Latest news with #Travelbag
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful little island with 33C temperatures in May named world favourite
Travel experts have named this Indonesian destination one of the most picturesque islands on the planet. But to get the most out of the 'Island of the Gods' you'll need to know how to time your trip A stunning island world away from Britain has been named as one of the most beautiful on the globe. New research reveals that natural beauty and culture come together to make this Indonesian province a particularly photogenic destination. The travel experts at Travelbag compared 45 of the world's most popular long-haul islands in an attempt to find the most picturesque. Bali, Indonesia topped the ranking, thanks to its 'stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage'. One of the most visited islands in Indonesia, Bali has become synonymous with escapist travel, spa retreats and five-star beach holidays. Palm trees and crystal-clear water define the landscape, while visitors can also explore the vibrant local culture at legendary beach clubs. Bali, also known as Island of the Gods, is most well-known for its wide-range of beaches. Each beach has its own character, ensuring that every type of traveller can find a way to enjoy the island. The sunseekers and clubbers typically make a beeline for Seminyak. Located on the southwest coast of Bali, Seminyak is considered one of the most lively and trendy beaches. Only 10km from the international airport in Denpasar, it's also relatively easy to get to. Despite its convenient location - and the number of tourists it attracts as a result - Seminyak maintains a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to begin exploring Bali. If you are keen to get away from the worst of the crowds, head to Nusa Dua ('Two Islands'). These small headlands are the site of Bali's gated compound of resort hotels. Here, travellers will find world-class accommodation and enjoy access to exclusive beaches. According to Helen Wheat, Asia Destination Manager at Travelbag, its no surprise as to why Bali topped the list as most picturesque. 'Its breathtaking natural beauty is unmatched. From volcanic peaks to lush rice terraces and serene beaches, Bali offers the perfect blend of spirituality, adventure and relaxation,' says Wheat. 'While the south of the island, including Seminyak and Canggu, is bustling with trendy beach clubs and gourmet dining, those in search of a more authentic, serene experience should consider exploring the lesser-travelled regions of the north and east,' advises Wheat. 'Areas like Amed, Sidemen, and Munduk offer unspoiled coastlines, traditional Balinese villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery that remains untouched by mass tourism.' Like many islands, Bali does have a notoriously long rainy season, so Wheat advises to plan your trip accordingly. 'The ideal time to visit Bali is between April and October during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and warm, perfect for getting out there and exploring the waterfalls or hiking Mount Batur to catch the sunrise,' she explains. That said, visiting during the rainy season ensures travellers can avoid the Instagram crowds that descend on the island each summer. According to travel expert and blogger, Nick Kembel, you can also explore the 'real Bali' without visiting hotspots like Juta and Seminyak. 'Personally, I recommend exploring eastern Bali, where you can find deserted beaches, sleepy villages and a thriving local culture,' says Kembel. 'Places like Amed, Candidasa and Sidemen see far fewer tourists." It's also important to keep in mind that Bali has plans to implement a new tourist tax this year. Faced with the challenges of overtourism, officials in Bali have proposed a daily tourist tax, similar to Bhutan's $100 (€£79) Sustainable Development Fee, which is charged to most international visitors. Two other notably picturesque destinations listed on Travelbag's rankings are Sri Lanka and Cuba. Sri Lanka stands out for its breathtaking views from sacred points like Adam's peak and Cuba for its perfect balance of gorgeous beaches and incredible live music nightlife scene.
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai beats Paris, Sydney to become fourth most popular food destination on social media
Dubai is the fourth most popular food destination in the world on social media, according to a new survey conducted by an international travel agency. Travelbag compiled a list of 50 cities worldwide and analysed their Instagram and TikTok data to identify the most popular food destinations on social media as part of a wider study. It found that Dubai had over 2 million posts on Instagram and 127,900 TikTok videos showcasing the city's food culture. With these figures, it surpassed other cities like Sydney, Chicago and Paris. London topped the list followed by Toronto and Melbourne with almost 3 million Instagram posts each. Bhupender Nath, the founder and MD of Passion F&B, the group that manages Michelin-starred concepts like Tresind Studio and Avatara among others, said the result is not surprising. 'Dubai has become a global culinary hotspot,' he said. 'A few years ago, international brands were coming into Dubai from cities like London or Paris. But now, the trend is reversing. As a proud Dubai-based, homegrown group, we're now taking the concepts we launched here — like Trèsind, Carnival, and Avatara — to other parts of the world. It's a sign that Dubai is a food leader and no longer just a food destination.' According to the Travelbag report, Dubai stands out as a 'culinary giant', with 106 food and drink activities, a number that far surpasses other top cities like Melbourne which has 78 and Toronto, which has 40. Home to hundreds of restaurants, the emirate's dining scene has been exploding with some of the best concepts in the world choosing to set up shop in the city. In 2022, the Michelin guide was launched in the city, propelled many homegrown concepts in the country to superstardom. Dubai restaurants, like Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros. Bistro have also made it to the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 'Instagrammability' matters Dubai-based international blogger Hubert, who posts as Mister Taster on Instagram, has been in this business for 15 years and calls himself the 'dinosaur' of food blogging. He lived in UK and Iran before moving to the emirate in 2022 after being granted a Golden Visa. He said 'virality' and 'social media presence' were integral to a restaurant's success now. 'A restaurant needs to have good food but also a good social media strategy to ensure that people know about it,' he said. 'A chef who is presentable on camera also goes a long way in making your brand well-known. When I was starting out, I used to post only photos. Now, you need videos but of course, the most important thing is good food. You can do all the marketing in the world but if the food is not good, people will not come back.' He said cultural ties to food and a backstory were the key ingredients to a good viral food video. 'One of my most popular videos was about a place that made Regag bread,' he said. 'We have over 55 million views on it. It was nothing fancy, but it was local cuisine and told the story of the UAE. Another video of mine about eating a whole lamb with rice also did really well with over 28 million views.' A Dubai gastronomy industry report in 2023 had revealed that the city ranked second worldwide in terms of restaurant density. Telling the story According to Nath, telling a story is what has contributed to some of the most popular dishes in their restaurants. 'Take the iconic chaat trolley at Trèsind, or the Gajak dessert at Carnival by Trèsind — both are designed to surprise, and tell a story rooted in nostalgia and flavor,' he said. 'Today, the visual appeal of a dish or a space is often the first thing that captures a guest's attention — especially on social media. But for us, it is not just about looking good. It's about creating an emotional connection. That's what keeps guests coming back and recommending it to their friends and family.' He credited the power of Dubai's culinary scene to its diversity. 'It's one of the few cities where you can enjoy a progressive Indian tasting menu one night, authentic Emirati cuisine the next, and finish the week with elevated Japanese or Mediterranean fare,' he said. 'There's a hunger for quality and creativity here. Even before the arrival of Michelin, World's 50 Best, or Gault & Millau, the industry was thriving. But the launch of these prestigious platforms has pushed the scene further, setting benchmarks that match or even exceed international standards. Restaurants are now not only creating memorable dishes but also delivering experiences that rival the best in the world.'
