Asia

Asia spans polar tundra to equatorial islands: from Siberia through the Himalayas to the Malay Archipelago and Arabian Desert. Distances are huge; regional planning beats continent-wide itineraries.

Climate zones vary: monsoons in South Asia, humid tropics in Southeast Asia, continental winters in East Asia. Travel season depends on region — check local monsoon and winter windows before booking.

Major hub cities — Singapore, Istanbul, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong — connect most regions. Low-cost carriers handle short hops; long-distance rail works well in parts of East Asia and South Asia for scenic travel.

From the Great Wall at Beijing to Angkor Wat and the old city of Jerusalem, pick highlights by era and region. Urban must-sees: Tokyo skyline, Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Delhi Red Fort.

Hike the Annapurna Circuit, dive the reefs off Philippine islands, city-cycle in Seoul, trek to remote monasteries in Ladakh. Permit-heavy climbs (e.g., K2) require pro logistics.

Street food is essential: night markets in Bangkok, ramen in Tokyo, dumplings in Xi'an. Prioritize fresh stalls with crowds; carry oral rehydration salts for spicy experiments.

Biodiversity hotspots include Borneo, Sundarbans, Kaziranga National Park, Komodo National Park. Look for Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).

Visa rules vary sharply: many travelers use e-visas for India, visa-on-arrival for parts of Southeast Asia, strict permits for border regions (e.g., parts of China). Check entry, transit, re-entry rules early.

Threat levels vary by country and neighborhood. Stay updated via government travel advisories, avoid risky border zones, get recommended vaccines, and carry digital copies of documents. Use reputable guides in remote areas.

Asia rewards focused trips: choose a theme, research regional seasons, book key permits early, respect local customs, and leave time for spontaneous discoveries in cities, mountains, and coasts.