Welcome to the April 2020 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
I am so excited you have chosen to join us!
The events of the last few months have been been difficult at best for everyone. Watching this virus wreak havoc around the world and beginning its spread across our country is devastating. Its effect on travel disheartening. While we may feel overwhelmed there is hope. We are resilient. We will travel again. My hope is that these monthly journals will provide an escape as well as an opportunity to make plans for the future. Stay well.
I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of my favorite articles chosen for this month.
SOUTH AMERICA
Remembering a first trip to Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of South America, is captivating. From sophisticated coffee shops which beg for literary discussions to non-touristy clubs where locals perfect their tango there is an energy and a commitment to experiencing life that will draw you in.
JAPAN
Japan’s Geisha capture the imagination and proper etiquette is required.
Kyoto is the best place to catch a glimpse of a geisha. Their lives are shrouded in mystery so it’s only natural that they would provoke curiosity, however, Japanese culture dictates the rules they live by as well as the rules for how you can interact should you be lucky enough to meet one.
TRAVEL BUSINESS
Apprentice to an artist to learn a new craft or enhance existing skills.
Vacation with an Artist arranges vacation apprenticeships with local artists around the world from 4 to 7 days depending on the process that is being learned. Travelers become students and friendships are formed as artists share their culture and expertise.
VIDEO
Allow yourself to be transported to the enchanting town of Lijiang, China.
This video is a study in the sights, sounds and people who inhabit the ancient town of Lijiang. Our hosts explore the narrow alleyways and canals which meander through the town visiting shops and restaurants and interacting with residents making you a part of their adventure.
I welcome your feedback. Knowing what you like and need will help me continue to curate an informative and entertaining journal.
Please feel free to contact me by clicking on ‘Send us a note’ under Contact.
Happy Travels,
President
Travel Research Monthly
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
- Ancient Morocco leads this author to define the wonder of travel as ‘less in the discovery of new places than in tracing the outline of those that have ceased to exist’. (Africa, Morocco)
Author: Aatish Taseer
Source: New York Times - Day trip from Cape Town exploring the Helderberg Wine Route with mountains in the background while enjoying a sea breeze and the view over False Bay. (Africa, South Africa)
Author: Staff
Source: Cape Town Tourism - Botswana’s appeal is far greater than a box checking safari but rather in its vision to offer the opportunity to experience the country and its wildlife on a much deeper and almost spiritual level. (Africa, Botswana)
Author: Mike Unwin
Source: Travel Africa Magazine - The word luxurious does not begin to describe Dubai and all it has to offer adults and children. (Middle East, United Arab Emirates)
Author: Dean McCoubrey
Source: The Luxury Travel Bible - While traversing the Rub Al Khali desert is not on most travelers’ bucket lists, this story of one man’s journey to accomplish a once in a lifetime trek is extraordinary. (Middle East, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
Author: Caline Malek
Source: The Arab Weekly - The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is slated to open in October 2020 giving visitors the opportunity to view over 50,000 Egyptian artifacts in the shadow of the Great Pyramids. (Middle East, Egypt)
Author: Damien Gabet
Source: Wanderlust
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- Thinnakara Island, located in the Laccadive Sea off the coast of Kerala, India is an off the beaten track option for those wishing to escape. While accommodations are modest, the solitary experiences may be just what you are looking for. (Asia, India)
Author: Irfan Quader
Source: Shubh-Yatra - Hong Kong and Thailand combine well in a city/country combination with only a three hour flight between them. (Asia, Hong Kong, Thailand)
Author: Ann Rupenstein
Source: Offshore - Bubble retreats are the hot new stay and this luxury example affords a night under the stars among the elephants at Thailand’s Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. (Asia, India)
Author: Rachel Cormack
Source: Robb Report - The Mergui Archipelago, off the coast of Myanmar, could be one of the last unspoiled islands in the world and Awai Pila offers luxury, seclusion and sustainability for visitors that want to truly decompress. (Asia, Myanmar)
Author: Thomas Kean
Source: SilverKris
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
-
- Australia has tightened oversight at the Great Barrier Reef to allow tourists to fully experience its wonder while protecting its ecosystem in a responsible manner. (Australia)
Author: Juli Berwald
Source: Afar - Numerous tourists experience Kakadu in dry season but for the truly adventurous try Monsoon season. (Australia)
Author: Lee Atkinson
Source: Get Lost Magazine - Kayak the Noosa River in Queensland, Australia’s Everglades. (Australia)
Author: Laura Waters
Source: Geographical
- Australia has tightened oversight at the Great Barrier Reef to allow tourists to fully experience its wonder while protecting its ecosystem in a responsible manner. (Australia)
CANADA
- Everyone knows where to find France on a map but few know that France still owns a tiny archipelago 45 minutes from Newfoundland, Canada with very proud French residents and an abundance of French wines. (Canada, Newfoundland)
Author: Karen Burshtein
Source: Vogue - Toronto’s own castle, Casa Loma, invites the curious to wander its halls and turrets. (Canada, Ontario)
Author: Danielle Ossher
Source: Buffalo Magazine - Canadian chefs are incorporating more indigenous foods into their menus accenting the history of the country. (Canada, Food)
Author: Vicky Sanderson
Source: Travel Life Canada
CARIBBEAN
- The ins and outs of a holiday on Harbour Island. (Caribbean, Bahamas)
Author: Valerie Conners
Source: Travel Channel - The safest and most dangerous Caribbean Islands. (Caribbean)
Author: Rachel Cooper
Source: Trip Savvy
EUROPE
- Visiting Paris? Consider spending a day exploring the 3rd Arrondissement, an area offering a rich history and a vibrant present and future. (Europe, France)
Author: Katerina Lawrence
Source: Qantas - Georgia has been enjoying its place in the sun with a growing number of travelers visiting its borders. The spectacular scenery and strong accommodation offerings in Tbilisi are comparable to other recently discovered Eastern European cities. (Europe, Georgia)
Author: Staff
Source: Open Skies - A love letter to Budapest written by a ten year resident which draws you in to her intimate relationship with the city. (Europe, Hungary)
Author: The Spoiled Queen
Source: Lodestars Anthology - Riga, the ‘Berlin of the Baltics’, is quickly becoming a destination for contemporary arts. (Europe, Germany)
Author: Chloe Cann
Source: Mercedes Me Magazine - With over 20 islands making up the Cyclades in Greece, choosing one might prove difficult but one of these 6 may pique your interest. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Sharron Livingston
Source: The Travel Magazine - Point-to-Point hiking in the Dolomites affords incomparable views and while the accommodations are not luxurious they do prepare you physically for the next day’s hike. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Mónica R. Goya
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 Free Articles per Month)
JAPAN
- Garden designer Sophie Walker presents five Tokyo garden options to complement any mood. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Sophie Walker
Source: Mo Magazine - Japan’s Geisha capture the imagination and proper etiquette is required. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Dan Hackett
Source: Wanderlust - Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival takes place only once every three years on 12 rural islands in the Seto Inland Sea but one can still experience the restoration of these rural islands through the permanent contemporary art museums and exhibits. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Isabel Choate
Source: The Guardian
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Remembering a first trip to Buenos Aires. (South America, Argentina)
Author: Justin Goldman
Source: Hemispheres - Tobacco Caye is a small, unassuming island off of Belize known for its laid back hospitality. It’s a perfect spot to unwind while sailing the world’s second largest barrier reef. (Central America, Belize)
Author: Amy Flannery
Source: Cruising World - San Jose, Costa Rica through the eyes of a young woman who spent her teenage years falling in love with this often overlooked city. (Central America, Costa Rica)
Author: Grace Gilroy
Source: Darling, - Sailing the bay islands and cays of Honduras. (Central America, Honduras)
Author: Staff
Source: Sailing Today
RUSSIA
- The history of Perm as an industrial powerhouse helped earn its place as a top Russian city and the cultural hub of the Ural Mountains. (Russia)
Author: William Brumfield
Source: Russia Beyond - A trip to Lake Baikal is for the adventurous but a guide is recommended if you do not speak Russian. (Russia)
Author: Staff
Source: Moscow Living
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Icelanders embrace the belief that everything will work out in the end which works equally well in travel and in life. (Scandinavia, Iceland)
Author: Katie Hammel
Source: BBC Travel - Seasoned foodies will appreciate the history and simplicity of Iceland’s unique foods. (Scandinavia, Iceland, Food)
Author: Staff
Source: Travel & Hospitality Awards - Join native Norwegians who travel to the southern coast of Norway exploring the islands, hiking the hills and forests, and swimming in the many small lakes. (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Rupert Parker
Source: The Travel Magazine
UK & IRELAND
- While the Highlands get all the press, Galloway Forest Park, sometimes referred to as the Highlands of the Lowlands, is the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Tom Powell
Source: Escapism - There is nothing more Irish than a monastic site and nothing more likely to transport you back in time. (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Author: Rita O’Brien
Source: Ireland Travel Magazine - The Yorkshire Dales offer some of the best walks in the country no matter your level of expertise. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Adventure Travel X Bridgedale
Source: Wired for Adventure - Hiking Cnicht Mountain in Snowdonia affords panoramic views one moment and golden valleys the next while interspersing glimpses of man’s impact on nature through abandoned mining tracks and buildings used by quarrymen, (United Kingdom, Wales)
Author: Fiona Reynolds
Source: Country Life UK
UNITED STATES
- A long weekend in Asheville should be on everyone’s short list. A strong local business scene results in memorable restaurants, breweries and places to stay. (United States, North Carolina)
Author: Annie Werner
Source: Here Magazine - Kentucky instantly brings to mind bourbon and thoroughbred horses and it’s a beautiful thing when they come together as they have at Hermitage Farms in Goshen, Kentucky. (United States, Kentucky)
Author: Adam Robb
Source: Whisky Advocate - It’s always amazing what a group of dedicated individuals can achieve and this is evident at the Weatherwax Nature Preserve in Ocean Shores, Washington. (United States, Washington)
Author: Scott D. Johnston
Source: Washington Coast Magazine - While many only think of Manhattan when visiting New York City, this author shares a newly formed love for the Borough of Brooklyn. (United States, New York)
Author: Elizabeth Hanson
Source: Ranch and Coast Magazine - Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals itself through ancient cave dwellings, archaeological sites and hikes through ruins and fascinating petroglyphs. (United States, Colorado)
Author: Matt Payne
Source: 405 Magazine - Explore America’s Sun Belt in northern Arizona and southern Utah taking in the expansive views and magical qualities of the American Southwest. (United States, Arizona, Utah)
Author: Megan Snedden
Source: World Travel Magazine
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- MSC Cruises now operates out of Port Canaveral year round to George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Nassau & Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. (Sea, Ships, Cruise, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Bahamas)
Author: Susan J. Young
Source: Travel Agent Central - The Kruger Shalati, a unique hotel created from a 13 carriage train which now sits on the Selati Bridge in Kruger National Park is slated to open in late 2020 and is located on an historic line that brought visitors to the park in the 1920’s. (Rail, Train, Africa, South Africa)
Author: Jennifer Newton for MAILONLINE
Source: Daily Mail
FOOD & DRINK
- A foodie tour of the Baltic states uncovering the region’s most authentic restaurants. (Food, Europe)
Author: Sophie Ibbotson
Source: The Travel Magazine - Ten of the most impressive restaurants in the world based not only on food quality but location, décor, views and staff. (Food)
Author: Pedro Zapata
Source: The Luxe Cafe - The top 5 restaurants in the UAE from the Travel & Hospitality Awards. (Food, United Arab Emirates)
Author: Staff
Source: Travel & Hospitality Awards
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Apprentice to a local artist to learn a new craft or enhance existing skills. (Travel Business, Miscellaneous)
Author: Hadley Keller
Source: House Beautiful (Subscription- 4 Free Articles per Month) - Town and Country Magazines Top New Hotels of 2020. (Travel Business, Hotels)
Authors: Klara Glowczewska & Priscilla Eakeley
Source: Town and Country Magazine - Science and technology unite to identify possible solutions to help make future travel safer during the pandemic. (Travel Business, Miscellaneous)
Author: Lina Zeldovich
Source: BBC Travel
BLOGS
- Nevsky Avenue is a great place to start exploring St. Petersburg’s history, culture and architecture. (Blog, Europe, Russia)
Author: Irena Domingo
Source: Russiau - When most think of visiting Tanzania, they immediately think of Serengeti National Park. While it is legendary, Tanzania also has other parks, hidden gems, which offer safari opportunities to relish. (Blog, Africa, Tanzania)
Author: Marc Harris
Source: A Luxury Travel Blog - There are several different ways to take a road trip in Tasmania which all include getting acquainted with nature, good food and a lively arts scene. (Blog, Australia, Tasmania)
Author: Brooke Saward
Source: World of Wanderlust
PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Podcasts
- Simon Calder, travel writer and broadcaster, shares his experiences some of his favorite places in the world worth visiting. (Podcast, Miscellaneous)
Host: Holly Rubenstein
Source: The Travel Diaries
(40 minutes 32 seconds) - Become familiar with India through the eyes of Mary Ellen Ward, who travelled to India at a critical time of her life and now lives there. (Podcast, Asia, India)
Host: Matt Long
Source: Explore The World
(1 hour 5 minutes 30 seconds. Content begins at the 7 minute 50 second mark) - What’s trending in travel and an interview with Vicki Freed from Royal Caribbean discussing how the cruise industry will bounce back after the pandemic. (Podcast, Sea, Ships, Cruise, Travel Business)
Host: Eric Bowman and Dan Callahan
Source: TravelPulse Podcast
(24 minutes 16 seconds)
Videos
- Allow yourself to be transported to the enchanting city of Lijiang, China. (Video, Asia, China)
Source: Amazing Places on our Planet
(23 minutes 35 seconds) - A lively documentary about France’s Saint Pierre et Miquelon on the Canadian coast, exploring its history and culture. (Video, France, Canada)
Source: Official W5
(21 minutes 1 second) - Enjoy the journey between several Croatian towns and meander their streets soaking in the ambiance. (Video, Europe, Croatia)
Source: 4K Urban Life
(1 hour 3 minutes 33 seconds)