Welcome to the September 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 magazines, writers, bloggers and videographers have had a challenging year and unfortunately, some have been unable to continue through the pandemic. That is why I cherish every story published as they serve to build my knowledge or inspire me to visit a particular destination or just teach me something new about the world.
Here are some of my favorite articles for this month:
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
Kannauj, an ancient city in India, uses some of the world’s oldest techniques to make their fragrant perfumes.
Kannauj is the center of production of attar which is a sandalwood oil based perfume infused with botanicals. Attar is made the old fashioned way with a master craftsman overseeing the hand picked botanicals being crushed and distilled without using electricity or gauges.
EUROPE & RUSSIA
The language of ancient city-state Sparta is slowly dying out. Now only spoken by village elders.
Tsakonika is a 3000 year old language spoken by elders in just 13 villages in and around Pera Melana in Greece. Roughly 5000 Spartans spoke the language in the 1950’s dropping to just 2000 speakers today. Fortunately, interest is starting to grow among the younger generations of Tsakonians although the language is still listed as ‘critically endangered’ by UNESCO.
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Mexico has designated over 100 “Magical Towns” throughout the country but what exactly does this mean?
Mexico’s ‘Magical Town’ designation is not just an empty title. Communities wishing to be considered a ‘Magical Town’ must commit to preserving their history and cultural traditions and to the growth of tourism. There are a number of criteria they must meet to achieve this designation as well as a separate set of criteria to maintain it.
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
Wales makes for a great staycation for UK residents but foreign travelers might want to take a look for future travels.
While the weather isn’t quite as warm as the Caribbean, Wales does offer award winning beaches and stunning coastal scenery. In fact, the Gower Peninsula with its sandy beaches and surf ready waters was the first site in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty back in 1956. If you tire of the beaches you can always travel inland and visit stroll worthy villages, hike the hills and valleys of the countryside or tour castles and castle ruins as there is always one nearby.
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
- Africa is not known for its wildflowers, but that doesn’t make the sight of them any less amazing. (Africa, South Africa)
Author: Staff
Source: Getaway - Lagos is the cultural capital you’ve never thought to visit, but here is why you should. (Africa, Nigeria)
Author: Noo Saro-Wiwa
Source: Condé Nast Traveler - This ultra-exclusive luxury safari is not only an amazing experience, it also works toward African conservation. (Africa)
Author: Debbi Kickham
Source: Forbes (Subscription-3 Free Articles per Month) - An interview with the woman working to share Africa’s history through the stories of its inhabitants. (Africa)
Author: Anthony Kuria
Source: Nomad Africa
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- If you are looking to take an island vacation, but would prefer something off-the-beaten-path, these Indian Ocean destinations are perfect for your next trip. (Asia)
Author: Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey
Source: Travel Awaits - With similar cultural traditions to China, Taiwan is an often overlooked destination for travelers looking to explore Asian culture. (Asia, Taiwan)
Author: Sandra Scott
Source: Oswego County Business - Not every traveler has the same tastes. This guide to Central Asia is perfect for those who are more adventurous. (Asia, Central Asia)
Author: Matthew Traver
Source: Explorersweb - Bhutan is a tiny yet fascinating country in South Asia. (Asia, Bhutan)
Author: Marcy Oster
Source: The Medialine - Kannauj, an ancient city in India, uses some of the world’s oldest techniques to make their fragrant perfumes. (Asia, India)
Author: Rachna Sachasinh
Source: National Geographic (Subscription-3 Free Articles per Month) - Here are some of the best cocktail bars to unwind in after a long day of touring in Seoul. (Asia, South Korea, Drink)
Author: Barbara Woolsey
Source: Thrillist
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- Off the coast of New Zealand, this island lives an ‘off the grid’ lifestyle and offers travelers a slower pace. (New Zealand)
Author: Scarlett Cvitanovich
Source: NZ Herald - Conservation of nature is becoming an increasingly popular topic and it is not too late for changes to be made in Australia. (Australia)
Authors: Bruce Pascoe & Vicky Shukuroglou
Source: The Guardian - Some of New Zealand’s most iconic photo locations are also the most dangerous. Here are some alternatives to get the perfect shot without risking it all. (New Zealand)
Author: Lorna Thornber
Source: Stuff
- Off the coast of New Zealand, this island lives an ‘off the grid’ lifestyle and offers travelers a slower pace. (New Zealand)
CANADA
- Canada has its own miniature version of the Emerald Isle, complete with authentic accents and culture. (Canada, Newfoundland)
Author: Karen Gardiner
Source: BBC Travel - Don’t let the snow stop you from enjoying Quebec City; here are some of the top things to do when visiting during the winter months. (Canada, Quebec)
Author: Robin O’Neal Smith
Source: Travel Awaits - This French settlement is the perfect destination for history enthusiasts. (Canada, New Brunswick)
Author: James Stoness
Source: RV Lifestyle
CARIBBEAN
- Puerto Rico has just certified two new agrotourism companies expanding the number of attractions in this growing tourism segment. (Caribbean, Puerto Rico)
Author: Contributor
Source: News is my Business - Honduras is an often overlooked destination in Central America, but its beauty and the natural offerings of the Bay Islands might pique your interest. (Central America, Honduras)
Author: Caroline Hunter
Source: Yahoo!finance
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- The language of the ancient city-state Sparta is slowly dying out. Now only spoken by village elders. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Angela Dansby
Source: BBC Travel - This ancient Russian convent has a long history which includes use as an aristocratic prison, museum, and monastery. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Sergei Rzhevsky
Source: Russia Travel Blog - With minimal tourism and a small population, La Gomera is a ‘secret paradise’ for travelers who stumble onto the island. (Europe, Spain)
Author: Catherine Murphy
Source: Independent.ie - This entire island has been transformed into a work of art in order to create an appealing destination for tourists. (Europe, Spain)
Author: Meagan Drillinger
Source: Thrillist - Alonissos has been added to National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World List’ for 2021 because of its sustainability efforts. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Natalie Martin
Source: Greek City Times - The adventures for this Siberian ski destination begin long before you ever reach the slopes; read about the author’s ski trip through northern Russia. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Abigail Butcher
Source: National Geographic UK - A quick guide to the ancient sites you should see on your next trip to Turkey. (Europe, Turkey)
Author: Liz Sier
Source: Startsat60 - Travel to France’s lesser known islands for unique and unforgettable experiences. (Europe, France) Author: Heidi Fuller-Love
Source: Fodor’s Travel
JAPAN
- Add this perfect day-trip to your next visit to Japan; it incorporates some must-see sites in Chichibu. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Anna
Source: Matcha - A new immersive Super Mario experience is opening in Japan. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Maggie Hiufu Wong
Source: CNN Travel - Japan is giving France a run for its money with the beauty of its vineyards and delicious taste of its wines. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Chris
Source: Matcha
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Mexico has designated over 100 ‘Magical Towns’ throughout the country, but what exactly does this mean? (Mexico)
Author: Entrepreneur Staff
Source: Entrepreneur - Mexico City’s Trajineras – or flat-bottomed boats – are a beautiful show of vibrant colors and a fun way to travel. (Mexico)
Author: Wendy Altschuler
Source: Forbes (Subscription-3 free articles per month) - Add more depth to your Yucatán road trip by focusing on culture. (Mexico)
Author: Tamsin Wressel
Source: National Geographic UK
MISCELLANEOUS
- John le Carre wrote nontraditional travel pieces from his own experiences as a spy and unintentionally created an entirely new genre. (Miscellaneous, Travel Business)
Author: Prannay Pathak
Source: Outlook India - Isthmuses, though hard to pronounce, have played a valuable role in shaping our world. From travel to climate change, learn how they have helped develop cultures. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Stan Abbott
Source: The New European - Whether you are a museum-lover or not, the list of new museums opening in 2021 is likely to have something that interests you. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Miranda Moure
Source: Matador Network - While we anxiously await the time when it is safe to travel again, why not pick up some travel books to satisfy your wanderlust? (Miscellaneous)
Author: i Team
Source: i news
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- The world’s tallest climbing wall is now open in Copenhagen and it is sure to attract the more active traveler. (Scandinavia, Denmark)
Author: Eben Diskin
Source: Matador Network - Clear bubble rooms allow you to experience the beautiful sites of Iceland without ever leaving your bed. They are sure to turn any vacation into a magical experience (Scandinavia, Iceland, Hotels)
Author: Alice Johnston
Source: Insider - If you consider yourself a more independent traveler, rent a car and enjoy these six self-driving tours designed to showcase the beauty of Sweden. (Scandinavia, Sweden)
Author: Jo Fernandez
Source: The Irish Sun
UK & IRELAND
- The Isle of Arran is well known for being a ‘Miniature Scotland’, but you still have to pick your destinations carefully. Here are some of the top sites to visit on your next trip. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: DC Thomson Travel
Source: The Press and Journal - Wales make for a great staycation for UK residents but foreign travelers might want to take a look for future travel planning. (United Kingdom, Wales)
Authors: Joanne Ridout & Steve Bagnall
Source: North Wales Live - These four fossil-rich stretches of the United Kingdom coastline can be explored through tours and museums. (United Kingdom)
Author: Nora Wallaya
Source: National Geographic UK - Staycation travel ideas throughout Ireland which inspire locals but also future international visitors. (Ireland)
Author: John G. O’Dwyer
Source: Irish Times
UNITED STATES
- 2021 schedule for free entry days at the United States National Parks. (United States)
Author: Jim Fulcher
Source: Travel Awaits - Combining marine biology and tourism, this new underwater sculpture park will allow tourists to get up-close and personal with some fascinating marine life. (United States, Florida)
Author: Staff
Source: Times of India - Travel through time in this look back at Chinatown’s rich history. (United States, New York)
Author: Michael Kimmelman
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 Free Articles per Month) - Oregon through the eyes of one if it’s most prolific native photographers. (United States, Oregon)
Author: Grant McComieSource: KGW8 (Video-5 Minutes
- Enjoy a different perspective when taking a walk through New York City through iconic entrances to exclusive apartment properties. (United States, New York)
Author: Julie Lasky
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 Free Articles per Month) - New River Gorge in West Virginia is the newest national park that offers much for outdoor enthusiasts. (United States, West Virginia)
Author: Joel Balsam
Source: Thrillist
FOOD & DRINK
- The delicious United States cuisine you’ve never heard of. (Food, United States, Missouri)
Author: T.J. Olwig
Source: BBC Travel - Recipes passed down through family members make Johnson’s Corner in Colorado a destination for families, truckers and locals alike. (Food, United States, Colorado
Author: Seth Boster
Source: Gazette
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- Typically a train station or airport is only a waypoint on the trip to your ultimate destination, but these amazing train stations are worth a trip of their own. (Rail, Trains)
Author: Newschain Lifestyle
Source: Newschain - Virgin Voyages has made changes to its cruise line operations in order to make them safer for the Covid-19 era. (Sea, Ships, Cruise)
Author: Corinna Quinn
Source: Condé Nast Traveler - American Cruise Lines just unveiled their newest riverboat design and it is luxurious. (United States, Ships, Cruises, Travel Business)
Author: Susan J. Young
Source: Travel Agent Central
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Ever wondered what life is like for a digital nomad and travel journalist? This video interview with Jess Vincent has answers. (Travel Business)
Author: Sarah Palmer
Source: euronews - An attempt to ban alcohol has been brewing in Indonesia, but it is unlikely to gain traction. (Travel Business, Asia, Indonesia, Drink)
Author: Staff
Source: Travel Weekly Australia - What does travel in a post-pandemic world look like? It will likely include vaccine passports. (Travel Business)
Author: Shannon McMahon
Source: Washington Post (Subscription-20 Free Articles per Month)
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- Costa Rica’s Envision Festival is an eco-conscious immersive experience. (Blog, Central America, Costa Rica)
Author: Kristen & Siya
Source: Hopscotch the Globe - Colmar invites romantics to stroll its canals and cobblestone streets. (Blog, Europe, France)
Author: Gordon & Paula McInerney
Source: Contented Traveller
Podcasts
- Relaxing summer night sounds on Lake Coeur D’Alene. (Podcast, United States, Idaho)
Host: Jeff Emtman
Source: Field Recordings
(Podcast – 6 minutes 17 seconds) - Marina Carlos, a disability rights activist, speaks about what Paris needs to do to become more accessible. (Podcast, Europe, France, Travel Business)
Host: Lindsey Tramuta
Source: The New Paris
(Podcast – 28 minutes and 17 seconds)
Videos
- Norway is betting its future on tunnels. (Video, Scandinavia, Norway)
Source: TheRichest
(Video – 10 minutes and 28 seconds) - Singapore is leading the way to the future. (Video, Asia, Singapore)
Source: National Geographic
(Video – 44 minutes and 24 seconds)