PUBLISHER’S NOTE
What does it mean to publish a travel magazine when international travel is, for most of us, an unrealistic dream? That’s a question I’ve dwelled on many times since the end of March, and the answers so often seem trite in the grand scheme of things. Writing this note in mid-July, I wish I could say the coronavirus pandemic was being brought under control. There are, of course, a handful of destinations around the Asia-Pacific region—New Zealand, Taiwan, and Thailand come to mind—that have so far kept the disease at bay. But with case numbers still climbing globally, and some places now facing a sudden resurgence of Covid-19, the hard truth is that overseas travel as we once knew it will not be possible for the foreseeable future.
As they say, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. We had originally planned to resume our regular bimonthly publishing cycle this summer, but ultimately chose to postpone it until the end of the year. After this August/ November issue, our next print edition will hit the shelves in December, by which time we hope the global travel industry will have rebounded somewhat.
For now, our advice is to stick close to home. As long as it’s safe to do so, I encourage you to venture out and explore your own backyard or at least reward yourself by booking a staycation. Perhaps you will take advantage of the latest deals at your favorite local resort or city hotel—offers that might otherwise be unthinkable under normal circumstances. It’s as good a time as any to see our own countries with new eyes, to consider them from a different perspective.
DestinAsian has weathered its fair share of storms since it first came off the printing presses nearly two decades ago. Our mission from the beginning hasn’t changed: we are still keen to showcase the best of luxury travel in all its forms, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Even if you can’t wander now, we hope the stories within these pages will serve as inspiration for when the much-awaited vaccine is rolled out and borders reopen; when quarantine-free travel once again becomes the norm and not the exception. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy.