Asia

With some of the oldest languages on earth, vibrant storytelling traditions, and a rich melting pot of cultures, Asia is a bookworm's dream. Literature lovers will find no shortage of myths and legends, contemporary classics, comics, poems, novels, and memoirs on the largest continent. From India to Japan, Mongolia to Sri Lanka and off into the diaspora, the body of Asian literature is both broad and deep, encompassing ancient hymns, modernist novels, accounts of war and colonial violence, and deeply personal narratives of love, family, healing, and identity.

From high-altitude mountains to remote, arid deserts, Asia has all the ingredients – and climate conditions – for an impeccable stargazing trip. But you can’t see the cosmos and Milky Way just anywhere. Densely populated cities like Shanghai and Bangkok sit beneath clouds of light pollution that make catching even one constellation tricky at best. Head to the country, though, and it’s a different, star-speckled story.

One day you're staring at waterfalls; the next, skyscrapers. As one of the smaller subregions in the world, Southeast Asia is incredible, with diverse cultures and landscapes that stand vividly distinct once you cross borders.

Tipping is an elusive custom all over the world, and Asia is no exception. A common mistake tourists make is tipping in the first place. It's not customary to tip in many Asian countries, and in some instances, it's even considered rude.

Travel across Asiaand you’ll have a lifetime of stories to share, from its sun-dappled beach towns to towering Himalayas, expanse deserts, historic old towns and futuristic cities.

Traveling through Southeast Asia is a rite of passage for many backpackers on a budget, but this stunning region also appeals to vacationers looking for adventure, nature, or to lounge on a beach, with people coming back year on year. Whether you are learning how to drive a motorbike or heading out in scuba gear to dive with reef sharks, Southeast Asia offers fantastic experiences at a fraction of the price found elsewhere.