Asia

Travelling overseas is the most amazing thing in the world…until it isn’t. We dig into some real Aussies' unfortunate travel tales and how much they cost. 

Ready to make those holiday plans a reality? Flight Centre’s Asia Sale has Contiki trips through Bali, India, Vietnam, Thailand and beyond, calling your name.

Think beachside lunches and buzzing cafes, low‑key dinners that celebrate local produce, and a general vibe that’s all about slowing down.

As the vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo pulsates with an energy that is truly unparalleled.

Whether you’d prefer fluffy clouds of kakigori melting in your mouth or a succulent piece of tonkatsu, these Tokyo restaurants have you covered.

 From island paradises and lush green wonderlands to achingly cool art hubs and Michelin-star eateries, forget everything you thought you knew about Hong Kong—because this city has so many under-the-radar gems to explore.

If an unforgettable luxury experience is calling your name, pack your bags, grab your passport, and book yourself the ultimate getaway at one of Hong Kong’s top hotels. 

Whether you're eyeing Ginza's stylish streets or Asakusa's old-world charm, these are the best Tokyo hotels to check into in 2025

Whether you’re planning a lavish staycation with skyline views and champagne on standby, or flying in for a taste of the city’s five-star side, there’s no shortage of hotels ready to raise the bar.

We’re talking waterslides, sprawling buffets, and enough thoughtful touches to make travelling with kids feel (almost) effortless.

With a line-up of five-star resorts, incredible foodie experiences, and bucket list-worthy activities, this Singapore playground is the real deal. 

With Scoot’s new direct flights from Singapore to Cam Ranh, Vietnam’s hidden coastal gems are now easier than ever to explore. Here’s where to stay, play, and unwind.

Infinity pools, Latin‑flair dining, reef snorkels with turtles, and creative energy woven into every villa—this is Gili’s most stylish escape.

With everything from jungle-topped paradise islands to high-octane cities and centuries-old sacred sites, Thailand’s beauty extends far beyond its beaches.

From onsite theme parks and mud baths on secluded islands, to state-of-the-art fitness studios and jungle pools, there's something for every type of escape in 2026.

At Urban List, we reckon the best hotels in Bangkok are all about sky-high luxury, Michelin-starred restaurants, and day spas that transport you to another realm of relaxation.  

Travelling with a 4-year-old and an 11-month-old isn’t exactly synonymous with relaxation, so when a place manages to make it feel easy, it’s worth talking about.

Sentosa’s got serious main character energy, whether you’re a tourist ticking off the island life or a local just looking to escape your HDB without a passport.

If the bright lights and crowds of people are getting a little too much, these are the best day trips to take from Tokyo in 2026.

Long layover? Delayed flight? Arrived aggressively early because you don’t trust airport traffic? Good news: if you’re stuck at Changi, you’ve landed at the only airport where killing time feels suspiciously like a lifestyle upgrade.

Singapore isn’t short on beautiful hotels, but every now and then one opens that genuinely raises the bar.

High-speed trains, irridescent laneways, endless ramen and underground izakayas—time to get booking.

Looking for cheap hotels in Singapore? We got you. 

Equal parts luxury playground, architectural icon, and social-media star, this three-tower megastructure has been redefining the city’s skyline (and staycation standards) since day one.

Japan doesn’t just feed you—it ruins you for food anywhere else. And it doesn't have to break the bank. Here's 20 of our favourite cheap-eats through the country of dreams. 

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Lying east of the Thai mainland, Koh Samui is a must-visit slice of paradise in the Land of Smiles, whether you’re a first-timer to the country or you’ve already fallen in love with Bangkok and Phuket.

With its white-sand islands and pink-hued sunsets, Thailand isn’t just a destination—it’s a daydream, where the best resorts make romance the main event.  

Out with the beer buckets, in with the Yin yoga. Wellness tourism is taking off. Travellers are turning away from sticky clubs and poolside hangovers and embracing health and healing.

New year, new you? There's no better way to find yourself than heading on an adventure abroad—thankfully Singapore Airlines is making it easy with their Picture Perfect Travel Deals. 

There are sporting events, and then there are full-blown cultural moments, and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens firmly sits in the latter camp.

Ready to hit the skies in 2026? Us too. From pristine Greek islands and sandy beaches of Sri Lanka to the neon-lit streets of Seoul, here's where we're heading (and why) this year. 

Now, thanks to Flight Centre, it’s easier than ever to sprinkle a Singapore stayover into your Euro itinerary. 

After a multi-city tour of bucket list destinations, Samantha Andrew fell head over heels for South Korea. 

We’ve all fallen victim to the “yeah, soon one day” thought trap. 

The perfect family holiday—the kind kids and adults yarn about long after the suitcases are unpacked—requires a few key elements.

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary, massive family reunion or fun getaway with the crew, Singapore delivers for every special occasion

According to Burnt Ends chef Dave Pynt, even a quick stop in Singapore is enough to get out and see the best of the city. 

Their newest itineraries are all about meaningful, experience-led travel. And they’re on sale.

If you’re planning a Singapore sojourn soon and want to truly dive into the island’s vibrant culture, epic eats and bucket list-worthy experiences, we’ve got the ultimate hit list for you. 

The extended World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 list just dropped, and we're manifesting a stay at all 100...

 From meticulously designed neighbourhoods to world-class eats, buzzing cultural hubs, and effortless transport, every moment in Singapore counts. 

These untouched island jewels have our names written all over them.

Japan is far more than just packed city streets and temples.

The pop singer has just released her debut album 奔月 MOONLANDING”—an album capturing big feelings in super catchy pop bops. To celebrate, we asked her to take us to her favourite holiday destination and share some travel tips firsthand. 

TL;DR: Jetstar’s Japan and South Korea sale is on now, with fares from $179 until October 12. Start practising your bow—or your finger heart.

A nightclub waterslide. A dark room where you’re smacked with leaves. Night forests of lasers and lights. Beachside luxury with disco balls and bedtime stories. Alpacas and wolves. Bali's Nuanu Creative City is surprising.

Between brunch hangs and beach clubs, the accommodation is often the afterthought when it comes to a Canggu trip. With its cool coastal energy, Cali Villas Canggu flips that script, the kind of stay that becomes the destination, where you'll happily spend every sun-drenched hour.

A melting pot of rich culture, incredible cuisine and plenty of fun, Singapore is the ultimate getaway for families. 

From speakeasies masquerading as convenience stores to culture-rich neighbourhoods, we’ve rounded up the best things to eat, drink, do and see in Singapore on your next city escape.  

Elevate your Hong Kong dining experience at these top-tier restaurants and hawkers markets.

Scoot, the low-cost love child of Singapore Airlines, has just dropped not one, not two, but THREE brand-spankin’ international routes to Asia. Kicking off December 2025, you’ll be able to jet off to Thailand or Japan with fares so low you’ll wonder if they missed a zero.

From the expected (overwater villa bliss and postcard-perfect beaches) to the unexpected (rooftop movie screenings and sound healing aboard a boat), here’s the Urban List guide to the best hotels and resorts in the Maldives. 

Perfect for family holidays, solo sojourns, or a getaway with your mates, Flight Centre just dropped a stack of Singapore hotel deals, so get planning on your next overseas getaway.

This well-travelled legend knows how to hunt down a great feed—and while his stunning Singapore fine-diner Marguerite has scooped up a Michelin star, the chef's local dining picks aren't going to blow your cash. 

Nat might be a master of showstopping, award-winning dishes, but to her, the best food in Thailand is simple, home-cooked, or found at the local street markets.

Through a combination of cost-cutting techniques and selective use of annual leave, you can increase the number of holidays you go on in your lifetime without sending your miscellaneous bills through the roof.

Home to stunning beaches, incredible animal experiences, mountains, rainforests, delicious food and must-see sights, there’s no guessing why Sri Lanka has risen to the top of bucket lists.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a last-minute anniversary or something more ring-shaped, these dreamy stays are here to fan the flames of romance.

Whether you're looking for a beachside vacation in Southeast Asia or you want to see what delights Australia has to offer, here's how you can experience a luxury vacation without breaking the bank..

Abbie Davis—AKA Mrs White—is the groovy Melbourne photographer whose kaleidoscopic photos capture life's joys, from kids getting dressed up to couples getting hitched.

If a getaway on your own makes you feel a little nervous, rest easy, because we've found five solo trips that are safe, affordable and brimming with bucket list experiences.  

Here, the beloved chef shares a whole host of carts, markets and restaurants to visit, the delicious dishes she's introduced her kids to, and where to sleep it all off. 

Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema is making its highly anticipated return to Tanjong Beach from 8 to 25 May 2025.

If you're not sure where to travel to, but you know you want sun, surf, and plenty of relaxation, we have a few suggestions to make that decision-making process much easier.

An Aussie-born chef and Singapore local, Peter Smit has carved a unique place for himself with his nose-to-tail cooking style. We followed the Dirty Supper chef-owner, to uncover what he does to decompress when he's out of the kitchen and off the clock.

We’ve found a stack of elite Singapore stayover deals to kick-start your 2025. 

Between the gleaming skyscrapers and perfectly manicured gardens lies a paradise for savvy travellers. Let's dive in, shall we? 

Singapore has so much to offer that even a short stopover becomes its own holiday. Uncover the hidden gems of this incredible country—you might just find that you want to stay longer. 

The flight path to Europe is long and winding indeed, but add a fun-packed pitstop en route, and voila—the arduous becomes the adventurous.

Tucked away on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka thrives in the understated—a mix of old-world craft and neon-lit nights where every bite and every hidden corner convinces you to stay a little longer. 

Whether you're looking for a cultural deep dive, seeking five-star indulgence or in pursuit of a good feed, Vietnam delivers in spades.

Whether you want to sip cocktails by a bougie hotel pool, discover ancient cities or eat your body weight in fresh seafood.

Not now sweetie, Mummy’s watching The White Lotus season 3 trailer.

We sent Lucky Dragon Supper Club’s Stephanie Feher on her first trip to Singapore—to pick up top tips and tricks for navigating the bustling hawker scene. 

We asked travel writer Carmen Jenner to share the places and spaces she can't get enough of in Singapore. 

If you need a little something to look forward to and make the new year feel all the more exciting, there are few things better than a holiday. 

From thrilling theme parks and a captivating entertainment calendar to world-class dining and a choice of six luxury hotels, Resorts World Sentosa has it all.

If your dream getaway features an itinerary brimming with delicious food recs, then we’ve got seven truly tasty Southeast Asian destinations worth cashing in your annual leave for. 

If you've been looking for an excuse to book your next holiday, here it is. 

​​Vacays don’t have to be all about pounding the pavement to check off a list of tourist hotspots. Sometimes (read: often), it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and recharge your batteries. Fortunately, Hong Kong is the dream destination for doing just that, with a slew of truly soul-nourishing experiences on offer. 

$395 to Athens? See you there.

While Euro summer might see you sipping Aperols and espresso in the piazza, a getaway to Hanoi will have you cracking into coconuts, cà phê sữa dá, or cold ones for a fraction of the cost.

Vietnam’s south-central coast is a stunning sweep of pristine beaches, verdant mountains, untouched fishing villages, and even rolling sand dunes.

Drawing visitors from around the world with its irresistible blend of culture, cuisine and adventure, the vibrant city of Hong Kong is so jam-packed with attractions it can be tricky for even the most discerning of travellers to know where to start.

If you’re yet to experience the otherworldly journey to Japan, perhaps 2024 is the year that changes. 

We all deserve to soar into the sunset as often as our jobs and lives allow, so this year, there’s a new plan of attack: staggered spending. 

The most efficient way to decide between a party-centric holiday and a relaxing getaway is to choose both, naturally.