Location: Uvs Province, Western Mongolia, Mongolia
A 3-hour plane ride out of civilization (I mean, Ulaanbaatar), lies one of the world's last frontiers; thousand kilometers worth of plain, untouched land with varieties of clean, blue glacial lakes and rivers. If you thought we were kidding, well no and we were not describing a beautiful dream either! But a huge plot of land near the Mongolia-China-Russia-Kazakhstan border.
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Whenever I travel, I try to learn a little bit of history wherever I am. For me, it is a way to somewhat connect with what is around you and not just visit it for the sole reason that it is beautiful.
Location: Innsbruck,
Tyrol, Austria
Heights: more than often or not, they give people excitement
or fear. But for us, at Passport Out, of course excitement! Who could hate a
360-degree view of this alpine city?!
Funicular Ride
Start your exciting journey with a ride at the Zaha
Hadid-designed funicular that would take you to the main event.
Lookout
Savor the 360-view of the whole city of Innsbruck from the
top of Nordkette. It arguably has the best views of the whole city!
Seegrube Restaurant
What’s a view without a restaurant? Munch all you want at
the Alpenlounge Seegrube and enjoy the stunning views while you eat to your
heart’s content. After enjoying your hearty meal, make sure to checkout the Sun
Terrace! Where you can lounge at the sun chairs all day long (best accompanied
with a hot choco, of course)
Tell me, are you more
on the excitement part or the fear part when faced with heights? Tell me below!
Photos and Words by Will @ Passport Out
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
There's nothing more rewarding than escaping to a foreign land, somewhat locked away from the rest of the world and in a spot more distant than most humans will ever be. Of course with surreal sights of rolling green hills, great sand dunes and incredibly clear waterways. If you've already guessed it, well yes, we were talking about one of the world's last frontiers, Passport Out welcomes you to Mongolia!
"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
Location: New York, NY
There is nothing more rewarding than working hard during the weekday and ending it with a short staycation at a place with that slight disconnect from reality. Sometimes, relaxation can be achieved with just a little imagination and of course, the perfect place for you to bask in the city sunshine before escaping to that dream destination.
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Where can a 30-minute train ride take you?
Location: Venice, Italy
The Grand Canal is a 3,800m long water-traffic corridor in the beautiful city of Venice. Even though a lot of people usually skip exploring this area, there's no doubt that if you look deep into what is really hidden in those side streets, you'll find this area to be really rich with culture (and produce!).
Location: Venice, Italy
As much as the hustle and bustle of the Grand Canal appeals to me (yes it does), there's nothing more inviting than a walk along the city's secret back streets.
Whether you’re traveling with your best travel buddy or your special someone, these moments project imageries of laughter in the backstreets of a city or a slow-mo depiction of hair pulling when your partner gets irritating. So, here are some suggestions on how you can comeback from your short-escape in one piece (and yes, with all your hair still intact).
Remember: If you don’t take
these tips into consideration, consider watching yourself reenact scenes from
the Expendables.
1. Whether it’s just choosing
which side of that comfy King-size bed you’ll be sleeping in, or who
gets to take a bath first in the morning, there’s no doubt you’ll have to learn
how to communicate well- Or else you’ll awaken that sleeping Godzilla inside
your buddy.
2. Number one rule of
buddy-travel? Never ever fight about directions! Consult your maps phone application for that! And guess what, phones are made to help you out (thought you might know that by now *wink*).
3. Stop being such a lazy
person and put your belongings where they’re supposed to be placed, or else you
might loose it and your poor travel buddy will be the one to be blamed. Boohoo!
4. Even if you’re traveling
together, try having a few hours by yourself. Whether it’s an early-morning breakfast run to the nearest convenience store or having a cuppa while you enjoy that kick-ass view by the
window. Even if you're together, it's very important to find some quality time for yourself (you wouldn't want to strangle yourself with your buddy 24/7, right?)
5. Include your buddy in your
decisions all the time. Remember: you're not traveling alone, what if he/she prefers to go somewhere else? and what if he/she's tired? Always take those into consideration.
6. Learn how to compromise. Even if it's just the last piece of meatball or whoever gets to choose where you're having dinner, just let your buddy have the honor of doing it. You're in your escape, after all! Probably next time you get to have that last meatball, or you get to choose where to have brunch!
It got me thinking, what was your most memorable experience with your travel buddy? Let's talk about it!
Photos and Words by Passport
Out
Location: Vienna, Austria
Staying at the Hotel Sacher Wien, there's no doubt the first place that would make an impression to you is the Stephansplatz- Vienna's geographical center and the starting point for most streets at the Austrian capital.
Beneath cellular phones, wallets, passports, watches on jubilee bracelets and other obsessions that we have in life, what might be the necessary things to bring when exploring?
When people said: “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting” – they were probably in the middle of an outrageous wait for a flight, which they’re not even sure if it’s going to be just delayed or cancelled.
Location: Terezin, Czech Republic
Okay, call me a history-geek; but whenever I travel to a certain country, I try to read as much stories about its history as possible. I want to understand how a specific country came about- what made them be the country that they are now and the significant places that would make me process each information better.
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Based on experience, everything looks better as viewed from the top. Especially cities; it gives you that right amount of tease to push yourself to see more and discover more of what's hidden beneath those unique structures.
See Prague from the Top
Pražský hrad (Prague Castle)
Before entering Prague's Palace of the President, you'll notice a stone walkway that gives visitors an overview of what this city could offer; red-brick rooves paired with some really interesting architecture. Surprisingly, this view is neglected by most people due to its proximity to the Prague Castle. So, when you're visiting the place, try to slow-down and take in the beautiful view.
 |
| Photo by the Mandarin Oriental Prague |
I fell in-love with the view so much that I suggest staying near this area. The best option if you ask me is staying at the unique, courtyard-feel, Mandarin Oriental Prague that's not too far away from this awesome view. Discover this area and you won't be disappointed!
Staromĕstská radnice
First of all, what could go wrong being in this location? If it's at the beautiful Staroměstské náměstí, there's no doubt it would give you some beautiful views (and that's a proven fact). Opening up with a 360-degree view of the Old Town Square (Staromĕstské námĕstí) and the Prague Castle farther north.
I suggest choosing a nice time to visit the place though, as the crowds get a bit rowdy during few times of the day.
Charles Bridge Tower
 |
| Amazing photo by hdrshooter.com |
If you prefer a bit of quietness in your life, go to the Charles Bridge Tower. A few people visit this beautiful tower since the only way you can reach the top is facing my oldest enemy; the stairs. But I assure you, fellow traveler, that it is worth the way up. Especially if you plan to go up at Twilight. You'll catch the orange colors of sunset mix with the subtle blue colors of dusk plus the breath-taking illumination of the whole Prague city.
What about you? Do you like viewing cities from the Top?
Photos and Words by Passport Out
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Dobrý den from Praha!
Location: Singapore, Singapore
 |
| Special thanks to Nicholas Young @ planespotters.net |
Location: Marina Bay, Singapore
I’ve been hearing raves
about the Mandarin Oriental (MO) brand for quite sometime and when the
opportunity came to finally try it, who am I to not grab it?
Location: The Municipality of Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany
Before moving to our next destination, Passport Out takes you 2-hours south of Munich to check out probably one of the most prominent landmarks in Germany. Yeah, Schloss Neuschwanstein - but hang on a second, have you ever wondered what else is there?
Aside from viewing the Schloss Neuschwanstein, of course...
Don't get me wrong, I could stare at its beautiful architecture all-day but I'm sure there are some awesome places nearby as well! Join us as we take you there!
Alpsee
I'm a huge sucker for beautiful architecture (you guys probably know that already) but I also can't deny the fact that I adore what nature has in store. Alpsee surely closed the deal for me. How can it not? Look at those calm blue waters! A picnic basket and a nice spot on the grass and I'm all-set for the day!
Mt.Tegelburg
If you thought this part of Germany is just for the Neuschwanstein, well you're wrong buddy. It's also a popular skiing spot! Hop on to that Cable Car and you're good to go. It also gives stunning views of the area. What could get more better than that?!
Wies Church
 |
| Photo from bavaria.by |
About 20-minutes from Schloss Neuschwanstein is Steingaden, where the Wies Church is located. You might be wondering what this place of worship has to offer you, well check out its very intricate interiors! That's what. It's one of the oldest surviving Oval Rococo Churches in Germany and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Schloss Linderhof
 |
| Photo from Wikipedia |
In a town at the border of Germany and Austria, where the Alps meet, lies Garmisch where the beautiful Schloss Linderhof is located. It is much more smaller than Schloss Neuschwanstein, but what makes it special is actually its size and how it's a smaller version of the Versailles in France. It is also the only castle that King Ludwig II has seen completed.
What's your favorite place to visit in Bavaria?
Photos and Words by Passport Out (unless stated)
Location: Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
Where can a 45-minute train ride take you?
Location: Central, Hong Kong
I've been to Hong Kong a dozen of times in the past; mainly for a brief stopover at their very mall-like airport. But whenever I feel like coming down to the city, I always include the Star Ferry ride from Central to Kowloon on my list- maybe because I have a slight fascination with boat rides but then there's also a huge possibility that it's because of the views it can offer.
Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
If there's one thing that never ceases to amaze me, that would be the fact that Asia has some really beautiful architecture. Don't get me wrong, I'm no architecture enthusiast but there's one thing I can assure you, I have an eye for some amazing looking curves and edges.
Location:
Chiang Mai, Thailand
At the
heart of the historic city of Chiang Mai, lies arguably one of Northern
Thailand’s most unique boutique resorts. A subtle mix of the old and the new
has been proven to be the best ingredient for this amazing 30-room property.
Location:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Coming-in
from Kota Kinabalu and with just an hour and a half for connecting time, I knew
I didn’t want to waste time. Thanks to the quick KLIA immigration (and speed
walking), I was at the Regional Golden Lounge in no time (you can check that out here.)
Location: Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca or known as “The
Historic City” is located about 3 hours from the country’s capital, Kuala
Lumpur. In history, it is widely known to be the capital of Portuguese Malacca
and Dutch Malacca before being part of the British’s Straits Settlements
together with Singapore and Penang.
Location: Malacca, Malaysia
Stepping inside the lobby,
at the authentic Peranakan Mansion transports you back into 1920s Malacca: from
the original intricate porcelain floorings, fine carpets, teakwood furnishings
and to that particular Baba (Male) color of bright tourmaline, each aspect of
the property screamed old-world Chinese glamour.
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of the Southeast Asian country of
Malaysia is definitely not your normal metropolis. It is a melting pot of
different Asian minorities and as a result, it forms a city with a diverse
culture- a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian settlements peacefully living under
one developed city. How amazing is that?
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
You could say that the Majestic Kuala Lumpur is the grand old dame of Malaysia's capital; it was built in 1932 as a 51-room hotel and have witnessed many important milestones in this Southeast Asian country's history. After being restored from its 28 year closure, The Majestic Kuala Lumpur is now better than ever; with the construction of the very modern Tower Wing and a stunning facelift of the old Majestic Wing. It definitely gives you an insight of what this city has to offer: a beautiful mix of the old and the new.
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Call me the details guy, but for me, it is always the small things that makes an escape extra special; a personalized hand-written letter, a welcome gift or a little something that makes you feel at home the moment you see it. I guess luck was on my side during my work slash business trip to Gaya Island Resort because I got all three.
