Asia: the standout destination of 2024
Asia is the standout destination of 2024. Every year, a handful of destinations rise above the rest and become firm favourites with travellers. This year, we're heading to the other side of the planet for a real feast for the eyes.
With a reputation for being more affordable than most, this continent offers a huge range of options. Whatever you fancy and whatever your budget, travelling in Asia is well within reach. Food in Asian countries is particularly cheap. And because the currencies are weaker too, you'll be able to enjoy plenty of activities and excursions without draining your savings.
The one thing to bear in mind when planning a trip to Asia is the rainy season. It's generally hot between June and October, but you're far more likely to be caught in a torrential downpour while visiting a temple or sipping a cocktail on the beach!
Destinations in South Asia
Thailand, with Bangkok, the city of angels. A capital hugely popular with travellers, as it makes onward travel to the islands, jungles and neighbouring countries easy. And of course the famous Phuket, with its fine sandy beaches.
Indonesia, home to one of the best-known islands of all, Bali. But there's far more to see. Do consider trips to other islands in the archipelago, such as Java, the largest of them and home to the capital, Jakarta, or Lombok and New Guinea.
Sri Lanka, a small country off the coast of India, delivers on every promise when it comes to scenery. Between the jungles, arid plains and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Malaysia: this one's our favourite here at StyQR. Perhaps a slightly lesser-known country overall, but a genuine Asian gem. An enormous amount of history and culture comes together in this land. Plenty of different influences too: Asian, Chinese and Indian. There's a wealth of culture as well, with many temples open to visitors. It really is a country of many faces.
Destinations in East Asia
China, an extraordinary country in terms of size, culture and history. Travelling in China is a complete change of scene. If you choose to venture away from the big cities such as Beijing or Hong Kong, you'll find a very different picture: endless paddy fields, countryside still rooted in age-old traditions and a deeply moving authenticity.
Japan, the cradle of oversized, cutting-edge technology. Tokyo is of course a must if you're prepared to take the not-inconsiderable 14-hour flight to discover this country. But as with China, don't be afraid, if time allows, to plan a road trip through the Japanese interior, to explore villages less affected by the tourist rush, or to head into the heart of the country, to the city of Kyoto, and discover all its temples. This list is of course far from exhaustive and covers only a small part of what Asia has to offer. Do tell us in the comments where and when you're going. So, when are we booking that plane ticket?
Before you choose, here’s what each destination brings to the table, at a glance.
| Destination | What sets it apart |
|---|---|
| Thailand | Bangkok makes it easy to transit to nearby islands and jungles, Phuket for its fine sandy beaches |
| Indonesia | Bali the best known, Java the largest with Jakarta, Lombok and New Guinea worth exploring |
| Sri Lanka | Jungles, arid plains and endless beaches |
| Malaysia | StyQR’s favourite: Asian, Chinese and Indian influences, many temples open to visitors |
| China | Beyond the big cities, endless rice paddies and traditional countryside |
| Japan | At least a fourteen-hour flight, Tokyo a must, Kyoto for its temples |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to travel to Asia? It depends on how well you handle rain. Between June and October it is hot, but it is also the rainy season, and the odds of a torrential downpour while you visit a temple or sip a cocktail on the beach go up sharply. That is the one point to check before you lock in your dates.
Is travelling in Asia really cheaper? The continent has that reputation and it rests on two things. Food is remarkably affordable and the currency costs less, which puts a long list of activities and excursions within reach without draining your savings. The rest adjusts to what you want and what you can spend.
Which Asian country should I pick if I want to avoid the crowds? Our favourite at StyQR is Malaysia. The country gets less attention, yet Asian, Chinese and Indian influences meet there, along with a lot of history and plenty of temples you can visit. A place with many faces.
How long is the flight to Japan? No less than fourteen hours. Make them count: if you have the time, plan a road trip inland, towards the villages the tourist rush has spared or towards Kyoto and its temples. Tokyo is the mandatory stop, but stopping there would be a waste.
What is there to see in Indonesia besides Bali? Bali is the best known island of the archipelago, not the only one. Java is the largest and holds the capital, Jakarta. Lombok and New Guinea are worth the trip too.
Should I stay in the big cities in China? Beijing and Hong Kong tell only part of the story. Move away from them and you find rice fields stretching to the horizon and countryside still rooted in ancestral traditions. The change of scene is total.
On the same topic
