Du lịch, nghệ thuật di chuyển từ nơi này đến nơi khác, vượt qua ranh giới địa lý và mở ra cánh cửa cho vô số khả năng. Đó là một lực lượng mạnh mẽ đã định hình nền văn minh nhân loại trong nhiều thế kỷ, đóng vai trò là nguồn cảm hứng, giáo dục và phát triển cá nhân. Trong bài luận này, chúng ta sẽ bắt tay vào cuộc hành trình của ngôn từ và suy nghĩ để khám phá những khía cạnh đa diện của du lịch. Từ cảm giác hồi hộp khi khám phá những cảnh quan mới đến tác động sâu sắc đến quan điểm và môi trường của chúng ta, du lịch là một hiện tượng đáng được xem xét kỹ hơn.

Tinh thần mạo hiểm

Một trong những lý do thuyết phục nhất khiến mọi người đi du lịch là tinh thần phiêu lưu bẩm sinh của con người. Tiếng gọi của những điều chưa biết, sức hấp dẫn của những vùng lãnh thổ chưa được khám phá và cảm giác hồi hộp khi khám phá đã thúc đẩy các cá nhân băng qua các lục địa, leo núi và vượt đại dương trong nhiều thiên niên kỷ. Từ những nhà thám hiểm dũng cảm của Kỷ nguyên Khám phá giương buồm đến những vùng biển chưa được khám phá cho đến những du khách ba lô thời hiện đại khám phá những nơi xa xôi trên thế giới, tinh thần phiêu lưu là một khía cạnh vượt thời gian của du lịch.

Đi du lịch cho phép chúng ta bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn của mình, đối mặt với nỗi sợ hãi và đón nhận những thử thách xảy đến với mình. Cho dù đó là đi bộ qua những khu rừng nhiệt đới rậm rạp, lặn xuống vực sâu của đại dương hay di chuyển trên những con phố nhộn nhịp của một thành phố xa lạ, những trải nghiệm này đều thúc đẩy chúng ta phát triển và thích nghi. Chúng nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng những bài học sâu sắc nhất trong cuộc sống thường nằm ngoài giới hạn của thói quen và khả năng dự đoán.

Hòa nhập văn hóa

Một trong những khía cạnh phong phú nhất của du lịch là cơ hội hòa mình vào các nền văn hóa khác nhau. Mỗi nơi trên thế giới đều tự hào về những truyền thống, ngôn ngữ và phong tục độc đáo của riêng mình. Khi đi du lịch, chúng ta có cơ hội tiếp xúc với những nền văn hóa đa dạng này, nuôi dưỡng sự trân trọng đối với tấm thảm phong phú về sự tồn tại của con người.

Sự hòa nhập văn hóa vượt ra ngoài bề ngoài. Nó bao gồm việc nếm thử ẩm thực địa phương, tham gia các nghi lễ truyền thống và trò chuyện với người dân địa phương để hiểu rõ hơn về lối sống của họ. Thông qua những tương tác này, chúng tôi khám phá ra sợi dây chung gắn kết các loại lại với nhau, vượt qua biên giới và

tầng lớp. Hơn nữa, nó thách thức những quan niệm và định kiến ​​đã có sẵn, khuyến khích sự đồng cảm và góc nhìn rộng hơn về các vấn đề toàn cầu.

Sức mạnh biến đổi của du lịch

Du lịch có sức mạnh biến đổi chúng ta ở mức độ sâu sắc. Nó thúc đẩy chúng ta thích nghi với những môi trường xa lạ, nuôi dưỡng khả năng phục hồi khi đối mặt với nghịch cảnh và khuyến khích sự phát triển cá nhân. Cho dù đó là việc chúng ta nhận ra rằng chúng ta có thể giao tiếp bằng tiếng nước ngoài hay sự trân trọng mới đối với những tiện nghi như ở nhà, du lịch đều có cách định hình lại các ưu tiên và giá trị của chúng ta.

Một trong những khía cạnh biến đổi nhất của du lịch là khả năng mở rộng tầm nhìn của chúng ta. Nó cho chúng ta thấy những thế giới quan khác nhau, thách thức những thành kiến ​​của chúng ta và khiến chúng ta trở thành những cá nhân cởi mở hơn. Khi chúng ta vượt qua sự phức tạp của một nền văn hóa nước ngoài hoặc vật lộn với thực tế khắc nghiệt của nghèo đói ở một quốc gia đang phát triển, chúng ta buộc phải đối mặt với đặc quyền và những quan niệm định sẵn của chính mình.

Hơn nữa, du lịch mang lại cơ hội để xem xét nội tâm. Thoát khỏi những thói quen và trách nhiệm hàng ngày, chúng ta có không gian tinh thần để suy ngẫm về cuộc sống, mục tiêu và vị trí của mình trên thế giới. Chính trong những khoảnh khắc khám phá bản thân này, chúng ta thường hiểu rõ hơn về các giá trị và khát vọng của mình.

Tác động môi trường

Mặc dù du lịch mang lại vô số lợi ích cho cá nhân nhưng nó cũng đi kèm với những hậu quả về môi trường. Sự gia tăng du lịch đã dẫn đến lượng khí thải carbon tăng từ các chuyến bay, cảnh quan thiên nhiên phát triển quá mức và phá vỡ các hệ sinh thái mỏng manh. Biến đổi khí hậu, một phần do ngành du lịch thúc đẩy, gây ra mối đe dọa đáng kể cho chính những điểm đến mà chúng ta muốn khám phá.

Giải quyết tác động môi trường của du lịch là mối quan tâm cấp bách cho tương lai. Các hoạt động du lịch bền vững, chẳng hạn như giảm lượng khí thải carbon thông qua các lựa chọn giao thông thân thiện với môi trường và hỗ trợ chỗ ở có ý thức sinh thái, là những bước cần thiết để giảm thiểu những tác động này. Hơn thế nữa,

du lịch có trách nhiệm liên quan đến việc tôn trọng môi trường và văn hóa địa phương, giảm thiểu chất thải và đóng góp tích cực cho cộng đồng mà chúng tôi ghé thăm.

Phần kết luận

Tóm lại, du lịch là một hiện tượng nhiều mặt bao gồm phiêu lưu, hòa nhập văn hóa, chuyển đổi cá nhân và tác động đến môi trường. Đó là một lực lượng mạnh mẽ đã định hình lịch sử loài người và tiếp tục ảnh hưởng đến cuộc sống của chúng ta ngày nay. Mặc dù du lịch mang lại vô số lợi ích nhưng nó cũng đi kèm với trách nhiệm. Nhiệm vụ của chúng ta là phải đi du lịch một cách chu đáo, đón nhận cuộc phiêu lưu đồng thời giảm thiểu dấu chân sinh thái và tôn trọng các nền văn hóa và môi trường mà chúng ta gặp phải.

Du lịch, theo nghĩa chân thực nhất của nó, không chỉ đơn thuần là một cuộc hành trình vật chất từ ​​nơi này đến nơi khác; đó là một cuộc hành trình của tâm trí và tinh thần. Đó là hành trình khám phá bản thân, hành trình đồng cảm và hành trình hướng tới một thế giới kết nối và bền vững hơn. Vì vậy, khi bắt tay vào chuyến du lịch của mình, chúng ta hãy thực hiện điều đó với trái tim rộng mở, trí óc rộng mở và cam kết để lại tác động tích cực cho thế giới, để các thế hệ tương lai có thể tiếp tục trải nghiệm hành trình du lịch phong phú.

Iran’s response to the assassination of its top nuclear scientist poses an early challenge to the Biden administration, and may be seen as a provocation by President Trump.

Iran responded Wednesday to the assassination of its top nuclear scientist by enacting a law ordering an immediate ramping up of its enrichment of uranium to levels closer to weapons-grade fuel.

The measure also requires the expulsion of international nuclear inspectors if American sanctions are not lifted by early February, posing a direct challenge to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.

It was not clear whether the action was the totality of the Iranian response to the killing of the scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, whom American and Israeli intelligence agencies regarded as the guiding force of past efforts by Tehran to design a nuclear weapon, or whether more was to come. Iranian officials have vowed to avenge his killing.

The new law orders Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency to resume enriching uranium to a level of 20 percent immediately, returning Iran’s program to the maximum level that existed before the 2015 nuclear agreement reached with the Obama administration.

Uranium enriched to that level would give Iran the ability to convert its entire stockpile to bomb-grade levels within six months. Despite the lag time, the order to start the process may be seen by the Trump administration as a provocation in its waning days.

Just three weeks ago, after news of modest advances in the size of Iran’s nuclear stockpile, Mr. Trump asked his advisers about military options to stop the country from producing the fuel. He was talked out of considering an attack by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of the fiercest of the Iran hawks in the administration, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Mark A. Milley, among other senior officials.

The new law also sets a two-month deadline for oil and banking sanctions against Iran to be lifted before inspectors are barred, creating a potential crisis for the early days of the Biden administration. The inspections conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency, a branch of the United Nations, have been the main public source of information about the progress of Iran’s program.

The timing seems deliberately intended to press Mr. Biden to re-enter the nuclear deal with Iran immediately upon taking office. Mr. Biden has said he would be willing to do so, at least as a starting point, if Iran once again respected the limitations of the 2015 deal.

The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, said the measure was meant to send the West a message in the aftermath of the assassination that the “one-way game is over.”

Iran’s Parliament, dominated by conservatives, initially passed the law in an angry session on Tuesday in which lawmakers fumed over the killing of Mr. Fakhrizadeh. A physicist and a high-ranking official in the Defense Ministry, he was killed on Friday in a complex ambush, the details of which are still being debated.

A number of intelligence officials have said Israel was responsible for the attack, though the Israeli government has remained silent.

“The criminal enemy will not feel remorse unless we show a fierce reaction,” Mr. Qalibaf said. Lawmakers stood up in the chamber with fists in the air, chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America” as they passed the bill in a televised session.

The law was ratified Wednesday by Iran’s Guardian Council, an appointed body that oversees the elected government.

President Hassan Rouhani, whose government negotiated the 2015 Iran accord over the objection of Iranian hard-liners, had opposed the legislation, calling it counterproductive.

“The government does not agree with this legislation and considers it damaging for diplomacy,” he said Wednesday before the measure was ratified.

His government is now obliged to carry out the law, though outside experts noted that it could slow-walk the effort, citing technical challenges. And ramping production up to the levels required in the bill would require revisions in the infrastructure deep inside Iran’s main nuclear facility at Natanz — the same one that was hit by a devastating Israeli-American cyber-strike more than a decade ago.

Uranium enriched to 20 percent purity is a quick hop to bomb-grade uranium, which is roughly 90 percent pure. But getting from the current levels of 4 or 5 percent enrichment to 20 percent is a far bigger leap than the final move to bomb-grade fuel.

Iran has said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though American intelligence assessed that Iran had a fully active, secret weapons program run by Mr. Fakhrizadeh until 2003. Israeli officials and some American intelligence officials believe that program has continued at a lower level; the scientist was slapped with new American sanctions in recent years.

By mandating a restoration of production and enrichment levels, the new law essentially wipes away the last of the main constraints negotiated by President Barack Obama and a team of diplomats led by Secretary of State John Kerry.

Under that agreement, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018, Iran shipped most of its nuclear stockpile out of the country, to Russia. The agreement also limited enrichment to under 4 percent.

A year after Mr. Trump pulled out of the nuclear accord, Iran began rebuilding the stockpile and inching up the enrichment levels. The new law is clearly designed as a pressure device aimed at removing economic sanctions, which have crippled Iraq’s economy and choked off much of its oil exports.

Barring international inspectors, the State Department said Wednesday, would violate Iran’s legal obligations under existing nuclear agreements.

“We have full confidence in the I.A.E.A. to continue carrying out its verification and monitoring activities in Iran, and to report to the board of governors if there is any shortfall in Iran’s cooperation,” the State Department said in an emailed statement.

It was not immediately clear how long it would take Iran to reach 20 percent enrichment, but David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, said it could be done in as little as six months.

“They know how to do it,” Mr. Albright said in an interview. “They’ve done it before. Something less than six months is the worst-case scenario if they devote all their resources to it.”

Mr. Rouhani’s top adviser, Hesameddin Ashena, said that the brief window for Mr. Biden to act after taking office could allow the hard-line faction to take credit for lifting sanctions and for getting Washington to re-enter the nuclear deal by threat instead of by diplomacy.

But it is far from clear that Iran will be willing to simply go back to the old levels. Some officials have demanded that the United States first pay reparations to Iran for lost oil sales since Mr. Trump reimposed sanctions. Some of Mr. Biden’s aides have said that they could not imagine how that could be politically possible.

And while Mr. Biden has said he wants to go back to the deal, he has also said that returning now to the original provisions, which expired in 2030, would be insufficient. The accord would have to be extended and expanded.

The Biden transition team declined to comment on the Iranian law.

“I think the law is a clear sign that Tehran will not be taking a ‘wait and see’ attitude toward Biden’s Iran policy,” said Henry Rome, a senior Iran analyst at Eurasia Group. “Tehran wants to be at the top of the agenda for the new administration, and escalating its nuclear program is a surefire way to do it.”

The concept of expelling inspectors is not a new one. North Korea did the same during a standoff with the Clinton administration in 1994, and also renounced the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, of which it was a member.

In 2006 the North exploded its first nuclear device, and it has conducted a half-dozen or so tests since. Iran and North Korea have cooperated extensively on missile technology in the years since, and Iranian officials have carefully studied the North Korean experience.

By Farnaz Fassihi and David E. Sanger | Katie Glueck, William J. Broad and Lara Jakes contributed reporting. @ NYTimes

Historically, the Armenian Highlands have rarely been a peaceful neighborhood. Nearly every civilization in Western Asia has trampled over the homeland of the Armenians creating vassal states, suffocating independent kingdoms and forcing demographic changes.

The liberation of Artsakh in 1991 reversed a devastating trend of territorial losses for the Armenian nation. The Genocide had eliminated most of the Western Armenian population and resulted in the theft of the Armenian highlands, the home of Armenians for over 4,000 years. In 1918, thousands of Armenians were encouraged to return to Cilicia by the victorious French allies only to be betrayed by their sudden withdrawal which left the Armenian population vulnerable to further atrocities by Kemalist Turks in 1920-21. Stalin sacrificed the Armenians to pacify the Turks and Azeris by awarding Kars, Ardahan and Ararat to the Turks, Javakhk to his ethnic brothers in Georgia and heavily Armenian-populated Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Nakhichevan to Azerbaijan. By 1923, with the hope of the Treaty of Sevres extinguished, Armenia had been reduced to a mere fraction of its historical definition.

In this context, the liberation of Artsakh is a miracle and an inspiring event. We are all deeply proud of Armenia’s non-violent move to independence in 1991. Artsakh’s liberation was a response to both its commitment to self-determination and preventing the continuation of genocide. The racist and murderous behavior of Azerbaijan was on full display in the years leading up the liberation movement. The Tartars and Azeris have a long history of hostile actions towards Armenians. Clearly the demographic manipulations of the major powers in the 18th and 19th century created a volatile environment, but coexistence has never been a part of the Azerbaijani agenda. By 1988, the Armenian population of Artsakh had been reduced by 20-percent and nearly to zero in Nakhichevan through intimidation, economic discrimination and government bias. In addition, the purging of over 350,000 Armenian citizens of Azerbaijan from 1990-91 was a clear reminder of their racist intentions. The heroic endeavor of Artsakh’s liberation has had a significant impact on the Armenian psyche and political self-esteem.

Still Armenians have outlived Romans, Byzantines, Medes, Sassanids, Seljuks and countless others who have passed through this homeland. Despite the advances of civilization, the area still has not enjoyed sustained stability. The Turks to the west are still genocidal deniers and the thieves of the western highlands. Azerbaijan has evolved into a shallow nation, misappropriating natural resources with racist and oppressive intent. Armenia’s closest supporter in the region, Iran to the south, is isolated from the west. The historical “big brother” relationship with Russia has proven to work as long as Armenia behaves in Russia’s interest. As the traditional east/west rivalries regenerate and democracy grows in Armenia, the relationship with Russia has become tactically strained. The freedom of the Armenian community in Georgia and regional geo-political relationships have created potential limitations to the north. Oppression builds a survival instinct. The truth is you never get used to oppression. You adapt, but you never accept it. Once you do, they stop writing your history. The names have changed, but the political and economic existence of Armenia remains complicated.

The Artsakh “settlement” has evolved into another proxy battle in this region. Unlike Syria or Iraq where foreign militaries were direct combatants, the last 26 years in Artsakh have been a parallel process of unrecognized nation-building and external interests at play. The main player, the OSCE Minsk Group, which includes the US, Russia and France, has a mediation mandate, but of course seeks a solution that serves their individual national interests. How do we define “national interests?” When they intersect, it results in an ally, but the duplicitous nature of geopolitics can continuously alter those dynamics. Russia has always viewed Armenia as part of THEIR family in THEIR neighborhood. From the Czarist Empire to the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation, maintaining influence is essential. Controlling the three nations in the southern Caucasus is critical.

On the other hand, if Russia is seeking influence you can count on the US and NATO as a counterpoint. Their respective work in the OSCE must be viewed in the context of global geopolitics. France is a bit of a wild card. They enjoy warm relations with Armenia but see themselves as representing European interests. With the significant European Union (EU) outreach into the region, interests become complicated. The lines are blurred. The intra-regional competition for the attention of the US and Europe is another important dynamic. Clearly Georgia has the most advanced relationship with NATO and the US. Armenia has made great strides in recent years in both domains, but the current dependency on Russia presents a limiting factor. High maintenance balance is the foreign policy of survival.

Existing in a volatile neighborhood requires displaying enough confidence that you are respected. Enemies can respect you. It is preferable to being ignored or irrelevant. Armenia has made its position clear with Azerbaijan and has defended that position with sacrifice and valor for 30 years. Azerbaijan teaches hatred of the Armenians, but they have some level of respect and perhaps fear of Armenia. Turkey, always the thorn in our side, works through their cousins to the East and must be watched carefully, especially with nefarious plans in Nakhichevan. Their flirtation with Russia is part of their historic strategy of playing east versus west. The most important area of opportunity is with the “proxy players,” essentially the three powers within the OSCE. With the exception of China, they represent the major forces in our world today: US, Europe and Russia.

Under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia has expanded a policy of nurturing relationships with the US, NATO and the EU while maintaining the “strategic” partnership with Russia. This is a very challenging path, but maintaining a full dependence on Russia will reduce Armenia to a vassal state and isolation is not an option. As a result, Armenia embarks on a balanced approach. Armenia has the potential to be a stable conduit for all parties. Improbable? Not in a world where Turkey, a NATO ally, flirts with Russia and its S-400 missile defense system and where Turkey, a supposed US partner, openly works against US interests in Syria. In today’s world of political change, most nations are reluctant to alter the power mix with short term issues. Turkey has betrayed the US on several occasions, yet the heartbeat of the relationship continues. Status quo at least means your enemy has not gained ground. In that context, a stalemate in Artsakh serves others’ “national interests.”

The lesson for Armenia is that duplicitous tolerance works both ways. Armenia has more leverage than it has historically acknowledged. In Artsakh, there are many possible negative outcomes, but there is leverage with the presence of the Armenian population. Would the negotiators dare to depopulate areas that have been developed over the last 30 years? Doubtful.

That is a very bad optic for a mediation team. Despite the rhetoric of the Madrid Principles, many of the points are impractical to implement after nearly 30 years. Entire generations of those impacted have evolved into new lives. Returning to your father’s village in Artsakh to live with Armenians that you have tried to kill for 30 years does not sound like an attractive option for an Azerbaijani “refugee.” Besides, that argument will be quickly neutralized with the purging of 350,000 Armenians from their homes in Azerbaijan. Let’s not forget that Russia needs Armenia also. Their desire to not cede influence to the west in the South Caucasus is highly dependent on Armenia. Georgia was invaded by Russia and has evolved to the west. Azerbaijan by all accounts is unreliable and useful only for short term political moves. Squeezing Armenia on gas pricing or other economic levers is not going to improve Russia’s influence. The Russian influence will continue, but it will have to continue in a more “peer” relationship. As Armenia becomes more democratic and free market driven, the natural affinity towards the west is inevitable. This will require a Russian response.

Relative to Artsakh, Russia has pressured Armenia to support the placement of Russian ”peacekeepers.” The presence of Russian soldiers in Armenia (the Gyumri base) is a carryover from the post-Soviet CIS days. Artsakh is a somewhat clean slate. Obviously, the other OSCE players have no desire for Russian troops in Artsakh. The Armenians should continue leveraging this dynamic. Once foreign troops enter Artsakh, it will be difficult to reverse. While the presence of Russian troops on the western border of Armenia has served as a deterrent to any Turkish adventurism, it also is a reminder of limited sovereignty. The Azeri rhetoric on “territorial integrity” fits the narrative of the status quo. It attempts to keep the victim on the defensive. Rectifying a past injustice can create the one behavior everyone fears: instability.

Over the last 30 years, Armenia and Artsakh have created a new “status quo” that with each succeeding year becomes closer to an accepted reality. The borders of Artsakh may be debated still, but the idea of Artsakh under Azerbaijani control is gone. No one except the Armenians will say it, but they all know it, including the oppressor. Aliyev is looking for some of the “occupied territories” to save face. He has learned it is very difficult to retain what was never yours. In one of the toughest neighborhoods of the last two millennia, Armenia/Artsakh will endure. Armenia is gaining valuable experience in developing strategies designed to serve their interests and live beyond simply serving others. We can all help by contributing to the prosperity of Armenia and Artsakh.

By Stepan Piligian @ https://armenianweekly.com/2020/05/20/living-in-a-tough-neighborhood/

Iran continued to report higher coronavirus cases and deaths as the World Health Organization prepared to send a larger team to the country.

Emirates Group, which runs the world’s biggest airline by international traffic, is encouraging staff to take leave as the outbreak saps demand for travel.

According to a report by Farah Elbahrawy on Bloomberg, Iran, the epicenter of coronavirus in the Middle East, said the number of confirmed cases almost doubled to 978, with 54 deaths. In the capital Tehran alone, there were 170 new infections.

Mideast breakdown:

• Iran: 978 cases, including 54 deaths
• Kuwait: 46
• Bahrain: 41
• U.A.E.: 21
• Iraq: 12
• Lebanon: 7
• Oman: 6
• Israel: 5
• Qatar: 1

Latest Developments:

• The U.A.E. central bank set up a committee to assess the impact of the virus on the economy.
• “Financial institutions are expected to implement measures such as re-scheduling of loans contracts, granting temporary deferrals on monthly loan payments, and reducing fees and commissions for affected customers.”
• Nurseries in the U.A.E. will be closed for two weeks from Sunday.
• Iraq’s government suspended schools, universities and all educational institutes for a week to start until March 7.

With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees and lush green hills, surfing spots, incredible underwater life and some of the best diving sites, Asia’s beautiful islands are close to being heaven on Earth.

They are the perfect answer for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom out of the hustle and bustle of cities. Featuring some of the best beaches in Asia, these are the region’s most stunning paradise islands.

Cát Bà Island, Vietnam

The setting sun in a bay on Cat Ba island | © Dillon Ward/Shutterstock

Located in northern Vietnam, the stunning Cát Bà National Park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay. Cát Bà Island is the largest island in the park, and the town itself is rather touristy, with many karaoke bars attracting Vietnamese weekenders. But take a little ride out of town, and find the many golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungles and lush green mountains offering plenty of treks with incredible views of the famous karst scenery of Cát Bà National Park

The Maldives

Picture-perfect beaches are guaranteed at the Maldives

It may have a reputation for unrivaled luxury, but seasoned travelers will confirm that it is possible to experience the breath-taking beauty of The Maldives, on a budget. Made up of more than 1200 islands, the Indian Ocean paradise is home to some of the most gorgeous (and untouched) beaches on the planet.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Boats anchored on the beach in the Perhentian islands | © Dzerkach Viktar/Shutterstock

Located off the east coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are the most laid back range of islands to be found in the area. They are the perfect spot to relax, remain barefoot and listen to music while watching the sunset and sipping on a cocktail. The islands have hidden coves, beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect if you are looking for places to go diving and snorkeling in Malaysia.

Macleod Island, Myanmar

White sand and emerald seas in Myanmar | © Day2505/Shutterstock

Located in the Mergui Archipelago off Myanmar’s coast, Macleod Island remains mostly untouched, meaning it is serene and full of simple beauty. There is only one resort on the island, the Myanmar Andaman Resort, which is a simple and rustic eco-lodge. The Macleod Island is ideal for those seeking tranquillity in a natural paradise. The isolated island is home to pristine beaches, incredible diving spots and unspoiled nature.

Komodo, Indonesia

Padar Island, part of the Komodo Islands | © Pramoto Setiaji Kendarto / Shutterstock

If you thought dragons didn’t exist, think again. Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragon. Located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia, Komodo is a secluded and untamed Jurassic Park-like island part of the National Park. Besides being well known as the home to the giant lizard, Komodo is also known as a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous mountains to climb and amazing diving sites around the stunning coral reefs.

Akajima, Japan

Wildlife of Akajima, Japan | © joakant/Pixabay

Akijima, often referred to as ‘Aka’, is part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands in Japan. In the summer, it becomes popular with Japanese tourists, but even in peak season, Akajima retains its charm with spotless beaches and welcoming locals. Offshore, it is possible to snorkel, dive and kayak in waters rich in tropical sea life.

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.

Soledad – The Best Online Travel Magazine & News

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere

Well that all depends. There are so many considerations: budget, interests, experience, time, comfort level. But if you are just getting started with the travel thing, you can’t do much better than Western Asia.

Just think of all the places you could go, and I’ll recommend the best five that might help you choose your ideal travel destination.

Some of the places you may visit in Western Asia include Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Lebanon. Pretty amazing, right?

Bahrain

Bahrain is a small Island nation tucked away in the Persian gulf sharing its borders between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is known for its petroleum reserves, offshore banking and tourism.

Despite being a Muslim nation, it doesn’t impose strict Islamic laws like its neighbors thus , paving way for a relaxed atmosphere which draws a large number of tourists. Bahrain’s biggest yearly event – Bahrain Grand PrixÊF1 race is held in the month of April each year.

Jordan

Also known as the ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, Jordan is a spectacle of a destination. Jordan is packed with grand structures and hints of old civilizations. Petra, a city in Jordan, is said to be over 2000 years old. Apart from the old civilizations, another important aspect is the biblical evolution of the society that is evident in some of its structures. Hospitality is a very important part of the culture and thus, everywhere you go, you will receive a very warm welcome.

Kuwait

Located at the top of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait is a country that has often been well-known for being rich in oil. Its neighboring countries include Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq. Kuwait City is the capital of the country and is famous for its modern architecture. Kuwait includes modern day skyscrapers as well as ancient, beautifully built mosques, so it truly is a mix of modernity and the ancient times.

Lebanon

Lebanon lies in the Middle East and is a sovereign. It is often called the Lebanese Republic. It shares its borders with countries like Syria, Israel and Cyprus. Lebanon is actually supposed to be the smallest country in the entire continent of Asia. It has a wonderful coastline that you can never get tired of and even boasts of a popular city – fashionable Beirut. Lebanon is home to a cuisine that we have all sampled at some point, in several different versions – Lebanese cuisine. Both traditional and modern, the country is full of quiet charm and at times, solitude.

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.

Soledad – The Best Online Travel Magazine & News

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere.

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.

Soledad – The Best Online Travel Magazine & News

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.

Soledad – The Best Online Travel Magazine & News

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere