Welcome to the July 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.
As we work on each month’s issue we are constantly looking for ways to improve our product. You will notice that Blogs, Videos and Podcasts are now in one section instead of two. We made the decision to combine these sections in order to streamline the Journal and alleviate the need to open an additional section. I hope you find this to be helpful!
I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of my favorite articles for this month.
UNITED STATES
The wonder of the Chincoteague ponies’ annual swim.
Marguerite Henry wrote Misty of Chincoteague in 1947 and captured the imagination of young readers everywhere. The actual ponies enchant adults and children alike. At no time is this more evident than during the ponies’ annual swim across the Assateague Channel after which some will be auctioned off to lucky owners. This yearly event raises funds for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department which takes care of the horses throughout the year.
SCANDINAVIA
The non-exotic beauty of Denmark and why this native says you won’t visit.
For a long time the author/photographer discounted the landscape of her own country as boring – seeking instead to photograph iconic sites in other parts of the world. Through her photography, she has come to appreciate the appeal of Denmark’s non-exotic landscape.
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
How a grandmother’s solo trip to China inspired a granddaughter’s desire to recreate the experience.
A travel writer explores her connection to her grandmother’s solo travel in the 1970’s; specifically her trip to China which had just opened its borders to the outside world. Although her grandmother passed away when the writer was very young, their mutual love of travel binds them together.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Morocco has hundreds of gardens, here are six of the best.
Gardens are found throughout Morocco. Most are in Moorish or Islamic style but often a mixture of both with other influences brought in from around the world. The most famous of the Moroccan gardens is Majorelle in Marrakesh which has been cultivated by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Peter Berge.
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
- Morocco has hundreds of gardens, here are six of the best. (Africa, Morocco)
Author: Jihad Dardar
Source: Morocco World News - Top sites to visit in Cape Winelands – South Africa’s wine making district. (Africa, South Africa)
Author: Mia Russell
Source: The South African - You can now book entire properties in Kenya for a private vacation experience. (Africa, Kenya)
Author: Matt Turner
Source: Luxury Travel Advisor
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- How a grandmother’s solo trip to 1970’s China inspired a granddaughter’s desire to recreate the experience. (Asia, China)
Author: Jessica Puckett
Source: Condé Nast Traveler - If you look past the hyper-modern Singapore, you will find pieces of its heritage left to explore. (Asia, Singapore)
Author: Toh Ee Ming
Source: National Geographic - Explore Ho Chi Minh city in this virtual tour. (Asia, Vietnam)
Author: Takahiro Takiguchi
Source: Stripes Japan - Join a fast-paced New Yorker as he learns how to slow down during his meditation retreat in India. (Asia, India)
Author: Jimmy Im
Source: Passport Magazine
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
-
- Alternative destinations to avoid the crowds but still see some of Australia’s most famous sites. (Australia)
Author: Saakshi Gupta
Source: TimeOut - Margaret River and its kid-friendly wineries. (Australia)
Author: Paige Okun
Source: CNBC - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most resilient. (New Zealand, Hotels)
Author: Mary De Ruyter
Source: Stuff
- Alternative destinations to avoid the crowds but still see some of Australia’s most famous sites. (Australia)
CANADA
- Ontario’s Dark-Sky Preserves offers astronomical beauty in your own glowing circle of light. (Canada, Ontario)
Author: Olivia Little
Source: Blogto - Enjoy your stay at Quebec’s Ice Hotel. (Canada, Quebec)
Author: Chris Moore
Source: Travel Awaits - Traveling alone is an experience everyone should try at least once. (Canada, Quebec)
Author: Eric Webb
Source: Austin360
CARIBBEAN
- Take a virtual tour of the Caribbean’s best kept secret islands. (Caribbean Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Martinique)
Author: Francis Akhalbey
Source: Face2Face Africa - This luxury hotel goes the extra mile by schooling guests’ children so parents can relax. (Caribbean, Nevis, Hotels)
Author: Andrea Romano
Source: Travel+Leisure - Guadeloupe is set to become a Caribbean tourist hot spot. (Caribbean, Guadeloupe)
Author: Staff
Source: Anna Aero
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- Take a 900 mile walk on the Via Francigena Path in Italy with photographer Beatrice Moricci. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Alisha Prakash
Source: Travel+Leisure - A photo tour of the Republic of Keralia in far northern Russia. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Anna Sorokina
Source: Russia Beyond - Follow in the footsteps of philosophers and explore the Greek hot springs. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Heidi Fuller-Love
Source: The Independent - Bruges is a thriving medieval market town. (Europe, Belgium)
Author: Rick Steves
Source: RickSteves.com - Discover the beautiful, quiet town of Panicale, Italy. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Barry L. Schwartz
Source: New York Times - Lindt is offering tourists a real life Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory experience with its new chocolate museum. (Europe, Switzerland)
Author: Elisabeth Sherman
Source: Matador Network
JAPAN
- Japan is a design-lover’s dream destination; explore some of the top architecture sites of the country. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Maya Kachroo-Levine
Source: Departures Magazine - Top spots for a warm autumn vacation to Japan. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Liam Carrigan
Source: Japan Today - This unique hotel experience lets visitors join this 700-person Japanese village. (Asia, Japan, Hotels)
Author: Chris
Source: Matcha - Go to Iriomote, a remote tropical island, and tour by water buffalo. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Vicki L. Beyer
Source: Japan Today
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Here are Mexico’s newest additions to its list of “Magical Towns”. (Mexico)
Author: Andrea Smith
Source: Lonely Planet - Visit the famous Oruro Carnival in this colorful photo collection. (South America, Bolivia)
Author: Alejandro Ernesto
Source: OnCuba News - Join an adventure tour of Colombia’s agricultural prizes. (South America, Colombia)
Author: Simon Willis
Source: Bold Magazine
MISCELLANEOUS
- The ‘Best of the World 2021’ list has been released and includes categories to inspire every traveler. (Miscellaneous)
Author: National Geographic
Source: Webwire - Explore the highlights of Europe and Asia with a new 18 country bus tour. (Miscellaneous, Europe, Asia)
Author: Lauren Keith
Source: Lonely Planet
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- The non-exotic beauty of Denmark and why this native says you will never visit. (Scandinavia, Denmark)
Author: Mads Peter Iversen
Source: FStoppers - The world’s northernmost permanent settlement is an adventurer’s dream. (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Brad Japhe
Source: Thrillist - Enjoy a unique experience touring Norway’s Fjords on a retired military minesweeper. (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Jordi Lippe-McGraw
Source: Departures Magazine
UK & IRELAND
- One of the most glorious surprises about Wales is its enchanting, unspoiled beaches. (United Kingdom, Wales)
Author: Amanda Statham
Source: Cosmopolitan - The beauty of these lesser-known landscapes rivals that of the Lake District (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Fiona Reynolds
Source: Country Life UK - Explore one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets in this first-person Isle of Hebrides adventure. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Graeme Greene
Source: Get Lost Magazine - The fascinating 900-year history of Edinburgh Castle. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Janice Hopper
Source: Britain Magazine
UNITED STATES
- Discover the beauty and rich history of the El Morro National Monument. (United States, New Mexico)
Author: Jim Stratton
Source: National Parks Traveler - Top things to do in Oahu when you are trying to avoid the crowds. (United States, Hawaii)
Author: Evie Carrick
Source: Travel+Leisure - Take a tour through Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley. (United States, Oregon)
Author: Kathleen Squires
Source: Condé Nast Traveler - Go backpacking on the Alaskan Goat Trail. (United States, Alaska)
Author: Sharman Haley
Source: Alaska Magazine - The wonder of the Chincoteague Island ponies’ annual swim. (United States, Virginia)
Author: Kate Nelson
Source: Artful Living - Enjoy the expansive views, and a glass of wine, at these Texas Hill Country wineries. (United States, Texas)
Author: Penny Sadler
Source: Travel Awaits
FOOD & DRINK
- A new interactive map allows city-goers to find Mexican restaurants in NYC. (Food, United States, New York)
Author: Nickolous Hines
Source: Matador Network - Explore classic cultural cuisine from around the world without leaving Los Angeles. All you need is an Uber. (Food, United States, California)
Author: Jared Ranahan
Source: Forbes (Subscription-4 free articles per month)
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- How to hire a private jet. (Air, Planes, Travel Business)
Author: Webdev
Source: Travelbite - Join the author as she travels to 80 of India’s major cities by train and develops a new appreciation for the country. (Rail, Train, Asia, India)
Author: Monisha Rajesh
Source: The Guardian - The newest addition to luxury travel is a submarine tour of Norway’s Arctic coast. (Sea, Ship, Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Thomas Nilson
Source: The Barents Observer
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Bounce: The new travel app that helps you store your luggage while traveling. (Travel Business, Miscellaneous)
Author: Ivan Quintanilla
Source: Travel Squire - Inside the multimillion dollar luxury pet travel industry (Travel Business, Miscellaneous)
Author: Cinnamon Janzer
Source: Artful Living - Best Mexican guided tour operators of 2021 and the areas they serve. (Travel Business, Mexico)
Author: Dr. Amarendra Bhushan Dhiraj
Source: CEOWORLD Magazine
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- Seeking out pristine beaches, unparalleled diving and the quiet coves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Blog, Caribbean, St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
Author: Nicholas Dean
Source: A Luxury Travel Blog - Ditch the car and consider a well thought out walking tour of L.A. (Blog, United States, California)
Author: Anda Galffy
Source: Travel Notes & Beyond
Podcasts
- Houseboat vacation tips for social distancing and family fun. (Podcast, United States)
Hosts: Kimberly Tate & Tamara Gruber
Source: Vacation Mavens
(Podcast – 31 minutes and 25 seconds. Content begins at the 7 minute 24 second mark) - Explore urban Australia, a Nordic rivalry and navigate a family road trip through Canada and the United States. (Podcast, Australia, Scandinavia, Norway, Sweden, United States, Canada)
Host: Rick Steves
Source: Travel with Rick Steves
(Podcast – 51 minutes and 9 seconds. Urban Australia begins at the 1 minute 40 second mark. Road Trip begins at the 12 minute 58 second mark. Nordic Rivalry begins at the 32 minute 41 second mark.)
Videos
- See the recently restored 200 year old trail between Tamsui and Kavalan. (Video, Asia, Taiwan)
Source: New Tapei City Travel
(Video – 6 minutes and 32 seconds) - All good ideas start at the local pub. (Video, United Kingdom, England)
Source: TomScott.com
(Video – 2 minutes 41 seconds)