Blogs

 Peter Van Bossche; other photos by Fyllis Hockman unless otherwise noted

How often do a toilet and a tea ceremony form perfect metaphors for the culture of a country? But so it is in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The toilet falls into the realm of delightful personal discoveries. First a warm toilet seat along with musical options with a variety of buttons that cleaned more areas with water spray than I have nether-region body parts, a portion of the large bathroom mirror that remained perfect

A two-hour drive from San Francisco, northern California´s Sonoma County with its picturesque landscapes and wineries producing world-class wines is an utterly enchanting haven for oenophiles seeking an unforgettable getaway. There are plenty of historic sites and other fetching spots, including the 201-year old Spanish Mission San Francisco Solano; the former Russian trading post Fort Ross, founded in 1812; the ranch of iconic 20th-century writer Jack London, woodsy resort area Russian River;

We adore Manchester in the north of England and part of the United Kingdom´s third largest metro area (pop. 569,000). Reinventing itself after a gritty industrial past, the city these days blends club vibes with industrial roots and some of the UK's finest dining spots, and it´s a top choice for both living and studying. And given its rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings, it´s catnip for our favoruite social media platform Instagram - a perfect canvas for you to showcase your creativit

Hans-Petter Fjeld


Halloween is once again upon us! It´s a haunted world we live in (in more ways than one), and lots of people travel to experience the adventurous and spooky - and not just around All Hallow´s Eve, either, but all year round . Abandoned houses/hospitals, ancient palaces and fortresses, old cemeteries, dense forests – many of these have a strange, peculiar feeling about them, and more than a few are the sites of tragic events and present-day ghost sightings. Here are ten of th

Abhiram Juvvadi

Friendly, vibrant, and outdoorsy, the Tarheel State´s capital (pop. around 468,000) is filled with attractions for all types of visitors, especially lovers of museums (as home to several fine insitutions of this type); of Victorian and other late-19th and early-20th'century architecture (thanks to its Historic Oakwood neighborhood of gracious Victorian to early-20th-century homes set amid the oaks for which Raleigh is known); of nightlife and culture (it´s home to 11 colleges a

Harley´s Bar Prague

"Overtourism" is a hot topic these days in the travel sector, and the popularity of a number of destinations continues to burgeon, cities especially in Europe such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Prague, and Venice have found themselves grappling increasingly with its challenges. With the influx of visitors, the delicate balance between tourism and local life is at risk. In response, the Czech Republic (aka Czechia) is implementing measures such as bar-crawl bans and str

Sakorn Sukkasemsakom

In today's highly competitive hospitality industry, attracting more direct bookings for your hotel is essential to maximize revenue and build stronger guest relationships. In this article, we'll explore a number of the best strategies to increase direct bookings. We'll also highlight the significance of leveraging hospitality consulting services and the expertise of hotel industry consultants to navigate the challenges associated with third-party hotel management.

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 Philip Capper

Among the many allures of Argentina´s capital is a vigorous shopping scene, with thousands of options from huge malls like Galerías Pacífico to funky local street markets and international brands to quirky indie offerings. Top shopping areas include the Palermo Soho neighborhood and Avenida Santa Fe, running through Palermo and Recoleta. Visitors especially interested in leather products, jewelry, and of course Malbec and the other superb wines for which the country is famous. An

One level below the city´s streets, the San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular attractions in Texas, and for good reason. This iconic waterway - a channel bypassing the San Antonio River, dating back to the 1940s - is lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, offering the proverbial something for everyone, whether you´re a visitor or a local. It's open 24/7 year round (though of course its various businesses and venues keep their own hours) and is divided into four se

Zarateman

Nestled on the southern coast of Spain, the picturesque city of Málaga beckons travellers with its unique blend of Andalusian charm and coastal beauty. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning beaches and delectable cuisine, Malaga has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey through this captivating destination, uncovering its hidden gems and exploring the best ways to experience it.

David Paul Appell

A Glimpse into Malaga's

Lesser known than its stunning landscapes, New Zealand's culinary landscape offers a delectable fusion of flavors that reflect its rich cultural heritage and bountiful natural resources. From succulent seafood to hearty meat dishes, the country's gastronomic offerings are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Join us on a mouthwatering journey as we explore seven must-try foods in New Zealand that are bound to leave you craving more, from traditional Maori specialties to modern Kiwi classics:

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 Clementp.fr

The City of Angels boasts an exhaustive range of exciting things to see, do, and eat - to mention just a few: the La Brea Tar Pits; the Natural History Museum; funky Venice Beach; hiking towards the famous Hollywood sign; catching a performance at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater; tours past the Beverly Hills homes and to the graves of the stars; gay-popular West Hollywood; the interactive GRAMMY Museum; the Last Bookstore; and the historical Hotel Figueroa. But in our opinion, here

Turkey/Türkiye with its diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, offers a playground of thrilling outdoor activities for adventure seekers. From soaring mountains and pristine beaches to ancient ruins and deep valleys, the country's geography sets the stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Whether you're a hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or a nature lover seeking an adrenaline rush, Turkey has something to offer. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through some of the

Daniel Gillaspia

Luxury abounds in the arena of commercial aviation, luxury abounds, from comfortable, stylish cabins to gourmet dining to private accommodations, all complemented with superlative service. These airlines are the standouts which routinely appear on the annual surveys of the world´s best, and which make the journey itself a big part of the pleasure of travel.

Air France

Attention to detail at of course its unmistakable Gallic flair make France´s flag carrier one of Europe´s most

guido da rozze


As we have always mentioned in past notes, the great city of Cusco was once the capital of the majestic empire of Tahuantinsuyo. Today, we are the heirs of a millenary culture. This is reflected not only in the archaeological complexes that have survived throughout the city and the Sacred Valley, but also by the architecture of many of its buildings that have survived and by the oral tradition that is kept alive to this day.

The Legend of the Condor

Legend has it that in a vill

Gus´ World Famous Fried Chicken

The Volunteer State´s stunning beauty, extensive history, whisky trail, and vibrant music culture are only some of the reasons to travel the here, and are a lot of things it´s known for: Southern sensibility, music and food. In terms of food, the variety of choices - from traditional fried chicken and barbecue to sophisticated international menus. With so many excellent spots to choose from, here´s my take on some of the best, a mix of old and new, down-home and

This metropolis of nearly 10 million - the beating heart of England and the larger United Kingdom - beckons travelers from all corners of the globe with its rich history and vibrant culture. This bustling metropolis is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks and attractions. Here we remind of its "greatest hits," from historic classics to modern marvels. They´ll leave you with memories of this amazing city´s rich history, culture, and artistic heritage. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover,

Travel: a word that conjures up images of far-off lands, captivating cultures, and unforgettable experiences. But what lies beyond the glossy brochures and picture-perfect postcards? For those with a passion for both words and the open road, the answer is simple yet profound: the essence of a destination's soul. In this post we'll embark on a journey to explore how travel goes beyond the surface, uncovering the psychology behind our wanderlust and the unique ways in which each place leaves an