Welcome to the June 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 wanted to take a moment to let you know that I have added a new journal section called Miscellaneous. As we have been reviewing articles for each month’s journal I have found that there are articles that span several sections or that don’t really fit in a specific section. For example, one of the articles in Miscellaneous this month is on socially distanced babymoons and there are several options in the United States but also an option in Bermuda. There is also an article about the first person in a wheelchair to visit all seven continents which I note below as one of my favorite articles. I hope you enjoy the variety!
I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of my favorite articles chosen for this month.
MISCELLANEOUS
Cory Lee becomes the first traveler in a wheelchair to visit all seven continents.
Cory Lee’s accomplishment is inspirational. He completed his goal of visiting all seven continents with a visit to Antarctica just before the borders closed due to the pandemic. When planning his travels, he has researched and found a number of great companies that are doing an incredible job of making the world more accessible. He has put these research skills to use for others by starting a blog called Curb Free with Cory Lee.
JAPAN
A stay in this 14th century warlord’s castle provides an authentic experience for travelers.
Ozu Castle is a feudal warlord’s home built in 1331. It was occupied until the 17th century, refurbished in 2004 and now available to book for an experience. I say experience rather than a stay because it is much more than a night in an old castle. It is being treated as an honored guest of a warlord with all the pomp and circumstance that entails.
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
The Ribari people of Bera in Rajasthan, India have peacefully coexisted with leopards for over 100 years and welcome visitors to experience this unique connection.
The Ribari were a nomadic people from the Himalayas settling in Bera, Rajasthan. Leopards roam freely in the area and peacefully coexist with the Ribari who worship them as Guardian Angels. The Ribari feel that this spiritual connection to the leopards is the reason why there have been no attacks in 100 years.
PODCAST
Become closely acquainted with Lisbon’s neighborhoods and experience the delightful combination of European and Latin American culture in Buenos Aires.
Two guides discuss the Lisbon neighborhoods that have not quite succumbed to gentrification and why its important to visit them. In addition, an American architect who has spent the last 18 winters in Buenos Aires discusses the livability of the city, its energy and the variety of architecture which makes this city so unique. As an added bonus, a worldwide traveler discusses the benefit of treating your long haul flight as special ‘me’ time.
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 reach out to me by clicking on Send us a note under Contact.
Happy Travels,
President
Travel Research Monthly
AFRICA & SOUTH AFRICA
- Regardless of the reason Chefchaouen was originally painted blue, this striking village in Morocco soothes the soul. (Africa, Morocco)
Author: Joanna Freedman
Source: Tyla - The ins and outs of planning the perfect safari. (Africa)
Author: Mia Russell
Source: The South African - One couple documents their road trip through South Africa’s Platteland. (South Africa)
Author: Earl Baillache
Source: South Coast Sun
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- The Rabari people of Bera in Rajasthan have peacefully coexisted with leopards for over 100 years and welcome visitors to experience this unique connection. (India)
Author: Neeta Lal
Source: The National News - Off the beaten path, Punahka, Bhutan is a rural getaway known for its views of the Himalayas and its easy take on life. (Asia, Bhutan)
Author: Staff
Source: Femina - A trip to China in October offers the rare opportunity to view China’s Red Beach. (China)
Author: Kyro Mitchell
Source: Getaway Magazine - Discover six Indian cities that are on the rise. (India)
Author: Jared Ranahan
Source: Forbes (Subscription-4 free articles per month)
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- The Outback has a rich yet gritty history evidenced by the abandonment and rebirth of frontier towns worth visiting. (Australia)
Author: Mark Daffey
Source: The Islander - Guided hikes which combine unexpected amenities with friendly and informative locals who have a true love of food. (New Zealand)
Author: Juliette Sivertsen
Source: NZ Herald - The gin craze is alive in well in New Zealand. (New Zealand)
Author: Sharon Stephenson
Source: Stuff
- The Outback has a rich yet gritty history evidenced by the abandonment and rebirth of frontier towns worth visiting. (Australia)
CANADA
- British Columbia’s Fraser River is known for its salmon fishing and whitewater rafting but has otherwise gone largely undocumented until now. (Canada, British Columbia)
Author: Alex Browne
Source: The Chilliwack Progress - Tofino is a hippie hideaway, environmentalist enclave, surfers paradise, and nature lover’s dream. (Canada, British Columbia)
Author: Lisa Kadane
Source: CNN Travel - The Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River straddle the U.S.-Canadian border and have hosted well-known figures of American and Canadian history since the 19th century. (Canada, United States)
Author: Sadie Whitelocks
Source: Daily Mail
CARIBBEAN
- Twin brothers explore their parent’s homeland through the eyes of everyday Jamaicans. (Caribbean, Jamaica)
Author: Yasmine Peru
Source: The Gleaner - Grenada has its first lifestyle and wellness resort, The Point at Petite Calvigny, bolstering the island’s growing luxury market. (Caribbean, Grenada)
Author: Staff
Source: Caribbean Journal - HGTV’s Baumler family have turned a rundown hotel in the Bahamas into a luxury boutique resort which is offering exclusive use all-inclusive rates for 2020-2021. (Caribbean, Bahamas)
Author: Jim Dobson
Source: Forbes (Subscription-4 free articles per month)
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- Haven’t we all gone a little mad over a destination in the midst of a visit? (Europe. Italy)
Author: Rick Steves
Source: Luxury Travel Advisor - One of the oldest Swiss luxury watch companies has opened a museum and workshop. (Europe, Switzerland)
Author: Sylvie Bigar
Source: Forbes (Subscription-4 free articles per month) - The history of three German castles. (Europe, Germany)
Author: Rick Steves
Source: Luxury Travel Advisor - A new observation deck opens in the Italian Alps. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Eben Diskin
Source: Matador Network - Take a photo tour of these otherworldly, volcanic vineyards. (Europe, Spain)
Author: Mónica R. Goya
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 free articles per month) - Top reasons to visit the birthplace of Russian literature. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Alexandra Guzeva
Source: Russia Beyond
JAPAN
- A stay in this 14th century warlord’s castle provides an authentic experience for travelers. (Asia, Japan, Hotels)
Author: Garry Lu
Source: Boss Hunting - Enjoy a meal cooked in Japan’s oldest hot spring. (Asia, Japan, Food)
Author: Michiyo Nakamoto
Source: BBC Travel - How to pick the destination city for your next Japan vacation. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Live Japan
Source: Stars & Stripes Japan - A love of driving your fast car in an exotic setting and a membership is all you need to experience Japan’s first driving club. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Jordi Lippe-McGraw
Source: Departures Magazine
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- New technology helps archaeologists map undiscovered Mayan ruins. (Central America, Guatemala)
Author: Amanda Ruggeri
Source: BBC Travel - Costa Rica opens former prison as newest national park. (Central America, Costa Rica)
Author: Eben Diskin
Source: Matador Network - Sites worth exploring in Los Cabos, Mexico. (Mexico)
Author: Paul Gallant
Source: Bold Magazine
MISCELLANEOUS
- Cory Lee becomes the first traveler in a wheelchair to visit all seven continents. (Miscellaneous)
Author: National News
Source: KSRO - Socially distant babymoon options during the pandemic. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Kimberly Wilson
Source: Essence
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Norwegian “friluftsliv” or open-air living could help see us through the rest of the pandemic. (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Jen Rose Smith
Source: National Geographic - The cultural importance of outdoor swimming pools in a land known for its cold weather. (Scandinavia, Iceland)
Author: Karen Gardiner
Source: BBC Travel - This tiny island’s lighthouse has been converted into a luxury hotel. (Scandinavia, Sweden, Hotel)
Author: Dobrina Zhekova
Source: Departures Magazine
UK & IRELAND
- The prettiest side streets, known as mews, in London. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Sophie Knight & Olivia Morelli
Source: Condé Nast Traveller - Join writer, Sam Haddad, and sons as they explore the rocky coast of Wales. (United Kingdom, Wales)
Author: Sam Haddad
Source: The Guardian - Follow the route of the ‘Missing 1,490’ on Ireland’s new National Famine Way Trail. (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Author: Pól Ó Conghaile
Source: Independent.ie - The best pottery classes available in London. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Emma Love & Lottie Stanners
Source: Condé Nast Traveller
UNITED STATES
- Take a virtual tour of the Los Angeles locations that played a significant role in the life of Walt Disney. (United States, California)
Author: Jason Cochran
Source: Frommers - An old gold rush town turned ghost town takes you back in time while visiting Bannack State Park near Dillon, Montana. (United States, Montana)
Author: Mike England
Source: Outside Bozeman|Online - The Little Church in Keystone, Nebraska is a well-loved place of worship in this small town. (United States, Nebraska)
Author: James C. Schaap
Source: Siouxland Public Media - Las Vegas strip sees it’s first fully smoke-free casino and resort. (United States, Nevada)
Author: Eben Diskin
Source: Matador Network - Scandinavian inspired A-Frame channels Danish Hygge, which is a sense of contentment. (United States, Minnesota)
Author: Kathleen Gildea
Source: Artful Living - Location guide for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding around Fort Meyers, Florida. (United States, Florida)
Author: Chelle Koster Walton
Source: Matador Network
FOOD & DRINK
- Essence talks to the owner of Extra Virgin, a well loved NYC West Village restaurant, about the joys and challenges of running a restaurant as a black woman. (Food, United States, New York)
Author: Kimberly Wilson
Source: Essence - Louis Vuitton opens an invite-only restaurant inside Japanese store. (Food, Japan)
Author: Danielle Demetriou
Source: Condé Nast Traveller - Michelin Star chef, Carlos Gaytan, has recently changed the menu at Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s Ha’ restaurant to include a seven-course dinner which will take diners on a culinary tour of Mexico. (Food, Mexico)
Source: TravelPulse
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- Seabourn’s ultra-luxury 2022 World Cruise is a five continent 145 day exploration of the world beginning in Los Angeles and ending in Athens. (Sea, Ships, Cruise)
Author: Susan J. Young
Source: Travel Agent Central - New Zealand’s TranzAlpine train is a must see round- trip, cross-country ride complete with an open air viewing carriage. (Rail, Train, New Zealand)
Author: Justine Tyerman
Source: Stuff
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Post-pandemic travel has the possibility of being greener and more sustainable. (Travel Business)
Author: Elaine Glusac
Source: New York Times - Post-pandemic changes to hotel guest feedback. (Travel Business)
Author: Laura Badiu
Source: 4 Hoteliers - The top 2021 travel trends as researched by AirBNB. (Travel Business)
Author: Kimberly Wilson
Source: Essence
BLOGS
- Wheelchair accessibility can be iffy at best in some locations, but Cory enjoyed a walking tour of Montevideo, Uruguay which was adapted to suit his needs. (Blog, South America, Uruguay)
Author: Cory Lee
Source: Curb Free with Cory Lee - Suggestions of sites to visit while in Saudi Arabia from a Finnish expat that has lived in the Kingdom since 2008. (Blog, Middle East, Saudi Arabia)
Author: Laura
Source: Blue Abaya - American expat offers insights into kid friendly travel in Morocco. (Blog, Africa, Morocco)
Author: Amanda
Source: Maroc Mama
PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Podcasts
- Become closely acquainted with Lisbon’s neighborhoods and experience the delightful combination of European and Latin American culture in Buenos Aires. (Podcast, Europe, Portugal, South America, Argentina)
Host: Rick Steves
Source: Travel with Rick Steves
(Podcast – 51 minutes) - Things to think about when planning a visit to Antarctica. (Podcast, Antarctica)
Guest Host: Ute Junker
Source: Flight of Fancy
(Podcast – 31 minutes and 23 seconds) - The presumed inaccessibility of Machu Picchu can be overcome with proper planning. (Podcast, South America, Peru)
Host: Kelli Edwards
Source: Let’s Go Together
(Podcast – 36 minutes)
Videos
- Immerse yourself in the peace of Norway’s fjords and villages. (Video, Scandinavia, Norway)
Source: ChonoLight
(Video – 58 minutes and 11 seconds) - International travelers who have developed a deep connection to Lijiang, China explain what makes this part of China so special. (Video, Asia, China)
Source: Destination China
(Video – 5 minutes and 26 seconds) - The development of Hyperloop pod transportation would drastically cut travel time between cities making the world a much smaller and accessible place. (Video, Rail)
Source: The B1M
(Video – 11 minutes and 54 seconds)