Technophiles: Trendsetter Vacations in Asia

The 21st century has welcomed a host of new trends that can be difficult to keep up with because they are constantly changing. One day you have the latest phone, Ipod, dance moves, furniture, computer, fashion, and then before you know it there is something 'newer' or 'better' on the market. Avoid being yesterday's news by planning your trendy vacation ahead of time! Asian countries make this easy by their love of hosting futuristic events never seen before. 

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Keep up with the latest fashion trends at the Bangkok Design Festival this November 20th through the 30th. This festival provides a space for local and international businesses to show off their creations, ranging from fashion to furniture. After exploring your designer wildside, unwind at the Dream Hotel Bangkok. A hip new hotel describing itself as having an 'in-your-wildest-dreams' design, which includes ethereal lighting that seeps out from under the bed to create the illusion you're sleeping on a cloud. Many other fabulous hotel deals can be found in Bangkok during this exciting time, so don't wait to book one now!

Get educated about the latest happenings in nature, global warming, and dams at The Eco Film Fest. This festival, located in Kuala Lumpur, takes place from October 11th through the 16th. Look, listen, and learn with showings of environmental films such '11 Degrees'. After viewing the films, have meaningful conversations with people sharing your interests over delicious organic foods and drinks. 

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Scope out the latest paintings, sculptures, animation, movies, workshops, and over 20 live bands at the International Art event and Design Fest vol. 32. Over 8500 artists come together for this event, located in Tokyo on November 6th through the 7th. Extend your exposure to artistic brilliance with a stay at the swanky Peninsula Hotel Tokyo. Designed with the purest architectural genius, this hotel is filled with high tech gadgets and room service delivered through a hatch in the wall. 

'Visit South Korea' in 2012 offers Fun, Culture, Excitement

The chaos and excitement of South Korea has always provided the perfect vacation spot for the eager tourist, but for 2012 there are even more reasons to head East. 

Visit Korea Year has been an ongoing campaign project for two-years, but 2012 is the final year of the campaign.  Visiting Korea during Visit Korea Year allows you access to the exclusive discounts and promotions that have been designed during this time to make Korea a more desirable place for travelers. These coupons, free bus shuttles, hotel deals, and KTX discounts of up to 30 percent won't last forever! This is the perfect opportunity for visiting!

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Another reason to visit Korea this 2012 is the recent boom of K-Pop. This year has proven to be a good year for K-Pop and if you're a dedicated follower, now is the perfect time to witness some of the chaos for yourself. The passing of events such as the 21st Seoul Music Awards back in January or the Big Bang Concert shouldn't set you back, there is still plenty more to come in the exciting, constantly growing world of K-Pop music. 

Even if you're not a fan of K-Pop, there are still plenty of aspects of Korea that make it the place for you to visit this year. A reason that is proven challenging to argue with: the food. Explore deeply rooted tradition with thousands of mouth watering recipes in the local restaurant or at big events and food festivals, such as the 2012 Korean Food Festival.


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Expand your learning with events such as the 2012 International Exposition in Yeosu. The Exposition is opening under the theme "The Living Ocean and Coast", with the goal of sharing knowledge and dealing with issues regarding not only the ocean but also marine technology and sustainable resources. 

Even transportation is easier in Korea with the new express train, the ITX. Running at 180 kph, the ITX travels between Seoul and Chuncheon. Dubbed a "must-see" route by the Visit Korea Committee, Chuncheon is home to mountains, lakes, lake islands, and architectural as well as historical treasures. 

Though K-pop may rule when it comes to music, but Seoul's wide variety of tastes attracts the big international names in genres such as heavy metal, jazz, electronica, and indie pop/rock. Groups such as LMFAO have played in Seoul this year and the big names will surely continue to come. 

Technology-lovers can thrive during a trip to Korea with newer events such as Korea's Olleh Smartphone Film Festival. This innovative tech-themed event, on its second year of existence, promotes and celebrates the future of smartphone development. Creativity and boldness are encouraged at this festival with competitions for professional and amateur filmmakers with cash prizes for the winners. 

Hungry Ghost Festival: Visit Asia this July

If daily life is feeling repetitive or work is getting stressful, take a trip to Asia this summer. Many countries across Asia are home to many festivals, events, and holidays, especially during the warm summer months. One Asian events sure to liven up your summer is the Hungry Ghost Festival. 


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The Hungry Ghost Festival takes place all over China, occurring on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. This festival's roots lie within Chinese Taoism. 

Chinese traditionalists believe that this is a Ghost Month where the gates of hell are opened. Activities to keep the evil away include shouting, screaming, and whistling. It is also very important to stay away from water, it is believed that souls of the damned lie in the water waiting to pull you under. Halfway through the Ghost Month, large parties are thrown to please the spirits. 

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Candles and lotus flowers are placed in lanterns that float on water as well as in the air. The Chinese will leave money and images of their gods in graveyards and the money is burnt at night to drive away money-hungry demons. Fancy banquets are held during this celebration, and do not be surprised by the empty chairs- they are reserved for the ghosts. Offerings or joss sticks are left at road junctions to persuade the ghosts to protect their children or partners. The Hungry Ghost Festival eventually became an important part of Chinese Buddhist life as well. 

This festival provides entertainment for all ages but is also rich in Chinese tradition and culture.

Summer Time Adventures: Trekking Safety Tips

It's summertime! The best time for extreme outdoor sports- such as trekking or extreme hiking. Many adventure-seeking tourists have been attracted to the heights and thrills of the Himalayas, but its good to be informed and aware regarding safety and expenses before making the trip. 

Before you begin your adventure, it is important to be fit. You don't need to be a marathon runner, but having experience with walking helps to keep up and build endurance.  It is also important to understand that some days you will be walking more than others. Certain days you may walk as little as 2.5 hours, it all depends of the limitations of altitude and stopping time is determined by the safe limit for sleeping. 


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Bring your own toilet paper! It is crucial to drink frequently to minimized the effects of altitude, so you'll constantly have to use the bathroom. Make sure to tell your guide if you feel even slightly unwell, they will be able to provide you with a pill for every side effect and know if emergency interference is necessary if you are showing signs of potentially fatal altitude sickness. 

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Use trekking poles, even if you usually walk without them. Going down can be very tough on the legs and knees, the poles really help to take some of the pressure off. Make sure to bring a thick sleeping bag and a heavy jacket, preferably a down jacket. You will be very grateful for those items during the cold nights. Don't be put off by the high number of trekkers during the warmer months, for example in March/April and October/November. Although it will be busy, it won't be overcrowded. 

Another tip- save buying gear for Katmandu's Thamel District. There are dozens of shops located in this area where you can buy authentic branded gear that costs about half of what it would in countries such as Japan or the United States

As thrilling and adventurous as hiking in the Himalayas can be, make sure you are safe, smart, and well prepared before making the journey!