Overview
This year will be the return of international travel for many of us. After such a long time between global jaunts, you wouldn't be blamed for running away to Europe or the US. But there's plenty of fun to be had a little closer to home.
Within a few hours, you could be sipping cocktails on a beach in Bali or eating your way around Tokyo. And that's only the beginning. Asia is bursting with diverse cultures, dramatic landscapes and delicious things to eat and drink — which you can experience for yourselves by booking one of these seven getaways via Concrete Playground Trips.
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SOUTH KOREA FOOD AND DRINK TOUR
Love your Korean fried chicken? Or your lunchtime bibimbap? Then you best check out this eight-day culinary tour that takes you from city restaurants to rural farms, trying some of the country's best dishes. Most of the tough travel decisions will also be taken care of during your vacay — hotels, local transport and a bunch of unique food and culture activities. It makes discovering the flavourful diversity and heritage of this rich culinary scene all too easy.
THE ULTIMATE SEMINYAK ESCAPE
If you're looking for a stylish stay in one of Bali's most sought-after locations, then Double-Six Luxury Hotel will likely be your jam. Raising the bar for beachfront luxury, this hotel is set along the iconic Double-Six Beach, within walking distance of some of Seminyak's best bars, restaurants and shopping streets. Serving up exceptional service alongside delicious eats and hand-crafted cocktails from four bars and restaurants, this five-star hotel has everything you need for a relaxing Bali getaway. But we aren't just getting you a room here. You'll also get daily breakfasts, one hour of free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks each day, a dinner for two at Suzie Q and vouchers for its spa. This is how you Bali.
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EXPLORE THE BEST OF BORNEO'S NATURAL WONDERS
Experience natural wonders and abundant wildlife only found in Borneo during this ten-day adventure. You'll hang out with orangutans in Sepilok, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, chill out on the stunning Manukan Island and get a taste of city life in Kota Kinabalu. It ticks off all the top spots in Borneo, while taking you to some hidden gems only known by locals. You'll also travel with a small group of fellow nature-loving travellers, making some new mates for life.
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TOUR FROM TOKYO TO OSAKA
Home to sake, geishas, karaoke, kawaii culture and onsens, Japan's got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip, you'll get to see the country at its very best. Take in the neon nightlife of Tokyo, relax in the manicured gardens of Nikko and discover thousands of years of culture and history in Kyoto. Of course, no trip to Japan would be complete without trying a heap of local dishes, so world-class sushi, ravishing ramen and delectable donburi are all on the menu. Experience the culture and charm of the Land of the Rising Sun during this ultimate Japan holiday.
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AFFORDABLE LUXURY STAY IN LOMBOK
We are obsessed with Lombok — Bali's less crowded neighbour. It has a high calibre of beaches, food and hospitality but at a significantly lower price point and with fewer tourists. To best take advantage of this stunning island, we teamed up with KU Villas Lombok to create three different travel deals. The first deal is the simplest and includes a two-night stay with daily breakfasts (for two people) in this lavish accommodation for just $105 a night. The second deal includes a three-night stay, private chauffeur, $200 credit for the clifftop SIWA Clubhouse, a one-hour massage for each guest and all your breakfasts — and is just $455 total for two people. And the third deal is $655 for all the same inclusions plus extra spa treatments.
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IN-DEPTH CULTURAL TOUR OF VIETNAM
Trace Vietnam's eastern coastline on this epic 15-day adventure, tackling the country from south to north and discovering the many wonders that lie along the way. From the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City all the way up to old-world Hanoi, you'll experience tumultuous history, colonial charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery on your adventure. You'll join a boat cruise along the Mekong Delta, tour the backstreets of Hoi An with a local, enjoy a rural homestay in Da Bac and explore the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay. If you've ever wanted to visit Vietnam, this is how you do it properly.
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LAIDBACK BALI SURFING TRIP
Calling all surfers. Or anyone who is keen to try surfing and isn't worried about looking like a fool while learning. This tropical getaway takes guests to Keramas, a somewhat sleepy surfer town in the south of Bali for three to seven nights. Dig into delicious dishes and poolside bites from Komune Resort and Beach Club, head out to tackle the four surf breaks right out the front of your hotel or take a stand-up paddleboard out for a ride (skipping the waves altogether). Whether you want to surf every day or just watch the surfers from your pool, this trip will have you sorted.
Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
Top image: Nomadic Julien (Unsplash)