Fun Things to Do When Traveling to Asia.

Asia is becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination for travelers from all walks of life. Here are some entertaining activities to try if you are planning a trip to Asia.

The Golden City of Jaisalmer, India.

Get in Touch With Nature in India
When thinking of India, the mind immediately jumps to bustling cities and the Taj Mahal. However, the country has a plethora of other options to explore. From snow-tipped mountains to lush forests and valleys, there are endless natural destinations to tour. India also offers majestic wetlands, colorful coral reefs, lagoons, waterfalls and the Ganges River, which is over 1,500 miles long. India certainly has plenty to offer in terms of its natural beauty.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam.

Take a Tour of Vietnam
With an attractive location next to the South China Sea, Vietnam is an ideal place to travel for those looking for a rich tour of southeast Asia. Vietnam tours take the guesswork out of planning a trip to this stunning country. The tours come in a variety of locations and price points, with options for every type of traveler. Sample Vietnamese cuisine and culture in Ho Chin Minh City, or take walking tours of ancient archeological sites, such as peaceful temples and pagodas.

Camel Ride Safari Tour in Dubai.

Traverse the Urban Jungle of Dubai
If you are looking for a more metropolitan destination, the famous city of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, provides a rich and modern cultural experience. Dubai is most well-known for its thriving nightlife, sleek, modern buildings, amazing shopping malls and pristine beaches. If you are traveling with children, there are also many kid-friendly parks and beaches, with activities especially geared towards youth. With the variety of places and sites to explore, there is plenty to do in Dubai to fill up your calendar.

Park Bo Gum in Cebu, Philippines.

Play in the Sand in the Philippines
The Philippines is famous for its vast array of beaches. The nation, made up of thousands of islands, features a huge variety of beautiful and unique coastlines, from one of the world's longest white sandbanks to a pink sand beach on Great Santa Cruz island. Many of the beaches feature amazing sea life, making them ideal for activities such as snorkeling. Consider visiting the Philippines if your ideal vacation involves splashing in crystal clear waters and lounging on warm beaches.

Asia is such a diverse continent that it is incredibly easy to find a vacation spot that you will fall in love with. Whether you are looking for an urban getaway or a secluded spot in nature, you are sure to cultivate an unforgettable travel experience.

Seoul Searching | 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards + COEX C-Festival!

A few days before we flew back to Korea, Ms. Ana Park of Buhay Korea informed me that the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards will be held on May 3 at the COEX Mall. Most Kdrama and Kpop fans know how important this event is - it's the most prestigious arts awards in South Korea, given to the cast and production staff of TV programs and movies broadcast or shown during the previous year.

I was floored - not only because I will already be in Korea by then, but also because the venue is just a few subway stops away from where we live. I know the route like the palm of my hand!

The nominees of the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards.

The 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards experience after the jump!

And yes, it was surreal! :)

Top 3 Reasons for Buying a Franchise.

Owning your own business is one of the best feelings in the world, especially if you are sick of answering to your boss all the time. You need one of two things to own a successful business: a lot of capital, or a good idea.

There is one option, though, if you don't have either of those things - a franchise. Owning a franchise is that same thing as owning your own business. The only difference is that you are buying into an already existing chain.

This may not be everyone's dream scenario, but there are some stark advantages owning a franchise. It does pose the same responsibilities that a traditional business owner has. The following are three reasons that you should consider buying into a franchise.

Pizza chain franchise, anyone? :)

The business has a proven track record of success.
One of the biggest variables when it comes to owning a business is whether or not people will want to buy your product. This problem is completely alleviated when you buy into a franchise. Any company that can afford to franchise their store has obviously had a track record of success in the markets they are already in. The main concern when it comes to reaching customers when your franchise is just finding the right location.

Training.
You may not have experience running your own business yet. Franchise opportunities usually have a training program for new owners that helps get them up to speed. It will also teach you to follow a company protocol for operations. You may wonder why they want all their stores to be run the same way even though other people own them. They do this because they program they have developed has a proven track record of success with the company so far.

Marketing.
A company like Meineke offers their franchise owners a full marketing package to help them get their business off the ground. Like other aspects of the business, the marketing all uses techniques that have proven to be successful in other markets. A lot of people don't understand how to properly advertise an auto repair franchise at first. This can lead to a huge waste of money. Avoid this by buying into a franchise.

The first thing you should do when thinking about buying into a franchise is to decide what style of business you want to be in. It is important to do something interests you. A franchise is an affordable way to become an entrepreneur with some distinct advantages over start carte balance.