SINGAPORE (AFP) ― Malaysia has been rated the world’s top Muslim-friendly holiday destination in a survey released Wednesday that listed Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Singapore as runners-up.The study by Singapore-based Muslim travel consultancy Crescentrating ranked countries on how well they cater to the growing number of Muslim holidaymakers seeking halal ― or Islam-compliant ― food and services.It used criteria including the level of safety in a country, the ease of a

Jan. 18, 2013

GANSBAAI, South Africa ― One night as my sister and I walked across the rugged yet strangely delicate terrain of a place called Farm 215, the path to our cottage lighted only by the stars and a flashlight, the wine-wobbly beam suddenly illuminated several sets of legs.A moment of what the ...? And then we realized that we were standing in the middle of a small herd of horses, including two mares and their foals, that roam the South African eco-retreat outside Gansbaai.It was a perfect mother-chi

Jan. 18, 2013

Sheraton Incheon Hotel is offering a green getaway for readers of The Korea Herald. The “eco-friendly package,” which includes two consecutive nights’ stay on Saturday and Sunday with breakfast as well as food and beverage equivalent to 100,000 won in value during the stay, will be upgraded exclusively for readers of The Korea Herald, with a free upgrade to the Park View Deluxe Room that offers panoramic views of Central Park in Songdo and Incheon Bridge. The package is priced at 460,000 won, ex

Jan. 16, 2013

With the start of the New Year, you’re bound to be making resolutions and trying to change patterns. Didn’t travel much last year? Didn’t take a vacation at all? Make a positive change right now by planning a trip in the next few months! With must-see spots for the next three months in mind, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com were polled, and here are their “5 Spots to Hit in the Next 3 Months.”1. See the northern lights in NorwayNASA has predicted that the winter season in the Northe

Jan. 11, 2013

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province ― Approximately 180 km east of Seoul, just a couple-hour drive outside of metropolis is the quiet, mountainous county of Pyeongchang in Gangwon Province. Pyeongchang sits 700 meters above sea level, and with its reputation of having some of the longest, coldest winters in Korea, it is also known as the place to be when it comes to winter sports. As the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang offers a laundry list of exciting winter activities bound to test one

Jan. 4, 2013

I have seen the future and it is hot, wet, sandy and you can get one of those funny-colored drinks with a paper umbrella on top.I took a swim recently at Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu in Hawaii. It will be the Best Beach of 2013, according to the popular “Dr. Beach” best beaches contest that will come out around Memorial Day.Officially, the 2013 winner is a closely guarded secret, with wire services, newspapers, radio and TV stations and (less consistently) websites promising to adhere to a stri

Jan. 4, 2013

SOCHI, Russia ― Sochi, a resort area on the Black Sea in Russia, is the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics. It’s a popular summer resort town because of its warm weather, beaches and a shoreline boardwalk that draws visitors from across Russia. All that makes it an interesting choice for the site of the Winter Games, scheduled for Feb. 7-23, 2014.Thirty minutes from the town center, a new Olympic park is under construction. The venues for figure skating, hockey, speed skating, curling and the open

Jan. 4, 2013

Lisa Gill of the magazine Conde Nast Traveler listed her “best places to go in 2013,” and selected Amsterdam, Seoul, Nashville, New Orleans and Toronto.Appearing on NBC‘s “Today” show Wednesday, Gill mentioned Amsterdam’s major museum renovations and avant-garde design shops; Seoul‘s food and nightlife, calling the South Korean city “one of the most vibrant, wired and innovative cities in Asia;” and praised the architecture and restaurants of Toronto.She also spoke highly of two American cities

Jan. 3, 2013

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN ― Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is also the country’s prime minister, has often topped lists of the richest men in the world. That’s because the small sultanate ― one of only two remaining in the world today ― has a rich history of oil and gas production.Perhaps less known is the fact that more than three-quarters of the country is covered by untouched rainforest.Simply translated as “the abode of peace,” Brunei Darussalam is one of the unexpected treasures of Southea

Dec. 28, 2012

Sheraton Incheon Hotel has been named the “Best Green Hotel 2012” by The Korea Herald readers’. This is the third time the hotel has been recognized as green hotel: It was given the titles of “Asia’s leading green hotel” and “World’s leading green hotel” by the World Travel Awards. Sheraton Incheon has been promoting its vision of a clear and focused company-wide goal of reducing energy and water usage, at the same time providing a luxurious experience. The hotel has been facilitating an eco-fri

Dec. 25, 2012

Nestled in Seoul’s diplomatic, business and financial district, Somerset Palace Seoul sits beside the tranquil and picturesque Gyeongbok Palace. Guests can take a leisurely stroll to the myriad of restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment outlets located along the Insa-dong and Jongno areas. Other parts of Seoul are easily accessible from the residence, as it is located minutes from Anguk, Jonggak and Gwangwhamun subway stations. The residence is more than just about location. The professi

Dec. 25, 2012