Welcome to the February 2021 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
Thanks for subscribing! I hope you enjoy this month’s journal.
The winter doldrums are taking their toll and it’s hard to keep our minds from wandering to thoughts of travel. When, where and for how long?
Vaccinations are continuing to roll out providing hope for future travel sooner rather than later. Right now it isn’t clear what measures will be placed on travelers. Will vaccinations be mandatory for domestic and international travel? Will travelers have to carry some kind of global vaccination passport? At this point, there are a small number of countries allowing entry to vaccinated travelers – some still requiring negative COVID tests. This allows vaccinated travelers to bypass quarantines. A glimmer of hope for all those who love to travel.
With that in mind, I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of my favorite articles chosen for this month.
JAPAN
Understanding the Difference Between Kimono and Yukata and the Strict Cultural Rules Applied to Both.
The rules for wearing Kimono are complicated and steeped in centuries of Japanese culture. Yukata are more casual in nature, but cultural rules still apply. Travelers to Japan will gain insight into and appreciation of Japanese culture in the rules which apply to Japan’s national dress.
MISCELLANEOUS
Marie Kondo Makes Packing for Your Next Journey a Joy.
Every trip, whether a short weekend getaway or a full blown holiday on the other side of the world, presents the same challenge. How to fit everything you need into the smallest piece of luggage possible. Marie Kondo offers some great tips to try the next time you pull out your suitcase.
UNITED STATES
Easter Eggs Abound in the Narrow Alley Ways of Boston’s North End.
The historic North End neighborhood of Boston is a popular stop for tourists exploring the Freedom Trail. Step away from the trail (and tourists) and duck into one of several narrow alley ways where residents decorate their homes with quaint flower boxes and neighborhood stores welcome visitors for a glimpse into the day to day life of this charming neighborhood.
PODCASTS
Listening to This Audio Story Connects You to Tulum, Mexico on a Deeper Level.
How long has it been since someone read a story to you? Involving your sense of hearing brings a depth to this story which heightens the descriptive text and leads to a more intimate experience of Tulum.
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 on the Journal Page.
Happy Travels,
President
Travel Research Monthly
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
- Everything you need to know about the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda’s Volcano National Park. (Africa, Rwanda)
Author: Javira Ssebwami
Source: PML Daily - The relaxing pace of small town and coastal life is available two hours or less from major Middle Eastern and South African cities. (Middle East, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman)
Author: Natasha. Amar
Source: Marriott Bonvoy Traveler - Akkar, Lebanon has not been thought of as a tourist destination until it’s dedicated citizens began promoting the religious sites and natural beauty. (Middle East, Lebanon)
Author: Samar Kadi
Source: The Arab Weekly
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- Once part of the Silk Road, Turkestan is working towards welcoming foreign tourists by focusing on becoming a spiritual and cultural destination. (Asia, Khazikstan)
Author: Alexander Clackson
Source: International Policy Digest - The Parsis of India’s numbers are declining and there is hope that the expression of their culture through their food will not be lost as well. (Asia, India)
Author: Ligaya Mishan
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 Free Articles Per Month) - The water surrounding the Rock Islands in Palau provide an explosion of color for snorkeler’s to explore. (Asia, Palau)
Author: Elizabeth Hansen
Source: Ranch & Coast - While a select few will climb Everest, the rest of us can enjoy views of the Himalayas and Everest from a helicopter. (Asia, India, Nepal)
Author: Jay Tindall
Source: Remote Lands
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
- Exploring the remote Australian outback presents challenges but with proper preparation it can be an experience of a lifetime. (Australia)
Author: Jonathan Poulson
Source: ABC News - The relationship cultivated between service providers and the Anangu, First Nations people of Australia’s Red Centre, help visitors appreciate this remote, somewhat harsh area for both its natural wonders and its people. (Australia)
Author: Joanna Hunkin
Source: Gourmet Traveller Australia - Akaroa’s French influences can still be felt today throughout this inviting town. (New Zealand)
Author: Miranda Spary
Source: Stuff
CANADA
- Icebikes, also known as bikes on skates, have gained traction in Calgary. (Canada, Alberta)
Author: Zac Thompson
Source: Frommer’s - The world’s largest snow maze is challenging fun during Canada’s cold winter. (Canada, Manitoba)
Author: Melissa MacMullin
Source: Bold Magazine - An award winning photographer shares her love of Newfoundland’s landscapes. (Canada, Newfoundland)
Author: Alex Kennedy
Source: CBC
CARIBBEAN
- A family reunion in Antigua provides this writer the opportunity to immerse herself completely in Carnival allowing her to reconnect with the place she loves most. (Caribbean, Antigua)
Author: Tanya A. Christian
Source: Essence - While Jamaica is known for its beaches, nature lovers are not left out. (Caribbean, Jamaica)
Author: Rebecca Underwood
Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine-UK
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- Istanbul is positioning itself as a contender for the arts and cultural center of the region between Europe and Asia. (Europe, Asia, Turkey)
Author: Neeta Lal
Source: Verve Magazine - Popular Russian landmarks that didn’t quite live up to tourists’ expectations. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Eleanora Goldman
Source: Russia Beyond - Three decades of travel to Áger has lead to a contrast between the quiet villages and the adrenaline of paragliding and hang-gliding. (Europe, Spain)
Author: Catherine Murphy
Source: Independent.ie - Pilgrimages in France were primarliy religious but today’s take is transformative in other ways. (Europe, France)
Author: Jennifer Ladonne
Source: France Today - Crete generates thoughts of beaches, but the wild landscape beckons. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Anthony Grant
Source: euronews. - Connect with Paris through these Black owned businesses. (Europe, Paris)
Author: Kristin Braswell
Source: TripAdvisor - You can tour Chernobyl…but do your research first. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Staff
Source: BREAKING travel news!
JAPAN
- Understanding the differences between Kimono and Yukata and the strict cultural rules applied to both. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Stefania Sabia
Source: tsunagu Japan - Japan’s Western villages offer the traveler a chance to slow down, relax and experience Old Japan. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Steve Csorgo
Source: LIVE JAPAN - Adults and children alike will enjoy cruising on pirate ships on Lake Ashi in Hakone, Japan. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Staff
Source: Nippon.com
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Immerse yourself in the imagery of Patagonia. (South America, Chile)
Author: R. Aslan
Source: Cereal - Peru’s top travel sites in pictures. (South America, Peru)
Author: Panchali Dey
Source: India Times - A rare total solar eclipse in December 2021 can be viewed via cruise or plane departing from South America. (South America, Chile, Argentina)
Author: Jamie Carter
Source: Sky at Night Magazine
MISCELLANEOUS
- Marie Kondo makes packing for your next journey a joy. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Kathleen Rellihan
Source: Afar - Resorts are beginning to offer COVID tests on-site to reduce stress on guests. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Michelle Stansbury
Source: marie claire
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Finland’s winter stirs a connection to the outdoors that brings the tiniest of details into sharp focus. (Scandinavia, Finland)
Author: Matthew Hollett
Source: Toronto Star - The Arctic Coast Way showcases the rugged beauty and isolation of Iceland’s northern coast. (Scandinavia, Iceland)
Author: Amelia Duggan
Source: National Geographic (Subscription-4 Free Articles per Month) - Iceland’s Silfra is a popular snorkeling and dive location but lesser known Daviõgjá, is a more deliberately isolated experience. (Scandinavia, Iceland)
Author: John Pearson
Source: Rejkavik Grapevine
UK & IRELAND
- The Gower Peninsula was the catalyst for the creation of the designation “Area of Outstanding Beauty” and an exploration of the area leaves no doubt as to why. (United Kingdom, Wales)
Author: Octavia Pollock
Source: Country Life UK - The Shetland Islands of Scotland pull much of their history from the Vikings. (United Kingdom, Scotland)
Author: Paul Kirkwood
Source: Discover Britain Magazine - To say the Debatable Lands of the 16th century English and Scottish border were lawless is an understatement. (United Kingdom, England, Scotland)
Author: Kirsten Henton
Source: BBC Travel - Irish photographer Tony O’Shea’s compelling collection of black and white photographs illustrate the human ability to be alone while surrounded by people. (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Author: Charlotte Rawlings
Source: Huck Magazine
UNITED STATES
- Easter eggs abound in the narrow alley ways of Boston’s North End. (United States, Massachusetts)
Author: Alice Brown
Source: Boston Magazine - Numerous galleries throughout Aspen link to its history as a design mecca. (United States, Colorado)
Author: Janet O’Grady
Source: Architectural Digest - Sanibel Island is refreshingly laid-back conjuring up thoughts of a quieter, pristine Florida. (United States, Florida)
Author: Jay Gentile
Source: Thrillist - With Biden as president, Delaware has its moment. (United States, Delaware)
Author: Will McGough
Source: CNN Travel - Highlights of North Carolina’s Piedmont area state parks. (United States, North Carolina)
Author: Loretta Berry
Source: TravelAwaits - Chinese immigrants have deep ties to Yosemite shaping it into the park it is today. (United States, California)
Author: Staff
Source: Yosemite Conservancy - What to expect at this year’s Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival beginning March 3rd. (United States, Florida)
Author: Gray Houser
Source: Monorail News
FOOD & DRINK
- Switzerland’s neighbors influence its cheese culture. (Europe, Switzerland, Food)
Author: Nathan Fong
Source: Taste & Travel Magazine - Outdoor dining experiences take a hit during winter but these hotels and restaurants have found a way to extend the season with your comfort in mind. (Food, United States)
Author: Patricia Doherty
Source: Travel + Leisure
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- Visitors to the Alps love the small trains that connect mountain villages with the rest of the world but these trains provide so much more to the locals. (Rail, Trains, Switzerland)
Author: Sam Hewitt
Source: The Railway Hub - It’s now possible to charter the jet which Biden used to travel to his inauguration. (Air)
Author: Martin Lerma
Source: Robb Report - Go faster in a private jet. (Air)
Author: Staff
Source: Eat Love Savor
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Questioning the need for travel insurance? This article breaks down the benefits of carrying travel insurance and what to look for in a plan. (Travel Business)
Author: Elina Geller
Source: Herald & Review - The ins and outs of rental car insurance. (Travel Business)
Author: Iona Brannon
Source: Fodor’s Travel
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- Montenegro’s winding roads through mountainous landscapes lead to tiny villages worth exploring on foot. (Europe, Montenegro)
Author: Liz Sier
Source: Startsat60 - Neil of Travels with a Kilt answers readers Scotland travel questions. (United Kingdom. Scotland)
Author: Neil Robertson
Source: Travels with a Kilt
Podcasts
- Listening to this audio story connects you to Tulum, Mexico on a deeper level. (Podcast, Mexico)
Author: Melinda Stevens with CNT Traveller
Source: Escape Routes
(Podcast – 13 minutes 9 seconds) - Turkey appeals to many…from fans of Byzantine history to those who appreciate an inviting culture. (Europe, Turkey)
Author: Sarah Groen
Source: Luxury Travel Insider
(Podcast – 30 minutes 7 seconds)
Videos
- A quick video on Tokyo’s local customs and COVID requirements. (Asia, Japan)
Source: Monocle
(Video – 2 minutes 49 seconds) - Get to know the people of Martinique – Caribbean with a French spirit! (Video, Caribbean, Martinique)
Source: Free High-Quality Documentaries
(Video – 43 minutes 16 seconds)