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Dining at an authentic dim sum restaurant may be intimidating and confusing–especially for first-timers. But it doesn’t have to be. Follow these basic dim sum do’s and don’ts, and navigate Chinese brunch like a pro.

What Is Dim Sum?

Dim sum, which means ‘touch the heart’ in Chinese, is a unique culinary tradition that began thousands of years ago.

Do you go for the wildlife? The “stranded on a deserted island” experience? Or do you go because the Galapagos will mesmerize you on a level which will surprise the most seasoned traveller. You can think of it like a marine safari. You travel to Africa to see the “Big 5” of the Sub-Saharan Plains… but the tropical wildlife in the Galapagos is equally as fascinating.

Today, few people cross the world’s oceans by boat. Ocean travel still has that old-world feel, putting passengers in the wake of explorers of centuries gone by.

But with new ways to cruise—including small ship cruising and remote island discovery programmes—it’s never been easier to witness the awe-inspiring vastness of our oceans firsthand.

Are you interested in exploring the rich history and diverse culture of Myanmar but don't know where to start? When it comes to things you need to experience, we've got you covered!

1. Placing a gold leaf on Shwedagon Pagoda

Burmese tradition has all citizens buying gold leaf which is hand pounded over a thousand times and then affixing it to a pagoda out of respect for the Buddha.

Penguins are, by and large, the stars of any trip to Antarctica. We’ve all seen the National Geographic photos and the Planet Earth footage—but getting up close and personal with penguins in their natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Myanmar (Burma) is finally opening itself up to the world after decades of isolation. Since the boycott on tourism was lifted in 2012, this culturally rich and ethnically diverse nation has quickly become a compelling destination for travellers. And for good reason—nestled between India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand, Myanmar has as much to offer as its varied neighbours.

For first-time explorers and veteran travelers alike, Antarctica is a final frontier. It’s a land of extremes—a bucket list destination that comes with a guarantee of adventure and an escape from the usual tourist circuit and its crowds.

When packing for a trip to Antarctica, most people have no idea what to bring.

Burmese food can be shocking.

Here’s a quick guide to calm your palate.

Though influenced by neighbouring culinary mega-cultures of India and China, Burmese food is as distinctive a cuisine as you'll find anywhere between Beijing and Almaty.

Sir Francis Beaufort was quite a guy. Self-educated, by the end of his life he had been made head of observatory at Greenwich and the one at the Cape of Good Hope, and when asked by a former colleague in search of a gentleman naturalist to go along on a big sea voyage, it was beaufort who suggested the Beagle take along Charles Darwin.

You know more about Burma than you think you do. Myanmar, or Burma as people (including the Canadian government) who think the military government who renamed it didn’t have the right to do so still call it, is only now opening up to tourism after decades of authoritarian rule that took it off most people’s travel map.