Welcome to the May 2020 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
I am so excited you have chosen to join us!
As a reminder or 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.
While we are still working out what this pandemic means for each of us individually there is hope that the virus won’t be as virulent in the summer months. This may mean with proper social distancing and mask wearing we can get out and explore areas near our homes that we may have overlooked in the past. Traveling locally or within your home country may have to be the focus at the moment but it never hurts to be prepared for the time you can explore farther afield.
I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of my favorite articles chosen for this month.
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
South Korea’s haenyeo is a sisterhood of women free divers that fight to sustain their unique profession.
The haenyeo, sea women, of Korea practice a dangerous and difficult profession. They hold their breath for up to two minutes and dive to depth of 50 feet or more to procure culinary treasures for restaurants. Classes are available which give participants a glimpse into how it feels to embrace this physically demanding yet, for the haenyeo, a way of life that they are compelled to do.
SCANDINAVIA
Copenhagen opens a new Happiness Museum.
Copenhagen’s new Happiness Museum opened with the goal of making its visitors happier with the hope that they would share this happiness with the world. Eight rooms explore happiness from eight different perspectives to help us determine what makes us happy.
TRAVEL BUSINESS
Millennial travelers require a different touch when it comes to luxury travel.
Millennial travelers differ from their older counterparts with regard to luxury travel. They prefer experiences over things and expect eco-conscious suppliers to provide a high level of service that is tailored to the individual.
AIR, SEA & RAIL
Take a step back in time with this 1950’s airline travelogue.
Rare 1950’s airline film featuring a United Boing 377 Stratocruiser en route to Oahu. This plane held 55 passengers and included a private stateroom, lower level lounge, sleeping compartment for four and a dressing room. The tone of your Hawaii stay was set on arrival when greeted by leis and Hawaiian dancers. Scenes of Waikiki Beach, an outrigger and iconic Waikiki Beach hotels round out this video.
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
- Despite recent drought related reports, Victoria Falls is as exhilarating as ever. (Africa, Zambia)
Author: Wendy Watta
Source: Nomad Africa - Explore Lagos, Nigeria through its art, literature and people. (Africa, Nigeria)
Author: Otegha Uwagba
Source: Suitcase Magazine - Discover the advantages to taking a solo safari. (Africa)
Author: Megan Murphy
Source: Afar Magazine
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- South Korea’s haenyeo is a sisterhood of women free divers that fight to sustain their unique profession. (Asia, South Korea)
Author: Chaney Kwak
Source: Hemispheres Magazine - Discovering the vastly different experiences of Central Asia through a comparison of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. (Asia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan)
Author: Sophie Ibbotson
Source: Wanderlust - The Coralarium in the Maldives, is the world’s first underwater art museum which encourages coral reef regeneration. (Asia, Maldives)
Author: Ahswin Rajagopalan
Source: Men’s World India - The Moken of Thailand are a nomadic culture that have historically moved between the islands of the Andaman Sea and have begun reaching out to share their culture with the outside world. (Asia, Thailand)
Author: Nick Measures
Source: SilverKris - Kolkata’s draw lies in its diverse population from India’s only Chinatown to the impact of its small Jewish community. (Asia. India)
Author: Shreya Ila Anasuya
Source: Verve Magazine - Cambodia’s beauty is evident to visitors even as it acknowledges the brutal moments in its past. (Asia, Cambodia)
Author: Emma Cutler Velez
Source: Artful Living
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- New Zealand unveiled its newest Great Walk in December 2019, the Paparoa Track, which takes three days to complete. (New Zealand)
Author: Sebastian Modak
Source: New York Times-52 Places Traveler - One thinks of Africa when thinking of a safari adventure but opportunities exist for safari adventures the Australian way. (Australia)
Author: Chris Singh
Source: Boss Hunting - While much of New Zealand feels off the beaten track, The Catlins in the south is an often overlooked region brimming with unique experiences. (New Zealand)
Author: Brook Sabin
Source: Stuff
- New Zealand unveiled its newest Great Walk in December 2019, the Paparoa Track, which takes three days to complete. (New Zealand)
CANADA
- Canada’s top bird watching destinations will delight both novice and experienced birders. (Canada)
Author: Debbie Olson
Source: The Star - Traveling through Newfoundland’s wilderness visiting its fjords, valleys and small villages. (Canada, Newfoundland)
Author: James Stoness
Source: RV Lifestyle - Many will have experienced Revelstoke, B.C.’s summers of free music in past years, but with this year’s Covid restrictions in place, Arts Revelstoke had to be more creative-enter Guerilla Gigs. Let’s hope the pandemic ends soon but the Guerilla Gigs live on. (Canada, British Columbia)
Author: Cassidy Randall
Source: Forbes. (Subscription: 4 free articles per month)
CARIBBEAN
- A detailed overview of the Turks and Caicos, its stunning cays and notable excursions. (Caribbean, Turks & Caicos)
Author: Hannah Barnard
Source: Destination Magazine - Curaçao is known for its numerous snorkeling and scuba diving sites but be sure to allow time to explore its rich history, a blend of Dutch, Spanish and Caribbean influences. (Caribbean, Curaçao)
Author: Janine Latus
Source: Distinction VA - Exploring the unhurried French side of St. Martin, the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean”. (Caribbean, St. Martin)
Author: Emily Kennedy
Source: Taste & Travel Magazine
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- St. Moritz stirs the senses heightening one’s experience of place into a work of art. (Europe, Switzerland)
Author: Libby Borton
Source: Cereal - Krakow, Poland blends its history and modern outlook with an epicurean trail of food delights which will not disappoint those wanting to experience today’s Polish cuisine. (Europe, Poland, Food)
Author: Evelyn Lok
Source: Lifestyle Asia - Austria has the distinction of having the highest concentration of organic food producers in Europe so it’s not surprising that they deliver well thought out dishes making the most of local ingredients. (Europe, Austria, Food)
Author: Staff
Source: Square Mile - A road trip through Normandy and Burgundy, France is an experience in good wine, good food and relaxation. (Europe, France, Food , Drink)
Author: Staff
Source: Lusso Magazine - An Austrian road trip through Graz, Vienna and Salzburg which highlights tourist sites with a local twist. (Europe, Austria)
Author: Michael Scivoli
Source: Vue NJ - Slovenia’s has a deeply rooted wellness history that defines its industry today. (Europe, Slovenia)
Author: Amber Gibson
Source: Artful Living - A look at an exquisite experience in Sicily with Chef Emilia Strazzanti. (Europe, Italy, Food)
Author: Julius Roberts
Source: Suitcase Magazine - Kyshtym has a complicated history but its proximity to the Sugomak Nature Preserve would make it an interesting stop for historical reasons. (Europe, Russia)
Author: William Brumfield
Source: Russia Beyond
JAPAN
- The volcanic island of Hokkaido provides skiers with excellent skiing and the chance to immerse oneself in the traditional culture of the area. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Mike Reece
Source: Calgary Herald - Tokyo is one of the few places that celebrates quiet beauty and forward thinking technology without sacrificing the experience of one for the other. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Natasha Dragun
Source: Signature Luxury Travel & Style
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Three fine dining restaurants in Mexico City that will change the way you think about Mexican cuisine. (Mexico, Food)
Author: Shirin Mehta
Source: Verve Magazine
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- The Scandinavian countries consistently rank in the top ten of happiest places to live due in part to their love of the outdoors and are the perfect place to raise your happiness quotient. (Scandinavia)
Author: Maura Fox
Source: Outside Online - With winter around the corner, a look at what makes Sweden’s iconic Icehotel a one of a kind experience. (Scandinavia, Sweden, Hotel)
Author: Ashlea Halpern
Source: Artful Living - Copenhagen opens new Happiness Museum. (Scandinavia, Denmark)
Author: James Gabriel Martin
Source: Lonely Planet
UK & IRELAND
- Brixton’s boisterous combination of cultures and recent addition of hipsters make this area of London an experience unto itself. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Ellen Himmelfarb
Source: Scandinavian Traveler - 4000 miles of dry-stone walls meander through the Cotswolds directing your travels through its villages and countryside. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Freda Lewis-Stempel
Source: Country Life UK - The Cliffs of Moher and The Burren are both strikingly beautiful albeit in different ways but both have inspired ancient folkloric tales and modern day literature. (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Author: Muíreann Bolger
Source: TravelMag - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is the answer whether you are staying in Glasgow and looking for a day trip or you wish to spend several days in the countryside. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Jenny Rowe
Source: Discover Britain
UNITED STATES
- Florida’s beaches are as unique as their major cities and this brief geographical guide explains the characteristics that make each area unique. (United States, Florida)
Author: Susan Barnes
Source: Global Traveller - A testament to how our early travels with family stay with us as adults and the beauty of passing along favorite destinations to our children. (United States)
Author: Patti Callahan Henry
Source: Atlanta Magazine - It goes without saying that Loudoun County, VA would have a rich history but if enjoying a refined lifestyle is more your passion you won’t be disappointed. (United States, Virginia)
Author: Janine Latus
Source: Distinction VA - That art serves as an inspiration is widely accepted. M.C. Poulsen’s Yellowstone “Waterfall Project” does just that for anyone with the slightest interest in the American West. (United States, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Author: Carrie Scozzaro
Source: Big Sky Journal - Hiking in Guadalupe National Park, likened to the Wild West as it used to be, offers the opportunity to hike the tallest peak in Texas and for the more hardcore hiker, the recently completed 100 mile Guadalupe Trail that finishes in New Mexico. (United States, Texas, New Mexico)
Author: Wes Ferguson
Source: Texas Monthly - Wander the Cheese Trail outside of San Francisco to tour the local dairies and sample the cheeses that grace local farmers markets and restaurants. (United States, California)
Author: Laura Sutherland
Source: Taste and Travel Magazine
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- Future trips to New York will be made much brighter by the opening of La Guardia’s Terminal B in June. (Air, Planes)
Author: Robert Silk
Source: Travel Weekly
FOOD & DRINK
- Surface magazine’s best new restaurant list of 2019.(Food)
Author: Gabriel Bell
Source: Surface Magazine - The Turks & Caicos Islands are known for their love affair with the conch. (Food, Caribbean, Turks & Caicos)
Author: Susie Ellison
Source: Taste and Travel Magazine
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- While this article was written back in January 2020, it does contain useful information if planning a trip to the Middle East and Africa. As always, check with the foreign office of your home country before traveling to the locations listed for updated information regarding restrictions. (Travel Business, Middle East, Africa)
Author: Editors
Source: Fodors - Hotels institute new cleanliness and check in guidelines in response to the Covid pandemic. (Travel Business)
Author: Sandra Ramani
Source: Robb Report
BLOGS
- Lindsey Parry details her visit to Copenhagen exploring the city on a bike tour. (Blog, Scandinavia, Denmark)
Author: Lindsey Perry
Source: Arabian Notes - Street food recommendations in Mumbai. (Blog, Asia, India, Food)
Author: Mariellen Ward
Guest Post: Shaddrha Maheshwari
Source: Breathedreamgo.com - Discover the Toronto locals love. (Blog, Canada, Ontario)
Author: Oksana & Max
Source: Drinkteatravel.com
PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Podcasts
- Travel experts experiences of India. (Podcast, Asia, India)
Host: Ben Groundwater
Source: Flights of Fancy
(37 minutes and 17 seconds) - Enjoying Paros Island. (Podcast, Europe, Greece)
Host: Sandy Pappas
Source: Greece Travel Secrets
(29 minutes and 51 seconds)
Videos
- Take a step back in time with this 1950’s airline travelogue. (Video, Air, Planes, United States, Hawaii)
Source: Classic Airlines & Vintage Pop Culture
(8 minutes and 14 seconds) - Stirring video of 13 U.S. National Parks for inspiration and relaxation. (Video, United States)
Source: Amazing Places on our Planet
(31 minutes and 3 seconds) - Travel on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight form Los Angeles to Seattle. (Video, Rail, Trains, United States, California, Oregon, Washington)
Source: CoasterFan 2105
(44 minutes 43 seconds)