The two Asian hotspots everyone is talking about right now

Travel to Bali is showing no signs of slowing down, with flights to the island destination in July and August this year up by a whopping 45 per cent when compared to last year's figures, according to Webjet. Australian families are the key demographic responsible for this surge: 71 per cent of the bookings were made by people travelling with their kids.

Meanwhile, interest from older Australians has dropped - only 22 per cent of the bookings were made by people aged over 55, compared with last year's 37 per cent. In spite of that, according to the online travel agents, flight bookings to Bali are 158 per cent higher than Fiji, 169 per cent higher than Phuket and 194 per cent higher than Ko Samui. Where are you heading this winter?

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The travel scene in Japan is also going from strength to strength. If you are heading to Osaka, check in to the brand-new Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower and check out the hotel's open-air pool (located on the 31st floor) with dazzling views of the city skyline. There's also been a surge in wellness options: such as in Matsuyama - the capital city of Ehime Prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island, where Dogo Onsen, the country's oldest onsen (dating back 3000 years), has reopened after an extensive restoration. And for natural beauty, jump aboard the Furano Lavender Express - a new special train that travels between Sapporo and Furano during the flower season (mid-June to September), offering picture perfect views of the breathtakingly beautiful Hokkaido countryside at every turn. japan.travel