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Travel + Leisure
14-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The New Trains in Central Asia Travel Back in Time to Breathtaking Sights Along the Silk Road
In Central Asia, the new trains travel back in time. As early as the second century B.C., an important network of trading routes known as the Silk Road linked Europe and East Asia. Now, in Uzbekistan, the region's first high-speed railway system is making it easier to visit that part of the route. Italian photojournalist Francesco Lastrucci switched between these new trains—which are on par with France's TGV or Portugal's Alfa Pendular—and the slower Soviet-era trains. He traveled from the capital, Tashkent, to Khiva—with stops in Samarkand, Uzbekistan's second-largest city, and Bukhara. On board, Lastrucci encountered few tourists and even fewer English speakers. From left: The showroom of Bukhara Silk Carpets; Kukaldosh Madrassa, in Bukhara. Buy rail tickets à la carte at starting from $21, or join curated Silk Road trips, such as this 17-day Silk Road Through the Caucasus itinerary with tour operator Abercrombie & Kent. Here, Lastrucci recounts his three days on the Silk Road, complete with his best recommendations in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Tilla-Kari Madrassa, in Samarkand's Registan Square. En route from Samarkand to Bukhara on a modern train. Day 1: Samarkand 'When I arrived in Samarkand, a city in east Uzbekistan that was a major stop on the Silk Road, I headed to Registan Square, which is arguably the most iconic site in the country. It started raining on my walk, so I ducked into Siyob Bazaar, a covered market with two levels and vendors selling food, pottery, and spices. A woman was selling bread, which, in Uzbekistan, is round like a wheel—although the decoration changes from region to region. In Registan Square, there are three madrassas, or religious schools, including Tilla-Kari Madrassa, which is connected to an ornately decorated mosque. I then took a fast train from Samarkand to Bukhara. Looking south, I could see mountains in the distance, bordering Turkmenistan. When we stopped at a station in Navoi, I peeked out the door and saw only locals.' From left: Bread for sale at Siyob Bazaar, in Samarkand; the Sherdor Madrassa in Samarkand, reflected in a shop's mirror. From left: Posing in front of Khiva's Ichan-Kala West Gate; Kalta Minor, an unfinished minaret in Khiva. Day 2: Bukhara 'Bukhara is known for art and hand-woven textiles. I started my day at Bukhara Silk Carpets, in the city's old town, which has a huge showroom and a workshop behind it, where I met about 20 kind, welcoming women making rugs. Artisans set up stalls at the entrance of the ancient Kukaldosh Madrassa, many painting Persian miniatures, which are small pieces with intricate details. For lunch, I sampled the pumpkin manti, a classic Central Asian dumpling, and beef soup at Jam, a restaurant close to the madrassa. My visit fell right before Nauruz, the Persian New Year; many locals were preparing for the celebration. These women were dancing while cooking sumalak, a sweet paste made of sprouted wheat.' 'The train from Bukhara to Khiva was older than my first train. The landscape between the cities is all desert. For me, looking out at that expanse was hypnotic; like a form of meditation. When I got on the train, I was given a pillow and sheets and made my bed in the car, which I shared with three other people—two women, who only spoke Uzbek, and a university math professor who spoke English. We chatted the whole trip, and he even invited me for lunch at his house.' From left: Inside Kuhna Ark, in Khiva; passing by the Paklavon Makhmud Mausoleum. Women dancing in the streets of Bukhara. Day 3: Khiva 'Khiva is smaller than Bukhara. The main attraction is the unfinished Kalta Minor minaret, which I visited early in the morning to photograph. My fingers were freezing as I took pictures, but it was worth it to have no one else around. In the late afternoon, I had tea at Terrassa Café & Restaurant, which has breathtaking views over Ichan-Kala, Khiva's Old Town. Away from the big crowds of Samarkand, my stay felt quieter, more intimate. I continued on to Paklavon Makhmud Mausoleum, the tomb of Khiva's patron saint, which has a magnificent turquoise dome and a blue-tiled façade. Kuhna Ark citadel feels like a city within the city of Khiva. It was built in the 17th century by the khan of Khiva and is surrounded by fortified walls and watchtowers. I climbed one of them and found the best view of Khiva.' Terrassa Café & Restaurant, in Khiva.
CNA
05-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Retail rentals: Industry group says it's time for reforms
CNA938 Rewind - Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in the Philippines for his first bilateral visit Singapore and the Philippines will further build up collaborative efforts in areas like renewable energy, healthcare and civil service development. Could we see more jobs and business opportunities for the two countries? Daniel Martin and Justine Moss discuss with Dr Lim Tai Wei, Affiliation Professor and East Asian expert, Soka University. 15 mins CNA938 Rewind - Sail across the World to Japan, South Korea & Italy on a luxury cruise liner In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out about the destinations and countries that cruise passengers can discover when they sign up with Crystal Cruises, a luxury cruise liner. Evon Ler, director of sales, Asia at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, the parent company of Crystal Cruises, will talk about the activities – on and offboard – that await passengers. She'll recall travels to Busan, South Korea – eating live octopus; visiting a sake brewery in Kobe, Japan and enjoying fresh cannoli in Sicily, Italy. Ler will also describe the wellness and F&B options like curated plant-based menus and sound therapy sessions available on Crystal Cruises. 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - Made for Mums by a Mum: Gisele Woon on Building Clare's Corner In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Gisele Woon, founder of Clare's Corner – a 1700 sq. ft events space located in Kembangan, East of Singapore. Woon explains how she set up the company after struggling to find a suitable space for her daughter's birthday and some rude shocks that came after that. She'll describe how Clare's Corner is designed for birthday parties, workshops and corporate events. A TikTok personality with over 1800 followers, Woon will also share the raw realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship. 32 mins
CNA
05-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Sail across the World to Japan, South Korea & Italy on a luxury cruise liner
CNA938 Rewind Play In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out about the destinations and countries that cruise passengers can discover when they sign up with Crystal Cruises, a luxury cruise liner. Evon Ler, director of sales, Asia at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, the parent company of Crystal Cruises, will talk about the activities – on and offboard – that await passengers. She'll recall travels to Busan, South Korea – eating live octopus; visiting a sake brewery in Kobe, Japan and enjoying fresh cannoli in Sicily, Italy. Ler will also describe the wellness and F&B options like curated plant-based menus and sound therapy sessions available on Crystal Cruises. CNA938 Rewind - Sail across the World to Japan, South Korea & Italy on a luxury cruise liner In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out about the destinations and countries that cruise passengers can discover when they sign up with Crystal Cruises, a luxury cruise liner. Evon Ler, director of sales, Asia at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, the parent company of Crystal Cruises, will talk about the activities – on and offboard – that await passengers. She'll recall travels to Busan, South Korea – eating live octopus; visiting a sake brewery in Kobe, Japan and enjoying fresh cannoli in Sicily, Italy. Ler will also describe the wellness and F&B options like curated plant-based menus and sound therapy sessions available on Crystal Cruises. 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - Made for Mums by a Mum: Gisele Woon on Building Clare's Corner In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Gisele Woon, founder of Clare's Corner – a 1700 sq. ft events space located in Kembangan, East of Singapore. Woon explains how she set up the company after struggling to find a suitable space for her daughter's birthday and some rude shocks that came after that. She'll describe how Clare's Corner is designed for birthday parties, workshops and corporate events. A TikTok personality with over 1800 followers, Woon will also share the raw realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship. 32 mins CNA938 Rewind - Paw-ssibly the Future: The Dog Grocer's Sustainable Take on Pet Nutrition In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the founder of The Dog Grocer, a Singapore pet food manufacturer that's also touted as the country's first sustainable pet food store. Founder Soo Ming Hui, together with marketing manager Nicole Chong, will recall what jumpstarted the brand's creation, how they strive to produce optimal nutritious pet food in their AVS-licensed kitchen, how sustainable the brand is, and the different eats popular with furkids: from freeze-dried treats to marinated jerkies. 33 mins CNA938 Rewind - New Bahru's ECA Field Trip: collaborations, eats and more! In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out where Singaporeans can go to attend a series of design-led fairs featuring local & regional brands. Tania Chan, partner & Chief Marketing Officer of hospitality company Lo & Behold Group will talk about lifestyle destination New Bahru's Extra Curious Activities (ECA) that will bring together local creatives in unexpected ways for visitors to enjoy. Happening from 6 - 8 June, 'ECA: Field Trip' will feature over 30 clubs, societies and lifestyle brands under one roof. Shermien Koh, founder of East Coast Commune will talk about how the café is collaborating with Cruddy, a creative design unit, on a picnic-style booth featuring exclusive merch and a new kids activity book. 16 mins
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Travel + Leisure
26-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This 8-day Cruise Takes You to Some of Europe's Most Festive Christmas Markets—and You Can Buy Tickets Now
While the holidays might seem far away, it's never too early to plan a yuletide escape—yes, even before the start of summer. This holiday season, Abercrombie & Kent invites travelers on a luxurious journey through the heart of Europe with its "Christmas Markets on the Rhine" cruise. For eight festive days, passengers sail along the scenic Rhine River, stopping in storybook towns aglow with twinkling lights and the holiday spirit. From charming market stalls to historic squares decked with seasonal splendor, this itinerary offers a convenient way to experience Europe's most beloved Christmas traditions. Beginning in Strasbourg, France, known as the "Capital of Christmas," guests can wander through one of Europe's oldest and most popular Christmas markets, set against a backdrop of timber-framed houses. A highlight of Strasbourg is a visit to the Cave des Hospices, the city's oldest wine cellar, where guests can sample local vintages and learn about the region's winemaking heritage. From Strasbourg, the cruise makes its way to Freiburg in Germany's legendary Black Forest. Here, market stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, traditional nutcrackers, and the irresistible aromas of bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and steaming cups of spiced glühwein (mulled wine). The route also winds through several quaint villages in the Alsace wine region. In Heidelberg, Germany, guests are transported to a fairytale holiday setting, nestled beneath the romantic ruins of the town's historic castle. Notable activities include an exclusive cocktail reception and a gourmet chef's table dinner, with plenty of time to visit the festive holiday markets that line the city's cobbled streets. In Rüdesheim, travelers can explore the famed Drosselgasse, a picturesque street lined with charming shops, and take a guided walking tour of the medieval town of Koblenz. In the evening, the Captain's Gala dinner provides a celebratory event on board with fine cuisine and Rhine River views. Next, the itinerary leads to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. A visit to the Beethoven-Haus Museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the legendary composer. The cruise concludes in Cologne, home to one of Germany's most awe-inspiring cathedrals and some of its most beloved Christmas markets. After exploring the Cologne Cathedral, guests can meander through festive stalls and try lebkuchen —the spiced gingerbread holiday favorite. This exciting eight-day trip, starting from $7,995 per person, runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 and includes a one-night hotel stay before and after the cruise. Guests will sail aboard the luxurious and modern Amadeus Star , enjoying hotel-style comforts, gourmet cuisine, and private small-group excursions led by an experienced resident tour director. For more information, visit
Condé Nast Traveler
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Things to Do in Japan All Year-Round
We've teamed up with legendary travel company Abercrombie & Kent to offer Curated Escapes, a collection of specialized trips custom-designed for our readers. Take off on a nine-day, small-group trip to Japan showcasing the skyscrapers and Shinto shrines of Tokyo, the Samurai districts of the coastal city of Kanazawa, and the Zen temples and textile traditions of Kyoto. Book now. Locals and regular visitors know that Japan—a remarkably varied country—doesn't reveal itself all at once. The nation is like an unfolding narrative: full of layers, contradictions, and hidden wonders. You've likely heard of the cherry blossoms, all the best things to do in Tokyo, and the bullet train, but the real magic is often found in the everyday. It's in the affordable convenience store snacks, the soothing hum of a rural onsen, or the pure joy of losing yourself in an arcade under neon lights. Whether it's your first trip or your fifth, these are the best things to do in Japan to experience the country's full spectrum, from the iconic to the subtle. Between the crane games brimming with adorable plushes and the rows upon rows lined with the latest and greatest gaming technology, there's no chance you'll grow bored inside a Japanese arcade. Getty Images 1. Visit an arcade (and get lost in neon nostalgia) Step into a world of neon lights, familiar eight-bit soundtracks, and the gentle buzz of competition. Battle your friends in Mario Kart, then hunt down the perfect purikura (photo booth)—Japan's arcades offer a riot of fun and an unforgettable sensory overload. Bonus points if you find yourself stuck in a UFO catcher (crane machine game) for longer than you care to admit.
