I was excited to learn today that the Illa Experience Hotel in Quito, Ecuador won the 2021 Travvy Award for Best Luxury Hotel in South America. In December 2017, I was the very first guest at this wonderful 5-star hotel opened by Latin Trails in the historic part of Quito just a few blocks from the Plaza Grande and surrounded by artists’ workshops.
During my almost 2-week trip to Japan in the spring, I visited Ashikaga Flower Park, a botanic garden that is filled with color. Even though I loved every day I was in the country, my day at Ashikaga was my favorite. I chose my dates of travel specifically to get to see the wisteria festival at Ashikaga.
Some hotels deserve superlatives, and Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden is one of them. The original building was built by Saxon king August the Strong in the 18th century to pledge his love to his favorite mistress, so it’s quite literally an opportunity to stay in a palace. No surprise that it’s a coveted wedding location. Any bride who arrives there in a horse-drawn carriage will fulfill her childhood Cinderella fantasy.
Nara, Japan is one of the most popular day trips from Kyoto. Should you bother? In my opinion, yes! Nara is mostly famous for two things – wild deer and a large Buddha.
Indiana might not cross your mind first when you think of wine or fine chocolate, but the state is making a mark in both arenas. Country Heritage Winery & Vineyard in LaOtto, Indiana has developed a partnership with DeBrand Fine Chocolates based in Fort Wayne, and they recently gave me a chance to sample some of their delicious wine and chocolate pairings.
The Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau in the Camargue region of southern France is a bird paradise in the spring. I had always wanted to visit it, and I finally got my chance. It did not disappoint.
The number one spot to visit in Memphis is, of course, Graceland – Elvis’ home. It’s so much more than his mansion, however, or even his estate. There are several exhibits, restaurants, a theater that holds live concerts, a soundstage, and an exposition center that houses exhibits unrelated to Elvis. When I was there, it had a space exhibit and dinosaur exhibit.
One of the main advantages of visiting cold Oslo, Norway, in winter (on the way to the even colder Tromso in the arctic circle) is that you get to visit the Christmas markets and see all the festive decorations. When I arrived at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, I was greeted by two nutcrackers at the doorway and a Christmas tree and gingerbread replica of the building in the lobby.
“Who’s your favorite blues singer?” Abe Hudson, the owner of Real Delta Tours, LLC, asked me when he picked me up from the Clarksdale, Mississippi Greyhound station.
Berlin is a city with a rich history, some of it truly horrific, of course, but it’s also a city of modernity, culture, and energy. It has more than 175 museums, seven symphony orchestras, and three opera houses, besides a vibrant nightlife.
What if you could take a walk down Diagon Alley? Well, you can! I did, and it was a thrill. Warner Brothers Studios Studios just outside of central London opened its doors on March 31, 2012 so that fans can experience the world of Harry Potter up close and personal.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have mobile apps that can help you stay safe when traveling, especially when in developing countries.
The Muhammad Ali Center had a star-studded opening in November 2005 attended by Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, and Bill Clinton, among other celebrities. Of course, now that Ali has passed away, the center will take on even greater significance as part of the legacy for someone who should never be forgotten.
The One Aldwych Hotel in London has a unique restaurant called “Indigo.” It’s the only restaurant I’ve ever heard of, in fact, that serves an entirely gluten-free and dairy-free menu. No, it isn’t vegan. There is meat on the menu, but no gluten and no dairy products.
During a recent layover in Tokyo’s Narita Airport, I rented a day room for four hours to get a snooze and a shower before heading off on my 17-hour journey from Japan to New York City. Oh, how I wish all airports had these available!
While staying at the Corinthia Hotel in London, I had a meal at The Northall Restaurant, which is helmed by Executive Chef Garry Hollihead, who has won Michelin stars at three different establishments including L’Escargot.
Australia is positively teeming with birds. If you go there only to see the opera house, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Bondi Beach, and a didgeridoo, you’re missing out. Whatever part of the country you visit, check out the parks, botanic gardens, and nature reserves. Then, just pay attention. Take binoculars if you can. You’ll be amazed at the unseen dramas you miss without the aid of those lenses.
In Egypt, the ancient meets the modern more intensely than anywhere I’ve been on the planet. Besides the temples and hieroglyphs, you’ll see cars parked next to carriages drawn by horses or donkeys. You’ll see women in jeans walking next to women in full burkas with only their eyes exposed. These kinds of contrasts are only a few of the reasons why Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever visited.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a playground for lovers of aviation, space exploration, and naval history. Besides World War II history, you’ll find the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a submarine, drones, and an array of aircraft, including a British Airways Concorde.
Quebec City’s annual Winter Carnival is what they mean when they use the phrase “winter wonderland.” I experienced it this January, and while the temperatures were frigid, the hospitality was anything but.
Anyone who has been to the Galapagos will tell you that it’s the trip of a lifetime. But cruising the Galapagos on a luxury yacht is the trip of a lifetime times ten. For five nights and six days, I had the opportunity to experience the Latin Trails Sea Star yacht,...
Hotel ratings sometimes perplex me. Case in point: Hotel Napoleon in Memphis, Tennessee. This property is listed as 3-star, but it had all of the amenities I’m used to getting from a 5-star hotel, including a plush bathrobe and slippers. Most 4-star hotels don’t even include slippers.
If you want to get from east to west on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, you have to drive all the way around the island. There’s one single road that circles this deep green island because much of the terrain consists of mountains and canyons. So there are large portions of Kauai that can’t be seen except from the air. That’s why I recommend a helicopter ride!
The Corinthia Hotel is a stunning 5-star property right across the street from the River Thames, Whitehall Gardens, and the West End’s Playhouse Theatre. The Victorian building, which was modeled after Parisian architecture, dates back to 1885 and began as the Hotel Metropole. Then, the government took over the building and used it for Ministry of Defense offices.
I’ve been all over the world, but there are few places I love as much as New Orleans – especially the French Quarter. And The New Orleans Hotel Collection has a number of great properties in the city, including the boutique 4-star Hotel le Marais.
The Hilton is one of my favorite places to stay in Quebec City. It’s very near the historical section, and it has simply spectacular views from its top floor executive lounge. So if you stay there, I’d say it’s a must to spring for an executive floor room, where you’ll have your own view, as well as access to the lounge.
I had a chance to try both Anse Chastanet Resort and Jade Mountain Resort. Anse Chastanet begins on its own beach and extends up into the mountains in levels. Jade Mountain sits above Anse Chastanet’s 600 acres and is even more upscale with views of the Pitons that can only be called spectacular.