Don’t use Google to look for airline phone numbers! It turns out scammers are putting bogus numbers on Google and posing as airlines. When you need a number, ALWAYS go to the official website of the airline!
What’s the “911”? Whenever you travel to a new country, be sure to make note of their version of 911 – just in case you need emergency help.
U.S. Justice Department is investigating the Boeing 737 Max airplane. They’ve opened up a criminal probe into what happened on that Alaska Airlines flight.
The proposed merger between Jet Blue and Spirit is no longer going through. This is good news for travelers who want more options but perhaps bad news for Spirit, which is reportedly having financial problems.
Stock photo of airplane
An eclipse from the air? Delta and Southwest are offering special flights to watch the solar eclipse on April 8. But these seats are going fast. Check them out on the airlines’ websites.
Southwest unveils new seats coming in 2025. But people online aren’t at all impressed. Apparently, the seats are more narrow, so someone called them “Ozempic seats.” Another called them “lawn chairs.” Honestly, I couldn’t tell much from just looking at a video. I’d need to sit in them to have an opinion.
Airlines are parrots, so Delta has copied the others and increased baggage fees. The first one is now $35 and the second is $45.
Mount Everest climbers will now have to be tagged. The Nepalese government is requiring the tags to help them locate and identify the dead. The tags will cost $10-$15 and can be returned for refund when climbers make it through. I’ve never had a desire to climb such a treacherous mountain, so I won’t need a tag anytime soon.
United Airlines’ new international routes. Besides a new route from Tokyo to Cebu, Philippines, United will launch the first direct U.S. flight to Marrakesh, Morocco in late October from Newark Airport and will start flying non-stop from Houston to Medellin, Colombia.
The town of Voss is within striking distance of Norway’s most prominent fjords, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. Traveling from Bergen by train to Voss takes about an hour and takes in some distinct local scenery.
I chose wintertime with fewer crowds and abundant snow covering the slopes at the Voss Ski Resort. The town and surrounding area also provide a variety of other compelling attractions available at the same time of year. (Top photo courtesy of Voss Resort.)
Voss is an ideal winter destination for families and recreational skiers. I enjoyed the well-maintained, forgiving snow-covered slopes, yet always had the option of more challenging terrain.
The gondola to the ski runs at Voss Resort in Voss, Norway. Photo courtesy of Voss Resort.
Standing at the top of the run, I felt excitement and anticipation. The abundant expanse of snow stretched before me, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs as I took in the surrounding environment. Tall Norwegian evergreen pines flanked my descending journey down the long, winding slope.
I pushed off from the verge and began the descent. My ski edges gripped the snow as I made sharp, wide turns. With each turn, I felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The sheer thrill of gliding effortlessly over the snow filled me with pure joy. My mind quickly cleared of mundane distractions, as I became completely immersed in the very essence of the moment.
Later, after such exhilarating runs, I enjoyed the comfortable resort facilities that provided a welcome respite from the cold winter air. The warm lodge offered a cozy place to relax and recharge after a morning on the slopes.
The restaurant served a delicious lunch featuring local Norwegian favorites, such as hearty soups and salmon sandwiches. The friendly, attentive staff enhanced the feeling of well-being, adding to the resort’s overall warmth and hospitality.
The wine cellar at Park Hotel Vossevangen. Photo by Sebastian Price.
The next day, I walked into the Park Hotel Vossevangen and was immediately struck by its elegance and sophistication. The hotel’s extensive wine cellars, which house one of the largest collections of wines in Northern Europe, are a testament to the hotel’s commitment to providing a world-class selection of rare and vintage bottles.
A rare and vintage bottle in the cellar at Park Hotel Vassevangen. Photo by Sebastian Price.
As a wine lover, I had the good fortune to peruse the impressive collection. The cellar has something for every taste from rare Bordeaux blends to crisp Chardonnays from the New World. I saw more than 15,000 bottles of champagne alone neatly stored in the cool basement. The sommelier’s expertise and passion was evident as he guided me through the collection and recommended the perfect bottle to complement my meal.
My first course at Park Hotel Vassevangen. Photo by Sebastian Price.
I selected a bottle of aged Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Its delicate notes of cherry and earth perfectly complemented the rich flavors of my main course. As I savored each sip, I couldn’t help but marvel at the expertise and passion that went into curating such an impressive collection.
The third course at Park Hotel Vassevangen. Photo by Sebastian Price.
The restaurant’s menu is a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Norway, with dishes expertly crafted using locally sourced ingredients. I savored every bite from the fresh seafood from the fjords to the tender reindeer from the surrounding countryside.
The elegant dining room is perfect for a romantic dinner or that special occasion, with glowing candlelight creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
The town of Voss has many facets and is also known for adrenaline-fueled experiences, sky diving, and whitewater rafting, to name a few. I fully participated in one activity at the Voss Vind Indoor Skydiving facility: the exhilarating sensation of ski diving within the confines of a wind tunnel.
The VossVind facility for indoor skydiving. Photo by Sebastian Price.
Entering the wind tunnel, I immediately felt a rush of air surrounding me. With the help of a skilled instructor, I suited up in a jumpsuit and helmet, ready to take flight. Stepping to the tunnel’s edge, I felt a surge of adrenaline as I prepared to launch myself into the airflow.
As I soared upwards, weightless and free, time seemed to stand still. With each twist and turn, I reveled in the sensation of flight, my heart pounding excitedly. The wind tunnel provided the perfect environment for simulating the exhilaration of skydiving and the thrill of freefall in a safe and controlled setting.
The indoor skydiving experience. Photo by Sebastian Price.
After several exhilarating minutes of flight, I reluctantly returned to solid ground, my heart still racing from the thrill of the experience.
During my winter stay in Voss, I had a great experience at the Scandic Hotel. Its location proved perfect, just a few feet from the mountain gondola, the train station, and a short walk to the town center.
I slept well in a warm and comfortable standard accommodation. The breakfast buffet was also exceptional. After a long day of outdoor activities, returning to this Scandic provided a much-needed opportunity to stay refreshed and ready for another enjoyable day near Voss township.
In our office, we received a box with three fruity Johny Bootlegger liquors that can be excellent bases for cocktails or can be sipped as after-dinner drinks. Included in the box was also a metal flask just like the ones the “fellers” used to carry in their hip pockets and “dames” used to tuck in their garters during the unfortunate American experiment in abstinence known as “Prohibition.” The Johny Bootlegger story started during this time.
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – which banned the manufacture, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquors – officially went into effect on January 17, 1920, with the passage of the Volstead Act. It was passed under the influence and support of the American Temperance Society as drafted by the head of the Anti-Saloon League. It was a tough enforcement act, which was then sponsored by the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Andrew Volstead.
As a result, there was an increase in the illegal production, importation, and sale of liquor known as “bootlegging” and illegal drinking spots known as “speakeasies.” This corresponded with a rise in major American cities of racketeering, gang violence, murders, hijackings, bribing of officials, and other crimes, which led to less support for Prohibition as time passed by.
In early 1933, Congress adopted a resolution proposing the 21st Amendment to the Constitution that repealed the 18th. The 21st Amendment was ratified on December 5, 1933, ending Prohibition. But the damage had already been done, especially in the country’s large urban centers, where respect for the law, the police, and the judicial system had plummeted.
Additionally, Prohibition became the prelude to the Great Depression, the longest and deepest economic downturn in the history of the United States.
Johny was, supposedly, an “entrepreneur” who was doing a stretch in Sing Sing Prison when he had the idea for creating speakeasies or private drinking clubs where people could go, socialize, dance, flirt and imbibe. A few of the most famous eateries and clubs in Manhattan like the 21 Club, Chumley’s on Bedford Street, the Back of Ratner’s at the corner of Norfolk and Delancey, and many others became legendary speakeasies during that time.
The Johny Bootlegger liquors we received were Alcatraz Sour Apple, Sing Sing Sour Grape, and Syndicate City Sour Peach. Those and many other fruity tipples in the Bootlegger line have been inspired by the legendary Johny and can be bought (and not stolen, please) from your local liquor store or ordered in non-dry-areas online from the Geloso Beverage Group of Rochester, New York.
In addition to the cocktails, they can also be used instead of a syrup over ice cream or a fruit slushy, as well as to flavor fruit salads and other fruit-based desserts.
We did enjoy sipping these drinks and thought that, all things considered, they were not that bad as an addition to a glass of seltzer. Enjoy!
If you’ve never been to Asia, Singapore is a great introduction to the continent. I think of it as “Asia Lite.” Yes, you’re in Asia, but English is universally spoken and written on signs. Some Asian cities have given me a bad case of culture shock, so there’s a lot to be said for a city that’s easily navigated on foot, by taxi, or public transport – even if I sometimes felt more like I was in Europe than Asia.
The first thing I noted about Singapore is that it’s remarkably clean. Of course, the government is famously strict, so both street litter and the crime rate are low. On my drive from the airport, I noticed that even the highways are beautifully landscaped with palm trees and flowers lining the way.
The second thing that caught my eye is that it’s much more culturally diverse than most cities in Asia. I saw people of almost every ethnic background, but Singapore’s main cultural influences are Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian.
A beautiful Hindu temple in Singapore. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
I stayed at two hotels during my time in the city, and my first hotel was located within walking distance of Chinatown. The 4-star Amara Hotel was a pleasure from beginning to end. Newly renovated, the property maintains several restaurants and bars. One of them included a Chinese tea-pouring show.
If you’ve never seen this, you’re in for a treat. The tea expert studied in China for three years and uses an excessively long spout to pour the tea in long streams from behind his back, over his head, and more without spilling or splattering it, even though he pulls the spout up sharply after each pour. It’s a 3,000-year-old tradition that is very impressive and fun to watch.
Singapore’s Amara Hotel. Photo courtesy of Amara Hotel.
I enjoyed some of the Amara’s extra touches, such as the soft Chinese music playing in the hallways, the pillow menu, the self-service laundry facilities, and the room service breakfast menu, which offered continental, American, Chinese, Japanese, and healthy breakfast options. Since I stayed in an executive suite, I had breakfast on the special floor for execs.
We “execs” were given private buffet service in a small area with the news playing on a large screen TV. I was greeted by name and served eggs to order at a small table while I sat on a cushy couch.
When I stepped out of the Amara, it was easy to find my way to Chinatown. I had such a great time strolling through the small streets lined with vendors that I wandered around for hours. Unlike some cities in Asia where the vendors are uncomfortably aggressive, the Singapore sellers were gracious when I said I’d “think about it.”
Chinatown in Singapore. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
The prices were also very reasonable, and I walked away with a lot of unique gifts from silk pillow covers to a Chinese silk kimono to glass bottles with scenes painted on the inside. Don’t miss getting a super cheap foot or shoulder massage while you’re in Chinatown either!
My second hotel, the Pan Pacific, gave me a taste of the very commercial Marina Square area, which is central to upscale shopping and office buildings. The Roman drapes and sun filters on the windows of my room were operated by remote control or a bedside table panel. (It’s hard to resist the urge to play with this.) Even the minibars were wifi automated. Every time you remove something from the frig, your room is automatically charged. You don’t have to fill out a form, and you don’t have to worry about being charged for something after you’ve checked out.
The hallways of each floor of the hotel are open, giving you a view of every floor above you, and there are glass bubble elevators with a view of the city that is especially spectacular at night.
Hai Tien Lo restaurant in the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore. Photo courtesy of the Pan Pacific.
The Pan Pacific has several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Indian, and Italian. But it’s the Chinese restaurant – Hai Tien Lo – that is the hotel’s showplace. Located high in the hotel’s tower, the circular restaurant offers panoramic views of the city and harbor.
As luck would have it, I arrived in Singapore right at the beginning of Chinese New Year, so I was able to sample a special authentic holiday menu prepared by Hai Tien Lo’s award-winning chef, which included salmon sashimi yu sheng, a traditional salad that you toss at the table for good luck, and some sugary fruit sweets unlike anything I’d ever tasted. Dessert was another special New Year cake called custard nian gao.
Singapore offers a wealth of things to do, and I feel like I only scratched the surface. I visited Little India and sampled both Indian and Malaysian cuisine at small inexpensive restaurants on the street.
I visited Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, which are among the best in the world. Even after visiting numerous botanic gardens and rainforests across the globe, I had never seen many of these exotic plants that looked like they belong on another planet.
One of the exotic plants in the Singapore Botanic Garden. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
The Jurong Bird Park was an excellent zoo filled exclusively with birds. It closed in early 2023 at its original location and is now part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve. I highly recommend it. There is also a Night Safari there that isn’t to be missed.
If you like nature, also make your way to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for the mangrove arboretum, where you’ll see fish, turtles, birds, and my favorite – the large monitor lizards. From a bridge on the grounds, you can see the skyline of Johor Bahru in Malaysia, which you can visit on a day trip if you like.
Singapore is a metropolitan and sophisticated city, and I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience there. I certainly understand why so many expatriates call it home. But if you forget for a moment that you’re in Asia, you’ll be reminded when you find yourself face to face with a family of macaque monkeys.
As far as this travel, food, and wine writer is concerned, Spain has surpassed most traditional European countries lauded by gastronomes for food and wine excellence.
Whether your food preferences go toward classic dishes or innovative modern cuisine, Spain has many eating establishments from lowly tascas to its 15 establishments (as of 2024) with three Michelin stars that will titillate your palate with their culinary expertise and the treasures of their wine cellars.
What I find extremely interesting is the strip along the southern foothills of the Pyrenees from Barcelona to San Sebastian. I have eaten in many towns and villages along that strip and found many eateries offering exceptional dishes, both in quality and variety.
Starting in the Catalan/Tarragona region, the culinary pinnacle would now be the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. It’s the domain of the third generation restaurateurs Roca brothers about an hour north of Barcelona at the outskirts of the city of Girona.
Girona Spain (stock photo).
In the past, Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in the same region was the undisputed “Kingdom of Gastronomy.” But now, the El Celler de Can Roca has been called “the Best Restaurant in the World” twice, in 2013 and 2015, and the second best restaurant in the world many more times.
Juan Roca is top toque in charge of the kitchen, Josep Roca is the sommelier and front-of-the-house manager, and Jordi Roca is the pâtissier. All three excel at what they do!
Eating at El Celler de Can Roca is serious business. Please note that it only has about 40 seats, so reservations are imperative and should be made well in advance.
Tasting-menu-wise, there are two options when dining there. You can try the Classic tasting menu, or you can do the Feast tasting menu. I have tasted both at different times and can confirm that you can’t go wrong with either one. Most of the dishes are based on seasonal ingredients, so you won’t have the exact same dish repeated in successive visits even though different dishes might appear on the menu under quite similar names.
Juan Roca cooks many classic regional, national, and international dishes, many of which were initially offered by his parents before the brothers took over and innovated the menu with creative twists.
Stock photo by Vinotecarium.
Drinking is also serious business there. Josep has accumulated an exceptional collection of both Spanish and international libations. Long verticals of the best wines from around the world and certainly Catalonia and Tarragona are found both at the in-restaurant cellar and stashed at a temperature and humidity-controlled warehouse near the restaurant.
Most of the times I ate there, since the Wines of Catalonia were our host, a table was set up in the restaurant’s wine storage space, and our hosts brought wines from their winery libraries. Josep also brought gems he selected from the restaurant’s library to wash down our meals.
Once we asked to see the wine list, and a piece of furniture holding a huge tome was rolled over where we found every exceptional wine possible.
But Can Roca is not the only striking restaurant with spectacular dishes in the area.
Large stuffed calamari at Disfrutar. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Disfrutar in Barcelona by the Ninot Market just received their third Michelin star. They have been starred for many years, and it has also been named “Best Restaurant in the World” at least once.
A meal at Disfrutar is like a performance: there’s fire, ice, smoke, and lots and lots of flavor. Oriol Castro, one of the three exceptional chefs helming the kitchen, is an affable young man I met a number of times at the annual Gastronomika conference in San Sebastian. All the chefs at Disfrutar had their early culinary experiences at El Bulli’s kitchens. That training has been the springboard of this clearly avant-garde Mediterranean kitchen, where the dishes stand out for their exceptional character.
However, having Michelin stars doesn’t mean that starred establishments are the only restaurants at the apex of Spanish culinary excellence and worth trying.
I have eaten in numerous other restaurants in or near Barcelona that I would consider as good as any starred eatery. It’s often the unassuming tascas, local eateries and secluded tavernas that serve dishes rivaling Michelin’s finest, without the formal recognition and ensuing high prices. Many great Spanish chefs have not accepted Michelin-honors or other such laudatory designations as they feel they do not need the pressure and their usual customers would not pay the resulting high prices.
Southeast of Barcelona, nestled atop Triassic limestone cliffs overlooking a river, is Siurana, a charming medieval mountain town perched high on the mountain top.
Tuna tartare at El Tallers. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
With just 32 permanent residents, its crown jewel is La Siuranella — an intimate eight-room boutique hotel, complemented by the breathtaking Els Tallers restaurant, a culinary haven. It offers a genuine taste of Tarragona’s culinary arts and a well-curated cellar of Priorat and Monsanto wines with food that has a modern flair at tempting prices. See my more in-depth review of Els Tallers.
Shrimp tapas at Bar Cañete. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Bar Cañete has a great reputation as a local Barcelona joint. If you come early, you may be surrounded by tourists, but by around 10 pm, the majority of your fellow diners will definitely be speaking Catalan. Tapas are what to order here and wash them down with a local bottle from the large wine list or a cold beer.
A delicious dish at Mont Bar. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
A foodie favorite for years, Mont Bar has slowly been making its name as a standout gastro-tapas bar in Barcelona. The Michelin people have finally awarded it the star it has long deserved. During many of my earlier visits, this space was rowdy and a bit cramped. The tables are more spaced out these days, and the clientele is more buttoned up.
It’s still a very good tapas bar, just a more elegant version. With the Michelin star came a tasting menu, in this case consisting of 15 dishes. But Mont Bar still offers à la carte options with fairly inexpensive bites!
Zaragoza, in Aragon, further west than Barcelona has another Spanish culinary treasure. Zaragoza was noted for its “Leaning Tower,” a clock tower built in the 16th century. It was taller than the Leaning Tower of Pizza but was dismantled by the end of the 19th century because of fears that if it fell, it could demolish other buildings around it and injure or kill local inhabitants.
It was notable because it was built by masters who belonged to three different religions – Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. There is still a sculpture of a boy sitting on the paved plaza looking up at the tower as if it still existed.
La Dispensa de Montal atrium. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Since 1919, La Despensa De Montal has been a historic restaurant and gourmet shop in downtown Zaragoza across the square from where the “Leaning Tower” was. It provides traditional Spanish food that includes tasty seasonal menus based on local ingredients served in what was an ornate, centuries-old palace.
You can get a menu in Spanish, English, or French. We ate there one evening during a visit to the Cariñena winery about 3/4 of an hour from Zaragoza. Montal serves high quality Spanish charcuterie, cheeses, and croquettes, as well as many classic Spanish main dishes. These include lovely pork chops, migas de pastor a la casa (breadcrumbs softened in water and wine and then sautéed in meat drippings with paprika, garlic, and grapes), giant beans with clams, Iberian pork cheeks in Port, and a number of spectacular rice dishes.
There is also a tasty table-d’hôte menu. It is a bit pricey, but the restaurant is elegant and very picturesque. In the building’s basement, there is a very well-stocked wine and delicacies store.
Pulpa a la Brasa at Cerveceria Marpy. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Another interesting find wasCervecería Marpy, a delightful tapas emporium. I loved their Pulpo a la Brasa, Pimientos de Padrón, Chipirones a la Plancha, and some of their barely seared tuna tapas.
A delicious dish at Cerveceria Marpy. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Madrid, the capital at the country’s center, has a number of iconic restaurants that have fed Madrileños and visitors for ages. There are many dedicated to classic, time-tested Spanish recipes, as well as ones specializing in modern dishes using international ingredients.
Sobrino de Botín Restaurant exterior in Madrid, Spain. Photo courtesy of Restaurante Botín.
A delectable dish at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel garden restaurant in Madrid. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
But if you wish to eat really well in an exceptionally plush environment, there is one restaurant to make a reservation in this city, the garden restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid, in the summertime. Since way before Mandarin Oriental took over this legendary hotel’s management, the kitchens of the Ritz have served spectacular and sophisticated food to locals and guests. It now sports 2 Michelin stars, but it has always been one of the places where the upper crust of the Spanish capital has gone for spectacular meals.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Madrid garden restaurant. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
And then, there is San Sebastian, the Basque city on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. This city and the area around it are famous for the quality and number of exceptional eating establishments. Most of the restaurants in Spain with 3 Michelin stars are situated in this region. From luxury hotel dining rooms to hole-in-the-wall tapas bars, I have not eaten better in Spain. Read more about San Sebastian’s renowned chefs and restaurants.
They are perhaps the reason one of the most influential European food conferences is annually held in this city. The Gastronomika Conference attracts top chefs, food journalists, and food lovers from around the world. It takes place every October, and for a food aficionado, it is heaven as receptions, chef demonstrations, sampling booths, and visits to spectacular area kitchens are part of the proceedings.
If you are curious about the chefs attending, their presentations of new dishes, or the concurring food expo, anyone can buy tickets through the conference’s website or approved outlets. You can attend a wide range of events and activities, including master classes and workshops, live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and exploring the meals that local restaurants sponsor.
You can choose between full-access passes for the entire duration or a single-day pass. Either way, I’m sure you will not be disappointed. (The photo at the top of this article is of tuna tartare and Beluga caviar at Gastronomika taken by by Manos Angelakis.)
A couple of my friends have told me they wouldn’t want to visit Japan because of how the country came across in the 2003 Bill Murray film “Lost In Translation.” Well, I had the opportunity to go to Japan, and I can say from first-hand experience that the film did the country a grave disservice.
I was blown away by Japan and its people. While the culture is certainly different from the west, it isn’t so different that Americans should feel utterly off balance or out of place. I loved every minute of my time there and recommend it highly.
Here are my top ten reasons for putting Japan on your bucket list, but I could come up with many more.
1. The people are exceedingly polite and friendly. In fact, they’re almost polite to a fault, which makes for an ultra-pleasant travel experience. The Japanese people went out of their way to be helpful and were enormously patient and sweet to me everywhere I went. Even the agents at the airport security lines were polite! Look how they stand in line to get on the train:
People stand in line to wait for a train in Tokyo. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
2. It’s the cleanest country I’ve ever visited. I’ve been to nearly 50 countries on six continents, and I have to say that I’ve never seen a cleaner country anywhere. There was almost no litter, and public restrooms were clean (except for one I visited in a subway station.)
A toilet menu in Japan. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
3. They’ve taken bathrooms to an entirely different level. Oh, how I miss the bathrooms in Japan. The toilet seats are heated, and there’s a bidet menu that includes a dryer for your bum. Often, there’s even a flush menu so that you don’t waste water if you don’t need a full flush. Some public restrooms have a dispenser that allows you to get some liquid antibacterial cleanser on some toilet paper so that you can wipe the seat clean. I even saw one public bathroom that included a seat for a baby within the stall!
A place to put your infant in a bathroom stall in Japan. Photo by Melanie VotawA disinfecting wipes dispenser to clean your toilet seat in Japan. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
4. The subways and other trains are enormously efficient. While I did see a sign or two announcing a train delay, I never experienced one. Every subway or train I took was right on time. People stood in line to get on the trains, there was no pushing or shoving, and most trains had automatic platform doors that would prevent anyone from getting dangerously close to the train or the track. That door would open first, followed by the train doors. (Check out my article about navigating the country and understanding how the subways and other trains work.)
5. They take creature comforts seriously. While it’s true that some Japanese hotel rooms can be smaller than we’re used to in the U.S., even the cheaper hotels provide slippers, nightshirts (sometimes even pajama bottoms), toothbrushes, hair ties, razors, shower caps, shampoo, and conditioner. Here are some other examples of attention to creature comforts:
The shinkansen bullet trains have been built with an exceptional amount of leg room.
Inside a Shinkansen train in Japan. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
If you have a layover between flights, there are dayrooms in Tokyo’s Narita airport that you can rent for about $10 an hour, which include a bed, private toilet, shower, soap, and shampoo.
My dayroom in Tokyo’s Narita Airport. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
There are designated enclosed smoking areas in many places, including outside of some train stations in Tokyo.
Smoking area outside Shinjuku station in Tokyo. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
A shopping mall I visited in Osaka had baby carriages for rent, and many cities have parking lots for bicycles and motor bikes or parking spots on the street where you can lock your bike. I even saw a meeting room in a hotel that contained a crib!
You can rent baby carriages in this Osaka shopping mall. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Parking spots to lock your bike on the street in Osaka. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
6. If you like Japanese cuisine, you’ll be in heaven. But if you don’t, you’ll be able to find alternatives. I’ll admit that I’m not a fan of Japanese food, so I was a bit concerned about how I’d handle that. But I found that there were plenty of non-Japanese food options. That might be less the case in small towns or rural areas, but in the cities, there are restaurants serving American, Italian, and even Mexican cuisine, among others.
Ashikaga Flower Park outside of Tokyo in spring. it’s a glorious place! Photo by Melanie Votaw.
7. Gardens are everywhere. The Japanese certainly know how to design a garden, and in the spring, flowers are everywhere. Azaleas of several colors are particularly common, and of course, there are the famous cherry blossoms. I saw a few of those but traveled to the country specifically for wisteria season. I saw some wisteria trellises in a few locations, but the main place was Ashikaga Flower Park, which is a couple of hours by train outside of Tokyo. Read my article about this park, complete with photos and tips for how to get there without confusion.
A view of the extensive gardens at Toyko’s Hotel Chinzanso, taken from my window. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
8. The language barrier isn’t as pronounced as you might think. Yes, it’s more difficult to find English speakers outside of Tokyo, but I found that it wasn’t that difficult to communicate with people. Gestures work well, and most Japanese people know at least a few English words. If worst comes to worst, you can use a translation app on your phone. Signage is also frequently in both English and Japanese, although not always. Whenever I got confused, it usually took just a few minutes of looking to find someone who could help me.
9. There’s very little crime. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. I felt safer there than I’ve felt anywhere. Case in point: On a train from Kyoto to Nara, I left my backpack (containing my camera equipment) above my seat. I realized it as I was traveling down the escalator from the platform and immediately zoomed back up the steps.
The train was getting ready to leave the station, but an attendant was standing there holding my backpack. No one had stolen my bag, and they cleared the train of lost items before it left the station. Also, since the country doesn’t have to worry about terrorist bombs, there are lockers in many areas where you can store your belongings for hours or even days.
10. History is probably right around the corner wherever you are. Even in ultra-modern Tokyo, some of the historic streets are very narrow, and you might run across an ancient shrine as you’re taking a casual walk. That happened to me more than once.
Women in traditional dress in Tokyo. It doesn’t get more charming than this! Photo by Melanie Votaw.
In addition to the shrines that you’ll see on tourist lists, there are numerous smaller, “less significant” ones all over the country. Plus, you’ll see people wearing traditional clothing all over the place. I can’t recommend travel to Japan enough. If you can swing it, go!
One of the most elegant hotels in London’s Mayfair, Claridge’s has been the favorite residence of visiting industrialists, international aristocracy, statesmen, and illustrious celebrities since 1898. Completely restored to its art deco splendor, it now features 269 individually designed rooms and suites.
Claridge’s lobby. Photo courtesy of Claridge’s.
The ambitious renovation after it was acquired by a Qatari-owned British company has taken seven years and involved mining by hand. The work was completed in September 2021.
Claridge’s entry hall. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
L’Epicerie (the spice store) at Claridge’s offers a unique dining experience. Set within Claridge’s kitchens, this beautiful “Chef’s Table” seats 14 guests and provides a front row seat to the culinary magic performance of the kitchen. The French name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it defined a small shop specializing in selling spices from around the world.
Claridge’s Mayfair Suite. Photo courtesy of Claridge’s.
Claridge’s purchase and expansion into the neighboring building also created space for numerous new suites such as the Mayfair in a modern style with scallop-shaped furniture in a coral and pastel palette. The suites on the top floor feature long terraces overlooking Brook Street.
Claridge’s suite terraces. Photo courtesy of Claridge’s.
Claridge’s enjoys the unrivaled reputation of combining the grace and traditions of a bygone era with the superb comfort and amenities of the present. The staff of 320 is some of the most highly trained in the world. During our stay, the maid unpacked for us and pressed what needed pressing, while room service brought dinner from Claridge’s dining room that is noted for haute cuisine and an excellent cellar.
On our last stay at the property, there was a bottle of champagne, orchard-fresh fruit, and handmade chocolate truffles waiting for us on a table in our living room. Bathrobes in our size (they keep records from previous visits) were waiting in the bathroom, and slippers were laid out on a linen mat next to the bed.
We normally take an early flight from Kennedy Airport and take advantage at Heathrow of Claridge’s “Meet and Greet” service to bring us to the hotel in a chauffeured Mercedes or BMW in time for an evening business meeting or the theater.
Claridge’s bedroom. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Since my time of working with the Leading Hotels of the World that used to represent the hotel worldwide as part of the Savoy Group, I’ve loved staying at Claridge’s. The property is very conveniently situated in the heart of London, which makes it the best base of operations.
Claridge’s was only about 15 minutes from the Abbey Road studios, where I used to create and edit soundtracks for my films and videos, and a few more minutes from Soho, the theater district, Harrods, and Liberty department stores. It’s also close to some of the best London pubs and wine bars.
Afternoon tea tartelettes at Claridge’s. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The Foyer is “the” place to have afternoon tea – a daily ritual of London’s society, where waiters serve finger sandwiches, the best tasting scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserves, petit fours, and miniature fruit tarts. We always try to take advantage of this repast in the company of friends or business associates.
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s. Photo courtesy of Claridge’s.
Claridge’s has observed this enjoyable feature of the British national culinary tradition for more than 150 years. Currently, the fine bone china table settings are made to Claridge’s specifications in a proprietary pattern by the French porcelain masters at Bernardaud.
Nowadays, the waiters are dressed fairly formally in white jackets and black ties, but in the past, they would wear Edwardian britches and appropriate vintage outfits while serving the tea! I’m sorry I no longer have any images of those servers in their uniforms. They were spectacular. It was definitely something to remember, and a stay at this hotel will also be something you long remember.
Air travel safety record is good! This may come as a surprise, but the International Air Transport Association report on plane safety in 2023 says the number of accidents last year was the lowest in a decade – one accident for every 1.26 million flights. Strap in, and get going!
Bunk beds in the air? In September, Air New Zealand will have SkyNest bunk beds for premium and regular economy passengers. There will be six bunk beds lying flat, which can be booked for four hours from $400-$600. They will be available on Boeing 787 Dreamliners on their longest routes, including flights from New York and Chicago. I assume these will have their own belts, as I wouldn’t want to go tumbling out from the top bunk during turbulence.
Ancient city discovered in Ecuador. The oldest known city in the Amazon was recently discovered in Ecuador. Built 2,500 years ago, people lived in the city for possibly as long as a thousand years.
Holland America cruise to all 7 continents! The line will start the Grand World Voyages in 2026, which will take 132 days. It will start and end in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and head down South America to Antarctica, then toward Australia, Singapore, the Maldives, Egypt, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe – 47 ports in 39 countries.
Frankfurt, Germany’s changing skyline. Frankfurt is going to add 50 skyscrapers to its buildings. Not sure how long it will take to build them all, but they’ll start next year. it will change the face of the city!
Global Entry Enrollment from Washington, D.C. If you’re taking an international flight from Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., you can now sign up for Global Entry right before your journey. The office is open in B concourse at gate B41 from noon to 8:00 p.m. each day. You don’t need an appointment! Hopefully, this will be done in other airports in the near future.
New Centurion Lounge in Atlanta! American Express has opened a new Centurion Lounge at Atlanta Airport, and I’m told it’s spectacular. Hope to experience it at some point! It’s in Concourse E near gate 11.
Mexico Alert during spring break. The U.S. has issued an alert for travelers to Mexico during spring break due to crime. In other words, just be careful out there.
Tourist fees keep piling on. Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia is now charging 25 Euros for entry, and Seville, Spain’s gorgeous Plaza de España complex will soon start charging a fee, although we don’t yet know how much. These fees are usually to finance restoration, so I’m happy to pay them.
American Airlines standby restrictions. If you want to standby on an American Airlines flight, you will now have to join their Advantage frequent flyer program. It isn’t such a big deal since it’s free to join, but it’s still not exactly customer-friendly.
This is a recipe handed down in my family from my paternal grandmother. It’s an unusual version of bourbon balls that does not include nuts. While I know we usually make these candies during the Christmas holidays, I enjoy them at any time of year.
That said, they are very sweet and very rich! So I don’t eat them often. When I do, they’re a decadent treat. I hope you will enjoy them as much as my family has for decades.
Ingredients:
1 stick butter (don’t use margarine)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 scant tablespoons bourbon
1 box powdered sugar
4 squares unsweetened chocolate
Food grade paraffin wax
Method:
Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan.
Add the vanilla extract and bourbon.
Add powdered sugar and mix until the mixture is stiff.
In a separate small saucepan, melt the chocolate.
Form the powdered sugar mixture into small balls.
Dip each ball in the chocolate to cover it, and place it on wax paper to cool.
