Photo by Greg Rodgers
Out with the old year and in with 2012, a year full of potential adventures and travel opportunities!
Asia is absolutely bursting with exciting destinations, many of which are far cheaper to explore than your average holiday spot or inclusive resort in the US. There has never been a better time to get yourself to the largest -- and most diverse -- continent on Earth.
My personal mission for 2012 is to make planning your travels easier than ever. Stay tuned for more destination ideas, planning advice, gear reviews, and informative pieces to keep your head daydreaming in the clouds where it belongs!
If you haven't already, sign up for my weekly newsletter to stay on top of what's new. You'll get an email on Mondays to distract you from work when you need it most. If you prefer social media, follow me on Twitter to get the latest articles here as well as news from Asia.
I'll close out 2011 with a list of some of my favorite adventures and memories from 2011. If you want to plan a trip to any of these places yourself, feel free to email me for advice or suggestions!
- I've hit nearly every stop along the Banana Pancake Trail.
- For better or worse, Khao San Road in Bangkok is my usual port of entry into Asia.
- North Sumatra in Indonesia was where I got my jungle time this year.
- I managed to photograph wild orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, just outside of Bukit Lawang.
- Two weeks were spent exploring Pulau Samosir and its headhunter past inside the famous Lake Toba volcano caldera.
- The Full Moon Party in Thailand is a great place to be bad for a few days.
- I learned that you can survive Singapore on a budget, and did so for three weeks.
- As prior military, I enjoyed visiting numerous war memorials in Asia and famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Happy travels in 2012 from your Asia Guide!