The 10 best and worst travel moments of 2014

TRAVEL is always beset with highs and lows and this year in the Asia-Pacific region it has been no different. While the Malaysian air tragedies, the ferry disaster in South Korea and the avalanches in Nepal have painted the year in sadder hues, there have also been brighter moments as well. Covering India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Nepal, here are some of the best and worst travel moments of 2014.

Malaysian flight tragediesSadly 2014 heralded some of the world’s worst ever air disasters with MH 370 going missing enroute from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March. The flight is still missing and presumed lost, its exact location still unknown. There were 12 Malaysian crew members and 227 passengers onboard from 15 nations. Flight MH 17 was shot down in July on its journey from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukraine. There were 298 people on board. Read more here.

The Air New Zealand Safety VideoAir New Zealand has ridden the back of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit wave for many a year and this year they released another safety video in October to commemorate the third and final film in The Hobbit Trilogy. It’s a fantastic way of enjoying some of New Zealand’s best known scenery, movie characters and personalities such as Sir Peter Jackson and Elijah Wood, while inadvertently learning how to brace for a crash, put on a lifejacket or fix your oxygen mask. Their original hobbit safety video apparently garnered more than 12 million views on YouTube.

When the G20 comes to town the locals go to groundResidents departed Brisbane en masse in November when the 7,000 delegates, media and world leaders arrived for the G20 Leaders Summit. Fearful of safety issues and concerned they would have to exist in a virtual lock down many of the inner city’s 30,000-40,000 residents chose to leave, thanks in part to being granted a public holiday on the Friday before the official meetings. This event will therefore go down in 2014 as one of the biggest mass exodus in Brisbane history, although it was still far from a ghost town over the weekend. Read more here.

Nepal snowstorm disasterOn October 14 this year a snow storm and a series of avalanches in the Annapurna region took the lives of at least 43 people, including more than 21 trekkers. Some 400 people were rescued from areas such as Thorong La, Manang and Mustang. Local authorities were criticisied for not providing sufficient warnings but some believe the trekkers were either inexperienced or inadequately equipped. More emergency shelters, better monitoring of trekkers, improved weather tracking and communication have been recommended in light of the disaster. Read more here.

Modi maniaThe election of new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn’t really a best or worst in travel moment, but the fact that thousands travel to see him when he speaks at rallies and events around the world means it makes the list. Modi is universally popular with Indian communities and when he was in Australia in November his public address at Sydney’s Olympic Park attracted over 20,000 people while millions of viewers watched on from India. Hundreds of Australia’s Indian community in Melbourne went to the address on the “Modi Express” a 12 hour chartered train ride replete with cheering, dancing and laughing people. In New York’s Madison Square Garden in October there were similar scenes with 19,000 cheering fans coming to a rally where he spoke. Read more here.

Narendra Modi welcomed in Brisbane during the G20 in November 2014. Pic: narendramodi.in

 

South Korean ferry tragedyThe sinking of the MV Sewol in April was particularly tragic as not only were there 476 people on board but most were secondary students from Danwon High School. 304 people died in the disaster. The ship is believed to be carrying twice its legal cargo limit at the time and the previous captain had warned the company about safety issues onboard. Read more here.

Prince George downunderPrince George may not yet be 12 months old but he was one of the biggest celebrities to travel to Australia and New Zealand this year and his every move was watched and remarked on from what gifts he was given to how much he loves Australian wombats and the Kiwi police puppies. The visits were no doubt a boom for tourism operators in Australia and New Zealand who must have been pleased parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, otherwise known as Will and Kate, took him to such tourism hot spots as Taronga Zoo in Sydney and the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. His parents also added a bit of star power to a sunset visit of Uluru in central Australia.

Asia hits best of destination listsAsian countries and cities made Lonely Planet’s best of lists in 2014 thanks to such amazing experiences as longhouse stays, its cliffs and forest, beaches, family destinations and value holidays. While none of this comes as a surprise to those who know and love holidaying in Asia, the acknowledgement is merited. Read more here.

Preparing for a galactic liftoffSpace is the new travel frontier, if you believe Sir Richard Branson. The entrepreneur continues to advance his long planned commercial space operation Virgin Galactic. The inaugural space flight did take place this year with plans for it to reach 62 miles above the earth, however the rocket plane crashed in the Mojave Desert in October, killing one of the two pilots. Virgin Galactic had hoped to fly tourists next spring and already presold 700 tickets. The company has yet to advise if things will continue to schedule.

Ebola travel scareThe impact of Ebola was also felt on travel with some countries such as Australian issuing a ban on travel from West Africa, while North Korea, despite the low number of tourists that cross its borders, said it would quarantine all foreigners in October.

Agoda

CHINA’S airlines and airports continue to have the worst flight delays in the world, according to a travel industry monitor. A survey of flight times last month showed that Beijing’s airport had the lowest proportion of flights leaving on time among 35 leading airports at just 18.3 percent, FlightStat Inc. reported on its website. Shanghai…>

FROM the anniversary of the Everest climb to airways that charge per weight, the release of films that put tourism on the map and lots of travel awards, 2013 has brought a range of tourism experiences to the Asia-Pacific region.  January Qantas Airways passengers between Cairns and Port Moresby watched a large python clinging to…>

Villa Kiara Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Siem Reap, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Barefoot Sakau Lodge

River Guesthouse

Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 75 per night

The Peninsula

Urban, Luxury

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 185 per night

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Urban Luxury Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Shangri La Bangkok

Urban Luxury

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 175 per night

The Heritage House & Gardens

Boutique Resort

Chiang Mai, , Thailand

Deal USD $ $115 per night

Dream Bangkok

Boutique Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 84 per night

Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa

Boutique Resorts

Koh Phangan, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 184 per night

Sala Samui

Boutique Resort

Koh Samui, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 225 per night

Panviman Resort

Boutique Resort

Bantai, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Deal USD $ 275 per night

The Racha

Luxury Resort

Racha Island, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Lebua At State Tower

Urban Luxury Hotel

Bangkok, Bangrak, Thailand

Deal USD $ 150 per night

The Sukhothai Bangkok

Boutique Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 190 per night

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Luxury Resort

Koh Samui, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Zeavola Resort

Boutique Resort

Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi , Thailand

Deal USD $ 210 per night

Rachamankha Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Changmai, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 150 per night

LUXX

Boutique Hotel

Bangkok, , Thailand

Deal USD $ 75 per night

The Nam Hai

Luxury Villa

Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Deal USD $ 550 per night

Hotel Penaga

Boutique Hotel

Georgetown, , Malaysia

Deal 150 per night

Hibiscus Villa

Luxury Villa

Kudat, Sabah, Borneo

Deal USD $ 750 per night

Sepilok Jungle Resort

Nature Resort

Sandakan, Borneo, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 10 per night

Old Penang Guesthouse

Urban Boutique Guesthouse

Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 10 per night

Marco Polo Hotel

Urban Luxury Hotel

Davao City, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 92 per night

Pearl Farm Resort

Luxury Beach Resort & Spa

Davao, Samal, Philippines

Deal USD $ 119 per night

Bohol Beach Club

Beach Adventure Resort

panglao, Bohol, Philippines

Deal USD $ 111 per night

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Urban Hotel

Metro Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 94 per night

Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel

Urban, Boutique

Davao City, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 67 per night

Satrisna Home

Urban Guesthouse

Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Manila Hotel

Urban Hotel

Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 185 per night

Dusit Thani Manila

Urban Hotel

Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 140 per night

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Beach Resort

Kapali, Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 1000 per night

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Eco River Retreat

Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 400 per night

Casa Nicaros Hotel

Urban Budget Hotel

Manila, , Philippines

Deal USD $ 50 per night

The Poseidon House

Luxury Villa

Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 363 per night

Abaca Boutique Resort

Spa & Wellness Resort

Lapu Lapu City , Mactan Island, Philippines

Deal USD $ 340 per night

Sangria Langkawi

Luxury Beach Villa

Pantai Tengah, Langkawi, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 530 per night

Eternity Springs Art Farm

Eco Wellness Retreat

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Bali Dynasty Resort

Beach Resort

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Deal 132 per night

Club Bali Hawaii

Beach, Adventure

Anyer, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 90 per night

Desa Seni

Boutique Spa Resort

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Alila Ubud

Boutique Retreat Resort

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 163 per night

Long Life Hotel

Urban Budget Hotel

Hoi An, , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 28 per night

Grace Hotel Beijing

Urban Boutique Hotel

Beijing, 798 Art District, China

Deal USD $ 135 per night

Life Heritage Resort Hoi An

Urban Retreat

Hoi An, , Vietnam

Deal 131 per night

Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa

Boutique Resort

Binh Thuan, , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Evason Ana Mandara Hideaway

Luxury Beach Resort

Nha Trang, , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 200 per night

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Chau Doc , , Vietnam

Deal USD $ 125 per night

The Terraces

Boutique Hotel

Kanatal, Uttarkhand, India

Deal USD $ 240 per night

The Orchid

Urban Boutique Hotel

Beijing, Gulou, China

Deal USD $ 110 per night

The Quay

Urban Retreat Hotel

Phnom Penh, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 70 per night

Luang Prabang River Lodge

Urban Budget Hotel

Luang Prabang, , Laos

Deal USD $ 40 per night

Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort

Urban Hotel

Siem Reap, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 60 per night

Knai Bang Chatt

Beach Resort

Kep, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 115 per night

City Inn

Urban Budget Hotel

Vientiane, , Laos

Deal USD $ $60 per night

Independence Hotel

Luxury Beach Hotel

Sihanoukville, , Southern Cambodia

Deal USD $ 130 per night

Amanjaya Pancam

Urban Retreat Hotel

Phnom Penh, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Sala Luang Prabang

Urban Budget Guesthouse

Luang Prabang, , Laos

Deal USD $ 50 per night

La Residence d’Angkor

Luxury Hotel

Siem Reap, , Cambodia

Deal USD $ USD $285 per night

Settha Palace Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Vientiane, , Laos

Deal USD $ 150 per night

Wanderlust

Urban Boutique Hotel

, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 158 per night

The Mercer

Designer Luxury Hotel

Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, China

Deal USD $ 200 per night

The Club Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

China Town, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 188 per night

L’Hotel Nina at Convention Center

Urban Budget Hotel

Hong Kong, The New Territories, China

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Hotel Fort Canning

Urban Hotel

, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 240 per night

Marina Bay Sands

Urban Hotel

Marina Bay, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 341 per night

Hullet House

Urban Luxury Hotel

Hong Kong, Kowloon, China

Deal USD $ 500 per night

Hotel De Edge

Urban Designer Hotel

Hong Kong, Sheung Wan, China

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa

Luxury Beach Resort

Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam

Deal USD $ 134 per night

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

Mountain Luxury Retreat

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 295 per night

Batu Karang Lembongan Resort

Luxury Beach Resort

Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia

Deal 230 per night

Bon Ton Resort

Beach Luxury Villa

Pantai Cenang, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Clove Hall

Urban Boutique Hotel

Georgetown, Pulau Penang, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 180 per night

The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage

Boutique Guesthouse

Kuching, Borneo, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 35 per night

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Boutique Resort

Canungra, Queensland, Australia

Deal USD $ 200 per night

Argonauta Boracay

Beach Boutique Hotel

Hagdan, Boracay Island, Philippines

Deal USD $ 120 per night

Anggun Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 75 per night

Soria Moria

Urban Retreat

Siem Reap, Old French Quarter, Cambodia

Deal USD $ 40 per night

La Villa Battambang

Boutique Guesthouse

Battambang, Rattanak Srok, Cambodia

Deal USD $ 55 per night

The Apsara

Urban Boutique Guesthouse

Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province, Laos

Deal USD $ 75 per night

Salana Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Vientiane, Wat Chan , Laos

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Villa Santi Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Luang Prabang, Ban Wat Sene, Laos

Deal USD $ 90 per night

TenFace Bangkok

Boutique Hotels

Bangkok, Pathumwan, Thailand

Deal USD $ 87 per night

Villa Lomchoy

Luxury Villa

Chaweng, Koh Samui, Thailand

Deal USD $ 275 per night

Hintok River Camp @ Hellfire Pass

Rivers Glamping

Kanchanaburi, River Kwai, Thailand

Deal USD $ 125 per night

Luang Poj Boutique Hostel

Boutique Guesthouse

Ranong, City Centre, Thailand

Deal USD $ 13 per night

The Chedi, Chiang Mai

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Chiang Mai, Chang Khlan, Thailand

Deal USD $ 250 per night

Villa Blubambu

Luxury Spa Villas

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 115 per night

Santi Sari

Luxury Guesthouse

Goris, Bali, Indonesia

Deal USD $ 200 per night

La Residence Hue

Boutique Hotel

Hue City, Tha Thien-Hue, Vietnam

Deal USD $ 118 per night

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

Luxury Resort

Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Deal USD $ USD $175 per night

Hotel G

Urban Boutique Hotel

Beijing, Sanlitun, China

Deal USD $ 170 per night

Tiger Rock

Luxury Boutique Guesthouse

Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia

Deal USD $ 200 per night

The Opposite House

Urban Luxury Boutique Hotel

Beijing, Sanlitun, China

Deal USD $ 330 per night

The T Hotel

Urban Designer Hotel

Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China

Deal USD $ 150 per night

Hotel ICON

Urban Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hong Kong, Kowloon, China

Deal USD $ 335 per night

Hotel 1929

Urban Boutique Hotel

Singapore, Chinatown, Singapore

Deal USD $ 136 per night

The Scarlet Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Singapore, , Singapore

Deal USD $ 200 per night

New Majestic Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel

Singapore, Chinatown, Singapore

Deal USD $ 196 per night

Rohet Garh

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Rohet Garh, Rajasthan, India

Deal USD $ 100 per night

Padmini Niwas

Luxury Hotel Test

Mussoorie, Uttarkhand, India

Deal USD $ 33 per night

Orange County

Boutique Luxury Resort

Coorg, Karnataka, India

Deal USD $ 380 per night

Old Harbour Hotel

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Fort Kochi, Kerala, India

Deal USD $ USD $185 per night

Nilaya Hermitage

Boutique Luxury Hotel

Arpora, Goa, India

Deal USD $ 397 per night

Maneland Jungle Lodge

Adventure Resort Retreat

Sasan Gir, Gujurat, India

Deal USD $ 65 per night

House of MG

Urban Boutique Hotel

Ahmedabad, Gujurat, India

Deal USD $ 92 per night

Hotel Bougainvillea

Budget Boutique Guesthouse

Anjuna, Goa, India

Deal USD $ 15 per night

Fort Tiracol

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Tiracol, Goa, India

Deal USD $ 172 per night

Fort Chanwa Luni

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Deal USD $ 130 per night

Fernhills Palace

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Ooty, Tamil Nadu , India

Deal USD $ 235 per night

Carlton Plaisance

Luxury Hotel

Mussoorie, Uttaranchal, India

Deal USD $55 per night