But it was the many surprises surrounding the experiences on the ship that truly enhanced the trip. Because this was our first river cruise, my husband and I had many apprehensions ahead of time. The tiny stateroom? Check. But somehow it had more drawers, shelves and hangers than I have at home and was surprisingly comfortable.

Too sedentary? Check. Being a particularly active person — the have-every-minute-programmed kind of active — although at a senior citizen level — I feared the shortish daily tour would not be sufficient. After all, the 182-passenger MS River Aria Is not one of those cruise ships boasting round the clock activities. However, opportunities abounded to explore every city as much — or as little — as you want.

Having primarily traveled with Overseas Adventure Travel, the much smaller, younger tour group under the auspices of Grand Circle, we also worried about traveling in a large group of older folk. And yes, GC caters to those needs. There is a slower paced tour option available for those who feel they cannot keep up with the group. Portable light-weight seats are available for those unable to stand in one spot during long explanations. An electric chair is attached to the stairs on the ship. Electric bikes are available on board for very easy peddling along some of the most beautiful bike paths in Europe.

There is little that Grand Circle hasn’t thought of to accommodate a somewhat older clientele.  But for the most part, that older clientele is a feisty group of fun-loving, adventurous travelers who are loathe to slow down.

Worried about needing to swarm around our guide in order to hear what was being said? Check. Each person, however, has his own individual listening device so that you can hear the tour guide as you walk through the cities, even if you’re a block away. At this point, we stopped worrying.

The boat passengers are divided into four color-coded groups each led by a program director. Stefan was ours, but all four participate in the ongoing upkeep of the troops. Everyone associated with Grand Circle and the ship is, well, friendly doesn’t do them justice: funny, accommodating, out-sized personalities all eager to please — and despite my husband’s cynicism, I don’t think it’s just because of the tip…

Most mornings we’re out and about by 9 — but one sailing day, we instead were on a deck chaise, Bloody Mary in hand, listening to commentary about the surrounding topography — wooded treetops, rolling green countryside, rural villages, terraced vineyards and an occasional abbey or castle. Life doesn’t get much better than that! My concern about filling every hour with activity dissipated.

I was pried from my reading revelry as my fellow passengers hustled to the sides of the ship as we went through our first of nine locks, a feat that if you haven’t experienced is worth the effort of rising from the comfort of your chaise lounge. The ship narrowly goes between barriers on both sides and is then lowered so as to access the water level on the other side. By the time we hit lock #6, no one moved. Another Bloody Mary anyone?

Because it’s lunchtime, I should pause here to talk a bit about the meals — which deserve an article of their own. From creativity to inventiveness to presentation and oh, yes — deliciousness, the food merits its own Michelin star.  I looked forward to every meal knowing it was going to be surprising, lovely and scrumptious. And the service? Suffice it to say, not only are the waiters attentive and accommodating, most of them are stand-up comedians.

I was finishing my soup when Vladimer walked by with a bottle of Amaretto, obviously requested by another table. “Where are you going with that?” I lustily inquired. Without skipping a beat, he poured some into my soup bowl and moved on. How can you not love that?

Afternoon option? Go back to town — or have a massage. Okay. A massage. And then some Learning and Discovery onboard, a philosophy Grand Circle takes very seriously.  A discussion of Eastern European traditions and cultures from our four Program Directors, all of who hail from neighboring countries — Stefan — Romania; Igor — Slovakia; Jirka — Czech Republic and Milan, Serbia. The Four Musketeers, or court jesters depending upon your loving point of view, explained their local costumes and then proceeded to present their own holidays, wedding or religious celebrations in their own very entertaining styles.  Not much is taken seriously on board.

Ah, the night-time entertainment — corny, yes; fun, more so. I usually avoid karaoke but here, it’s just another excuse to laugh yourself silly. Rather than a contest to judge the best singers, it instead — intended or not — became an exercise in which group sounded the most hilariously awful. And the crew talent show?  Okay, so maybe it looked like a bunch of 10-year-olds in their first school production. Suffice it to say that when the kitchen staff did Swan Lake, it was downhill from there, prompting the ship’s captain to implore, “Whatever happens on board, stays on board!” And then there were the horse races. Don’t even ask. Let’s just say that it involved a lot of shots. So another boring night.

And when we weren’t laughing, we were learning something. “Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain,” conducted by our Four Musketeers, revealed personal experiences from their teen-age years: how their families were impacted by the Soviet domination of their countries until the end of Communism there in 1989. Homes confiscated, fortunes lost, food rationed, travel prohibited, spies in communities, labor camps. Their schoolbooks were the same as had been used for generations, and they didn’t discover until later how much misinformation they contained. Again — eye-opening.

A talk from an everyday Budapest accountant regaled us with a tale of how he once saw a needy family on the sidewalk, stopped to help and ended up saving 6000 refugees, with an organization of volunteers he compiled, over the next two years. Until stopped by the very hostile Hungarian government. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house. Grand Circle does not shy away from controversy.

When at trip’s end, we were told we had to be out of our stateroom by 8 a.m. because another tour was coming aboard, the communal reaction seemed to be: WHAT? Other people in OUR cabins? With OUR crew? It seemed so wrong — but it sure says a lot about how Grand Circle makes its clients feel.

Yes, I know, I promised to tell you all about the magnificent cities we visited. Immersive history, architectural grandeur, every city an open-air museum of stunning edifices spanning multiple centuries. But I lied.

For more information, visit https://www.gct.com/trips/river-cruises/europe/romantic-blue-danube-budapest-to-prague/2021/itineraries?icid=global:itineraries:europe-by-river-cruise:edr

The post Grand Circle Blue Danube River Cruise: What Happens on the Ship Stays on the Ship… appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Large floor to ceiling windows render an eerie dream quality to the stormy sea, creating an otherworld intensity of nature’s unsettled grandeur as the immense low-slung clouds drop out of the sky nearly covering the white-capped waves that are sinking and rising in an uneven rhythm as if gasping for breath.

The Cunarder unmarked by the grumble of weather compiling more than 300 transatlantic crossing is an elite ocean liner positioned high above the cruise ship throng of today with 40 percent more steel than the typical cruise ship, and specifically designed for the trials of the open seas. The Flagship of the historic Cunard fleet dating to 1840 is maintaining the grace and elegance of a previous era with a dress code that highlights a sensation of occasion with festive gala balls, the largest library and dance floor afloat, and with a notable collection of creative chefs and cooks.

Cunard Traditional Afternoon Tea – A Broad Aesthetic Sophistication

Ignoring the sigh of the open seas, the Queen Mary 2 is sailing west bound from Southampton to New York City celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Cunard’s Southampton connection, while hosting their traditional Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room, the dress code elevated in respect to the celebrated cruise line, Captain Christopher Wells and his staff. An attractive musician, her eyes closed, is passionately playing a harp while formally dressed servers march into the room greeted by a hearty applause.

The elegant setting in absolute disparity to a tempestuous sea feels as if we are in the middle of the world sheathed in a wayward cloud skimming across the Atlantic while enjoying a festive afternoon party sharing the moment with strangers from throughout the world.

The mood is established with the aid of a sparkling chandelier, the strings of the harp, a tantalizing aroma, and the movement of the ship. A classic Cunard tradition for more than 150 years, Afternoon Tea is a show of staff members who gracefully move about the tables with carefully prepared sandwiches, tasty scones and cakes, and a selection of specially blended Assam, Kenyan and Ceylon, Twining Teas. London based since 1706, Twining is the perfect liaison for Cunard with history to match.

Executive Chef Roland Sargunan – The Power of the Palate

Gregarious like a long-lasting pal, Chef Sargunan emanates the passion, creativity and challenge of managing a hard-working galley. Smiling, “Malaysia is my country. I began cooking at home with my mother who was a wonderful cook and she understood the beauty of vegetables and fruit. I’ve been cooking with Cunard for 22 years and have a wonderful assembly of talented cooks. We present multi-national options as well as vegetarian, low sugar, gluten and lactose free choices, and Canyon Ranch Spa selections, a carb gratification.”  Exceptionally striking is the chef’s  Prime Darragh O’Shea beef, an eighth generation Yorkshire establishment noted for grass-fed Black Angus and renowned as providing the finest meat, game and poultry to the city of London. Chef’s Tip: For those sailing with food allergies pre-ordering is an asset.

Steakhouse at the Verandah Deck Two

Sous Chef Surat Gujadhur, born and raised in Mauritius, cooking for Cunard 16 years, creates a carefully orchestrated grilled lemon sole with strands of asparagus and a green bean fricassee, a popular vegetarian burger with crispy onions, and a 28-Day Aged Prime Angus Sirloin Steak prepared to order. Sides of Clam Chowder and Cured and Salt-baked Baby Beets with a touch of goat’s cheese arrive at table in small copper containers with a handle.

A relaxing and comfy Alternative Dining room with small wall lamps adjacent to vibrant Toulouse-Lautrec art, circular booths and draped windows that overlook the sea, set an ideal atmosphere for a sip of 1995 Central Washington State Merlo.

Kings Court Alternative Dining (Stairway C) Bamboo Pan Asian Cuisine

Ronard Cortez, Chef de Partie from the north of the Philippines, another intricate team member of Executive Chef Sargunan’s staff, has clocked 14 years with Cunard and feels at home serving golden brown and crisp kataifi shrimp in a tangy and light tamarind sauce tucked into a Bento Box.

A long-stemmed fresh-cut rose for Chef Cortez and his team, for their lush steamed king scallops with a zesty spiced seafood sauce, long slender enokitake mushrooms, and a soft shell crab creation with a pleasing Thai taste, crowned with a sweet chili sauce, and a dash of Szechuan pepper with slight lemony overtones.

Golden Lion Pub Feast with Live Music

Passages from a unique 22 string guitar resonate throughout the crowded pub as servers hustle from table-to-table brushing past British born Paul Garthwaite performing Liquor and Poker on his unique 22 string guitar. The ambience is that of a London Pub, chatter at a high level, and the opportunity to enjoy a steaming plate of Fish and Chips with their galley-made ketchup.

Britannia Restaurant Dining Stylish and Chic

Elaborate and distinguished in the timeless Cunard style, upon entering the two level dining complex it seems as if Bogart and Bacall should be dancing down the steps in gala dress while at another entrance Lady Ga Ga and Leonardo DiCapiro are gracefully strolling to a table of friends carrying the poise and mode of the future. While dining on corn chowder adorned with flakes of red bell pepper, a crispy goat cheese with mushrooms and walnut pesto, passengers are informed the Queen Mary 2 is passing 200 miles north of where the Titanic lies.

Later that night after dancing to a big band that knows how to swing we stopped at the Champagne Bar for a Titanic remembrance toast and the rich sense of sea-going culinary imagination.

www.cunard.com

The post Lift A Fork On The Queen Mary 2 appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Harrison Liu, executive at Atlas Ocean Voyages orchestrated an in-depth Zoom seminar  devoted to the current state of the cruise industry. The panel included experts in the field, many of whom having spent most of their professional careers in the world of cruising.

The post Cruise Experts on the State of Cruising appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Photographs by Dennis Cox, text by Clark Norton

At a time when travel has come to a complete standstill, award-winning photographer Dennis Cox releases the perfect antidote for cruise-starved readers – a luscious, photography-laden look at all aspects of the worldwide cruise phenomena that defined the last decades. This retrospective of river, canal, sea, and ocean cruising – from small boat to large ship – presents the colorful history of our fascination with vacationing on the water. Whether you see this as a eulogy to the cruise industry or as a temporary diversion until you can again walk the decks of your favorite ships, “Cruising the World – From Gondolas to Megaships” is just what the (travel) doctor ordered.

For years I wrote the port excursion tours for one of the largest resellers of cruises, so I know the tourist attractions in and around most port cities. I also know how many people can descend those gangplanks in each port. Often it was many times the number of people the infrastructure was designed to service. That leads to a conflict between residents and tourists that major destinations like Venice and Barcelona have been waging for years.

Combine that with the norovirus contagions of previous years and the current COVID-19 shipboard spread that had passengers and crew quarantined on board for weeks and months at a time, and you have a genuine fear of cruising building in the tourism sector. What’s a cruise industry to do?

Cruising is a $45 billion industry that helps support local economies. When COVID-19 locked down the cruise industry, popular destinations that depended heavily on visitor spending, sales taxes, and port fees, struggled to survive. The same destinations that once decried the thousands of day-trippers ruining their quality of life realized that it was the tourists bringing the money that helped to keep their local economy alive.

Citing stepped-up cleaning and sterilizing procedures in place, with self-service buffets and snacks closed, cruise lines have to hope tourists will return. But if one miss-step leaves tourists trapped onboard, dying in their floating petri dish, the cruise industry as we know it will likely sink.

With a few cruise lines now planning to restart itineraries in July, 2020, and others no later than 2021, local governments, businesses catering to tourism, even street vendors, have to wonder if the newly clean, uncongested, and quiet streets (and in the case of Venice – canals) they enjoyed when the tourists stayed home are worth giving up for the revenues generated. Perhaps a new balance – one that juggles a trashed destination’s engorged coffers with a citizen’s right to peacefully exist in their neighborhoods – could be realized.

This book “Cruising the World – From Gondolas to Megaships” doesn’t address that dilemma directly, but it does, just by its very existence, offer a pleasant alternative to cruising. That in itself can be a partial solution. It can also be the fix needed by committed cruisers that can’t wait until next year for the full menu of cruise options beautifully illustrated on these 208 glossy pages. So this book is perfect for those who wish to travel vicariously, those who wish to explore all the cruise options available to them, and those just jonesing for their next cruise.

From Dennis Cox’s preface: “A cruise can last for minutes or months. It can be shared with thousands of other people or with just a few. It can be luxurious or bare bones. It can carry you to sunny beaches or to great cities, tiny villages, and exotic landscapes. The choice is yours.”

Whatever your choice, as soon as you see “Cruising the World – From Gondolas to Megaships” you’ll want to pick it up and lose yourself in the splashy, colorful, and exotic cruise options and destinations.

This book has it all! Full and half-page color photos of everything from mega-ships with all the amenities for thousands of people, to duck boats and gondolas – along with descriptions of the places they’ll take you – fill these pages, wrapped by coherent and entertainingly descriptive text from award-winning cruise writer Clark Norton.

“Since 1970, the cruise industry has swelled from more than half a million passengers a year to more than 30 million annually – triple the growth rate of world tourism as a whole.” according to Clark Norton in the induction. “And to meet the demand, ships have gotten progressively bigger. Eleven cruise lines feature ships that can carry at least 2,200 passengers . . . and the five largest ocean-going vessels can now accommodate nearly 7000 passengers, resembling virtual floating resorts on the sea.” He goes on to compare them to the many luxurious small ships that can dock at lesser-known ports, even plying the scenic rivers and lakes of the world.

After his captivating introduction and a few dozen pages of historic overview, the book is arranged by region. It can be read cover-to-cover, or dipped into at random, always promising an engaging look at the industry and destinations you enjoy. If your interest is in a specific region, or type of cruise, the table of contents pinpoints it for your immediate pleasure. You don’t have to slog through Southeast Asia cruises if your interest is European River cruises – and vice versa. Just let your fingers do the walking to exactly what you are looking for. But don’t be surprised when the next eye-popping picture pulls you into a whole new section of the book – one you may find yourself enjoying even more!

Cruising the World – From Gondolas to Megaships: ISBN 978-0-578-45960-8 – 208 page, 9.5” x 12” full-color hardcover coffee table book features 535 photos depicting 37 varieties of cruise vessels representing 77 countries on all seven continents. $40 – can be ordered here: Photo Explorer Productions

The post Travel Book Review: Cruising the World – From Gondolas to Megaships appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The voyage began with Wind Star Cruises, aboard the company’s sleek, 342-passenger Wind Surf. Featuring motorized sailing yachts that are about a third the size of today’s average cruise ships, Windstar offers a unique, intimate traveling experience. The cruise traveled to the islands of Iles des Saintes, Nevis, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, St. John and St. Thomas.

Iles des Saintes, my favorite island in the French Antilles, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. This charming little hideaway is painted with colorful fishing boats bobbing offshore and tanned, french-speaking residents traversing narrow, semi-paved streets with scooters, bicyclers and bare feet. The island canvas is completed with the tiny shopping village of Bourg, sandwiched between white sandy beaches, with turquoise waters, and verdant green hills, speckled with red-roofed dwellings.

While in Iles des Saintes, I hiked to the ruins of Fort Napoleon, an 1867 garrison built by the island’s inhabitants to defend against attacking Carib and English armies. I then found Pont Piere Beach, where I went snorkeling in a secluded cove and relaxed on a deserted beach, while the Wind Surf danced on the horizon and wild goats and fisherman strolled past.

Back on board the Wind Surf I explored the 617-foot-long ship. With seven triangular sails spread across five masts, and more than half an acre of fabric flying 221 feet above the ship deck, the Wind Surf is a classic sailing vessel. Designed and built in Le Havre, France by the Chantiers de L’Atlantique shipyard, the boat joined the Windstar fleet in 1998. In 2011 – 2012, and most recently in 2019, she underwent major renovations.

The ship’s sails are computer-operated and can propel her if the wind is right. If it is man-made power the captain needs, then four diesel-electric engines are at the ready.

Because of her size, the Wind Surf, like all Windstar ships, can drop anchor in exotic ports too small for the big guys. And because these vessels carry a fraction of the passenger load, embarking and disembarking takes minutes instead of hours.

After exploring the Wind Surf, I relaxed on deck with a glass of wine and watched the sun fall into the Caribbean Sea. In the morning, the lush green mountains of Nevis engulfed my cabin windows. Rushing ashore, I found a beautiful cone-shaped island with colorful buildings, friendly locals, uniformed school children, and wondering goats and chickens. I gathered my water and sun screen and joined an expedition into the island’s stunning rainforest in search of vervet monkeys, wild donkeys and Zebra butterflies.

The trek took us through a thick canopy of vegetation that wound past wild coffee and cherries, mango trees and bamboo, and a host of exotic medicinal plants. In a while, we dipped beneath the branches of a towering breadfruit tree and emerged from the jungles of Nevis. Here I peered down the mountain to see the glistening profile of Wind Surf, anchored in a horseshoe bay.

From Nevis the Wind Surf sailed to St. Barthelemy, where we anchored off the tiny French island around noon. Because of the ship’s diminutive size we parked close enough to see a hilltop sprinkled with luxurious retreats. While here, I joined a van tour of the island.

Also known as St. Barts, St. Barthelemy is a Caribbean haven for the rich and famous — or those lucky enough to have been born there. The island is highlighted by narrow hillside streets, with secluded coves; sandy beaches; and luxurious resorts, hanging above emerald lagoons. There is also duty-free shopping; chic sidewalk cafes; mopeds and tiny cars; and a continuous air show, in which planes skim the main highway to land on a mountaintop airstrip the size of a football field.

Back aboard the Wind Surf, the chef prepared a Caribbean buffet in the lounge. Highlighted a whole roasted pig, fresh crab and shrimp, and numerous coconut and curry dishes, the exotic feast brought everyone out of their cabins. Dinner was followed by a variety show, staring the ship’s crew.

In the morning we sailed into St. Martin, the smallest landmass in the world shared by two countries. The Dutch own sixteen miles and the French own 21. On the French side, I saw salt ponds and the largest lagoon in the Caribbean. On the Dutch side, I found gambling and great bargains on duty free alcohol.

Our last island stop was St. John, where I hiked over a mountain and ended up at Honeymoon Beach, a beautifully secluded paradise. While cooling in the clear, bath-like water, I was invited aboard a nearby sailboat and given cold beer.

For more info on a Windstar Cruise to the Caribbean or other exotic destinations, visit Windstar Cruises.

The post Exploring the Islands of the Caribbean Aboard Windstar Cruises appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Fall Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

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Festival of Life and Death Traditions in Riviera Maya

Courtesy TravelPulse

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a holiday celebrated all throughout Mexico where living people honor the dead, giving the spirits of friends and ancestors who have passed on offerings including both food and drinks.

This year it takes place from October 30 to November 2, and the guest of honor is the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí. This will be Grupo Xcaret’s fourteenth annual Day of the Dead celebration.

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There’s a Reason Why Last-Chance Tourism Happens, But We Still Need to Talk About It

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Courtesy JoAnna Haugen, Adventure Travel News

In November 2017, the Associated Press reported that climbing on Uluru, Australia’s sacred monolith rock also known as Ayers Rock, would be banned beginning 26 October 2019. The park’s board made the decision in 2010 to ban the activity if interest declined and visitors were drawn to other activities. According to Parks Australia, only 16% of visitors climbed the rock between 2011 and 2015, a sharp drop from 74% in the 1990s.

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7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

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Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

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The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

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11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

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Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

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How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

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How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

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After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

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The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

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You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a betterlast-cha spot on your next flight.

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Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

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Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

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New Cruise Ships for Fall 2019: What People Are Most Excited About

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Airbus Previews “Cabin of the Future”

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A Triple Crown – Swimming the English Channel, NY’s Twenty Bridges, Catalina

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Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

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One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

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Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
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Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

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12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

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Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Khmer Lost City, What Makes a Good Tourist appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Fall Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

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7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

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Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

Courtesy Lloyd’s Register

Nuclear power as a fuel for ships is a completely zero-emission solution – it does not emit any SOx, NOx, CO2 or particulates. The technology is also millions of times more power-dense than fossil fuels and alternative fuel options that are currently being considered like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In terms of meeting the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition, it’s the only proven solution available today, capable of replacing fossil fuels in all marine applications.

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The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

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11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

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How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

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Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

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11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

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10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

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How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

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New Cruise Ships for Fall 2019: What People Are Most Excited About

Courtesy Cruise Critic

Love that new ship smell? This fall is proving to be a bumper season for new cruise ships, with megaships debuting from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises – all within a few months. Even though none of these ships are first in their class, each has new onboard activities, bars and restaurants that set them apart from their sister vessels.

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Airbus Previews “Cabin of the Future”

The airplane cabin of the future will include luggage bins that glow red when they’re full, seats tailored to passenger preferences and seat belts that alert cabin crew when they’re unbuckled, according to Airbus. The company announced in-flight trials of its new “Airspace Connected Experience” cabin at an industry event in Los Angeles.

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A Triple Crown – Swimming the English Channel, NY’s Twenty Bridges, Catalina

I had it marked on my calendar for several years: Diana, a friend of my daughter Jeannette and myself, would swim the English Channel in August, 2019 – and I planned to be there to see her off from the English shore and to greet her in France on the completion of her swim. It seemed only right because six years ago, I was one of her many friends and relatives to greet her on a Palos Verdes shore in California upon her completion of a swim from Catalina. Although the song says Catalina is “26 miles across the sea,” her swim was registered at 20 miles because of the point in Catalina from which she started and the point in California where she landed. This swim took her 17 hours and 9 minutes.

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Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

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Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

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One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

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The Demand for Customer Success Managers

Customer Success Managers proactively look for ways to connect companies to their audiences and build a culture of trust from the outset. Download this SmartFocus to learn about the rising demand for Customer Success Managers and the path to gaining this expertise.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

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12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

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The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

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Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Airbus Previews, Benefits of Cruising appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Once upon a time, the joke among those in the cruise industry was that the cruise vacation was something for the “newly  wed or the nearly dead.” I remember those jokes, as well as a time in my own life when I would be embarrassed to say that I was even going on a cruise. One day it occurred to me, how else could I see seven Caribbean island nations in eight days or explore a series of major Alaskan cities that are inaccessible by road in under a week? I quickly became a champion of the cruise experience. (Sure there was also the pampering, the shows and the endless buffets, but who was I to complain?) Today the cruise industry has exploded to such an extent that there are now options available for everyone from family-friendly and budget cruises to excursions that focus on ecology, wildlife, and expeditions to places on the planet long considered inaccessible. Today there are even climate change cruises where you will see the devastating effects of global warming right before your eyes.

Back Story

It was not confirmed until the early 1800s that there was even the existence of a “southern land,” when British, American, Norwegian and Russian expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region. In 1840 it was established that Antarctica was a continent-the fifth largest continent in the world – and not just a group of islands. Whalers and fur seal hunters braved the rough seas and brutal terrain for treasure. Following World War II there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent, with a number of countries setting up year-round research stations. Seven made territorial claims, and the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated in 1961, honoring existing territorial claims and giving the nations the right to explore the continent for scientific reasons. The first cruise ship exclusively for the sake of tourism sailed to Antarctica in the summer of 1950, the only season in which the weather makes it possible. By 1970, as the cruise industry began to grow, so did tourism to Antarctica, and by 2005, 36 different vessels made it to the continent in one year. For many it is a journey into history; for others an unparalleled ecological and sea life experience; but for most, it is the trip of a lifetime.

After setting foot aboard the deck of the MV Discovery, I began asking guests why they chose to take an eight-day cruise to Antarctica – the coldest, windiest and driest continent in the world; a landscape which is 98 percent thick continental ice sheet and 2 percent barren rock; a continent so cruel and unforgiving that virtually no life can survive on it. The overwhelming answer from my fellow cruisers was simple: “Because now I can.” It was a good answer. The more I thought about it, I realized it was mine too.

The MV Discovery Experience

My journey began at Ushuaia, Argentina. Billed as the southernmost city in the world, the now upscale ski resort sits on the bottom tip of nation, where a dramatic mountain landscape falls directly into the sea. Once the home of a penal colony – now a museum and definitely worth visiting – this is where embarkation began on the MV Discovery. The Discovery package, though, wisely allowed guests to spend 24 hours in this remote part of the world for tours of the city and Tierra Del Fuego National Park. There was also plenty of time to sample local dishes that included Patagonian lamb and king crab.

The MV Discovery is a handsome vessel with a deep hull, making it possible to negotiate Antarctica’s rough seas and massive icebergs. I was pleased to find a complimentary expedition parka waiting for me in my cabin, something that became an essential part of my wardrobe to deal with the brisk weather conditions.

The MV Discovery’s Expedition Team

One of the pluses of the voyage was that a team of working polar explorers conducted lecture programs on board. The team was easily accessible to answer questions regarding everything from polar glaciers and other ice formations to how sea life can survive in such an extreme environment. The team also educated guests on the sensitive nature of preserving this pristine continent from human harm.

Crossing the Drake

“Below 40 degrees, there is no law. Below 50 degrees, there is no God,” was the sailors’ creed about crossing the infamous Drake Passage – a merciless 400-mile wide passage between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. Situated at the latitude of the ‘Furious Fifties’ winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to Antarctica.  Named after Sir Francis Drake (who never passed through the route) it is considered to have the worst sea weather in the world. If you’ve ever contemplated taking seasickness medication, this would be a good time to start. Those on the vessel who opted not to, spent most of the next 15 hours confined to their beds. One could not help but marvel how men in little wooden sailboats could cross this treacherous passage almost 390 years ago.

Landings

The Discovery team led excursions on zodiac pontoon motorboats for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and her islands. For many on the voyage, setting foot on the continent was the supreme goal. The weather, though, plays the defining factor and flexibility is a key word on any voyage. If a certain passage is clogged by icebergs, the ship’s captain, ice master and expedition team leader will huddle and design another route. When one of our landings was cancelled due to fierce winds, we explored an iceberg alley that featured mile-long icebergs floating past the vessel. Fortunately, due to overall favorable weather conditions, we were able to make two landings, one on Paradise Harbour, considered the Riviera of Antarctica, and the other on the crescent shaped Half Moon Island. Both locations offer stunning photo opportunities and close-up encounters with thousands of gentoo and chinstrap penguins. It’s austral summer and the black sand seems almost warm on your feet. Parent penguins are feeding their chicks. The scope and vastness of the surroundings are unimaginable.

Antarctica – A Look Back

Since my return I am frequently asked what was it like to journey to this spectacular, but almost hidden continent. No words adequately describe the experience. Quite simply, it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. There were some days when I stood on the deck of the vessel and quite literally felt like I was on another planet. My advice: plan your trip now. The season is short and the demand is great.

Check out this list of Antarctica cruises.

The post Journey to the Bottom of the Globe: A Remembrance of Antarctica appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Founded by the Romans in the 7^th century, Dubrovnik’s walled village is located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the Southeastern part of Croatia. The city was known as Ragusa until the end of WWI, when it took its present name.

My first glance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site came from the deck of a cruise ship, which approached from the Mediterranean Sea. From this vantage point I got a panoramic view of the giant stone wall surrounding the city. Jetting 100 feet high from the rocks that line the coast, the 20-ft-thick wall stretches more than 6,350 ft-long as it wraps around mediaeval ramparts, draw bridges, and other castle features. For those wanting a cool, birds-eye view, it is possible to walk along the wall to get a memorable look at the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the nearby islands, and the Franjo Tuđman Bridge, with iconic triangular, cable-stayed profile.

The barrier took nearly 500 years to complete and was built to protect the town and its prized location from ambitious invaders. Today it is considered one of Europe’s finest surviving fortress walls. It’s easy to understand why George Bernard Shaw once said “if you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”

After docking in the modern Port of Dubrovnik, I took a bus to edge of Old Town, where I found an exciting seaside atmosphere. There were kids eating ice cream on green lawns overlooking the water, shops full of tourists and pubs pouring beer. On one side I watched colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor beneath the fortress wall, and on the other side, I noticed hotels blending in with regular homes.

To enter Old Town I walked through the main Pile Gate, where I discovered a medieval world of densely packed brick buildings with arched doorways, marble inlays and red tiled roofs. Many of the buildings are mixed-used with private residences set atop quaint shops and charming outdoor cafes.

The town is dissected by a large and shiny limestone main street, which branches into a network of narrow, sloping alleys and steep stairways, teeming with plants. The bustling, cream-colored main street brightly reflects the sun’s rays during the day and turns them into a sandy glowing hue at night.

The landscape is also speckled with Baroque churches, monasteries and palaces, Renaissance fountains and facades, all intertwined with gleaming wide marble-paved squares and those steep cobbled streets, all of which have also remained unchanged for centuries. Old Town is also home to an 800-year-old Gothic church and Europe’s oldest pharmacy.

As I wandered in and out of the town’s walkways, I was overcome by the aroma of fresh seafood riding a warm Mediterranean breeze. The scent led me to a place called Pink Shrimp Street Food located in a charming little alley off the main street. Here I sat outside and enjoyed a fresh shrimp sandwich with salad and a mug of cold, Croatian beer.

As I ate my lunch I watched people from all over the world stroll up and down the cobblestone streets. If you are out at the right time, the place can be a peaceful village, while much of the time it is bustling with tourists. The place gets about 2 million visitors per year and a good chunk of these people come by way of cruise ship. During the summer, Dubrovnik can welcome up to six cruise ships on a single day.

Cruise lines such as Holland America stop in the Dubrovnik. In fact their ship Oosterdam is leaving on a 12-day Mediterranean Romance cruise October 15 (next month), that departs from Venice, Italy and stops in Dubrovnik. For more information, visit Holland America.

Go here for more info on Croatia and Dubrovnik

Los Angeles Intl Airport offers daily connecting flights to Dubrovnik. A good local tour company for the Los Angeles area is Adriatic Travel Inc., which specializes in Croatia and Dubrovnik.

The post A Day in Dubrovnik – A Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Courtesy Hannah Sampson, Skift

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas inspired awe — and many headlines — when it launched in 2009 as the world’s largest cruise ship with 2,742 staterooms, nearly two dozen restaurants, seven neighborhoods, and a Central Park.

More than eight years later, Royal Caribbean is still launching Oasis-class ships, and still commanding headlines for the latest “world’s largest cruise ship.” That would be Symphony of the Seas, the fourth and slightly larger version of Oasis, which started sailing earlier this year.

“The public reaction to Symphony of the Seas was surprising, even to us,” Royal Caribbean Cruises CEO Richard Fain said during an earnings call last month. “Even though she’s the fourth in the amazing Oasis class series of ships, she has so many new amenities and attractions that our guests and the media were simply blown away. Rarely has a sister ship received such press and rarely has it been so deserving of it.”

In the cruise world, the brightest lights shine on the groundbreakers, the first of a new prototype of ship that introduces new concepts, layouts, approaches, and technology. But as operators seek to maximize their investment and build multiple vessels in a class, the pressure is on to make each new ship more special — and profitable. That’s especially true for mass-market lines that cater to first-timers, younger travelers, and families.

“It’s very important that we continue to innovate and stay relevant,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We’re being pushed by competitors at sea and we’re being pushed by competitors on land.”

For consumers, that competition results in plenty of options.

“People want new,” said travel agent Ralph Santisteban, owner of Dream Vacations, a Cruise One franchise. “They want to go on the new ship. And they want to experience the two or three different venues that the ship has that the last one didn’t.”

New Ships as Demand Drivers

That’s how Norwegian Bliss, the just-introduced ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, ended up with a new barbecue restaurant, a longer and wider race track than the previous ship had, and the biggest Haven — a high-end, top-priced enclave — on any ship in the fleet so far.

Bliss is the third of four in its class, called Breakaway Plus. Its most recent predecessor, Norwegian Joy, is sailing in China.

“New ships are such an engine to drive demand for the brand that it really is important, as we bring every new ship out, that we generate excitement, we drive interest, and really get a lot of eyeballs to the brand,” Stuart said. “Every time, you have to really drive disproportionate interest.”

He added: “We work really, really hard each time we launch a new ship to find a way to meaningfully change the experience.”

Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of the website Cruise Critic, said even lines that have quick delivery schedules run the risk that their product will become outdated.

“Say you’ve announced that you’re going to do a four-ship class and you have a very accelerated schedule,” she said. “There’s still so much that can change in four years when it comes to technology and consumer demand, so you have to be flexible enough to add that to your new ships.”

For Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean went back to past guests who had sailed on the previous ship, Harmony of the Seas, and asked what else they would like to see. A sports bar and arcade and seafood restaurant emerged from the answers.

And then there were some other ideas, which led to the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-story room with a slide, air hockey, table tennis, and climbing apparatus that, according to reports, commanded $85,000 for Christmas week.

“The Ultimate Family Suite came because we were talking about how we could add a feature that really clearly communicated our sweet spots, in terms of summer vacations, how we think about families,” said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

Bayley said the company has always made changes to ships within a class, but that mostly happened to tweak areas that didn’t work like the width of a corridor, shape of an entrance, or style of a lounge. These days, the changes are much more intentional.

“We’ve kind of accelerated the changing out and adding of fun features or new restaurant concepts,” he said. In part, that’s simply because the company can.

“We have a higher degree of competency, capability, and resources,” he said. “We want to stimulate as much interest as we can and one of the ways of doing that is creating buzz or being able to tell a story that’s exciting and new.”

Even as they make tweaks for new ships, cruise lines go back and change older ones with the features that have proven popular. Royal Caribbean has a $900 million renovation program going on now that will upgrade 10 ships, including the first two in the Oasis class.

“Is it easier to sell and market a new product when you’re evolving that product? Yes,” Bayley said. “If you don’t do it, your customer is going to be disappointed. They expect you to be innovating and evolving.”

Evolution With a Mission

When Carnival Cruise Line builds new ships, executives add features with older vessels in mind.

For its newest ship, Carnival Horizon, there are some changes from the first in the class, Carnival Vista. The water park has become part of the line’s Dr. Seuss children’s programming. There’s a teppanyaki restaurant, a first for the line. The piano bar has been relocated so it’s next to the steakhouse. A barbecue restaurant has been mixed with an onboard brewery for a smokehouse-brewhouse mashup. And the onboard retail offerings have been changed up.

Terry Thornton, the line’s senior vice president of port operations, guest care, and Carnival International, called the changes “evolutionary,” and said the next ship in the class will have its own new offerings.

“What we are focusing on right now is to give these new features a try,” he said. “We’re pretty confident they’ll work. As they do, we’ll get them integrated into the existing fleet as best we can.”

Carnival rolled out a fleetwide refresh in 2011, adding Guy Fieri burger restaurants, live-action Hasbro games, George Lopez comedy clubs and several new bars. Its name was Fun Ship 2.0, referring to the line’s reputation as the “fun ship” brand.

“It’s more like 3.7 now,” said Thornton.

McDaniel was recently on the new Carnival Horizon, and expected the experience to be pretty much the same as the previous ship. While it was similar, she called the changes “really smart.”

“These little differences made it feel different and special,” she said.

McDaniel said many of the Cruise Critic community members are devoted to a specific class. But even ardent fans want to be wowed.

“No one wants to sail the same ship over and over again,” she said.

And for all the tweaks being made to generate excitement for sister ships, Santisteban of Dream Vacations said he’s seeing the most enthusiasm for ships that are entirely new. Those include MSC Seaside, a first-of-its-class ship that launched last year, and Celebrity Edge, which comes out near the end of the year. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival are all working on new classes of ships, but those are still between two and four years away.

“It’s a brand new class of innovative design and when you bring out something that’s totally new, it’s a game changer,” he said. “These cruise lines, they can’t bring out a game changer every year because they bring out a new class and now they’ve got to get all the bang for their buck out of the new class. Designing these ships is not cheap.”

Report: 73% of Beachgoers Travel with their Spouse or Partner

TurnKey Vacation Rentals recently surveyed travelers, revealing insights about consumer travel preferences, and by focusing on those who specifically reported taking beach vacations, TurnKey determined who the average beach traveler is and how they prefer to plan their vacations.

Based on the results – and just in time for summer – the beach tourism industry should consider that their target consumer profile is a millennial woman, with high-income, who prefers to travel with her spouse or partner. She typically travels during June and July and books her housing accommodations at least 2-3 months ahead.

Beach Traveler Demographic

• 52% female
• 51% of beachgoers have an income of $75,000 or higher
• 50% of beachgoers are under 35 years old

Beach Traveler Behavior

• 57% of beachgoers prefer vacation rentals over hotels
• 44% of beachgoers book housing accommodations 2-3 months ahead
• Beachgoers prefer to travel during June and July

Flights Are Getting More Uncomfortable — and That Might Be Your Fault

Courtesy: Andrea Romano

Flying has become cheaper in the last few decades, but it’s also become more stripped down. Passengers often forego previously complimentary perks — like in-flight meals, carry-on bags, and seat selection — in order to get the cheapest fare. Business Insider reported that 51% of respondents in a recent poll chose price as their top priority when selecting an airline. In some ways, this has been good by creating competition between airlines, resulting in cheaper fares — but it has also had negative consequences.

Airlines now have incentive to cut costs in order to boost profits. For passengers, that means more crowded flights, fewer amenities, and “basic economy” fares.

Airlines know that travelers prefer the cheapest ticket, regardless of how stripped down the service is or how many extra fees there may be.

“The low-cost carrier always won because people either don’t care or aren’t sophisticated enough to differentiate between a bundled and unbundled fare,” Vinay Bhaskara, a senior business analyst with industry publication Airways, told Business Insider.

It’s not unreasonable to choose the cheapest options, but when it comes to airfare, you get what you pay for.

Hotel Butler Service Is Really Nice. Is It Worth the Price?

The St. Regis New York has butlers as an amenity for guests. We arrived ready with requests, from coffee to ironing to cupcakes.

Courtesy Shivani Vora, NY Times

Can a butler really make a hotel stay that much more extraordinary?

For a growing number of luxury properties that have butlers as an amenity for their guests, the answer is a resounding yes.

According to Reneta McCarthy, a senior lecturer at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, the concept of butlers dates at least as far back as the 18th century in Europe, when a butler was a male who was in charge of the dining and entertainment in wealthy households. “Eventually, the idea of butlers seeped into the hotel space in Europe,” she said. “And more recently, in an effort to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, more and more top-end hotels are touting that they have butlers to pamper their guests.”

Many of the properties with butlers offer them only to guests staying in suites. Casa Angelina in Italy’s Amalfi Coast, for example, has butler service for those staying in its six suites, and Faena Miami Beach has butlers for guests who have booked multi-bedroom or specialty suites. Other hotels, such as the St. Regis New York and the Connaught, in London, provide butlers for all rooms.

Being a travel writer, I’ve gotten my fair share of news releases in the last year about hotel butlers. They’ve always made my eyes roll but have also piqued my curiosity about whether butlers actually have value or are nothing more than a marketing gimmick. I decided to find out firsthand. My husband, Mahir, and I recently tested the butlers at the St. Regis New York, a 238-room property in Midtown Manhattan that had butlers long before they became more mainstream. Over the course of 36 hours, we put three different butlers through the paces with our numerous requests.

The Basics

John Jacob Astor IV, the founder of the St. Regis New York, introduced butler service at the property in 1904, and it has been a hallmark for the company ever since. “His idea was to bring the butlers found at the grand hotels of Europe to the United States,” said Lisa Holladay, the global brand leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.

St. Regis has its own weeklong training program for butlers where they’re taught how to assist guests with a variety of tasks including unpacking and packing their luggage, getting their clothes ironed (the butlers don’t actually do the ironing themselves, but they facilitate the service) and serving them nonalcoholic beverages; they’re also taught how to read guests’ cues and anticipate their needs.

Most St. Regis properties offer butlers for all guest rooms, but in select locations, such as the ones in San Francisco and Majorca, they’re only for those staying in suites. Traditionally, the brand had only male butlers, but Ms. Holladay said that 40 percent of the company’s butlers today are women.

The New York property employs 38 butlers, and typically, each butler is in charge of about 20 rooms.

The Price

Although nightly rates at the St. Regis New York officially start at $995, it’s possible to find lower prices online and through travel agents. My agent, for example, was able to secure a nightly rate of $525 for my stay, along with a room upgrade, breakfast and a $100 food and beverage credit. Butler service is an amenity for all rooms at the hotel.

My Experience

When I checked into The St. Regis, I was skeptical that a butler could make my stay exceptional, but I was wrong.

Our butler, Adalberto Macedo, was waiting to greet Mahir and I as soon as we stepped off the elevator on the 12th floor, where our room was. “Good afternoon,” he said, nodding.

After leading us to our temporary abode and showing us its various features like the touch button lighting, Mr. Macedo asked if he could unpack our bags. The idea of a stranger handling my personal belongings had me more than little uncomfortable, but Ms. McCarthy, the Cornell lecturer, had told me that butlers take pride in the task of unpacking and packing. So I obliged but asked if he could do so when we planned on stepping out later that afternoon.

We could reach Mr. Macedo or another butler on duty by pushing the “Butler” button on our room’s phone, and when we weren’t at the hotel, we could email our requests. Mr. Macedo told us that we would get an almost instant response.

As soon as he left, Mahir and I started with our requests. I called to ask for a standing fan, and Adalberto delivered one within five minutes. Shortly after, Mahir asked for a coffee. It, too, appeared promptly, in a French press and piping hot. The shirt Mahir needed ironed? A professional dry cleaner couldn’t have done a better job, and Mr. Macedo certainly made sure it was finished faster. A shoe shine? But of course. The dental kit I wanted because I had forgotten my toothbrush? He brought me two kits, along with a half-dozen mini bottles of mouthwash.

Now would come the true test for me: when we left the property for an excursion out, I sent an email asking for two gluten-free red velvet cupcakes. Surely, our butler, who at that point was Dafa Lascu (Mr. Macedo’s shift had ended), wouldn’t be able to procure this hard to find treat. She emailed me back within three minutes to say that she was working on my request. A half-hour later, she called and told me that she hadn’t found the cupcakes at any bakeries near the hotel but would be happy to search for them downtown. But she also forewarned me that the courier fee to have them delivered to the property would likely be pricey. I wasn’t that desperate for a sugar fix so I told her not to bother.

Back at the hotel, we found our clothes and shoes immaculately organized in our closet and our toiletries spread out on the bathroom counter. Then it was time for another round of requests. I had a tear in my shirt that I needed sewn, and Mahir wanted a resistance band and exercise mat in our room. Oh, and could we get suggestions for buzzy gluten-free restaurants to dine at that evening? Check, check and check.

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We returned after dinner to a surprise: four gluten-free red velvet cupcakes. They were from Sprinkles, a bakery with three locations in Manhattan, and alongside the box, Ms. Lascu had left us a note. “Please enjoy this small treat from us, and if there anything that you need, allow me to assist,” she wrote.

The test continued the next morning. Dainty teacups are common at high-end hotels. I happen to love sipping my coffee from an oversized mug, but I have yet to stay at a luxury property that offered me one I like. I explained my preference to Luz Carasquillo, the butler on duty. Ten minutes later, she arrived with not one but two different kinds of large mugs, both ideal. “I didn’t know which one you would like better so I brought both,” she said.

We called Ms. Carasquillo when it was time to pack, and she did the job efficiently and impeccably. As she folded our clothes and gathered our toiletries, I chatted with her about her family and mine, and by the time she was finished, she felt like a friend.

Naturally, we wanted to leave our butlers a tip. Unsure about the right amount to give, I asked our concierge staff for help but was told that there was no need to leave one because butlers receive a full salary and do not rely on gratuities for compensation. We ended up leaving $50 anyway. Ms. McCarthy, of Cornell University, said that even though the butlers at the St. Regis don’t expect tips, those at other hotels likely do. “Either way, leaving a tip for great service is always a good idea,” she said.

The Verdict

Thanks to our butlers, our stay at the St. Regis New York was flawless and personalized. The three who looked after us were obliging but also warm, and not overly formal. The cupcakes that I wasn’t charged for were particularly thoughtful. Granted, only a rarefied set of travelers can afford to stay at luxury hotels with butlers, but I can say that based on my experience, splurging on such a stay, at least once, may be worth it.

New Guidebook to Promote Animal-Friendly Tourism

Animal-loving travellers are now able to enjoy their holidays better equipped to avoid accidentally harming wildlife, with a new guidebook published by Horizon Guides in consultation with international wildlife charity Born Free.

The guide, called Compassionate Travel, gives holidaymakers an introduction to common animal welfare and conservation issues encountered abroad and helps them to make informed decisions about the wildlife activities they choose to book.

Published in May 2018, Compassionate Travel is available to download for free from the Horizon Guides website, and in Kindle and paperback format on the Amazon bookstore.

The guide covers tourism activities ranging from the familiar, such as zoos and circuses, to more exotic pursuits like riding elephants. It was written by a team of experts from Born Free, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Wildlife SOS and the Animal Welfare Institute.

Dr Chris Draper, Born Free’s Head of Animal Welfare and Captivity, said: “Animals are hugely important to tourists, and by extension to the travel companies that supply their holidays. The ways in which tourists can interact with wild animals, whether in captivity or living free, is vast and the effect this can have on these animals varies enormously. For example, a quick selfie with a chained monkey can be a momentary diversion for a traveller, but represents a lifetime of restriction and poor welfare for the monkey; while truly responsible and well-managed viewing of free-living wildlife can bring genuine benefits to conservation. There is a rapidly emerging acknowledgement of the need to raise the profile of wild animals and their protection within the context of travel and tourism.”

From its work investigating exploitation of wild animals in captivity and, where possible, rescuing captive animals in need, Born Free experiences first-hand the chilling reality of the exploitation of wild animals in tourism. In 2010, Born Free rescued bottlenose dolphins Tom and Misha from a cramped swimming pool in Turkey. They were being used for ‘swim-with’ activities with tourists. After a two-year rehabilitation, Tom and Misha were successfully released into the Aegean Sea in 2012.

Will Travers OBE, Born Free’s President and Co-Founder, said: “Wild animals and tourism have a long, not always positive, relationship. A distressingly large part of the travel industry views wildlife as little more than money-making property, with scant regard for the welfare of individual animals or the conservation of entire species. 

“It’s not always easy for travellers to know if they’re supporting harmful practices while on holiday. This guide helps people see the full picture of the most common wildlife activities encountered abroad. We’re not interested in telling people what to do or what not to do, but we do want travellers to think about the impact their experiences can have on welfare and conservation. I hope this guide will contribute to a change in the way the travel industry treats animals and wildlife,” he added.

About Born Free

Born Free’s mission is to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Born Free opposes the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaigns to keep wildlife in the wild.

Born Free promotes Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs of and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. Born Free seeks to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world. For more information about Born Free please visit: www.bornfree.org.uk

Shanghai to Los Angeles in 5 Hours? Why Supersonic Air Travel Could Boom in Asia

Courtesy CNN Travel

Shanghai to Los Angeles in about five hours, Tokyo to San Francisco in 5.5, Sydney to Los Angeles in 6.75: The next wave of supersonic flight could make traveling between destinations in the United States and Asia a breeze.

In recent years, a clutch of aeronautics startups has sparked renewed interest in supersonic travel, which stalled after the Concorde’s retirement in 2003.

Among the major players, Boom Technology has raised $85 million in funding from seed investors and strategic partners, such as Virgin Atlantic Airways. Support for the Denver-based startup has expanded to Asia as well. In December, Japan Airlines reportedly invested $10 million to pre-order 20 of the 55-seat airliners, which are slated for a 2023 debut.

This spring, Ctrip — Asia’s largest travel services provider, with 300 million registered users — became Boom’s first strategic partner from China. “China promises to be one of the largest markets for supersonic air travel. The demand for air travel is incredibly strong,” Victor Tseng, chief commercial officer of Ctrip, tells CNN Travel.

“Apart from a growing middle class and having more disposable income, the Chinese are now increasingly interested in spending money on experiences. Travel has become an important form of seeking happiness.”

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