Whale shark swimming at Ningaloo Reef (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the Australian dollar soaring and some of the most competitive travel packages around, discovering the world is no longer for the highly affluent. From a reef in Australia to far away island getaways in the Caribbean, the hottest destinations of 2012 are high on the lists of travellers from all over the globe. Even if the world doesn’t end as the Mayan calendar predicted, why wait? Here are just some of the top destinations for this year.

Ningaloo Coast, Australia

Located along the coast of Western Australia, the warm, tropical waters of Ningaloo Reef are an incredible spot to visit and perhaps glimpse some unique marine life, though it is often overshadowed by Perth, Fremantle and Broome. Here, the ocean draws in mass amounts of plankton, as well as one of the largest vegetarians on Earth – the whale shark. Other local gentle giants to be seen here include dugongs, humpback whales, manta rays and playful dolphins. If you’re looking for short term accommodation, why not try one of the resorts around Coral Bay or camp out in the nearby Cape Range National Park where you’ll get to experience pristine beaches alongside amazing canyons.

Curacao, Caribbean Islands

Situated off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao has 16 breath-taking beaches for you to explore. If you’re a seasoned scuba diver, take a gander off the ‘blue-edge’ drop off where the reef and the adventures begin. The Porto Marie Beach recently introduced artificial coral reefs to revitalise its ecology, and has successfully welcomed back a large variety of tropical fish into its waters. An amazing place for any traveller!

Girona, Spain

Girona has had a rough past – 25 sieges, 7 captures by many French royals (including Napoleon), a bout of famine, and the banishment of the entire Jewish community in the 1400s. Now standing strong, Girona is a major tourist attraction for its demolished defensive city walls (the Passeig de la Muralla), a historical public square (Plaça de la Independència square), neo-classical riverside houses, majestic cathedrals and churches, and its well-preserved Jewish ghettos (Call). In 2012, many are hailing it as a fantastic alternative to Madrid and Barcelona.

Iceland

It may be cold, but it’s not boring! In fact, Iceland advertises itself as ‘the land of ice and fire’; ‘Ice’ for its fantastic and magnificent fjords and ice caps, and ‘fire’ for its volcanoes and geysers. One of Europe’s unexplored regions, Iceland is putting itself on the map in 2012. Do bring your bathers for a relaxing dip in their many hot springs, especially the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa in Grindavik, located in the middle of a lava field.

Dresden, Germany

With 6 world class museums and incredible architecture, Dresden is growing in popularity. From the Green Vault museum with many priceless jewelled miniatures to the Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr (the Military History Museum), travellers will be wowed by Dresden’s massive historical museum collections. Having celebrated its 800^th birthday in 2006, Dresden should be on every German tourist’s must-see list.

Langkawi, Malaysia

An agglomeration of almost 100 islands, Langkawi has been voted one of Malaysia’s most well-known tourist destinations. A duty-free zone with a scattering of hillside jungles, rock formations, paddy-fields and sandy beaches, Langkawi is a slice of Malaysian paradise. If you have time, take the Langkawi island-hopping tour for some unique sights. Don’t worry about accommodation either – at least half of the islands feature wonderful Malaysian resorts, some with their own private water parks and miniature casinos!

Cartagena, Colombia

One of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, Cartagena is home to a blend of indigenous, American and Spanish colonial culture. Famous for its walled city fortress in the 1600s and a slave and trading port in the 1800s, Cartagena is now a marvellous beach resort in Colombia and a popular destination for tourists. Don’t forget to stop by the Las Bóvedas flea market for souvenirs like jewellery, textiles, arts and crafts.

London, UK

Want an early summer? Head to London to catch the northern hemisphere’s summer season in late July and be there just in time for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games! Designed towards promoting sustainability, the Olympic Park will be one of the most must-see destinations in London this year. This may even beat the queue for the London eye and the iconic Big Ben!

Kilim Duffel Bag (Photo credit: : rebecca

For those well-worn travellers who spend little time at home in their furnished apartments, having the right luggage is essential. Living out of one’s suitcase is a very real proposition for those who travel for work and spend most of their days out on the road.

While luggage itself may seem like a minor topic, having the right luggage can make all the difference between a successful trip and one filled with aggravation. Here are some questions to address when choosing the right luggage for your needs:

What Are Your Options?

There are plenty of different luggage options out there, and picking the right one really depends on your needs. A lot of people travel with either a duffel bag or backpack. Both items are utilitarian, inexpensive, and practical. However, they don’t have enough space for managing anything beyond short stay accommodation.

There are also square bags with wheels. Always practical and available in a wide range of styles, these traditional bags can be purchased in matching sets so you have different sizes to choose from depending on the duration of your trip.

Rigid or Soft Bags?

Consider how you are going to use your luggage. Soft bags, like duffel bags or backpacks, are more flexible. They are ideal when you want to avoid luggage fees because they can be stowed in the overhead compartment.

On the other hand, hard-shell luggage can hold more and is more appropriate for transporting valuables, since it has better cushioning and a tougher exterior.

What Bag Size?

Picking the right bag size really depends on how long you plan on travelling for. The bigger the bag, the more expensive it will be, but with larger sizes come a greater carrying capacity.

A good way to determine the appropriate bag size for your trip is to look at the luggage regulations of the airline you plan on flying with. Different airlines have different requirements about fees pertaining to the size of bags and the overall weight of a fully packed bag.

Where to Purchase Your Bag?

There are plenty of luggage stores that offer top tier luggage sets for wealthy travellers. However, these sets are often expensive and not fully utilised by most people. Instead, visit your local retail chain stores for affordable and durable individual luggage pieces. This way you won’t be stuck with a matching set of five bags that you never use.

What Other Considerations?

Try and mark your bag, so that it stands out from the crowd. Almost every traveller has a black or red bag with wheels. This means that your bag can be easily mistaken and accidentally picked up by someone else.

Therefore, opt for a bag with bright colours or an unusual design so that it is clearly differentiated from other bags. Also, make sure you attach tags to your bag with your name and address on it.

Choosing the right luggage can be a bit tricky, but if you follow the simple tips outlined in this article you should have no problem finding the piece that’s right for you.

Gold Coast - Queensland Australia (Photo credit: Cindy Andrie)

Visiting the Gold Coast of Australia is a dream vacation for many people. There are ample opportunities to explore Australian culture in a variety of different ways. From quiet balloon rides and whale watching to more interactive theme parks and surfing, the Gold Coast has something for everyone, native and tourist alike. So get out of your comfortable furnished apartment and spend some time in the Gold Coast! It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Here are some of the major attractions to be found on the Gold Coast:

The Australian Outback Spectacular

Few images of Australia are more endearing than the fabled Outback. This vast expanse of rugged terrain dominates the interior of the continent. It is a place not unlike the legendary American Wild West. The Outback Spectacular features stage performances, outback vehicles and displays of horsemanship that recreates what it was like in the Outback of ages past.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

For those who want to take things easy, Hot Air Balloon is a company that specialises in providing tours for vacationers looking to relax. These hot air balloon tours allow tourists to take in the majestic vistas of the Gold Coast.

Broadwater Adventure Jet Boat Ride

If you are looking for a taste of the sea and want to feel the spray of salt water in your hair, hop aboard this fast-paced jet boat ride. Lasting almost an hour, the tour gives you the sights and sounds of the Gold Coast by sea, but at an amusement park ride pace.

Gold Coast & Natural Bridge

Some of the best tours of the Gold Coast are the ones you do on foot and at your own pace. These tours allow you to meander down the actual coastline of the Gold Coast. A visit to Springbrook National Park is followed by a move into the Hinterland to explore the diversity of the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour

The Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour is a great diversion if you want to look further afield than the comfort of your group accommodation. Whales flock to the Gold Coast from all over the planet, making this area an ideal place to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

Reed Ryder Island Cruise

The coral reefs surrounding Australia are teeming with sea life, making it one of the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist attractions. This tour takes you out to the reef at a leisurely pace, giving you the chance you to soak up some sun and enjoy the company of your fellow passengers.

Amusement Parks

The Gold Coast is jam0packed with amusement parks such as Wet ’n’ Wild, Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World. There’s something for everyone at one of these parks. They are ideal locations for a family vacation and a bit of fun.

Full of natural beauty and plenty to do and see, the Gold Coast is a vacationer’s dream come true. So the next time you plan a vacation, keep Australia’s Gold Coast in mind.

Cate Blanchett (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Australia is jam-packed with film festivals. They draw thousands of people out of their cosy homes and furnished apartments and into the hustle and bustle of the world of movie goers. Should you find yourself in the area of a local film festival, give it a try. It will be a fantastic experience.

Here are some of Australia’s best film festivals:

A Night of Horror International Film Festival

For those who love to jump in their seats and sample some avant-garde horror films, this film festival has it all. Not only does it ask young filmmakers to offer up their visions of terror, but organisers also screen some classic horror films that have defined the genre.

Adelaide Film Festival

Held outdoors and delivering a unique blend of live performance, installation art, and commentary by filmmakers, this film festival is a great summer tradition that is held biannually in Adelaide.

15/15 International Film Festival

The 15//15 International Film Festival tours the world but often makes repeat stops in Australia to showcase some of the rising stars of film.

Heart of Gold International Film Festival

Aimed at promoting films that are deemed to contribute a positive benefit to the world, the Heart of Gold International Film Festival showcases films that educate, enlighten, and advocate humanitarian values and the power of the human spirit. This uplifting experience is held annually in Queensland. Group accommodation is recommended if you are travelling with a large number of people.

Melbourne International Film Festival

A regular stop on the international film festival circuit, the Melbourne festival showcases some of the world’s brightest up and coming filmmakers. If you are looking for a peek into what’s hot on the international film stage, Melbourne is a great place to start.

Scinema

A film festival dedicated to science-fiction films, each year showcases a new theme that entrants must work with. A recent theme involved the practical applications of physics, something that many mainstream sci-fi films eschew in favour of spectacle.

Sydney Underground Film Festival

Featuring some of the roughest, toughest and hardest-hitting films in Australia, the Sydney Underground Film Festival is chock full of independent spirits who play by their own rules. If you want to venture outside your comfort zone and see films that mainstream audiences would otherwise miss, give this festival a shot.

ATOM Awards

The ATOM Awards is a film festival that pays tribute to the best in film and TV throughout Australia. Open to established voices, production companies, mavericks, and students, this egalitarian festival requires only excellence of its entrants. For the best of the best, look no further than the ATOM Awards.

Australian International Documentary Conference

One of the crown jewels in Australia’s film culture, this conference is purported to be the be all and end all for documentary filmmakers looking to make their mark on the world. Full of symposiums and screenings, this conference is educational as well as entertaining.

Australia has a rich and varied film culture that caters to all tastes. So next time you’re Down Under, drop by and check out some of these film festivals.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When it comes to travel, everyone has their own ideas about what they can’t leave home without. There are the people who can’t spend a train ride without the company of their iPod, the folks who simply NEED reading material in an airport, and the people who can’t stand the way airplane air-conditioning dries out their eyes and have to travel with a hefty amount of eye drops. Everyone has their ‘thing’ but, whether you’re heading off on a Fiji holiday or a backpacking adventure, these four travel accessories really are must-haves.

Travel Music

Whether you’re listening on an iPod or going retro with a walkman, there’s nothing that helps you pass the time more pleasantly than your favourite tunes. If you’re on a plane or waiting for a bus, sometimes you just need to drown out the background noise and relax in your own private world of music. In terms of stress relief, classical music has been proven to be the most relaxing of any type of music, so if you’re suffering a little culture shock or things have been going wrong, a little dose of some soft violins could be what is needed to put you on track!

Portable First Aid Kit

In the western world, we’ve become pretty lazy with assuming that we’ll be able to have access to anything we need the moment we need it. It’s one thing to cut your finger in Sydney and be able to go into any number of 24-hour convenience stores to get a band-aid, but what about when you’re in the Thai jungle and you badly need to protect the wound from becoming infected? Basic first aid kits have saved people’s lives, so make sure you have some antibacterial ointment, some bandages and plasters, anti-diarrhea medication and some basic painkillers. Wherever you find yourself, a first-aid kit is a must-have accessory, and you’ll never realise just how ‘must-have’ it is until…well, until you must have it!

Water Bottle or Fluids

A good water bottle, one that holds a decent amount and can be easily stored (and preferably has an in-built filtration system), is important when you’re travelling; especially for those day trips out into exotic places. Staying hydrated is not only essential for staying alive but it can have a massive effect on whether you enjoy a place. Add to this the fact that in some countries the water is not safe to drink and you’ve got an iron-clad reason to carry your own. Of course more and more places offer bottled water, but it’s much better for the environment and your wallet if you purify your own with a travel purifier.

Day Pack

Whether you’re staying in five star hotels in Malaysia or backwater bungalows in Mississippi, you still need to carry your things with you when you’re out for the day! A light day pack that is both compact and easy to carry is an absolute must-have no matter where you are, and if it’s got zippers that lock, all the better!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fiji is an increasingly popular surfing destination, and some Fiji cruises now cater to surfers by showing them around the best surfing spots on the islands. But without the local knowledge of experienced backpackers and surfers, it might be difficult to choose your next surfing spot. Here are some tips from our expert surfers.

Surfing season

You can surf all year in Fiji, given that the islands are exposed to extreme weather patterns throughout the year. The waves are more interesting in the summer (during storm and cyclone season), but more consistent in the winter (between November and March).

Surfing rights

Surfing rights can be a problem in Fiji because the sport isn’t very regulated yet. However, if you stay on a surfing resort, it’s not a problem. They can be expensive though, and a lot of surfers would rather backpack their way to smaller, out-of-the-way beaches.

Surfing areas

The three main surfing areas are

• Nadi
• Pacific Harbour
• Kadavu

Kadavu is probably the one you need to make reservations ahead for—it’s easier to find accommodation around Nadi and the Pacific Harbour, especially in backpacker hostels.

Sigakota Sand Dunes

Beyond being one of the most breathtaking spots in Fiji and boasting the largest sand dunes in the South Pacific, the Sigakota sand dunes are also the best spot to surf on Viti Levu. You get a lot of good sand bottom waves that change all the time, depending on the rainfall feeding the Sigakota and carrying silt. Low tide is the best time to surf around this area, and if you have the north wind going, it can be great surf!

Natadola Beach

This once wild beach beloved by backpackers and surfers is getting developed fast, but it’s also the most beautiful beach in Fiji. And it’s perfect for novice and experienced surfers alike, as the waves break differently inside and outside the bay. With the right conditions, you can get really amazing tube waves that’ll be the envy of surf filmmakers everywhere. Just make sure to avoid the higher winds at certain times of the year.

Tavarua and Namotu

If you don’t know about these islands yet, then it’s definitely a spot you should check. These are some of the best surfing spots in the world. They host the best surf resorts in the world (not cheap though), but the reefs around them make the surfing around here simply spectacular. Tavarua has consistent 4 to 12 feet waves that are the dream of any surfer of caliber.

Accommodation

As mentioned, there are many types of surf accommodation, from the luxury resorts of Tavarua to the backpacker hostels of Nadi. You can contact some of them and make reservations in advance, or just travel to Fiji and make it from there with help from locals.

In any case, we hope you enjoy your surfing trip to Fiji. You should also check into one of many luxury hotels if you’re interesting in trying the surf of South-East Asia!

i090806 023 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Queensland has some amazing island escapes on offer and is arguably the best place in Australia for a holiday. From just north of Brisbane through to the breathtaking Whitsunday Island chain. The beautiful thing about Queensland is that the weather ranges from warm in the south through to tropical in the north. It also caters for everyone from young travellers, honeymooners and families.

North Stradbroke Island

This is one of the best and most accessible islands in all of Queensland as it is only a short trip from Brisbane! North Stradbroke Island has a lot to offer the traveller and is especially family friendly with lots of rentable houses and cabins on the island. So what is there to do on Stradbroke Island?

• Lots of fishing spots both onshore and offshore with charter boats.
• Amazing surfing and other water sports to be enjoyed all year round.
• One of the best opportunities to go whale watching and one of the few places you can watch them from shore.
• Great national parks and the chance for some amazing camping trips on sandy, crystal beaches.

Lizard Island

There is an amazing and oh so fancy five star luxury resort on this island that is an ideal spot for a destination wedding or even a family trip away. The island is located approximately 250 kilometres from Cairns making it very accessible. It also has its very own airfield so you can fly straight onto the island.

• There is some of the world’s most amazing scuba diving.
• You can also try your hand at snorkelling.
• If that isn’t enough you can try some big game fishing!

Green Island

Straight off the shore from Cairns, Green Island is a great place to enjoy a holiday and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. The whole area is complete with some amazing world heritage sites. While the island itself is only fifteen hectares, it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful coral reefs.

• Enjoy the national park both onshore and offshore.
• Have fun in a world heritage listed area.
• Feel totally secluded and surrounded by coral reefs.

Fitzroy Island

If you want another little island not too far from Cairns then Fitzroy Island is a fantastic choice. It is less than an hour ferry ride from Cairns and has all the facilities you could possible need. There is a resort on the island offering swimming pools and every other luxury you can imagine.

• Like Green Island, it is completely surrounded by reefs.
• It has a great choice of sandy white beaches.
• The water is calm and great for younger children.

Magnetic Island

When travelling up to Townsville in Queensland, you cannot miss Magnetic Island. This is a beautiful idyllic island where you can hire mini moke cars to drive around in, as well as visit some koalas. Not only that, but you can enjoy all the fun of an island getaway within ferry distance to Townsville. This makes it perfect for day trips as well.

Broome! (Photo credit: photographerglen)

Driving through Australia can be a wonderful experience and we have some of the best country roads and isolated towns and villages to explore. It can be a bumpy ride (don’t worry, there’s always roadside assistance) but if you love life down under, it’s worth every leg of the journey. Whether you’re a true blue Aussie or someone new to our shores, here are some ideas for getting off the highways!

Kiama, New South Wales

Famous for its blow hole, quaint streets and its seven mile beach, the town of Kiama lies just 2 hours south of Sydney and is a great way to begin your encounter with the NSW south coast. Travellers will find a wealth of lodges here alongside self-serviced apartments and camping grounds, as well as lots of cafes and restaurants to eat at.

Broome, Western Australia

One of WA’s most spectacular spots, Broome is definitely off the beaten track. Known as the gateway to the Kimberley Ranges, Broome offers incredible beaches combined with a historically rich town. At low tides, visitors can view plane and boat wrecks from the Japanese Air Raid on Broome during WWII. To really go back in time, however, visit the site of the dinosaur footprints during low tide.

Mount Tambourine, Queensland

Queensland is often associated with beach resorts and the Great Barrier Reef, but if you head off the beaten track a little further inland, the rainforest surrounding Mount Tambourine is absolutely lush. Head out on a walking track to see some amazing waterfalls, lagoons and rock pools or, if you feel like doing nothing, simply indulge in a massage or a day spa.

Albury &Wodonga, Victoria

Just a few hours from the NSW border, you’ll find the twin, country towns of Albury and Wodonga, with the Murray River flowing in between. This is a great chance to get a glimpse of a true, rural town … without getting too bored! Albury and Wodonga both have lots of eating, shopping, art and culture to be had. You’ll also find lots of wineries in the area, which makes a great day tour.

Mataranka, Northern Territory

If you’re dying to soak yourself in the warm, thermal waters of the Northern Territory all year round, then Mataranka is the place to be! You can explore Mataranka’s history at the ‘We of the Never Never’ museum and engage in a spot of fishing, canoeing or explore the surrounds of Elsey National Park.

Arkaroola, South Australia

The Arkaroola Wildnerness Sanctuary is a must for those who love getting off the main roads and discovering Australia’s remarkable landscapes. With gorgeous views of the mountains, gorges and waterholes of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola is wonderfully remote and isolated. But don’t worry, there are a good handful of small lodges here as well and it’s a great spot for camping, bushwalking and marvelling at the clarity of the night skies.

Evandale, Tasmania

Only a short, 20 minute drive from the city of Launceston, Evandale is a charming, little historic village that will truly take you back in time. Visit the beautiful churches and the Georgian homes and cottages and if you’re there on a Sunday, check out the village markets, too.

Driving Tips

Driving in Australia is mostly easy, but can be stressful at times. Make sure you check your car and engine before you head out and don’t drive if you’re tired or under the influence. If you’re splitting the driving between friends, make sure your car insu rance covers everyone too.

formula 1, sepang international circuit, malaysia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thinking of taking your next trip to Malaysia and not sure where to stay? Before you book your hotel in Malaysia, you need to consider the best place to base yourself so you can take in all of the best sites of this beautiful country. Sepang is an ideal location. Just like Gold Coast apartments are ideal for visiting theme parks with the kids, Sepang is really central for exploring Malaysia.

Sepang is close to KL airport, so it’s easy to get to and from.

Sepang has it’s very own F1 Circuit. Check out the motor GP or experience the best go-kart track ever! The F1 Circuit makes Malaysia the hub of motor-racing activities in the region.

It’s easy to access central Kuala Lumpur from Sepang. From there you could visit the KL Bird Park, located just 5 minutes from KL Central Station. It is the world’s biggest free-flight walk-in aviary. Spend a few hours walking amongst the beautifully colourful and exotic birds and witness the monkeys too. The site is truly incredible.

The Petronas Twin Towers are a must-see when staying in Sepang. Here you’ll find 88 floors of residential property and a huge shopping centre. It’s one of KL’s most iconic landmarks and is not something to be missed.

For those who love natural wonders, Sepang has some wonderful tourist walks. There are plenty of parks where one can spend an afternoon taking photographs or relaxing with a picnic. Ask the concierge at the front desk of your hotel for a map, and even some contacts as to the best tour operators in the area.

If you want to try authentic Malaysian cuisine, Sepang has a range of vendors, as well as fantastic restaurants whatever your budget. Fine dining is very affordable in some spots so also ask your concierge for recommended places.

There’s plenty of great nightspots to hit in Sepang. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink or dance into the early hours, there’s a place to suit everyone.

Sepang is close to the attractions you’ll want to check out on your trip to Malaysia. If you only have a short period of time to travel the region, the last thing you want is to spend hours getting from a to b, so using a central location for your travel base is a good idea. And of course, being so close to the airport is also a bonus, too.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When travelling to Vietnam, there’s no doubt that one of the major highlights is the food. It doesn’t matter which of the many hotels in Vietnam you are staying at, the minute you step foot on the street there are fresh food vendors and market stalls everywhere! Never been to Vietnam and want to know a little bit about their cuisine before heading on your trip? We’ve got some great tips and advice:

Cheap Eats

You don’t have to spend loads in order to enjoy a delicious meal in Vietnam. You can easily pick up a delicious noodle soup for around the 25 cent mark! If you feel like treating yourself to something a little more extravagant, Vietnam is known for fantastic seafood, so eating at a restaurant and enjoying a decadent seafood platter at least once during your stay is a must. Because much of the food is so cheap, you can afford to treat yourself!

Common Dishes

While staying in Vietnam, you can enjoy everything from French to Italian, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Beef, fish, chicken, pork and seafood are all readily available, and commonly found on the menu in most cafes and restaurants.

One of the main Vietnamese dishes to be enjoyed while on your trip is pho. Pho is a very cheap dish and consists of soup, noodles and meat. You can have it with rare beef, beef or chicken.

Nuoc mam is a common ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, and is a fermented fish sauce used to add spice.

A variety of fruits and veggies are available, depending on the season. Things like dragon fruit, longans and rambutans are often in abundance.

An Important Food Principle

In many Vietnamese dishes, the principle of using 5 elements in each meal is followed whenever possible. For instance, many dishes will include 5 types of nutrients (minerals and proteins for instance), 5 spices (which could range from spicy to salty and sweet), 5 colours and also appeal to all five senses (by being aesthetically pleasing to the eye, aromatic to the nose, touchable, crunchy, and tasty).

Drinking in Vietnam

Bottled water is cheap, and is highly recommended. Do not drink the tap water or have ice in your drinks. The popular alcoholic drink of choice across the country is Bia hoi (draught beer). It’s a must try while on your trip!

No matter whether you are staying in one of the many Sydney apartments on offer to tourists, or a 5-star hotel in Vietnam, it is great to be within walking distance of food stalls and restaurants – and in Vietnam they are in abundance everywhere you look. To make the most of your culinary experience when taking any trip, it’s important to know a little bit about the food you will be experiencing. Enjoy!