Going Places December 2025

Going Places isn’t just for travellers in the air – sit back, relax and flip through our e-magazine for travel inspiration

From the editor

As the year comes to a close, December always feels like an exhale – that brief pause before a new chapter begins. It’s a moment to look back, take stock and be present with the people who matter most. A time for unhurried meals, shared stories and perhaps a little adventure together.

If you’re planning your next family getaway, set your sights on New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf. With Auckland as your jumping-off point, the surrounding islands offer idyllic days of wildlife encounters, scenic trails and a touch of local history – experiences that bring every generation together and give you plenty of lasting memories. 

For those drawn to creativity and culture, Hong Kong’s reimagined neighbourhoods tell a story of transformation. Previously industrial spaces or old police compounds, areas like Wong Chuk Hang, Tai Kwun, PMQ and West Kowloon Cultural District have evolved into vibrant hubs for art and design – proof that cities, like people, are always capable of reinvention.

With the year-end holidays around the corner, it’s the season to be jolly. Enjoy a festive meal in Paris or Shenzhen or take a quick break in Manila, where the holidays are celebrated with true exuberance. And if you’re thinking about gifts, our story on pewter craftsmanship (page 21) is a quiet reminder that the most meaningful pieces are often those made with patience and heart.

Wishing all our readers a truly wonderful holiday season and may you step into 2026 with gratitude and a renewed sense of wonder.

Go forth and wander!

Elizabeth Soong
Editor