When it comes to travel, the question of "why" has become more important than "where." Instead of simply choosing a destination, true happiness in travel now lies in finding a motivation and then seeking out the best place to fulfill it, according to the Guardian. This approach may lead travelers to places that are not always at the top of the world’s most beautiful destinations, but are nonetheless fascinating. The following cities each offer unique experiences, though they are often overshadowed by their more famous neighbors. But if you’re asking yourself "why" as you plan your trip, each of these places has its own compelling answer.
Shanghai
A visit to Shanghai offers deeper insight into Chinese history. For example, travelers can admire 2,500 years of culture at Jing'an Temple. The temple vividly reflects the intersection of Buddhism, the expansion of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the upheavals of the 20th century, and the city’s modern renaissance.
Jing'an Temple is located near Yan'an Road, one of Shanghai’s main thoroughfares. This road leads into the history of China’s largest city. By 1917, when Shanghai’s population reached one million, Yan'an Road stretched all the way to Great World, China’s first entertainment complex. Locals were captivated by magicians, acrobats, and storytellers. Today, this historic building houses a food court and a virtual reality room, offering a glimpse into old Shanghai.
Melbourne
One drink defines why travelers should wake up in Melbourne: coffee. In the 1960s, tens of thousands of Italians migrated to Melbourne, bringing their espresso machines with them. Coffee culture fit perfectly into Melbourne’s laneways. Dozens of these alleys are home to rooftop bars, street art, and basement fashion boutiques. Above all, coffee vendors find themselves surrounded by the finest aromas of Southeast Asia: robust roasts from Vietnam, Thailand, and Java.
Melbourne is a city to be savored like a flat white—the coffee drink said to have been invented in this culinary capital.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a trendy destination for lovers of street food, vibrant colors, and exquisite cocktails. You can enjoy some of the city’s best cocktails at the Aviary Bar in the Hilton Kuala Lumpur. In 1973, bartender Jeffrey Ong created a blend of Malaysian lime and pineapple with a dash of Italian Campari. The drink was named the "Jungle Bird," and Ong served it in a bird-shaped ceramic mug. This iconic cocktail is still served at the hotel where it was born, right by the pool.
Just outside the hotel, Kuala Lumpur is a modern blend of greenery and history. Only a few steps away is the Perdana Botanical Garden, home to orchids, hibiscus, and one of the world’s largest bird parks, where 300 species frolic in lush forest. Nearby, the National Museum of Malaysia chronicles the nation’s rise from a commodity exporter to a thriving multicultural society...
And Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis where culture is experienced and felt through its cuisine. For instance, social history is encapsulated in a single bánh mì. This Vietnamese baguette, spread with five-spice pâté and pickled radish, traces its origins to the French colonial era. Local bakers improved the dough with Vietnamese rice flour, creating a lighter, airier bread. In fact, city residents have continued to innovate with everything inherited from the French, from tailoring to beer brewing. Still not convinced? Try a bánh flan, a Vietnamese-style caramel custard enhanced with fragrant pandan leaves and coconut milk.
The former District 1 is the cultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest urban area in Vietnam. Visitors can stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a festival for pedestrians lined with cafés, fountains, and street musicians. Shop at Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from paper lanterns to pho. Take in the scene with a glass of beer and watch the crowds go by to understand why this city is renowned as one of the most dynamic in the region...
(Source: TNO)