🌞 Drift Away: Journeys to the Edge of Calm

🌞 Hi Besties!

If your soul’s craving golden horizons and the sound of waves that hush all your worries, this edition is your ticket. We’re chasing the world’s most peaceful corners — where turquoise waters meet untouched culture, and the sunsets feel like a secret between you and the sky.

Let’s slip away to paradise...

❓ Travel Trivia

Question: Which of today’s spotlight destinations uses the New Zealand dollar as its official currency?

💬 Reply with your guess — answer below!

🩺 Health & Safety Tips (Nov–Feb)

✅ Mosquito care: Tropical destinations = bring repellent and wear light long sleeves at dusk.
✅ Hydration matters: Desert climates like Oman’s can cause dehydration faster than you realize.
✅ Sun safety: SPF 50+ always — even on cloudy beach days!
✅ Travel insurance: Double-check that your plan covers medical evacuation — especially for remote island trips.

Want more safety tips? We’ve got you covered: Navigating Offbeat Destinations Safely. Travel insurance is your BFF. Missed flights, lost bags, or weather hiccups? You’re covered. ✅ Understand the true benefits of travel insurance here…

🌍 Spotlight Destinations: 🌍

🌴 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia — Gateway to Borneo’s Wild Soul

Nestled between lush rainforest and shimmering sea, Kota Kinabalu is that perfect mix of city spark and wild serenity. Think: morning market strolls, evening seafood feasts, and day trips to coral-ringed islands — all with Mount Kinabalu standing proudly in the distance.

🌊 Why go: To feel the pulse of Borneo — where rainforest meets reef.
🌿 Don’t miss:

• Snorkeling or diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park 🐠

• Hiking in Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌺

• Sipping coconut shakes by the Waterfront Esplanade at sunset 🌅

💡 Insider tip: Head to Gaya Street Sunday Market for local crafts and souvenirs — perfect for finding handwoven sarongs or Sabah coffee beans to take home.

20 fun things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Watch a video here

🏜️ Misfat Al Abriyeen, Oman — The Desert’s Hidden Garden

Tucked in the folds of Oman’s Hajar Mountains, Misfat Al Abriyeen feels like a secret whispered by time. Stone alleyways twist past date palms and terraced gardens, while cool falaj streams trace centuries-old irrigation channels. Life here moves to the rhythm of the land — slow, golden, and deeply peaceful.

🌿 Why go: For a rare glimpse of traditional Omani village life, surrounded by mountain beauty.
✨ Top experiences:

• Wander through ancient mud-brick houses and terraced farms 🌾

• Stay in a restored guesthouse overlooking the valley 🏡

• Drive up to Jabal Shams, the “Grand Canyon of Arabia,” for sunrise views ⛰️

💡 Insider tip: Try local Omani halwa and fresh dates with Arabic coffee at a family-run café — hospitality here is as warm as the desert sun.

Misfat Al Abriyeen (Oman): tips + hikes + Misfah Old House 

Watch a video here

🌺 Cook Islands — The South Pacific’s Hidden Heartbeat

Imagine a world where life moves with the rhythm of the waves. Welcome to the Cook Islands — a cluster of 15 tropical jewels scattered across the South Pacific. No crowds. No rush. Just palm-fringed lagoons and the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.

🏝️ Why go: To completely unplug — it’s as close to heaven as you’ll find on Earth.
🌈 Unmissable moments:

• Snorkel in the crystal-clear Aitutaki Lagoon

• Join a Cultural Night for drum dancing and Polynesian feasts

• Bike the 32 km loop around Rarotonga — the perfect island circuit 🚴

💡 Insider tip: Locally made black pearl jewelry makes a stunning keepsake — check out the Punanga Nui Market on Saturdays.

The complete Cook Islands travel guide

Watch a video here

💳 Points & Miles Tip of the Week

✨ Fly to Paradise on Miles!

• Kota Kinabalu: Use Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to fly from the U.S. via Singapore — saver awards start around 77,000 miles roundtrip in economy.

• Oman: Redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles on Qatar Airways via Doha — 70,000 miles roundtrip in economy, 140,000 in business class.

• Cook Islands: Book an Air New Zealand award through United MileagePlus — 80,000 miles roundtrip in economy (via Auckland).

🌍 Tip: For flexibility, combine Chase Ultimate Rewards → transfer to Singapore Airlines or United for access to both Asia and the Pacific.

🌎 Travel Trend Watch — The Rise of the “Quiet Getaway”🌿

Travelers are rediscovering the art of stillness — destinations that offer calm over crowds. Think eco-resorts, slow travel lodges, and digital detox retreats.

🔹 Quiet doesn’t mean boring — it means presence.
🔹 Expect to see more “off-grid luxury” popping up — sustainable villas, jungle spas, and island sanctuaries.
🔹 It’s the perfect 2026 mood: serenity as the new status symbol.

🎉 Trivia Answer Reveal

It’s… the Cook Islands! 🇨🇰
Though independent, the islands share close ties with New Zealand — including its currency and visa-free entry for many travelers.

💌 Until Next Time...

Wherever you are reading this — maybe bundled up at home or already plotting your next getaway — remember that paradise isn’t always about the destination. Sometimes it’s the feeling of waking up slowly, sipping something sweet, and letting the day find you.

Whether it’s the coral coasts of Borneo, Oman’s golden silence, or the rhythm of the Cook Islands’ waves — may your next adventure bring you peace, presence, and just the right touch of wonder.

✨ Safe travels, stay curious, and keep chasing the world’s hidden magic.
With love,
Sasha 🌍💫
Editor, Travel Report Newsletter

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

• CDC Travel Health Notices

• Travel Advisory and Alerts

• World Nomads Travel Insurance

• Lonely Planet Travel Guides

TripAdvisor Reviews and Recommendations