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• Psy named South Korea tourism ambassador
• How safe is your holiday destination?
• Insider Guide: Best of Amsterdam
• Asia's top 9 local liquors

Psy named South Korea tourism ambassador Posted: 28 Apr 2013 08:57 PM PDT Psy's new song, "Gentleman," has confirmed he's more than a one-hit wonder -- the music video already has 244 million views on YouTube since debuting two weeks ago. So it makes sense that South Korea is using the gyrating dance-pop sensation for publicity abroad.  Psy has been tapped as South Korea's tourism ambassador and has just finished taping a series of TV commercials to show off the country, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).  He's certainly a better fit than the former spokesman -- Kenny G, the curly-haired American saxophonist, has held the honorary ambassadorship since October 2012. Duties According to the KTO, Psy will hold the honorary position for approximately a year. He held the same post for Seoul's Gangnam district last year.  In the new commercials, which will air in 70 countries beginning next month, the comedic singer helps showcase things to eat and do and places to visit in South Korea, such as the late-night shopping district of Dongdaemun and "Cosmetic Road" in downtown Myeongdong, known for its rows of flashy makeup shops. Social marketing Psy will be pushing Korean beauty on "Cosmetic Road." Inspiration for a new song, perhaps? "We have been looking for ways to tap into new media like social marketing and YouTube, and since Psy has become a world star that way it made sense," said Kang Jong-soon of KTO's brand marketing team. "Through him, we're trying to introduce the more modern and fun Korean cultural concepts such as bul-gum," said Kang.  Loosely translated to "Fiery Fridays," bul-gum is the Korean equivalent of the West's "TGIF" sentiment and is the oft-cited excuse to drink large volumes of soju on Friday nights. Psy accepted minimal payment for the gig. Officially representing South Korea was meaningful work, he said. He'll be traveling in style too: earlier this month, Asiana Airlines announced that Psy would be its honorary brand ambassador for a year. He gets free tickets to the highest-class seats on any Asiana flight for the year.  More on CNN: The real Gangnam Style: Beauty Belt, wedding town, 24-hour culture

How safe is your holiday destination? Posted: 28 Apr 2013 08:22 PM PDT Though cost is an important factor in deciding on a vacation destination, today's international travelers are putting safety first, according to a new study by CNN.  The global study of CNN consumers' travel perceptions and behavioral trends asked respondents from more than 70 countries to identify key influencing factors in their decision-making process before traveling for leisure or business. The survey finds that for more than two-thirds of global respondents, safety and security is of greatest concern when choosing an international travel destination.  Cost ranks second, reflecting the continuing impact of the economic crisis on consumers. More on CNN: 10 ways to improve the travel industry right now Earlier this month, 20 Paris police officers patrolled the Louvre in response to complaints that the museum was plagued by gangs of pickpockets. Tourists cite security as a top factor in their decision-making process. However, respondents aren't just price conscious, they're also discerning. "Reputation" is the third most important factor for respondents when considering travel destinations. "That safety and security is significantly more important for respondents than the cost of travel, even in austere times, is an indicator that, in times of regional unrest, the pendulum has swung," says Didier Mormesse, senior vice president of ad sales research, development and audience insight at CNN International.  "With reputation also a key factor, tourist boards will clearly continue to have a vital role to play in shaping international perceptions of their country to encourage tourism growth." More on CNN: A record breaking year for travel in 2012 Here are some select results:  67% say "safety and security" matter most 60% are "price" driven 58% are driven by "reputation" 55% say "knowledge and availability of information" matters most 54% are driven by "diversity of things to do/amenities" So, which are the safest countries to visit? There are, of course, a number of ways to calculate "safety and security," but Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade recently produced an interactive map with brief descriptions of safety concerns in countries around the world. See the map here. The remarks range from red-letter "avoid all travel" warnings (Afghanistan) to "exercise a high degree of caution" (Russia) to "exercise normal security precautions" (Panama). How travelers research a destination The survey also shows how respondents gather information prior to travel. Fifty percent use four or more main information sources when looking for destinations. Destination-specific websites lead the way as a source of travel information (57%) with travel content sites (55%) a close second. Fifty-five percent rely on recommendations and information garnered from family, friends and colleagues, while 49% of the surveyed travelers say review websites are a top information source for travel.  The CNN "Consumer Connect: Travel & Tourism" survey was carried out between October and December 2012 and conducted by Ipsos. The company surveyed 3,106 respondents from more than 70 countries worldwide, recruited via CNN websites. The main areas covered included travel behavior and activities, decision-making factors, cultural events' impact on travel, outlook on 2013 and hotels brand data.  What factors do you you consider before choosing a travel destination? What tools do you use to aid in your research? Share your travel planning tips in the comments box below.

Insider Guide: Best of Amsterdam Posted: 28 Apr 2013 09:01 AM PDT The biggest city in the Netherlands is a triumph of resourcefulness and lateral thinking. Space is at premium in Amsterdam, where much of the land has been reclaimed from the sea. The city's planners turned that to their advantage: Amsterdam's canals soothe rather than imprison the city. They provide its order, its calm. That calm is regularly disturbed by the trill of bicycle bells, but as long as you give the cyclists a wide berth, it's the perfect city for pedestrians. Now, with Koninginnedag upon us (April 30) and a new king being crowned, it's the perfect time to discover the best of Amsterdam. Hotels Luxury Seven One Seven In Amsterdam, hotel rooms sometimes look like paintings.Guests are spoiled in this best of Amsterdam, 18th-century throwback, a grand building restored in the 1990s and well located on the Prinsengracht, a short walk to the Leidseplein. There's a strong fine arts theme, with plenty of paintings to browse in the public parts of the hotel and other artistic curiosities in all the suites. If the weather's fine there are two pleasant garden areas to have breakfast in. Book well in advance to be sure of a room. Prinsengracht 717, 1017 JW Amsterdam; +31 20 427 0717; from €250 per night; www.717hotel.nl The Dylan The best of Amsterdam is uncluttered and arty.This place has a long and varied history. The building itself started life as a theater, then the site was a refuge for the city's destitute. There's little trace of that now, with the emphasis on finery, although an eclectic mix of it, with antique art objects among the furnishings and bold color combinations on many of the bedroom walls. Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam; +31 20 530 2010; from €325 per night; www.dylanamsterdam.com   Mid-range Sandton Hotel De Filosoof Clean simplicity.If you have a favorite philosopher, chances are there'll be a room at De Filosoof in his name, and you can wonder if they've interpreted him as you might have done in their choice of colors and decoration. Some of the rooms are on the small side of cozy, but it's a comfortable place close to the Vondelpark.  Anna van den Vondelstraat 6, 1054 GZ Amsterdam; +31 20 683 3013; from €120 per night; www.hoteldefilosoof.nl Budget Agora Decorated in an art deco style, but with an unpretentious, warm ambience, the Agora occupies an old canal house near the flower market. There are no elevators, common to many of the cheaper hotels in the city, so be prepared for a climb if your room is on one of the upper floors. Singel 462, 1017 AW Amsterdam; +31 20 627 2200; from €75 per night; www.hotelagora.nl Dining Breitner Classy cuisine, at a price.Popular with theater-goers -- who, like many Amsterdam folk, dine early ahead of shows -- and with businesspeople, Breitner prepares interesting set menus, often up to six courses. Chef Remco Tensen's orientation is towards classic French food, with subtle terrines and patés to begin with and a good range of fresh fish.  For a table with canal views, book well ahead. Amstel 212, 1017 AH Amsterdam; +31 20 627 7879; expensive; www.restaurant-bretner.nl Restaurant Christophe Restaurant Christophe focuses essentially on French cuisine, but borrows imaginatively from elsewhere in the Mediterranean. It's strong on shellfish, but the suckling pig is also special. Chef and proprietor Jean Joel Bonsens has been developing Restaurant Christophe for six years, and has established a varied wine cellar. He's also taken care of the decor: an interior that's elegantly lit, service that's discreet and professional. Leliegracht 46, 1015 DH Amsterdam; +31 20 625 0807; expensive; www.restaurantchristophe.nl   Long Pura A portal from the 'Dam to Indonesia. The Netherlands may not have as broad a colonial past as other nations of Europe, but it stretches a long way east; the most conspicuous sign of this in Amsterdam is the Indonesian restaurants.  Long Pura is a best of Amsterdam spot. The chef is from Bali, the menu extensive. The duck dishes are especially recommended.  Rozengracht 46-48, 1016 ND Amsterdam; +31 20 623 8950; mid-range; www.restaurant-longpura.com Mamouche Up-market but authentic Maghrebi food (and wine) in a setting carefully cultivated to put the diner in mind of North Africa. Enter and you're among scents of jasmine and rose petal. Mamouche has grown in popularity among locals and visitors over the past decade, so you may need to book for an evening table. Quellijnstraat 104, 1072 XZ Amsterdam; +31 20 673 6361; mid-range; www.restaurantmamouche.nl Nightlife Supperclub Laid-back you say? Just a little.This best of Amsterdam club is a great place for shedding your shoes and spreading out on one of the bright white loungers set around low tables either side of the dance and performance floor. You can also eat here -- though it's quite pricey -- until midnight. Guests tend to be of a wide spread of age and nationality. The staff are also of all sorts: waiters who do fire-eating tricks, for instance. Supperclub does a sideline in late-night boat trips and is open until 3 a.m. at weekends. Jonge Roelensteeg 21, 1012 PL Amsterdam; +31 20 344 6400; expensive; www.supperclub.com Club Chi Favored by the in-crowd in their mid-20s, Club Chi is an ultra-modern venue.  Saturdays can be frenetic and on weekends it's always well to be aware of Amsterdam's reputation -- hardly fading -- as a venue for stag and hen getaways. Some of those end up at Club Chi. But there's a good spread of music and DJs from all over the world. Things are more tranquil on Sundays, when there's usually a leaning to Latino music. Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 161, 1012 RK Amsterdam; +31 20 521 8555; mid-range Lime Amsterdam is nostalgic for the 1960s and 1970s, with its John-and-Yoko-style moments (they honeymooned at the Hilton in March 1969). Lime, a sort of lounger-cum-cocktail bar, celebrates all that. Comfortable seating and a cool mood attracts a clientele that's relaxed and bohemian. Stays open until after 2 a.m. on weekends. Zeedijk 104, 1012 BB Amsterdam; +31 20 639 3020; mid-range Shopping / Attractions The Van Gogh Museum Travelers still draw inspiration from the Netherlands' standout painter.A journey through the life, the different influences, the setbacks and the troubled mind of the Netherland's standout modern master. This best of Amsterdam collection is the most complete of Van Gogh's works anywhere. The experience is thorough, with paintings and sketches complemented by audio-visual reference points. The museum is airily designed across two main buildings and looks over the Museumplein, a far nicer place to stroll that it was before its redesign in the late 1990s. Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX Amsterdam; +31 20 570 5200; www.vangoghmuseum.nl People of the Labyrinths Dutch art need not be confined to the masters. This is a nation proud of its radical palette and its independent sensibility in art and fashion. This clothing brand -- POTL for short -- has become an international success in the 28 years since Geert de Rooij and Hans Demoed set up their boutique for hand-crafted, rainbow-bright clothes. Seeing the real stuff rather than the cyber-retailed versions is worthwhile, even with the high price tags. Van Baerlerstraat 42-44, 1071 AZ Amsterdam; +31 664 0779; www.labyrinths.nl   Floating Flower Market Flowers for every bee, bird and passerby.Best accessed from Singel, the flower market has almost every imaginable shade of tulip, from pure, plain hues to ones with marble-effect petals. Bulbs and seeds prepared for long distance export are for sale. It's best to check the regulations if you mean to take them a long distance. Customs clearance stamps can be arranged with stallholders. Located on the Singel canal; +31 20 625 8282; open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m -5.30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Laid-back Amsterdam The Dutch have an image as a laid-back people, makers of liberal-minded cities. Most Amsterdammers work hard, but also appreciate the slower pace that their hometown obliges. This is not a city to speed around efficiently by car. To experience the best of Amsterdam, it's often best to take things slowly. Catch a boat Waterproof camera advised.There are several ways to travel the canals as they were designed to be traveled. Visitors can join a cruise for a few hours or full day, guided around the sights, or hire their own row boat. Traffic can be heavy, and slow, on the waterways, but an Amsterdam glimpsed from sea-level on a fine day is a calming way to take in the city. Voyeurs can also get the odd insight into how the true water-dwellers live, through the windows of their narrow boats and barges. Botanical Gardens Tulips are better than one, no?The De Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest organized botanical gardens in the world, and another legacy of the long history of Dutch exploration and acquisition. There are sections here for sub-tropical species, for desert plants and for those that grow in steamier climates. They include living, thriving examples of the site's longevity -- trees more than 300 years old -- and some eye-catching rarities among the 4,000 species. It's a nice escape from the city center. Plantage Middenlaan 2A; +31 20 625 9021; www.dehortus.nl Old Book Market Ancient maps and more to be discovered.There's a great deal more than books to be found here, though it's possible to lose yourself for hours leafing through the illustrations of some of the more ornate works on sale. Within the market are various specialist sellers; most are happy to let you look. With the Dutch being such a well-voyaged, multi-lingual people, there are volumes in many different languages. The cartography stalls have maps dating to a time when the world looked very different.  Open every day except Sunday; along Oude Manhuispoort, Muntplein First published May 2012, updated April 2013

Asia's top 9 local liquors Posted: 22 Apr 2013 11:52 PM PDT To really get under the skin of a new country, you need a skinful or two of the local liquor. To aid in the familiarization process, here are nine of our favorite drink across Asia. China: Baijiu A favorite among Chinese migrant workers, Niulanshan's "little green bottle" of baijiu has become an emblem of modern China. China's favorite spirit is an acquired taste -- according to Chinese lore, you have to drink it 300 times before you'll like it. It's a ferocious little stinger of a shot with a deceptively fruity smell. Connoisseurs say the flavor, and particularly the scent, varies hugely between brands. The rest of us just detect notes of paint thinner, ammonia and old tool bags. How to drink: You could buy plastic bottles of the stuff with a sports cap from corner shops. We don't recommend that.  Instead, wait for a more sophisticated bottle of baiju to appear at the dinner table. Shots will be poured, everyone will yell "Gan Bei!" (dry glass) and slam. This will be repeated many, many times. The room will spin, a fire will burn in your cheeks and belly and you'll feel terrific. Until the next morning, when your head and guts will feel like they've been set upon with that tool bag. More on CNN: Baijiu factory tour: How Chinese brew their national liquor India: Feni Like a great date, Feni is smooth but nutty. Feni, a Goan spirit, is one of the few potent firewaters that's an absolute pleasure to drink. It comes in two varieties, cashew and coconut, both of which are smooth and a little nutty. Traditionally a cottage industry spirit, a new premium brand, Cazulo, aims to bring it to a wider market. How to drink: Feni is silky smooth enough to drink with just a little lime juice, like a gimlet, or with a tiny sprinkle of salt and drop of bitters. The most popular way is with lime soda or lemonade -– when mixed like this, the taste of the alcohol practically disappears and it all goes down dangerously easily.  Japan: Shochu Shochu is a clear liquor distilled from rice, barley or sweet potatoes. There's not too much drama around the drinking of shochu –- you're welcome to sip it at your own pace (no goading, slamming or other uncivilized theatrics required). The sweet potato version is the harshest while the others have subtle flavors you can actually enjoy –- herbal, citrus or floral notes. How to drink: Most prefer to order a bottle in an izakaya and drink it either neat, with a splash of cold or warm water, or with ice –- usually one massive, hollowed block rather than lots of cubes. Korea: Soju Jinro is one of South Korea's most famous soju brands. There's a Korean proverb that says you can't get to know someone unless you've been drunk with them. It's safe to assume that many a friendship in South Korea has been forged over a bottle of soju. It used to be made from rice, but when there were shortages in the mid-late 20th century, sweet potatoes and tapioca were used –- and still are today by the cheaper brands. The taste is appallingly rough, like industrial ethanol. How to drink it: Another dinner time shooter, there's still an etiquette to remember when shooting soju. After a few rounds no one will notice what you're doing, but until then don't fill your own glass, hold it with both hands when you're being topped up and use both hands to pour your drinking buddies' cups. Everyone shouts "konbae!" (one shot) and drinks together. A newer tradition is emerging among the younger generation: the soju bomb. A shot is dropped into a pint of lager and gulped down. More on CNN: How to survive a Korean drinking session Mongolia: Naijiu (Arkhi) Distilled yak milk. Tastes just as bad as it sounds. Few words can accurately describe the taste of this foul, foul drink. Two-week-old milk with tequila is the best we can come up with. Naijiu is distilled from yak milk and thus has a smell so sharp that you'll probably need to raise the glass to your face twice before you can bring yourself to drink it. Why drink it? Because you're in Mongolia. How to drink: Kitschy gift shops sell terrific, faux animal-skin pouches full of the stuff, emblazoned with the stern face of Genghis Khan.  For true authenticity we recommend swigging it with yak herders as a means to keep yourself warm on those freezing nights on the Mongolian grasslands. More on CNN: World's 10 best drinking nations Philippines: Lambanog Lambanog, the Philippines' answer to vodka. Lambanog is often called the Philippine vodka because, although it's distilled from coconut sap, the original stuff looks, tastes and smells a lot like the clear Russian stuff. Originally a farmer's drink, the first thing to do is superstitiously splash some on the earth before drinking, as a token "para sa Demonyo" -- which means "for the Devil." Then a glass is passed around and everyone takes a "tagayan" (one straight shot). How to drink: Nowadays, lambanog comes in a lurid array of colors and flavors –- prune, mango, bubblegum, cinnamon, blueberry and coffee varieties are all served in bars. It's common to share the glass and you'll be given one to pass around when you buy a bottle in a bar. Sri Lanka: Arrack It's never too early in the day to attack the arrack bottle. Just the smell of this elixir says "rough wooden bar, sand on the floor," and automatically makes you question whether it's too early in the day for a drink. In other words, Sri Lankan arrack is the perfect beach bar booze. As far as Asian firewaters go, this one is easy drinking: smooth, a little sweet, with a flavor close to rum. The color -- a warm, glowing orange -- is as feel-good as it gets. How to drink: Fiery ginger beer is the perfect mixer, but arrack also tastes great with fruit juice. If you really want to get into the beachy vibe, you can slosh whatever you're drinking it with into a scooped-out coconut shell and get a long straw –- it'll work. Thailand: Sangsom You don't have to travel far to find a bottle of Sangsom in Thailand. Every bar stocks the honey-colored spiced rum, which is distilled from sugarcane. Though it's constantly referred to as Thai whiskey, it's definitely a rum. How to drink: Most Thais drink theirs with soda water and ice, but the throngs of backpackers like to pour a quart into a bucket, top it up with ice and Red Bull and slurp it through a handful of neon straws. More than one of these and you're in for a roller coaster of a night. Vietnam: Ruou This Vietnamese firewater (pronounced zeo) is infamous. Not so much for the enjoyment of drinking the glutinous rice-distilled liquor, but because the medicinal version often has a squished venomous snake or scorpion pickling away inside the bottle. How to drink: First, be sure you really want to. A swig from these hideous bottles may prevent hair loss, perk up your virility and generally cure a range of ailments, but many have lethal rubbing alcohol or formaldehyde added. If you've really got to try it, it's best to just cross your heart and slam it.  More on CNN: The morning after: Asia's best hangover cures

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