Welcome to the December 2020 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
I hope you are enjoying a festive holiday season!
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.
it’s December and I know everyone has had a tough year. I applaud everyone in the industry for their hard work through it all. Working for your clients, rescheduling trips or securing refunds for services they were unable to use, took a tremendous amount of time and effort. Not to mention dealing with the ups and downs regarding when life will return to normal. The client focused response of the entire industry deserves to be celebrated because the take away is that we will all be traveling again and travel agents have proven that they are indispensable as an advocate for their clients.
Here are some of my favorite articles for this month:
SCANDINAVIA
The design of Norway’s Whale Museum is truly captivating.
Opening in late 2023, the Whale Museum is located on the northern arctic coast of Norway on a well known migratory path. When viewed from the sea, the museum looks like a whale’s tail rising from the water. The museum will not be as much a natural history museum as a place to appreciate the grand scale of these incredible mammals.
CANADA
Montreal’s Griffintown and Little Burgundy districts have transformed an industrial past into a vibrant present.
Two areas worth exploring on your next visit to Montreal include Griffintown and Little Burgundy which are connected by the Lachine Canal. These districts are transforming their industrial pasts into trendy, creative residential districts offering art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Abu Dhabi’s unique fossil dunes are truly off the beaten path.
The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes outside of Abu Dhabi evoke images of Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tattoine. Formed millions of years ago, the dune formations are extremely fragile and cannot be touched. However, they can be enjoyed from a close vantage point while enjoying a picnic or while camping overnight. The directions to get there make it seem like the world’s most secret location.
JAPAN
A lovely New Year’s Eve tradition in Tokyo’s Fukugawa neighborhood.
This New Year’s Eve tradition involves visiting the local shrines and temples of seven lucky gods. This pilgrimage is to ask for good luck and a good year ahead. ‘Pilgrims’ visit each shrine and collect either inscriptions on white cardboard or ceramic bells on a plastic bamboo branch. Study the history of each shrine and the god it represents for a more meaningful visit.
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Happy Travels,
President
Travel Research Monthly
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
- 850 steps to reach the Ad Deir Monastery carved into a mountainside in Petra, Jordan in 500 BC. If you are fit, it is well worth the trip. (Middle East, Jordan)
Author: Habeeb Salloum
Source: Go World Travel - Abu Dhabi’s unique fossil dunes are truly off the beaten path. (Middle East, UAE)
Author: Klarfeher
Source: Atlas Obscura - Rick Steves describes his visit to Tangier which has blossomed under Moroccan leader Mohammed VI. (Africa, Morocco)
Author: Rick Steves
Source: Times Colonist
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- China’s meandering canals connect Suzhou to its people. Ancient gardens, tea houses, shops and parks are interwoven with the canals like the beautiful silk that is produced here. (Asia, China)
Author: Matt Payne
Source: 405 Magazine - A journey to the Himalayan city of Ladakh and the Aryan Valley to rediscover the tribal culture of the Brokpa Dards. (Asia, India, Himalayas)
Author: Jay Tindall
Source: Remote Lands - If you have ever dreamed of spending a night in an igloo, now is your chance! (Asia, India)
Author: Ananya Desai
Source: Condé Nast Traveller - The city of Hue, Vietnam lights up at night energizing its neighborhoods and people. (Asia, Vietnam)
Authors: Vo Thanh & Ngoc Thanh
Source: VN Express
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- Indigenous tourism is taking center stage in Queensland by offering a greater understanding of indigenous culture and history. (Australia)
Author: Eliza Velk
Source: Vacations & Travel - Attention turtle lovers: Take a day on your holiday to help sea turtles in Queensland. (Australia)
Author: The H4C Team
Source: Holidays for Couples - The Pole House in Fairhaven has become a landmark due to its construction, ocean views and location. (Australia)
Author: Staff
Source: Times of India
- Indigenous tourism is taking center stage in Queensland by offering a greater understanding of indigenous culture and history. (Australia)
CANADA
- Explore British Columbia’s First Nations people through their art. (Canada, British Columbia)
Author: Hello BC
Source: Keep Exploring Canada - Montreal’s Griffintown and Little Burgundy districts have transformed an industrial past into a trendy, vibrant present. (Canada, Quebec)
Author: Tracy Kaler
Source: Travelmag - Traveling the Gaspésie Peninsula by bus and train is an easy way to discover its scenic beauty and historic towns. (Canada, Quebec)
Author: Sehaj Deo
Source: Travelife
CARIBBEAN
- Cottages by the Sea, a St. Croix inn operating since 1949, hearkens back to a simpler time. (Caribbean, USVI)
Author: Alexander Britell
Source: Caribbean Journal - Jamaica’s Port Royal is proud of its history and is working towards sharing it with the world. (Caribbean, Jamaica)
Author: James March
Source: BBC Travel
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- Heubad, or Alpine hay bathing, is a 300 year old sustainable wellness practice that is offered in a number of Alpine spas. (Europe, Austria, Italy)
Author: Mike MacEacheran
Source: BBC Travel - Verkhoturye was established in 1598 as a path to the Siberian wilderness. Its historical significance is enhanced by ties to St. Simeon, the peoples saint, whose remains inspired pilgrimages to St. Nicolas Church and the Cathedral of the Elevation of the Cross. (Europe, Russia)
Author: William Brumfield
Source: Russia Beyond - Venice’s “bocche di leone” were complaint boxes available to the citizenry of Venice to provide a place to voice their concerns anonymously. While there, search for these boxes as part of a guided tour or as a self-guided treasure hunt. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Kasia Dietz
Source: National Geographic (Subscription-4 free articles per month) - Cheers to Greece and the Onassis Foundation for taking the initiative to make the Acropolis in Athens accessible to visitors with disabilities. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Lauren Keith
Source: Lonely Planet - Bruges is well-known for its gothic architecture inspiring romantic strolls alongside gently flowing canals with arched stone bridges one lovelier than the next. (Europe, Belgium)
Author: Lydia Schrandt
Source: USA Today 10Best - The Church of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity in Moscow is an excellent example of the Siberian Baroque style and served as the inspiration for many Moscow churches of the second half of the 17th century. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Sergei Rzhevsky
Source: Russia Trek
JAPAN
- A lovely New Year’s Eve tradition in Tokyo’s Fukugawa neighborhood. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Vicky L. Beyer
Source: Japan Today - Tokyo’s reputation is a city in constant motion. A wander through its neighborhoods offers the opportunity to experience the city in a different light. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Jonathan DeHart
Source: Travel+Leisure Asia - After enjoying the rush of a visit to Tokyo, consider a few days spent in the mountains of Miyagi prefecture where traditional hot spring baths rejuvenate the soul. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Staff
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Chilé’s diverse geography serves as an invitation to explore this vast country. (South America, Chilé)
Author: Lacey Pfalz
Source: Travel Pulse - Sleep in giant barrel-shaped rooms clustered within a field of blue agave. (Mexico)
Author: Konstantina Pyrnokoki
Source: Insider - Suriname, while in South America, is a cultural melting pot where Dutch, rather than Spanish, is spoken. The centuries of mingling have created a lively cuisine worth investigating. (South America, Suriname. Food)
Author: Catherine Van Brunschot
Source: Taste and Travel Magazine
MISCELLANEOUS
- Looking for even more inspiration for travel in 2021? Check out Country Life Magazine’s top ten travel articles of 2020. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Toby Keel
Source: Country Life UK - Travel belongs to everyone and differing perspectives and opinions expand all of our horizons whether we are able to actually visit a destination or just read about it. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Laura Dannen Redman
Source: Afar Magazine - Looking for direction when planning your next trip? This article breaks down the best month of the year to experience different destinations. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Staff
Source: Wanderlust - Christmas festivities to expect when visiting destinations around the world. (Miscellaneous, Central America, Belize, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Europe, Spain, Switzerland, Africa, South Africa, Scandinavia, Denmark, Costa Rica)
Author: Sheryl Nance-Nash
Source: New York Amsterdam News
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Widely recognized as northern Europe’s last wilderness, Swedish Lapland has a new hotel offering that makes the most of its location. (Scandinavia, Sweden)
Author: Staff
Source: China Daily-HK Edition - Reykjavik enjoys a long history tied to the land and sea but its status as a tourist destination is a fairly recent development. (Scandinavia, Iceland)
Author: Hannah Riech and Lisa Divissi for Lost and Found
Source: ABC News - The design of Norway’s whale museum is truly captivating. (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Staff
Source: NZ Herald - Travel to Denmark to experience their long held Christmas traditions and Christmas markets. (Scandinavia, Denmark)
Author: Katie Machado
Source: The Travel
UK & IRELAND
- The author revisits the seaside town of Llandudno, once a childhood vacation destination, and finds a pleasantly simple, restorative break from the pandemic. (United Kingdom, Wales)
Author: David Atkinson
Source: The Telegraph UK - While Scotland and whisky will always go hand in hand, the number of Irish whiskey distilleries has grown significantly. (United Kingdom, Ireland)
Author: Lauren Eads
Source: The Spirits Business - Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is restorative in nature, whether finding fossils on its beaches, walking coastal paths or visiting Abbotsbury Swannery, which dates back to 1393 and is the world’s only managed swannery. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Sarah Riches
Source: Wanderlust - Scotland enthusiasts will be excited by the establishment of a new touring route, the Heart 200. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Graeme Green
Source: i news - Fans of the Royal Family can stay on several royal estates throughout the United Kingdom. (United Kingdom)
Author: Nadine Cresswell-Myatt
Source: Travel Awaits
UNITED STATES
- A boutique tour company pivots from its European focused tours to exploring the owner’s own backyard in Santa Cruz. (United States, California)
Author: Mary Holland
Source: Robb Report - A Milan based architect designs luxury, modern treehouses built from sustainable local materials in the mountains of West Virginia. Slated to open in 2021, these net-zero energy treehouses are tucked into the forest encouraging a deeper connection with nature. (United States, West Virginia)
Author: WA Contents
Source: World Architecture - New Mexico is experiencing a renaissance, culturally and artistically, which only serves to magnify its unique past, present and future. (United States, New Mexico)
Author: Kevin West
Source: Departures Magazine - Sadly this year’s National Toboggan Championship in Camden, Maine has been postponed until February 2022 due to COVID but the positive note is that you have time to get your costume ready and start training for this one of a kind event. (United States, Maine)
Author: Steve Usatis
Source: Outpost - Breckenridge and it’s businesses have worked hard to implement responsible COVID-19 safety measures from mandatory mask wearing in public to additional grooming of trails to provide more room for your winter activities. (United States, Colorado)
Author: Chadner Navarro
Source: Departures Magazine
FOOD & DRINK
- It is always exciting when new restaurants open but especially so in this challenging year. (Food, United States, Florida)
Author: Paige Mastrandrea
Source: Haute Living - Tokyo restaurants are known as some of the best in the world and these new restaurants are no exception. I am dying to try pastry chef Natsuko Shoji’s creations at her new restaurant, Été. (Food, Asia, Japan)
Author: Christine Muhlke
Source: Departures Magazine - New restaurants making the scene in Hong Kong. (Food, Asia, Hong Kong)
Author: Evelyn Lok
Source: Lifestyle Asia
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- Train travel in Europe keeps getting even easier with new, affordable service between the three amazing cities of Prague, Budapest and Vienna. (Rail, Trains, Europe)
Author: Lauren Keith
Source: Lonely Planet - Destinations that are best reached by private jet. (Air, Planes)
Author: Sophie Killip
Source: Elite Traveler - Cruisers of private boats anticipate their 2021 options. (Sea, Ships, Cruise)
Author: Behan Gifford
Source: Cruising World
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- TikTok’s travel inspired videos are evolving into reality based montages that provide a sense of place. (Travel Business)
Author: Jessica Sulima
Source: Thrillist - Delta is simplifying the travel experience by eliminating international change fees as well as instituting other customer friendly policies. (Travel Business, Air)
Author: Staff
Source: Menafn - A look back at travel trends from ten years ago and how they compare to today. (Travel Business)
Author: Katie Machado
Source: The Travel
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- Touring the cities of the Golden Ring is classic Russia at its best. (Blog, Europe, Russia)
Author: Daniil Timin
Source: Russian Blogger - The Northward Golden Route is a great way to explore less visited areas of Japan without having to venture too far from Tokyo. (Blog, Asia, Japan)
Author: Nellie Huang
Source: Wild Junket
Podcasts
- Women traveling solo and what the experience brings to their lives. (Podcast, Travel Business)
Host: Kellee Edwards
Author: Tanner Saunders
Source: Let’s Go Together
(Podcast – 32 minutes 40 seconds. Content begins at the 17 second mark.) - The inspiration to travel comes from many different sources. (Podcast, Travel Business)
Author: Ben Groundwater
Source: Flight of Fancy
(Podcast – 35 minutes 52 seconds)
Videos
- Iceland suggests you replace Doomscrolling with Joyscrolling and I couldn’t agree more. (Video, Scandinavia, Iceland)
Source: Inspired by Iceland
(Video – 55 seconds) - The sounds of London are highlighted in this short film. (Video, United Kingdom, England)
Source: Ethan Parker
(Video – 3 minutes 2 seconds)