Welcome to the October 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.
Travel agents have been in on a secret for awhile now and because of the pandemic the rest of the world is beginning to come to this realization. You can work from almost anywhere in the world depending on your job. The workplace has evolved over recent years to more flexible options regarding where and when people work but this has been accelerated since the beginning of the year. This is a great opportunity for the hospitality industry. Many suppliers are promoting workcations and making it easier for people to enjoy a new destination while staying connected and productive at work.
Here are some of my favorite articles for this month:
JAPAN
This small, family run business in Japan was started in a pandemic-and has lasted over a 1000 years since. The long, rich history of this shop is more than just a family legacy.
Ichiwa in Kyoto is a family run business in constant service since the year 1000. It was started during a pandemic which was raging across Japan. Businesses with 100+ years of service are not unusual in Japan. Driven by tradition and community/employee focused values, they plan for the long term by prioritizing stability over profit margin. Visiting these businesses is possible with niche travel guides which spotlight them.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
The world’s longest golf course exists in Australia and covers an 850 mile stretch from Western to Southern Australia.
Nullarbor Links is a unique course in Australia. It is the world’s longest with 18 holes covering 850 miles. The holes themselves are normal length but the distance between them can be staggering-up to 120 miles! It takes 5 days to play and overnight stays are not optional. Holes are situated everywhere from in towns to in the middle of nowhere.
CANADA
Traveling to the edge of existence to view polar bears.
Churchill, Manitoba is known as the polar bear capital of the world. Polar bears migrate to the area and hang out in and around Churchill while they wait for the ice to freeze which allows them to start hunting seal. Tourists descend on the town each fall for guided tours which utilize arctic crawlers and helicopters to get up-close.
EUROPE & RUSSIA
Connecting to the earth through the yearly wine harvest brings special comfort in this year of turmoil.
Ritual restores the soul bringing comfort and peace. One such ritual, harvesting grapes, occurs each autumn in Basilicata, Italy. The community comes together to enjoy each other’s company and work on the harvest. Together they enjoy the rituals, working the fields, preparing and sharing food and catching up with one another while the outside world and its stresses fade away.
I have enjoyed your your feedback. Please keep it coming!
Knowing what you like and need will help me continue to curate a journal that you will find not only informative but entertaining.
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Happy Travels,
President
Travel Research Monthly
AFRICA & SOUTH AFRICA
- A virtual tour cannot fully encompass the experience of a trip to Malawi, but this collection does touch on the beauty and culture found there. (Africa, Malawi)
Author: Marcus Westburg
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 Free Articles per Month) - In Mali, music plays a large role in the culture, but also provides a glimpse into its rich history. (Africa, Mali)
Author: Teju Cole
Source: Condé Nast Traveler - This safari lets travelers with an adventurous spirit get up-close and personal with the animals. (Africa, Tanzania)
Author: Larry Kanter
Source: Men’s Journal
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- Hong Kong is considered one of the most modern cities in the world, but they still have some superstitions which date back centuries. Why have these antiquated ideas survived so long? (Asia, Hong Kong)
Author: Matthew Keegan
Source: BBC Travel - Explore this quick photo guide of Northern India’s Golden Triangle. (Asia, India)
Author: Shikha Gautam
Source: Times of India - Pop culture’s most famous train, The Orient Express, is now on display for visitors to explore. (Asia, Singapore, Trains)
Author: Genevieve Sarah Loh
Source: CNA Lifestyle - These Indian palaces and mansions have been turned into hotels. (Asia, India, Hotels)
Author: Ayandrali Dutta
Source: Times of India
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- New South Wales offers a perfect driving tour of some of Australia’s finest wineries. (Australia, New South Wales)
Author: Geoffrey Dean
Source: The Drinks Business - The world’s longest golf course exists in Australia and covers an 850 mile stretch from Western to Southern Australia. (Australia)
Author: Tanner Garrity
Source: Inside Hook - Planning a trip to Australia? Check out the new website, Welcome To Country, which connects travelers with Australian experiences. (Australia)
Author: Kaeli Conforti
Source: Forbes (Subscription-3 Free Articles per Month)
- New South Wales offers a perfect driving tour of some of Australia’s finest wineries. (Australia, New South Wales)
CANADA
- As traveling decreased in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, sky watching increased. Check out some destinations dedicated to the stars. (Canada)
Author: Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington
Source: The Globe and Mail - The historic Cape Egmont Lighthouse is getting a facelift, but not before we celebrate its long history with a quick overview. (Canada, Prince Edward Island)
Author: Alison Jenkins
Source: The Guardian by way of Saltwire - Traveling to the edge of existence to view polar bears. (Canada, Manitoba)
Author: Frank Bures
Source: Artful Living
CARIBBEAN
- When are dancing and protesting synonymous? When it’s the Puerto Rican Bomba, a dance rooted in African Slave history. (Caribbean, Puerto Rico)
Author: Josef Lorenzo
Source: Rewire - Rick Bausman seeks to clear misconceptions about the Haitian culture and its infamous Voodoo religion. (Caribbean, Haiti)
Author: Lucas Thors
Source: Martha’s Vineyard Times
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- Read the history of the tiny section of Spain stranded in the middle of France. (Europe, Spain, France)
Author: Miquel Ros
Source: CNN Travel - Plan the perfect summer vacation to the beautiful Omis as something to get you through the winter. (Europe, Croatia)
Author: Marc Rowlands
Source: Total Croatia News - Nafplio, the first capital of Greece, has a rich history which includes wars, mythology and direct ties to Posiedon, God of the Sea. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Stamatina Mylonas
Source: The National Herald - The most recent additions to the wall surrounding the historic city of Dubrovnik date to the 1400s. A popular tourist attraction, the wall allows for 360 degree views of the city and the sea. (Europe, Croatia)
Author: Rick Steves
Source: HearldNet - This tiny Luxembourg town has a population of less than 1,500 people, but still offers many attractions to visitors such as beautiful views, extensive mountain biking trails, and historical buildings. (Europe, Luxembourg)
Author: Sarita Rao
Source: The Luxembourg Times - Connecting to the earth through the yearly wine harvest brings special comfort in this year of turmoil. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Valerie Fortney Schneider
Source: International Living
JAPAN
- This small, family-owned business in Japan was started during a pandemic – and has lasted over 1,000 years since. The long, rich history of this shop is more than just a family legacy. (Asia, Japan)
Authors: Hisako Ueno & Ben Dooley
Source: Seattle Times - Experience the rich Japanese culture of Niigata and Sado Island. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Matcha PR
Source: Matcha - The ‘Kingdom of Fruit’ also has some amazing wineries and breweries, as well as some top destinations. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Greg
Source: Matcha
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Peru may sound like a destination designed for adventurers, but the country has a luxuriuos side as well. (South America, Peru)
Author: Luigi Irauzqui
Source: BHL Magazine - Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica while helping to preserve it with sustainable travel. (Central America, Costa Rica)
Author: Sarah Gilbert
Source: Wanderlust - A backpacking trip to Salvador, Brazil became a home which allowed this photographer an intimate look into the city and its inhabitants. (South America, Brazil)
Author: Stephanie FodenSource: New York Times (Subscription-5 Free Articles per Month)
MISCELLANEOUS
- UNESCO has added 32 new items to its ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ list and everything from food to art forms have made the final cut. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Helen Coffey
Source: Independent.ie (Subscription-5 Free Articles per Month) - Movie, history, and science lovers alike will adore this new opportunity to see the Titanic in its final resting place. This extremely exclusive opportunity will allow ‘Mission Specialists’ to participate in the research and even pilot the deep sea vessel. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Julia Zaltzman
Source: Robb Report
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- This season’s additions to Sweden’s Icehotel are uniquely beautiful and each come with their own story. (Scandinavia, Sweden)
Author: Staff
Source: Condé Nast Traveller - This quick guide to Swedish culture is the perfect introduction for anyone looking to travel to the country. (Scandinavia, Sweden)
Author: Staff
Source: Travel Daily News - The famous home of Hamlet has seen a recent renaissance and is now a cultural destination. (Scandinavia, Denmark)
Source: Times of India - The Helsinki City Museum chronicles not just the city’s history but its present day culture. (Scandinavia, Finland)
Author: Christiane BürkleinSource: Floornature
UK & IRELAND
- This British ‘seaside’ town doesn’t seem to realize it is actually miles from the sea, but that doesn’t stop the beautiful festivals and lively atmosphere from trying to convince visitors otherwise. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Rory Walsh
Source: Geographical UK - The stories in this article may seem like they come from a post-apocalyptic novel, but they were the dark reality for Northern Ireland residents at one time. Read about the hardships townsfolk faced and the new life they’ve finally found. (United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Ireland)
Author: Helen Moat
Source: Independent.ie - The United Kingdom has more than its fair share of castles, so it can be hard to choose which ones are worth visiting during a vacation. Here is a top-10 list of the best castles in Northern Ireland. (United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Ireland)
Author: Rebecca Boyle
Source: Go World Travel - The archaeological discovery of an ancient warrior’s helmet in Sutton Hoo permanently rewrote British history. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Britain Magazine
Source: Britain Magazine - The Llyn Peninsula has an attraction for every type of traveler. (United Kingdom, Wales)
Author: Kate Green
Source: Country Life UK
UNITED STATES
- Santa Rosa is full of small-town charm while still having plenty of big-city perks. (United States, California)
Author: Sunset, in partnership with Round Barn New Homes by City Ventures
Source: Sunset - Forest Park in downtown St. Louis offers numerous attractions for the whole family. From museums to outdoor activities – and the best part is it is all free. (United States, Missouri)
Author: Dallas Carter
Source: Evansville Living - Sonoma County is typically known for its wine, but it has another luxury treat that is less well-known. (United States, California)
Author: Caroline Schnapp
Source: Departures - “The Best of the Mountain West” details the highlights of the American West and includes categories from history to food. (United States)
Author: Daliah Singer, Elisabet Kwak-Hefferan, Kelly Bastone & Lindsey B. King
Source: 5280 Magazine - Explore the rich history of the Gullah in this beautiful southern city. (United States, South Carolina) Author: Kimberly Wilson
Source: Essence - The Magnolia Market is a must-see on any trip through Texas. (United States, Texas)
Author: Elizabeth Gulino
Source: House Beautiful (Subscription- 4 Free Articles per Month) - This Brooklyn Bathhouse brings the overlooked history of community bathing to a historical soda factory. (United States, New York)
Author: Radhika Seth
Source: dl magazine
FOOD & DRINK
- A legendary 120 year old Italian restaurant has now opened a new location in Mayfair. (Food)
Author: Max Williams
Source: Square Mile - Expand your knowledge of whiskey from Scotland and Ireland to Israel and Mexico and places in between. (Drink)
Author: Larry Olmsted
Source: Forbes (Subscription-3 Free Articles per Month)
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- The Jose Cuervo ‘Tequila Train’ has just opened a new Elite Wagon train car which offers a more luxurious experience. (Rail, Trains, Mexico)
Author: James Gabriel Martin
Source: Lonely Planet - Traveling Australia by train may not be something you’ve ever considered, but there are some rail trips around the country that are just too good to pass up. (Rail, Trains, Australia)
Author: Nadine Cresswell-Myatt
Source: Travel Awaits - Singapore, one of the world’s most fascinating airports, has opened a glamping experience which allows travelers to stay overnight in style. (Air, Asia, Singapore, Travel Business)
Author: Melissa Maynard
Source: Travel Insider Magazine
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Traveling to locations during their ‘off-seasons’ can offer an unexpected peek into what the location is like without the tourist crowds. This luxury travel guide details the best locations and times for ‘off-season’ tourism. (Travel Business)
Author: Sandra Ramani
Source: Elite Traveler - Your Covid-19-era luxury hotel room will soon be completely untouched by other people, instead being sanitized by robots. (Travel Business)
Author: Maya Kachroo-Levine
Source: Departures - Experts say that train travel, which offers an environmentally friendly and safer travel option, may increase in popularity in the post-pandemic world. (Travel Business)
Author: Staff
Source: Travel Press
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- The Secret Herb Garden and The Old Curiosity Distillery is a little piece of paradise outside Edinburgh. (Blog, United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Hamish & Libby Martin
Source: The Wee White Dog - The ancient ruins of Jerash are some of the best preserved in the world. (Blog, Middle East, Jordan)
Author: Tom Bartel
Source: Travel Past 50
Podcasts
- What to look for when seeking out responsible and ethical businesses that offer swimming with underwater wildlife. (Podcast, Miscellaneous)
Hosts: Eric Rosen & Kathryn Romeyn
Source: Conscious Traveler
(Podcast – 43 minutes 19 seconds) - There is more to the Jersey Shore than the show. (Podcast, United States, New Jersey)
Host: Lee Huffman
Source: We Travel There with Lee Hoffman
(Podcast – 25 minutes 45 seconds. Content begins at the 1 minute 20 second mark)
Videos
- It’s hard not to feel nostalgic when viewing this recent tour of Tokyo filmed on Super 8 film. (Video, Asia, Japan)
Source: Willem Verbeeck
(Video – 38 minutes 24 seconds) - A 4 wheel drive off road adventure through Botswana. (Video, Africa, Botswana)
Source: Lucas T. Jahn
(Video – 2 minutes 19 seconds)