Welcome to the February 2020 issue of Travel Research Monthly!
I am so excited you have chosen to join us!
We have expanded our source list as we search the world for articles, blogs, videos and podcasts. We are eager to offer this variety in order to expose readers to different perspectives. Ultimately, the writers all embrace a love of learning about new places and cultures which is what drives all of us in the travel business.
I would like to take a few minutes to highlight some of my favorite articles chosen for this month.
CARIBBEAN
Havana’s entrepreneurs have made the most of the opening of the private economy.
I have always craved more information on Cuba, as a country, and its people. I was excited to see a number of local entrepreneurs putting their love of Havana to work towards transforming the city for locals and visitors alike.
EUROPE
It is worth venturing inland from Palermo and Catania to explore Sicily’s wine country. In particular the estates of the Tasca d’Almerita family which was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as the 2019 European Winery of the Year.
I admire the Tasca’s passion for Sicily and wine as well as their dedication to preserving and improving their family’s estate.
UNITED STATES
The Wayfarer Hotel in Los Angeles is offering a new take on restaurant dining in The Kitchen. Guests who are missing a home cooked meal have the ability to make one of Chef Dimitrius’ cook-it-yourself meals in the restaurant’s kitchen.
How fun would this be! After traveling for a number of days, I definitely start to miss home cooked meals. I can’t think of a better way to feed this need than to make a meal at The Kitchen at The Wayfarer Hotel in Los Angeles using chef inspired recipes in a professional kitchen. I find it comforting to know the chef is nearby should I need any guidance!
TRAVEL BUSINESS
Women only travel is moving from a niche market to the mainstream and gives women the chance to experience other cultures in new ways.
Certainly, I enjoy traveling on my own from time to time or with the “girls”. It is a great way to reconnect with yourself and with friends. This article highlights not only women traveling alone but their ability to experience other cultures in ways that are not always available to them when traveling with male counterparts.
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 & SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa’s Top Private Reserves (outside of the Big Five) which offer all-inclusive guided safari packages. (Africa, South Africa)
Author: Philip Briggs
Source: Travel Africa Magazine - Zanzibar is a mix of beautiful beaches with a twist of the exotic. (Africa, Zanzibar)
Author: Sheryl Nance-Nash
Source: Global Traveler - What to expect when gorilla trekking in Rwanda. (Africa, Rwanda)
Author: Kate Webster
Source: Africa Encompassed
ASIA, CHINA & INDIA
- Luxury and sustainability combine in the one of a kind Bawah Reserve in Indonesia. Extreme attention was paid to maintaining the ecology of the islands during its construction and during its daily operations. (Asia, Indonesia)
Author: Tay Chongwan
Source: Portfolio Magazine - When a vacation break feeds your soul. Opportunities to learn about the culture in Nepal and India while giving back to the local community. (Asia, India)
Author: Lisa Wogan
Source: Virtuoso Life - Singapore has recently joined other Asian cities in offering private, in their home, dine-ins run by home cooks, chefs and celebrities. Some of which have only become known by word of mouth. (Asia, Singapore)
Author: Staff
Source: Food and Wine Magazine - Bhutan, the only carbon negative country in the world, focuses on the well-being of its citizens and country. They practice a low-volume, high-value type of tourism in order to protect their culture and environment. (Asia, Bhutan)
Author: Larissa Dubecki
Source: Gourmet Traveller
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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- Thinking of visiting New Zealand? Try the country town of Geraldine known to many as “New Zealand’s most beautiful town”. (New Zealand)
Author: Staff
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine - Margaret River Region in Australia is well known by wine lovers, but it has also cultivated a following for breweries and gin distilleries. (Australia, Drink)
Author: Staff
Source: Travel Weekly Australia - Summer in New Zealand brings forth the lovely scent of lavender. The perfect stop on your New Zealand journey, Pihama Lavender in Taranaki, is a labor of love shared with visitors. (New Zealand)
Author: Deena Coster
Source: Stuff
- Thinking of visiting New Zealand? Try the country town of Geraldine known to many as “New Zealand’s most beautiful town”. (New Zealand)
CANADA
- Charlevoix, an hour northeast of Quebec City, is widely recognized as a foodie destination which is enhanced by a Flavour Trail (Route des Saveurs) combining agritourism farms and food producers with farm to table restaurants. (Canada, Quebec, Food)
Author: Susie Ellison
Source: Taste and Travel Magazine - The town of Jasper, a year round mountain community located in the Canadian Rockies, is best known for its Jasper Pride Festival which takes place each April. (Canada, Alberta)
Author: Staff
Source: Where, Canada’s Travel Planner - A trip to Saskatchewan’s Candle Lake’s “Purple Sand Beach”. A geological wonder caused by garnet particles deposited by currents. (Canada, Saskatchewan)
Author: Ryan MacDonald
Source: BBC Travel
CARIBBEAN
- Havana’s entrepreneurs have made the most of the opening of the private economy. (Caribbean, Cuba)
Author: Lydia Bell
Source: Square Mile - Embrace the tranquil yet posh islands of Bequia, Canoun and Mustique in St. Vincent’s and the Grenadines. (Caribbean, St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
Author: Maura Egan
Source: Travel + Leisure
EUROPE
- Allow the Latin Quarter in Paris to embrace you in a soul stirring experience of bistros, old books and romance. (Europe, France)
Author: Siddharth Dasgupta
Source: The Luxe Café - The 110 year old Hotel Ritz, Madrid will reopen this summer as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid after undergoing a large scale refurbishment which retains the hotel’s original architectural features and essence. (Europe Spain)
Author: Pohnee Chin
Source: Lifestyle Asia - It is worth venturing inland from Palermo and Catania to explore Sicily’s wine country. In particular the estates of the Tasca d’Almerita family which was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as the 2019 European Winery of the Year. (Europe, Italy)
Author: James Mcauley
Source: Town & Country Magazine - Hvar is Croatia’s answer to the French Riviera. (Europe, Croatia)
Author: Lane Nieset
Source: Departures Magazine - Provence seems to be on everyone’s bucket list but, if time allows, a visit to the nearby Camargue Delta is worth the diversion. (Europe, France)
Author: Eileen Cho
Source: Eurail Magazine from World Nomads.com - Embrace the old town of Limassol in Cyprus and begin to understand its history, compliments of its various conquerors, as well as its artisan workshop-galleries in Old Town. (Europe, Greece)
Author: Sarah Freeman
Source: Open Skies - Walking in Urbino Italy is a fitting celebration of its most famous son, Raphael, on the 500th anniversary of his death. (Europe, Italy)
Author: Laura Morelli
Source: Italy Magazine
JAPAN
- After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Tokyo consider visiting Tohoku, in the north of Japan, where tradition reigns and natural beauty abounds. (Asia, Japan)
Author: Benedict Walker
Source: Lonely Planet
MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- Explore the ancient city of Cusco, Peru. HIke Machu Picchu in the Andes or relax and take in the views from a five star hotel. Experience the culinary scene in Lima and enjoy this multicultural city through its food. (South America, Peru)
Author: Rosy Alvarez
Source: Vue Magazine - Chiloé Island is a favorite escape of Chilean locals looking to connect with nature and traditional culture. (South America, Chilé)
Author: Chris Taylor
Source: Qantas - The Pantanal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest tropical wetlands in the world. (South America, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay)
Author: Rob McFarland
Source: Traveller Australia
MIDDLE EAST
- Adventure travel, in the form of sandboarding and dune bashing, is an exciting compliment to the unimaginable scenery of both the Black and White deserts of Egypt. (Middle East, Egypt)
Author: Eihab Boraie
Source: CNN Travel - If you crave snow, even when traveling to the desert, you may wish to check out Ski Dubai when visiting the UAE. (Middle East, United Arab Emirates)
Author: Staff
Source: Get Lost Magazine - A new cruise down the Nile will be available in September 2021. (Middle East, Egypt)
Author: Zac Thompson
Source: Frommers
RUSSIA
- Russia’s Northwest, a popular outdoor tourist destination, can now be easily explored from St. Petersburg on the new Lastochka trains. (Europe, Russia, Rail, Trains)
Author: Leonid Ragozin
Source: Lonely Planet - Insights as to the best way to spend 48 hours in Moscow plus The Telegraph’s insider recommendations for the best restaurants, bars and hotels. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Paul Sullivan
Source: The Telegraph - In Moscow for a few days? Escape to the small town of Kolomna to enjoy its historic city centre, museums and local shops. (Europe, Russia)
Author: Staff
Source: Moscow Living
SCANDINAVIA, ICELAND & GREENLAND
- Travelers interested in remote and stunning landscapes are turning to Greenland as Iceland draws an increasing number of visitors. (Scandinavia, Greenland)
Author: Staff
Source: CNBC for MSN - The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s first five-star resort opened in 2019, sits on an 800 year old lava flow with access to the Blue Lagoon, a restorative geothermal lagoon. (Scandinavia, Iceland, Hotels)
Author: Nadia Michel
Source: Official Bespoke - Norway’s Lofoten Islands located just north of the Arctic Circle offers a glimpse into Viking history in a breathtaking setting. (Scandinavia, Norway)
Author: Crai Bower
Source: Virtuoso Life - Engage with Copenhagen’s food scene offering world-famous restaurants serving local cuisine. (Scandinavia, Denmark, Food)
Author: Lucy Golding
Source: Sphere
UK & IRELAND
- Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds! Seven recommendations from intimate tea rooms to elegant manor houses
Author: Sally Coffey
Source: Britain Magazine - Newcastle has evolved from it’s industrial roots celebrating the past while reaching for a future focused on becoming the first Carbon Neutral Town in the UK
Author: Mahsoom Thottathil
Source: Arabian Gazette - Unique cabin experiences for anyone looking to get away from it all in the UK and Ireland
Author: Fleur Rollet-Manus
Source: Suitcase Magazine
UNITED STATES
- Santa Barbara’s unique charm offers the opportunity to enjoy its laid back personality while taking in local wineries, Michelin Guide restaurants, hiking and tours of the city’s colonial architecture. (United States, California)
Author: Emma Reynolds
Source: Elite Traveler - Visiting San Diego or LA during March-May? The Carlsbad Flower Fields is an overwhelming display of beauty and color overlooking the ocean. (United States, California)
Author: Stacey Leasca
Source: Travel + Leisure - Suggestions for a perfect drive to discover Maui’s Upcountry. (United States, Hawaii)
Author: Lahia Apana
Source: Maui Magazine - The Wayfarer Hotel in Los Angeles is offering a new take on restaurant dining in The Kitchen. Guests who are missing a home cooked meal have the ability to make one of Chef Dimitrius’ cook-it-yourself meals in the restaurant’s kitchen. (United States, California, Food)
Author: Adam Robb
Source: Food and Wine Magazine - Huntsville, Alabama is more than just a space, tech heavy town. It has broadened its appeal with the addition of outdoor venues, restaurants and activities for all ages. (United States, Alabama, Food)
Author: Larry Bleiberg
Source: Atlanta Magazine - Art and design lovers will not be disappointed by Miami’s rise as a major player in art and design preservation and cultivation. (United States, Florida)
Author: Laura Itzkowitz
Source: Architectural Digest - Acoma Pueblo and Sky City, 60 miles west of Albuquerque, offer glimpses into the history and culture of the Acoma people. (United States, New Mexico)
Author: Kate Nelson
Source: New Mexico Magazine
AIR, SEA & RAIL
- Belmond is enhancing one of its French river cruise offerings with nightly dining in Michelin Star restaurants along the journey. (Rail, Trains, Europe, France)
Author: Alex Martin
Source: Elite Traveler - Train lovers will delight in Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train which has been in service since the 1940’s and travels along the West Coast for a scenic ride with views of mountains, forests and coastline. (Rail, Trains, United States)
Author: Jessica Leigh Mattern
Source: Elle Decor - Train travel throughout Europe is always a treat for Americans and, when time allows, consider one of these slow train journeys. (Rail, Trains, Europe)
Author: Will Hawkes
Source: Washington Post (Subscription-20 Free Articles per Month)
FOOD & DRINK
- Singapore has recently joined other Asian cities in offering private, in their home, dine-ins run by home cooks, chefs and celebrities. Some have only become known by word of mouth. (Food, Asia, Singapore)
Author: Staff
Source: Food and Wine Magazine - Bon Apétit’s New York City 100 Recommended Restaurants to help you find the best fit for your location, circumstance and craving. (Food, United States. New York)
Author: Staff
Source: Bon Appétit - The Wayfarer Hotel in Los Angeles is offering a new take on restaurant dining in The Kitchen. Guests who are missing a home cooked meal have the ability to make one of Chef Dimitrius’ cook-it-yourself meals in the restaurant’s kitchen. (Food, United States, California)
Author: Adam Robb
Source: Food and Wine Magazine
THE TRAVEL BUSINESS
- Condé Nast Traveller presents the 2020 list of hotel openings it finds most exciting. (Travel Business, Hotesl)
Author: Fiona Kerr & Ianthe Butt
Source: Condé Nast Traveller - Women only travel is moving from a niche market to the mainstream and gives women the chance to experience other cultures in new ways. (Travel Business, Miscellaneous)
Author: Katie Knorovsky
Source: National Geographic (Subscription. Up to 3 free articles per month) - Hybrid hotels are the newest hotel trend in 2020. Think a marriage between design and aparthotels. (Travel Business, Hotels)
Author: Jade Conroy
Source: The Telegraph
BLOGS
- Travel back in time to Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario. This family friendly destination will make you nostalgic for the trips you experienced as a child. (Blog, Canada, Ontario)
Author: Cortney Gilchrist
Source: Wanderous Affair - Hunter Valley Wine Region is well known for its wine offerings but the cities in the region have risen to the challenge by offering a number of great restaurant and café options. (Blog, Australia)
Author: Toni Broome
Source: 2 Aussie Travelers - Must see sites in Prague if you only have a weekend to visit. (Blog, Europe, Czech Republic)
Author: Kat
Source: Kat is Travelling - Enjoy a day trip outside of Cape Town visiting the relaxing Cape Winelands. (Blog, Africa, South Africa)
Author: Brooke Saward
Source: World of Wanderlust
PODCASTS & VIDEOS
Podcasts
- An adventurous look at traveling through Greenland. (Podcast, Scandinavia, Greenland)
Author: Chris Christensen
Source: Amateur Traveler
(21 minutes) - A destination discussion about history, music and culture with Irish guide, Garvan Rushe. (Podcast, Ireland, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland)
Host: Jason Moore
Source: Zero to Travel
(1 hour and 33 minutes. Content begins at the 6 minute mark) - Traveling with family in Egypt. Dispelling myths and helpful tips. (Podcast, Middle East, Egypt)
Hosts: Kimberly Tate & Tamara Gruber
Source: Vacation Mavens
(32 minutes and 45 seconds. Content begins at the 4 minute and 12 second mark)
Videos
- Walk the streets of Venice in this intimate view of the city. (Video, Europe, Italy)
Source: 4K Urban Life
(1 Hour) - A drive on Hwy. 9 through Zion National Park in Utah offers breathtaking views and infinite peace. (Video, United States, Utah)
Source: Aviatorathome
(22 minutes and 41 seconds) - Enjoy the view from above in Scotland traveling from Isle of Skye to Ben Nevis, (Video, United Kingdom, Scotland)
Source: World From Above HD
(25 minutes 27 seconds)