Welcome to the August 2020 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
If you are new to Travel Research Monthly, please take a moment to review the Notes for Users section in order to get the most from each journal.
I have been speaking with friends in the industry. Travel agents, hotel managers, guides and everyone is working as hard as ever to make improvements in their businesses so that they are ready when life returns to normal and we can all start exploring the world again. The hospitality industry is one that in normal times brings joy and excitement to people and this positivity is evident even in the midst of a pandemic. It may be a hotel opening its doors to first responders or guides who have no travelers to guide at the moment, using their vehicles to pick up Covid tests from nursing homes and delivering the tests to labs. This commitment to service is what I love about the people who work in this industry and it is what will ensure their success when we come out of this pandemic.
Here are some of my favorite articles for this month:
MISCELLANEOUS
Immersive travel has been shown to change the traveler in a positive way.
Researchers have found that immersive travel changes travelers in a number of ways and for the better. Adapting to a new culture brings challenges and our minds learn to be more flexible.You have to work to communicate and your perspective broadens. All of these skills benefit you as you apply these new or enhanced skills in your everyday life.
EUROPE & RUSSIA
ThIs European city refuses to get caught up in the modern love of overworking.
The residents of Plovdiv, Bulgaria are all about aylyak. There is no direct translation for this word and the answer varies slightly depending on who you ask. However, everyone agrees that it is about finding space for yourself, for your community and from life’s difficulties. There is an appealing ease of life here.
FOOD & DRINK
James Brooks speaks to Zoom-famous Kathleen Inman, known for her virtual wine tastings.
A passion for travel and a passion for wine just seem to go hand in hand. Experiencing the subtleties of a new culture or the complexities of a good glass of wine seem to exist on the same plane. Kathleen Inman relates to both wine and travel in this way and conveys this in her popular virtual wine tastings.
CARIBBEAN
The best destinations throughout the West Indies to explore and appreciate the history of Black & Indigenous cultures.
Travelers are beginning to look for more conscious travel experiences. The history of Black and Indigenous cultures are being sought out across the globe and this includes the Caribbean. Some of the best sites include a museum dedicated to the legacy of slavery in Martinique, experiencing what pre-Columbus Caribbean life was like in the Kalinago Territory in Dominica and sites relevant to the native royal family in Haiti.
I welcome your feedback. Knowing what you like and need will help me continue to curate a journal that you will find not only informative but entertaining.
Please feel free to reach out to me by clicking on ‘Send us a note’ under Contact.
Happy Travels,
President
Travel Research Monthly
AFRICA & SOUTH AFRICA
- A walk through Oman and it’s rich history. (Middle East, Oman)
Author: Guatam Viswanathan
Source: Times of Oman - Explore the bright colors and exciting sites of Marrakesh in this picture tour. (Africa, Morocco)
Author: Lydia Schrandt
Source: USA Today 10Best - Rwandans are working hard to create a new culture focused on creativity and caring. (Africa, Rwanda)
Author: Heather Greenwood Davis
Source: National Geographic
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- Combining architecture from several religions, the Ambuluwawa Tower is an underrated Sri Lankan landmark. (Asia, Sri Lanka)
Author: Iman Saleem
Source: roarmedia - Take a unique audio virtual tour through Vietnam with this curated music playlist. (Asia, Vietnam)
Author: Sang Nguyen Xuan
Source: Papyrus Greenville - Designer Anupamaa Dayal explains how her love of travel inspires her art. (Asia, India)
Author: Divia Thani
Source: Condé Nast Traveller - Community-based tourism is up-and-coming in Vietnam. Here are the top villages to explore. (Asia, Vietnam)
Author: An Vu
Source: VNEXPRESS - This temple offers peace amidst the chaos of the city, explore it in this picture collection. (Asia, Laos) Author: Pongpet Mekloy
Source: Bangkok Post - Papua New Guinea has lots of exciting places to explore, here are the top adventures. (Asia, Papua New Guinea)
Author: Staff
Source: Boss Hunting
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- Explore this author’s favorite tiny towns from her 100-day road trip across New Zealand. (New Zealand)
Author: Brook Sabin
Source: Stuff - New Zealand has plenty of nature experiences for travelers. Here are some of the top choices. (New Zealand)
Author: Tiana Templeman
Source: NZ Herald - Trying to find a word that accurately describes the Omarama Cliffs is nearly impossible but they are worth a visit. (New Zealand)
Author: Brook Sabin
Source: Stuff
- Explore this author’s favorite tiny towns from her 100-day road trip across New Zealand. (New Zealand)
CANADA
- A new, miniature display of Canada will allow visitors to see the entire country from a helicopter view. (Canada, Ontario)
Author: Pat Brennan
Source: Toronto Star - A Yukon dog sledding excursion for every kind of adventurer. (Canada, Yukon)
Author: Staff
Source: Yukon News - Support small businesses across Canada with this cross-country shopping guide. (Canada)
Author: Valerie Howes
Source: Huffpost
CARIBBEAN
- The best destinations throughout the West Indies to explore and appreciate the history of Black and Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean. (Caribbean, Martinique, Dominica, Haiti)
Author: Steve Bennett
Source: Island Origins Magazine - How to make the choice between a Southern Caribbean and an Eastern Caribbean cruise. (Caribbean, Sea, Ships, Cruise)
Author: Sarah Bretz
Source: Cruise Radio - The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will celebrate San Juan’s 500th anniversary just as it has in previous years, albeit virtually. (Caribbean, Puerto Rico)
Author: Giovanna Garofalo
Source: The Weekly Journal
EUROPE & RUSSIA
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- The perfect map for architecture enthusiasts, this newly released guide includes some of the most fascinating buildings in Tbilisi. (Europe, Georgia)
Author: James Gabriel Martin
Source: Lonely Planet - Go off the beaten path for a one of a kind experience in the Altai Mountain Range; a beautiful location spanning four countries. (Europe, Asia, Russia)
Author: Josh Nadeau
Source: Russia Beyond - The biggest mistake most tourists make when traveling to Turkey. (Europe, Turkey)
Author: Nick Hilden
Source: Daily Beast - The amazing and historically rich story of Berlin. (Europe, Germany)
Author: Rick Steves
Source: Luxury Travel Advisor - This European city refuses to get caught up in the modern love of overworking. (Europe, Bulgaria)
Author: Will Buckingham
Source: BBC Travel - Read why this travel photographer loves Croatia. (Europe, Croatia)
Author: Mark Thomas
Source: The Dubrovnik Times
- The perfect map for architecture enthusiasts, this newly released guide includes some of the most fascinating buildings in Tbilisi. (Europe, Georgia)
JAPAN
- A unique Danish-inspired experience is coming to life in Japan. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Hulda Hallgrímsdóttir
Source: Tredje Natur - Technology meets art meets nature in this living, open-air art installation featured in an ancient Japanese garden. (Asia, Japan)
Author: James Gabriel Martin
Source: Lonely Planet - Senzokuike Park is a welcome escape from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Anna
Source: Matcha
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Travelers can now visit Colombia’s Llanos Orientales and receive an authentic cowboy experience. (South America, Colombia)
Author: Shafik Meghji
Source: Wanderlust - See all of the top destination cities in Mexico with this perfect two-week plan. (Mexico)
Author: Bill Wiatrak
Source: Houstonia - Meet the National Geographic explorer living every adventurer’s dream in the Amazonian rainforest. (South America)
Author: Laura Smith
Source: The Sunday Post - Western travelers enjoy interacting with local Ecuadorians who are exploring their country during the pandemic. (South America, Ecuador)
Author: Eglé
Source: Adventure Rider
MISCELLANEOUS
- Enjoy the ultimate form of luxury travel by booking your next vacation at one of these private destinations. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Allison Mitchell
Source: The Atlantan - Immersive travel has been shown to change the traveler in a positive way. (Miscellaneous, Travel Business)
Author: Lorraine Stevenson
Source: CountryGuide
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Enjoy a virtual tour of some of Sweden’s prettiest views with this picture collection. (Scandinavia, Sweden)
Author: Lydia Schrandt
Source: USA Today 10Best - Looking to explore yet stay near Reykjavik? The black beach of Reykjanes Peninsula is a great alternative destination for Reynisfjara. (Scandinavia, Iceland)
Authors: Iona Rangeley-Wilson & Jess Distill
Source: Reykjavik Grapevine - This tiny, isolated Norwegian island claims it is the stuff of Roman and Greek legends, but is it really? (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: F. Salazar
Source: Smithsonian Magazine from Hakai Magazine
UK & IRELAND
- Conor Power shares his experience spending a portion of the pandemic lockdown at a peaceful artists’ retreat in County Kerry. (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Author: Conor Power
Source: Independent.ie - Experience the authentic taste of the Emerald Isle with recipes from top-notch culinary schools in the country. (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Author: Staff
Source: Victoria Magazine - This gastronomic capital is home to many intriguing sites beyond the food-related wonders. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Natasha Foges
Source: Britain Magazine - Enjoy nature in some of England’s under appreciated outdoor sites. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Staff
Source: The Travel Magazine
UNITED STATES
- Nebraska’s underrated attractions make it a great destination to avoid crowds. (United States, Nebraska)
Author: Cassandra Brooklyn
Source: The Daily Beast - This composer used his experiences in Alaska to combine environmental activism with immersive sound. (United States, Alaska)
Author: Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
Source: New York Times - The beauty of Death Valley National Park comes to life in this first-person account. (United States, California)
Author: Elizabeth Hansen
Source: Ranch and Coast Magazine - Explore this Florida town known for its nature and Old-World charm. (United States, Florida)
Author: Eric Barton
Source: Flamingo - The attraction and popularity of hot springs in the West. (United States)
Author: Francis Sanzaro
Source: Outside Online
FOOD & DRINK
- James Brock speaks with Zoom-famous Kathleen Inman known for her virtual wine tastings. (Drink, Europe, France)
Author: James Brock
Source: Paper City - Greece earns the title of ‘Best Sustainable Food Destination’ for 2021 through its tradition of fresh food and home grown vegetables. (Food, Europe, Greece)
Author: GTP Editing Team
Source: GTP|Headlines - The Top 100 Wine Discoveries list narrows down over 30,000 wines to the best 100 and predicts upcoming trends in the industry. (Drink)
Author: Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Source: prnewswire.com - The best post-pandemic rooftop hot spots in NYC (Food, Drink, United States, New York)
Author: Kimberly Wilson
Source: Essence
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- The unique experience of traveling by train. (Rail, Train, United States)
Author: Ali Wunderman
Source: Condé Nast Traveler - Mobile passes are now available for rail travel in Italy, making the experience smoother for passengers. (Rail, Train, Travel Business, Europe, Italy)
Author: James Gabriel Martin
Source: Lonely Planet
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- These uniquely beautiful hotels give travelers something to look forward to in the post-pandemic world. (Travel Business, Hotels)
Author: Laura Schreffler
Source: Haute Living - An over the top experience when staying in one of the 5 most expensive suites in Paris. (Travel Business, Europe, France)
Author: Emma Al Mousawi
Source: Elite Traveler - The hospitality industry has always shown up when needed and not surprisingly, large hotel chains are doing just that during this unreal pandemic. (Travel Business)
Author: Kaeli Conforti
Source: Budget Travel
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- Japan’s Festival of Souls honors one’s deceased ancestors. (Blog, Asia, Japan)
Source: Voyagin - St. Lucia has a split personality when it comes to accommodations. (Blog, Caribbean, St. Lucia)
Authors: Dave & Deb
Source: The Planet D
Podcasts
- The history of Haute Couture and those sites to visit when in Paris. (Podcast, Europe, France)
Host: Annie Sargent
Source: Join Us in France
(Podcast – 51 minutes 52 seconds) - What to do when things go wrong with your trip. (Podcast, Travel Business)
Host: Mark Ellwood
Source: Travelogue
(Podcast – 52 minutes 50 seconds)
Videos
- Ride the Bernina Express from the Swiss glaciers to the warmth of Italy. (Video, Europe, Trains)
Source: 4K Video
(Video – 35 minutes and 48 seconds) - Immerse yourself in the luxury that is Dubai. (Video, Middle East, United Arab Emirates)
Source: Mr. Luxury
(Video – 11 minutes and 3 seconds)