Welcome to the March 2021 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
I am so glad you could join us!
Spring is very nearly here! It is exciting to see the longer days and warmer weather approaching. While last year was an exception, with no real travel plans coming to fruition, I have been able to put into place a good bit of domestic travel for this year with international travel plans ready to book once the world opens back up. I hope that you have been able to do the same. Because I am more domestically focused at the moment I thought it would be fun to highlight four of my favorite US travel articles from this month’s journal.
TEXAS
Everything is bigger in Texas and these weekend trips throughout the state are no exception.
Everyone knows that Texas is a vast state with wildly different landscapes. These weekend getaways are great examples of the diverse travel options offered throughout the state.
FLORIDA
Elevate your sandcastle building skills with these Destin, Florida based world champion sand sculptors.
Sandcastle building appeals to the child in all of us. While some of us are still stuck at the basic level, think-your parents setting you down on a beach with a plastic shovel and pail, others have taken this time honored tradition to undeniably artistic levels and they will happily share their secrets!
ALASKA
Traveling on the last whistle stop train in the US brings you to Talkeetna, Alaska and face to face with everything you dreamed Alaska to be.
Flagging down a train in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness to be picked up and taken to the end of the line at Talkeetna seems almost movie-like in its presentation. The town of Talkeetna only intensifies this experience. The town hosts climbers ready to tackle Denali, both pre and post climb, but also anyone wanting to enjoy a stay at one of the last remaining roadhouses in the state.
CALIFORNIA
Experience L.A. from David Alhadeff’s perspective of art and design.
Seeing L.A. from David Alhadeff’s eyes brings with it a fresh perspective. There is a flow of life and art which intermingles in this city that is hard not to absorb leaving you with the urge to experience what it must be like to live here.
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 & SOUTH AFRICA
- A one of a kind private safari immerses guests in research and conservation efforts. (Africa, Botswana)
Author: Jordi Lippe-McGraw
Source: Departures - Tangier’s Jewish community is small but mighty. (Africa, Morocco)
Author: Meyer Harroch
Source: The Jewish Voice - Dubai’s Love Lakes are best seen by air. For those who prefer their feet on the ground, however, the lakes are a popular spot for picnics, strolls and nature. (Middle East, United Arab Emirates)
Author: Ekta Joshi
Source: Luxurylaunches
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- These former Asian capital cities provide a glimpse into their powerful pasts. (Asia)
Author: Ronan O’Connell
Source: Fodor’s Travel - South Korea is expanding its focus on wellness retreats. (Asia, South Korea)
Author: Joezer Mandagi
Source: Prestige Online - Contemplation comes naturally in Asia’s mangrove forests. (Asia)
Author: Manas Sen Gupta
Source: Augustman - This photographer’s images of Vietnamese culture and landscapes beckon visitors. (Asia, Vietnam)
Author: Nhân Dhân Staff
Source: Nhân Dhân
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
- Visit the recently formed Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park for a Galapagos-like biodiverse experience in Australia. (Australia)
Author: Stephen Scourfield
Source: The West Australian - There is more to New Zealand than its stunning landscapes and Taranaki is waiting to prove it to you. (New Zealand)
Author: Tourism New Zealand
Source: Stuff - A family’s “Big Lap” around Australia. (Australia)
Author: Kate Cox
Source: Traveller
CANADA
- Newfoundland is a unique place with Inuit, Irish, Norse and English influences throughout the island. (Canada, Newfoundland)
Author: Vanessa Chiasson
Source: Travel Awaits - Believe it or not, there are some great beach options in Canada. (Canada)
Author: Breanna Mroczek
Source: Marriott Bonvoy Traveler - Ivvavik National Park, Canada’s most accessible Arctic national park, is still off the radar. (Canada, Northwest Territories)
Author: Jennifer Bain
Source: National Parks Traveler
CARIBBEAN
- Antigua’s laid back yet sophisticated way of life is loved by locals and visitors alike. (Caribbean, Antigua)
Author: Gordon Bowness
Source: Bold Magazine - The Puerto Rican Open showcased the island’s golf courses in addition to its well known beauty. (United States, Caribbean, Puerto Rico)
Author: Tom Gorman
Source: PROGOLF Weekly - Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast’s appeal lies in its remote feel which caters to adventure seekers. (Central America, Costa Rica)
Author: Cassia Geller
Source: National Geographic UK
EUROPE & RUSSIA
- Vienna will always be synonymous with culture but now its nightlife is attracting attention. (Europe, Austria)
Author: John Wray
Source: Travel+Leisure - The hit show Lupin showcases what makes life in Paris so entrancing. (Europe, France)
Author: Nadja Sayej
Source: Architectural Digest - Find the Spanish island that suits you best. (Europe, Spain)
Author: Staff
Source: Luxotic - Ancient and modern history exist in harmony for the Armenian people and their culture. (Europe, Asia, Armenia)
Author: Tricia A. Mitchell
Source: International Living - The liberation of Greece from the Ottoman Empire, over 200 years ago, will be celebrated by a unique art exhibition in Athens. (Europe, Greece)
Author: The Editors
Source: Surface Magazine - Travelers gravitate towards high profile cities like Barcelona, but there are a number of attractive alternatives in Spain. (Europe, Spain)
Author: Kim Ayling
Source: elitetraveler
JAPAN
- Escape to Japan’s northeast mountains to enjoy a slow pace of life in UNESCO designated villages. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Andres Zuleta
Source: Boutique Japan - Day trip from Kyoto to enjoy the zen like ambiance of tea fields for a tour and tasting of delicate teas. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Jasmine O
Source: Matcha-PR - Discover the ins and outs of Osaka locals’ favorite neighborhoods. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Westplan
Source: Live Japan
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Recognized by Bolivia in 2007, this obscure kingdom dates back almost 200 years. (South America, Bolivia)
Author: Jordi Busqué
Source: BBC Travel - San Miguel de Allende offers several different wine routes to explore the area’s vineyards. (Mexico)
Author: Staff
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine - Delight in this Bavarian town found in the mountains of Argentina. (South America, Argentina)
Author: Albert Stumm
Source: CNN Travel
MISCELLANEOUS
- Everything you want to know about traveling to these emerging destinations from TripAdvisor travelers. (Miscellaneous)
Source: TripAdvisor - Still not quite ready to travel? These book recommendations will stir your travel soul. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Steven John
Source: We-Heart - Immerse yourself, literally, in an interactive Van Gogh exhibit. (Miscellaneous)
Author: Mary Melnick
Source: Global Traveler USA
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Think guide combined with local friend and you have a “Rent a Finn”. (Scandinavia, Finland)
Author: Times Travel Editor
Source: Times of India - Everyone has their own favorite Copenhagen neighborhood. (Scandinavia, Denmark)
Source: Visit Denmark - Travel fully in the moment and watch your trip unfold. (Scandinavia, Sweden)
Author: Aislyn Greene
Source: Afar Magazine
UK & IRELAND
- Experience the Wye River Valley through a local’s life experiences. (United Kingdom, Wales, England)
Author: John Lewis-Stempel
Source: Country Life UK - A collection of lesser known sites which invite connection to Ireland’s great outdoors. (Ireland)
Authors: Pól Ó Conghaile, Katy McGuinness, Kathy Donaghy and Conor Power
Source: Independent.ie - Take a moment to explore a window to nature through Selfridge’s superbly executed exhibitions at its Oxford Street Store. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Source: Wallpaper - Stay in this newly refurbished Castle and experience its relationship to its Tudor past. (United Kingdom, England)
Author: Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
UNITED STATES
- Everything is bigger in Texas and these weekend trips throughout the state are no exception. (United States, Texas)
Author: Cindy Brzostowski
Source: Budget Travel - Elevate your sandcastle building skills with these Destin, Florida based world champion sand sculptors. (United States, Florida)
Author: Brooke Morton
Source: Islands Magazine - Traveling on the last whistle stop train in the US brings you to Talkeetna, Alaska and face to face with everything you dreamed Alaska to be. (United States, Alaska)
Author: Bailey Berg
Source: Roadtrippers - Waimea Valley on Oahu showcases native and endangered plant species while giving visitors the opportunity to learn about conservation and Hawaiian culture. Plus the bonus of a waterfall swim! (United States, Hawaii)
Author: Catherine Toth Fox
Source: Hawaii Magazine - While you can’t book a room at The Chelsea Hotel, you can soak in the ambiance of a place that housed numerous famous and not so famous artists over the years. (United States, New York)
Author: Nathan Chandler
Source: HowStuffWorks - Maryland is home to one of the top topiary gardens in the world with a very whimsical nature. (United States, Maryland)
Author: Staff
Source: Equestrian Living
FOOD & DRINK
- Vegan travelers now have more vegan friendly countries to visit. (Food)
Author: Staff
Source: Irish Central - The newest hot trend for social gathering in the United States is the food hall. The largest is opening in Delray Beach, Florida this April. (Food, United States, Florida)
Author: Morgan Olsen
Source: Time Out USA - Indianapolis boasts the most beautiful Cake Bake Shops with seasonal cakes to tempt any cake aficionado. (Food, United States, Indiana)
Author: Leslie Bennett Smith
Source: Victoria Magazine
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- The Orient Express spent the pandemic planning new routes throughout Europe as well as adding three new grand suites which mirror the elegance of the cities for which they are named. (Train, Europe)
Author: Andrea Smith
Source: Lonely Planet - The ports of Croatia are plentiful and sheltered allowing the experienced sailor the opportunity to easily explore both key cities and nature preserves. (Sea, Europe, Croatia)
Author: Queene Hooper Foster
Source: Cruising World - Fancy a stay in space? It may be a reality sooner than you think. (Air)
Author: Hannah Frishberg
Source: Escape
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Luxury Hotels are becoming extensions of the communities in which they are located, so guests and locals can more easily interact. (Travel Business, Hotels)
Author: LLM Reporters
Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - The pandemic’s impact to global tourism through a study of how six destinations adapted to the loss of tourists. (Travel Business)
Authors: Patrick Scott, Peter Kujawinski, Elaine Sciolino, Tacey Rychter, Sui-Lee Wee, Charu Suri
Source: New York Times (Subscription-5 free articles per month) - Amid Covid-19 travel restrictions, private jets are offering travelers a way to legally visit countries with travel bans. (Travel Business)
Author: J. George Gorant
Source: Robb Report
BLOGS, PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Blogs
- The Champs-Élysées will be undergoing a makeover to reflect the aesthetic of today’s France. (Blog, Europe, France)
Author: Abram Yum
Source: Luxuo Luxury Blog - Niagara on the Lake is a popular day trip from from both sides of the Canadian-US border. (Blog, Canada)
Authors: Dave Bouskill & Debra Corbeil
Source: The Planet D
Podcasts
- The mix of humanity in India is equal parts challenging and fascinating. (Asia, India)
Host: Ben Groundwater
Source: Flight of Fancy
(Podcast – 37 minutes 17 seconds) - The Auvergne region in France produces outstanding cheeses which can be experienced along the 40 stop Cheese Route. (Europe, France)
Host: Elyse Rivin
Source: Join Us in France
(Podcast – 1 hour 7 minutes 38 seconds)
Videos
- Experience L.A. from David Alhadeff’s perspective of art and design. (United States, California)
Film-makers: Calvin Khurniawan & Joshua Kang
Source: Monocle
(Video – 3 minutes 27 seconds) - A video of ancient Jerash, Jordan made with the goal of connecting youth to the preservation of heritage sites. (Middle East, Jordan)
Source: Joe’s Journeys
(Video – 1 minute 9 seconds)