This week in travel news, we're seeing a trend towards unique experiences and increased connectivity across Asia. From adventurous travelers ditching hotels for monasteries to new flight routes opening up destinations, there's a lot to explore.
Unconventional Accommodations
Forget boring hotels and predictable holiday homes! Intrepid travelers Dennis, 34, and Teresa, 33, are currently on an epic journey from Germany to Australia. But they're not just hitting the usual tourist spots – they're actively seeking out unique and unusual places to stay. 
Think an Iraqi monastery or a "hard sleeper train" in China with three-storey bunks! Their journey highlights a growing desire for authentic and memorable travel experiences.
"We wanted something different," says Dennis. "Hotels just felt too… sterile. We wanted to immerse ourselves in the local culture, even when we were sleeping."
This trend towards unconventional accommodations suggests travelers are prioritizing experiences over luxury, seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit.
Cathay Pacific Expands its Reach
In other news, Cathay Pacific is set to launch direct flights from Hong Kong to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, on April 28. 
This new route will expand the airline's mainland Chinese destinations to a total of 20, offering travelers increased accessibility to this fascinating region.
This expansion comes as China remains a key market for tourism, both inbound and outbound. The airline hopes this new route will boost travel and trade between Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
Chinese Tourism Trends
Speaking of China, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme continues to attract significant interest, with over 22,000 applications approved since 2015. China leads the pack in terms of the number of applications, demonstrating the program's appeal to Chinese nationals seeking long-term residence in Malaysia. The tourism minister highlighted the program’s role in attracting long-term foreign residents to Malaysia, boosting the economy and fostering cultural exchange.
Despite some regional tensions, Chinese tourism to the Philippines is also on the rise. According to the Philippine immigration bureau’s data, the number of Chinese tourists rose 20 per cent to above 500,000 last year. 
This increase underscores the continued importance of Chinese tourists to the Philippine economy, even amidst challenges.
Whether it's seeking out quirky accommodations or exploring new destinations, the travel landscape is constantly evolving. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest trends and developments!