in a shot from a travel photographer or a film approach, like in Wes Anderson's Darjeeling Limited we always wonder, has anyone ever been successful? Have you been to India? Does India live up to its representation?

Image: sektordua.

Tahiti has been spoiled for many years, but Bali is one of the few cultures with origins in one of the great ancient cultures which is still alive. -Arthur Erickson

Just one of thousands of islands (13,000 to be exact) that make up Indonesia, Bali has become renowned a little slice of heaven here on earth. This "Island of the Gods" offers pristine beaches, incredible vistas and a vibrant Hindu culture that leaves you reveling in its beauty.

Located in southern Thailand, Phuket enjoys the distinction of being both its largest island and its most popular tourist destination. People flock to enjoy the sand, surf, and to party down. Although it was devastated by a tsunami back in 2004, Phuket has bounced back and remains an awesome place to visit.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is well known for producing some of the best tea in the world. Unbeknownst to many travelers, it also has some of the best beaches.

Sometimes I'm looking for an offbeat trip, but often lack a source for inspiration. Discovering a first hand account of a great trip is often all I need to inspire wanderlust. Like Daniel and Audrey of Uncornered Market, trekking through Nepal wasn't at the top of our must see list. But, their account of a recent trek changed their minds as well as my own.

The annual festival of Sinulog is held in Cebu City, Philippines. A dance ritual honoring Jesus Christ, or Santo Niño, celebrates the acceptance of Christianity into their culture.

There's a lot more to India than the Taj Mahal. Check out those carrots!

We like it when writers get to the point. Sure, travel stories are great, but there are just some details you need to know. Over at Globespotters, Donald Morrison, breaks down the essentials of travel in Beijing in clear, concise terms.

Whenever you travel to an unfamiliar place, you'll likely be in the mood to sample some of the local fare. You don't have to plan your trip to the dish, but it helps to at least have an idea of what you want to try.
Singapore is a place where you can sample the best cuisine from many different cultures, without having to travel all over Asia. As a bonus, it also has some delectable dishes that are distinctly local. Before you go, get to know some of these dishes so you won't be stuck wondering what to try.

If you're ever in Singapore or Malaysia and want a cheap, delicious, authentic bite to eat, a hawker center is exactly what you're looking for. Hawker centers are extravaganzas of food, with numerous small food stands, surrounded by tables. At larger centers, you'll be able to find something from every local cuisine, which is especially tantalizing in multi-cultural Singapore.