The T-Boy Society of Film & Music’s latest poll is dedicated to Sky’s the Limit,  where members select trips and destination/s in which money is of no concern. Like last month’s World’s Friendliest Destinations we’ve decided to continue with another uplifting theme due to the events of today. You’ll find members’ selections to be deeply personal and great fun, where we tap into their minds and go on an emotional journey and see what constitutes their wildest dreams.

Richard Carroll — T-Boy Writer:

Sky’s the Limit; Destinations where money is no object 

If I came upon a satchel of gleaming South Africa diamonds and with deep pockets where the sky’s the limit and money is no object, I would quickly book a private jet and invite family and close friends on a 21-day plus world excursion to Buenos Aires and a night of tango at Bar Sur with dinner at the Four Seasons; a few nights at remote Las Alamandas on the West Coast of Mexico; a visit to the Maya site of Tikal in Guatemala led by Maya guide Jose Antonio Gonzalez; dinner and lunch in Mexico City at Pujol, Mercaderes and Les Moustaches, serenaded by guitar and harp; a private Bordeaux winery tasting tour to Yquem, Margaux, Petrus, Lafitte Latour, and Haut Brion; overnights at Turtle Island, Fiji; dinner with Executive Chef Massino Defrancesca, Kimpton’s Seafire Resort, Cayman Islands; overnights at the historic 18th century Castadiva, Lake Como; three nights at The Ritz London,  and along the travel trail sharing with anyone in need.

Chloe Erskine — Educator:

Outer Space

Ed Boitano — T-Boy editor:

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia

Much of my youth was colored by images of the Trans-Siberian Railway. All I really had was a little note card in a pack of other cards which illustrated the world’s most monumental engineering feats. At the length of 5,772 miles, traversing though eight times zones, my Sky’s the Limit  selection would be to experience Siberia via the Trans-Siberian Railway. Siberia constitutes 77% of Russia’s total land mass with the nation itself blanketing 11 percent of the world’s landscape. Reading about taiga forests; rugged mountains ranges; untamed rivers; ancient log infested  lakes; and little villages, first settled by Old Believers, preservationists of “pre-Nikonian” practices of the Russian Church, would no doubt be a stunning foray into a new world of images and history. After careful research, I discovered Golden Eagle, a luxury private train, considered the top of the line in deluxe first-class railway travel. My journey would commence in Moscow (or St. Petersburg) to the Pacific in Vladivostok. Perhaps  I’d bring half a-dozen friends who have a keen appreciation of caviar and vodka.  After all, isn’t this the Sky’s the Limit: Where Money Is No Object? Golden Eagle’s luxury service is provided by a provodnitsa, a female attendant in a military-style uniform, who keeps things running smoothly in a unique Russian way. Za Zdarovje!

Deb Roskamp — T-Boy photographer & writer:

Cruising.  Seeing the world. Two pleasures that bring me some of my greatest delights

Combine. Include a generous helping of the some of the most remote locales that I have fantasized visiting, but because of their location, make it highly improbable that I will. Sprinkle into the itinerary a few places that I’ve already been to, loved, but most likely will not return to.  Subtract COVID-19 and any pandemic to follow.  Find a pot of gold (4 kg worth).

My “Sky’s the Limit:” around the World in 167 days aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud, departing January 25th, 2022 from Ushuaia, Argentina.  Includes Antarctica, Shetland Islands, multiple stops along Chile, Robinson Crusoe Island, Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, multiple stops in the Marquesas, Tahiti, Cook, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon, and Papua New Guinea islands.  On to Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Egypt, Greece, Albania, Tunisia, Sicily, Algeria, Spain, Portugal, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, ending in Norway.  Aaah… bliss!

Fyllis Hockman — T-Boy writer:

Lodge at Tikana — Southland, New Zealand

So there I was lying in this massive tub overflowing with all kinds of goodies ‘cause I couldn’t decide between the rosewater bubble bath, the ginseng and orange blossom aromatic bath soak, the green tea and lime leaf water infusion disc or the green tomato and seaweed body scrub. I was so stressed out by the decision, it was a good thing there was the lemon-scented calming oil to finish off with. Not your usual hotel amenities! Which is an apt introduction to the Lodge at Tikana in Southland, New Zealand. Tikana, by the way, means style in the Maori language.

Did I mention that while I was soaking, I was also making eye contact with a family of deer peering in the wide bath-tub-level window next to me? This luxurious two-story retreat, the only guest accommodations on the property, is part of a working farm which breeds the afore-mentioned deer as well as thoroughbred horses. But let’s get back to the important things. How many lodgings have YOU stayed in that came with its own wine cellar???

Okay, you had a wine cellar, you say. Well, what about your own latte-making machine in the kitchen? Imagine curling up on the couch in your living room with freshly made cappuccino? We’re not talking International Coffees here. Of course, you probably wouldn’t also have a little fawn outside your window.

The décor is combination art house and rustic elegance — steel and stone flow together between raw timber-framed floor-to-ceiling windows to create an environment that entices the eye and embraces the soul. A heady escape from civilization but with surround-sound entertainment and internet hook-up.

Picture this. While sipping cappuccino mid-day, I nibbled on cheese and crackers from the fridge; with the Chardonnay, I opted for olives and deli. Keep in mind, this is no hotel mini-bar where you’re charged extra for every indulgence. And indulgences abound.

Owners Dave and Donna — he, a vet; she, a horse trainer — who also know a thing or two about treating humans, take pampering to a whole new level. Their gourmet meals are 4-star Michelin for both food and presentation.

I was so relaxed after my bath I dined in the fluffy, multi-colored robe they provided — though my evening wear didn’t do justice to the beautifully attired table. A candelabra of multi-layered candles oozed ambience, and the silver meal-covers warmed our hearts as well as our food.

Chef Donna discussed our preferences for every course ahead of time — did we want the lamb or the venison tonight? Basted in garlic or encrusted in dukah? I have no clue what that is but it tasted yummy. And would you believe sticky date pudding with toffee sauce?

I inadvertently picked an award-winning wine from the extensive collection to accompany the meal. It was beginner’s luck but I didn’t feel the need to disavow the hosts of my sophisticated taste.

Such all-inclusive sumptuousness comes at a price, of course — a hefty one — but this is Sky’s the Limit: were money is of no concern— and I’ll be ready for my return to Southland, New Zealand.

Tom Weber — T-Boy writer:

Ashford Castle: Elegantly Wrapped in Irish Charm

Of the 522 medieval castles that dot the Republic of Ireland’s landscape, one stands “keep and ramparts” above all others: Ashford Castle, the oldest fortress in the country, a true treasure of the Emerald Isle and a real “sky’s the limit” destination.

Several years ago, I arrived at this iconic landmark under a fine mist and was led across a stone bridge straddling the River Cong in Co. Mayo by a piper in full regalia. “Céad míle fáilte! (One-hundred-thousand welcomes),” announced the general manager as I walked up the entry stairs, flanked by a pair of Irish Wolfhound statues — four-legged guests are always welcome — and stepped onto the bespoke carpeting and entered into a world of regal elegance.

Winner of the 2020 World SPA Award as Ireland’s best hotel spa, Ashford Castle, a five-star country estate, is set amid 350 acres of well-manicured greenery, gardens and rustic paths and trails that overlook the Lough Corrib, the country’s second largest lake. With a heritage dating all the way back to 1228, the castle turned the page on its history in 2013 when it was purchased by Red Carnation Hotels and immediately underwent a top-to-bottom, multi-million dollar renovation and refurbishment that was unveiled to much fanfare in 2015.

I’m handed a green leather key card to a lovely, renovated deluxe view room on the top floor of the castle. As I swiped the card over the security pad and pushed back the door, my jaw dropped in OMG fashion. My suite, like the other 82 guest rooms, is richly appointed as the meticulous attention to detail is found in the unique works of art, carefully sourced antique furniture with sumptuous fabrics and custom-designed carpet, king-sized bed, feature lighting, exquisite toweling and VOYA seaweed-based organic bath and beauty products.

Cullen’s at the Cottage, a summer-only bistro restaurant occupying a traditional thatched-roof cottage, serves up international and local dishes inspired by Beatrice Tollman, owner of Ashford Castle, in a casual atmosphere accented by friendly Irish hospitality. Greeted warmly by the manager, she and her young and eager wait staff went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure my dining experience at the Cottage was memorable. And, it was.

A nightcap was in order, so I retired to The Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar where the on-duty mixologist prepped a Jameson, neat. Seated at a glass-covered table showcasing a few antique flintlock pistols, I sipped slowly wondering all the while if these weapons were ever used in a duel at 15 paces.

Sleep arrives quickly as I tuck myself into the inviting bed — turned down by evening maid service — with luxurious 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton monogrammed bed linen, and highlighted by a complimentary box of Lily O’Brien’s chocolates resting atop one of the pillows. Night night!

When it’s not raining on your parade, and that’s a real possibility when visiting the Emerald Isle, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy around the castle in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tee it up at the parkland golf course; play singles or doubles on two all-weather tennis courts; go fishing; grab a kayak and paddle around the lake; mount a horse and hit the woodland trails, or take a carriage ride with the entire family; hire a bike and cycle the castle’s vast estate; take aim at clay pigeons and bullseyes with skeet and archery; play billiards; screen The Quiet Man and other box-office hits in the velvet-seated cinema; relax in the spa; or, do what I did: experience the ancient sport of falconry.

Ireland’s School of Falconry is the oldest established falconry school in the country. Here, castle guests can book a once-in-a-lifetime “hawk walk” and fly their very own Harris’s hawk in the nearby woodlands. Following its “handler” from tree to tree, your hawk periodically swoops down into your gloved fist, grabs a “snack,” then flies off again. You know it’s somewhere nearby from the sound of the tiny bells attached to its talons.

I was told that a “history” cruise around Lough Corrib, sailing daily, weather permitting, from Ashford Castle’s private pier, is a terrific way to explore the camera-ready surroundings of some of the lake’s 365 isles, one for each day of the year, and take in the panoramic views of the Connemara Mountains in the distance. I board the M.V. Isle of Innisfree, an original tender (lifeboat) from the Cunard Line, and we shove off. The knowledgeable captain/historian steers the boat and narrates the scene at the same time as we cruise across the lake. Meanwhile, an 80-year-old musician entertains guests topside on the “squeezebox” with a selection of Irish tunes, like Danny Boy and Rakes of Mallow. In between the history lesson and the ditties, a member of the crew ensures that glasses are kept full with wine or Jameson, or both, to ward off the cold wind hitting us straight on. Brrrr.

In 1906, the Prince of Wales was a guest of the Guinness family, owners of Ashford Castle at the time. The prince went on to become England’s King George V. In honor of his visit, the Guinness family built a special dining room which still bears his name. Dressed in coat and tie, I’m ushered into the graceful setting that is the George V Dining Room and prepare to dine like royalty. From acclaimed Chef Philippe Farineau’s kitchen, a bounty of food magazine-worthy dishes are plated before me from Ireland’s lands, seas and farms, all paired with stellar wines from Bouchard Finlayson Winery of South Africa.

With my 48-hour, fairy tale-like stay coming to an end, I add my name to the guest book to ensure that I’m part of the Ashford lore. I thoroughly enjoyed the elegance of Ashford Castle, but found its Irish charm simply irresistible.

Richard Frisbie — T-Boy writer:

A cruise around the globe

I don’t have that lifestyle, or even that imagination. My last vacation was in the 1980s — a week in southern California followed by a weekend at Amelia Island resort. Since then it’s just been an overnight to Maine to visit family once or twice a year, or my press trips which are certainly no vacation. “Sky’s the limit” travel is beyond my ken, not to mention my wallet.

That being said, after years of writing hundreds of cruise port excursions annually for the largest reseller of same, I would love to do a world cruise in the best stateroom/suite/penthouse on board, with a butler and an unlimited budget. That way I could socially distance, (which is more my nature than it is pandemic-related) and see the best of the best everywhere in the world using top guides in all ports, with enough time to eat local specialties, drink local wines, while touring museums, historic city centers, and beautiful countrysides.

Ringo Boitano — T-Boy writer:

Tuscany Calling – Italy

A private villa with a swimming pool, surrounded by vineyards in Tuscany. Included in the package would be a SUV rental car and a chef, who specializes in Cucina Toscana as well as Italy’s other 19 regions. Cooking lessons by request. The theme would be to relax, take day trips or longer, and host friends from around the globe.

Phil Marley — Poet:

Summer: Norway’s Fjords

To spend six summer months in a large remote, vacation cabin, with electricity or not. Hiking, fishing, boating, touring nearby waterside villages. Evenings spent around a grand table with family and friends, dining on mammoth communal meals. And the laughing and joking in eternal peace.

Winter: Québec City

Yes, it’s cold, but with a warm jacket, gloves and a pair of solid boots, you don’t even notice. The season is filled with the spirit of hygge, the Danish expression of coziness, evoking  a warm feeling inside. Reflections of lights and historic buildings bounce off the snow. Restaurants welcome you with blazing fires. And, if the chance you become bored, there is Québec winter festival,  Carnaval de Québec.

Skip Kaltenheuser — T-Boy writer:

Kashmir – Pakistan & India

Some places I’d like to go to are off-limits, at least to my sensibility, because of internal political strife or potential international conflict. And in this case, the tensions are between nuclear powers, Pakistan, India and China. I hope they find a way to work it out and the whole region becomes travel friendly, I’ve heard its beauty is awesome. When it opens, no doubt someone will put together some over-the-top digs and pleasures, in the style to which I’d like to become accustomed but probably won’t. But if it does open, I hope it’s also backpacker/hiker friendly, sans landmine anxieties.

Brent Campbell — Musician and composer:

• Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia — Moscow to Vladivostok.
• Former Soviet Republics — A driving trip through Eastern Europe, maybe start by taking overseas delivery of a new Audi in Germany.
• Remote South Pacific Islands — Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands.

Raoul Pascual — T-Boy webmaster:

With Sky’s the Limit, I wouldn’t necessarily go where it is expensive, but to where I probably could not ever imagine I could go.

• Go underwater in a yellow submarine tour.
• Go to the moon and see the earth.
• Go to the Brazilian rain forest and swing on ropes like Tarzan.
• Go to the most expensive cruise just to see what makes it so expensive.
• Go to Japan and soak up the culture of the big city and the tiny villages.
• Go to Singapore and Dubai to see how the filthy rich waste their money.
• Go to the Great Wall of China and enjoy the 360 degree view. I don’t think pictures can really capture this.
• Same goes with the Pyramids.
• Go to Alaska and marvel at the expanse of the icebergs. Eat fresh fish and crab.
• Go to Iceland and have a sauna massage.
• But in all this, I would want my wife and my kids to be with me because I’ve traveled alone before and it wasn’t fun without anyone beside me. I want to be in wonder with them.

The post Sky’s the Limit: Where Money Is No Object appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Love is in the air! In need of a few ideas for Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of seven Vancouver Valentine’s Day date night ideas for you and your special someone.

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar’s Four-Course Valentine’s Menu

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar is pleased to offer a delicious four-course dinner menu for Valentine’s Day. Coffee shop by day and wine bar by night, you can find this unique dining experience inside the Vancouver Convention Centre West. The restaurant has beautiful views of Vancouver’s waterfront and Northshore Mountains, the perfect location for you and your Valentine. The dinner is priced at $65 per guest (additional beverages, tax, and gratuity not included), and features delicious menu items such as Pan Seared Quebec Veal Tenderloin, Michel Cluizel Chocolate Mousse, and a complimentary glass of bubbly.

For reservations call, 604-647-7416

Valentine’s Day After Hours at the Vancouver Aquarium

Pucker up for an intimate affair at Vancouver Aquarium’s After Hours this Valentine’s Day.
Vancouver Aquarium® scientists agree that blushing can be considered camouflage when discussing topics such as coral sex. Indulge in an alluring and amusing exploration of the sex lives of aquatic animals during the Valentine’s Day-themed After Hours on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise® initiative. With a drink in one hand, your partner or pal in the other, get set for a scintillating night. In addition to exploring the Aquarium’s galleries at night, you can also enjoy special programs covering a range of hot topics.

Leave the kids at home; this racy event is suited for an adult audience. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the Aquarium.

Where: Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
When: Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Purchase your tickets early to have Valentine’s Day plans sealed with a fish and to avoid disappointment (the event often sells out). Tickets are only available online at vanaqua.org/after-hours and are $27 for members and $35 for non-members.

Feather the Love Nest with Juke Fried Chicken

Juke Fried Chicken is giving lovers of its signature southern-inspired fare a delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day once again with the return of its popular ‘Let’s Cluck’ fried chicken bouquet on Thursday, February 14.

Available in limited quantities for both pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Valentine’s Day only at both the original Juke (182 Keefer Street) and Little Juke (1074 Davie Street) locations, the Let’s Cluck bouquet swaps flowers for eight mouth-watering pieces of Juke’s trademark gluten-free, crispy fried chicken in decorative wrapping.

Inspired by Ariana Grande’s kiss-off tune, Bar Manager Olivia Povarchook will unveil a special V-Day cocktail, ‘Thank U, Next’. This saucy drink will be available at the Chinatown location from Monday, February 11 to Saturday, February 17.

Orders can be made online at jukefriedchicken.com or via email at

in**@ju**************.com











starting Tuesday, January 29.

Reminisce the Journey of Your Relationship with the Help of Pinnacle Hotels

Feeling nostalgic? Reminisce with your sweetie at one of three Pinnacle Hotel restaurants this Valentine’s Day. Accompanied by live music and beautiful waterfront views, each property is serving up a special menu on Thursday, February 14th to celebrate the occasion.

See the menus here:

P2B bistro & bar
Pier7 restaurant + bar 
The Lobby food + drink

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s Very Special Valentine’s Day Dinner

This intimate one-night-only service features a special multi-course menu featuring the restaurant’s award-winning West Coast-inspired cuisine for $120 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Fire up your palate (and love life) with optional wine pairings selected by Restaurant/Wine Director JP Potters available for an extra $85 per person. Items from the Valentine’s Day menu will also be available à la carte on request.

When: Thursday, February 14 beginning at 5 p.m.

Check out the menu

Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited for both Boulevard locations: call 604-642-2900 or book online

Fall in Love at Burdock & Co

The Main Street eatery invites lovers young and old – as well as family and friends – to cozy up over a multi-course farm-to-table Valentine’s Day feast. The Valentine’s Day menu has been perfected by the “Local Champion” in the 2018 B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame, Chef Andrea Carlson. The menu features farm-fresh vegetables, ethically-raised meats and sustainable seafood sourced from nearby producers. Tickets to this special dinner cost $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity). There is limited availability, so guests are encouraged to book early!

Tickets can be purchased online through Resy.com

When: Thursday, February 14
Time: 5:30/6 p.m. & 8/8:30 p.m.

Make Valentine’s Day Memorable with a Romantic Dinner at Dockside Restaurant

Granville Island makes a perfect escape from the every day, and Dockside Restaurant’s creative West Coast cuisine, refined waterfront surroundings, and memorable views create an ideal destination for romance on Valentine’s Day.

This year, Valentine’s Day at Dockside will include a three-course table d’hôte dinner, live music by Melanie Dekker, bubbles, and roses, for a very special romantic experience. Executive Chef Mark Crofton and Dockside’s culinary team have created a delicious menu that’s filled with inspired preparations and indulgent flavours. Dishes like Oysters Two Ways, Cornish Game Hen Ballotine, Pork Tenderloin Wellington, and Surf & Turf are rich, inviting, and indulgent. Vegetarian options are available, and every meal finishes with sumptuous house-made desserts for sharing.

Valentine’s Day dinner at Dockside costs $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and reservations are highly recommended. For full menu details and reservations, visit www.docksidevancouver.com or call 604-685-7070

Live the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.

There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.

Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a life milestone with a romantic picnic on the banks of the Zambezi River, sleeping under the stars on the enchanting Kenyan landscapes or listening to the echoes of lion roaring at an oasis camp ground in Botswana?

“Love is a celebration and Africa offers a plethora of romantic experiences that will surely create unforgettable memories,” says Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “Couples who travel with us can relax because every part of their trip is planned, so they can enjoy quality time as they begin a new chapter together.”

African Travel, Inc. specializes in celebratory and romantic travel to all parts of Africa. With this, we create a travel gift registry with all the details of your plans and itinerary. The site can be shared with friends and integrated into their social media platforms. Contributors can simply call or email African Travel, Inc. with their gifts, which can also be posted on the site in weekly updates.

According to a recent article from Vox, gift registries are evolving into something that is more personal and representative of the couple, such as honeymoon or family vacation funds.

Allow your friends and family to give you the gift of love with your registry, so they can travel with you and book the finest hotel accommodations, fine-dining experiences and exceptional safaris. If you have already set-up another registry, you can add the link to your safari vacation itinerary and encourage your friends and family to contribute to help make your travel dreams come true.

Our handcrafted, personalized itineraries will give you the memories of a lifetime, such as a 12-day trip to South Africa where you can discover the magnificent wildlife, scenic ocean views, decadent wines and authentic South African food. Whether you are looking for a safari excursion with a large group, an intimate couples’ massage, or a luxury dinner overlooking the ocean, our travel experts can help you craft your memorable journey.

Your sample celebration journey could include a four-night stay at the 5-star, award-winning hotel, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, with luxurious spas, sight-seeing of mountain tops, exclusive wine tours and views of the pristine beaches of Camps Bay. On the following four days you can stay at the Simbambili Game Lodge in the renowned Kruger National Park and go on drives with expert rangers to see astounding wildlife, such as the Big Five, and possibly a leopard from the Sabi Sands, which has the highest concentration of leopard in the world.

You can spend your last four days in paradise while exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago, with the options of reef snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. You’ll be lodging at the blissful Azura Benguerra Island, a protected marine conservation area with pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, where you can soak up blissful vacation memories while lying in the sun on pearl white sand.

No matter how intimate or large your group is, we will work with you on land and air arrangements to ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of, so your time can be spent enjoying your celebration. We are dedicated to giving you an incredible adventure with the ultimate African experience.

Lovebirds Fly to NYC and Los Angeles for Valentine’s Day

Americans Traveling Internationally Choose Mexico and Canada for Romantic Getaways

New York City and Cancun reign supreme as the most popular domestic and international romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day travel in 2019, with NYC claiming the top spot for the third year running and Cancun for the fifth year in a row.

Los Angeles (#2) jumped from fifth place last year, while newcomers to the top 10 domestic list include Miami (#5) and Phoenix (#9). Las Vegas (#10) fell from second place in 2018, while Seattle (#3), San Francisco (#4), Chicago (#6), Atlanta (#7) and Boston (#8) round out this year’s list.

Americans leaving the country to celebrate are overwhelmingly headed to visit our neighbors to the north and south – with four Mexico and two Canada destinations dominating the list: Cancun (#1), San Jose Del Cabo (#3), Mexico City (#7) and Puerto Vallarta (#8) in Mexico; and Vancouver (#5) and Toronto (#6), Canada. The remaining top 10 international destinations are warm weather locales: San Juan, Puerto Rico (#2); Nassau, Bahamas (#4); Oranjestad, Aruba (#9) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (#10).

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance and assistance company, reviewed Americans’ travel plans* for roundtrip flights for two to domestic and international destinations the weekends immediately before and after Valentine’s Day, departing and returning from February 7 – 11 and February 14 – 18, 2019.

“Couples are predominantly heading to warm destinations for this year’s holiday. On a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage and illness are the last things you want to worry about,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications and marketing at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “But unexpected travel hiccups can happen anytime and anywhere, whether you’re celebrating in a metropolitan city or on a tropical beach. Luckily, the right travel protection policy can provide peace-of-mind and make travel disruptions easier to handle if they do occur.”

The post Valentine’s in Vancouver, Romantic Adventure in Africa, Flight Etiquette Rules and Valentine Destinations appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Greece Cuisine, Culture & Wellness Tour

Featuring Celebrity Chef & Mediterranean Diet Advocate, Amy Riolo

Get Global Expeditions (GGEx) is excited to offer a late spring 2018 journey to Greece that will showcase its effusive hospitality, Zorba-like zest for living, staggering beauty, incredible history, contemporary challenges – and its trademark simple, delicious, and healthy cuisine – for which this country is renowned. GGEx’s Greece expert, Alex Safos, and celebrity chef, author, and Mediterranean Diet advocate, Amy Riolo, will lead this delectable, intimate, enlightening, and picturesque tour.

This unique, off-the-beaten path itinerary includes: cosmopolitan, pulsing Athens, with its iconic Acropolis, world-class museums, gamut of cafes and gourmet-to-street food eateries, and spirit of perseverance; the fabled, scenic nearby island of Samos, birthplace of Hera; the philosopher, Epicurus; and famous mathematician but lesser-known “Father of Vegetarianism in the West,” Pythagoras; and the “Blue Zone” island of Ikaria, rugged and wild in the northeast Aegean, where indigenous diet (secret: honey) and lifestyle practices (secret: time is elastic) nurture an active population largely free of chronic diseases and cognitive impairment well into their 90s.

This experiential insiders’ expedition will include hands-on cooking classes, wine-tastings, characteristic dining, olive oil/spice workshops, culinary lectures, cultural enrichment encounters, and independent time for R&R, swimming, shopping, antiquities touring, and sampling the diverse local fare (pastitsio, hortopita, soufiko, gigantes, gyros+fries á la Grecque, baklava, loukomades, outstanding wine, and clairvoyant Greek coffee). Join us and go deeper into this legendary culture through its sincere food and people!

Who: Chef Amy Riolo and Alex Safos
What: Greece Cuisine, Culture & Wellness Tour
When: June 11-22, 2017
Where: Athens, Ikaria, Samos
Why: Learn more on Chef Amy Riolo’s blog
How: Payment information (New Deadline April 26^th)

2018’s Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

A WalletHub Press Release

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner and at least $5.9 billion expected to be spent for the holiday this year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2018’s Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, along with cool stats about the holiday in its St. Patrick’s Day infographic.

To determine the best cities for celebrating Irish-American heritage, WalletHub compared 200 of the largest U.S. cities across 17 key metrics, ranging from Irish pubs and restaurants per capita to lowest price for a three-star hotel on St. Patrick’s Day to weather forecast.

Top 20 Cities for St. Patrick’s Day

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-st-patricks-day-celebrations/19603/

St. Patrick’s Day Facts

• 819%: Increase in Guinness consumption on St. Patrick’s Day compared to the rest of the year (152.5% more beer is sold overall)
• $1.3 Million: Market value of a leprechaun’s pot of gold
• $5.9 Billion: Amount that will be spent collectively on St. Patrick’s Day 2018 ($40 per person celebrating)
• 33.1 Million: Number of Americans who claim Irish ancestry, second only to German and 7x Ireland’s population

For the full infographic, please visit: https://wallethub.com/blog/st-patricks-day-facts/10960/

México Tourism Launches New Heritage Initiative in Los Angeles

Fresh off a record-breaking year of visitation, the Mexico Tourism Board is rolling out a new marketing initiative, “Viajemos Todos por México,” (Let’s All Travel Across Mexico), with the aim of attracting many of the 35 million U.S. citizens who identify as being of Mexican descent. The campaign, which celebrates Mexico’s beauty and its cultural and natural wonders, is designed to remind Mexican-Americans that those treasures belong to them.

The initiative was first announced on Feb 27 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE (Platinum Ballroom), hosted by Enrique de la Madrid, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, in partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board CEO Hector Flores and Carlos Garcia de Alba, the Consul General of the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. The day-long series of events included a reception which drew more than 300 attendees, including U.S. and Mexican tourism companies, community and industry leaders, media and other influencers in the Mexican-American and tourism community.

The presentations by the impressive group of dignitaries, was quite illumination: Mexico is the 8^th most visited nation in the world, and that U.S is the #1 nation for tourism to Mexico, followed by Canada, UK, Argentina and Colombia. Statistics show that Mexican-Americans tend to travel internationally 2.5 times more than the average U.S. citizen, meaning that they make up a lucrative travel market that Mexico is keen to capture more of.

The tourism secretary announced last week that a record number of international tourists visited Mexico last year but added that the figure could continue to grow to reach 50 million annual visitors by 2021. “Our mission is to ensure that Mexico continues to sustain its track record of above-industry average growth for many years to come, and this includes seeking new ways to engage specific markets and audience segments that present opportunities for the industry,” said Enrique de la Madrid.

Mexican-Americans are an attractive audience segment for the Mexico Tourism Board, as they tend to travel internationally about 2.5 times more than the average American. Mexico is hoping to capture more of that market, as it encourages Mexican-Americans to visit family or friends in Mexico while also discovering and reconnecting with their heritage. “Most people of Mexican descent live in California,” said Consul General Carlos Garcia de Alba. “And of the 58 counties in California, Los Angeles has by far the largest number of Mexican-Americans.”

The campaign will showcase more than 200 Mexican destinations through “Mexican Routes” guides and offers travelers more than 1,000 tourism packages to Mexico

An integral component of the campaign will be promoting Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” (magical towns).

Author Richard Carroll, a contributor to the travel website, Traveling Boy, spoke earlier in the day. Carroll has lived in Mexico and written books on travel promoting the nation. “Enjoying Mexico’s music and art, their internationally recognized cuisine, and 3,000 year old archaeological sites, are a special travel memory,” said Carroll.

Here’s a look back at some of Mr. Carroll’s past articles about Mexico:

• Take Pleasure in La Paz
• Lift a Fork in Puerto Vallarta
• Playa del Carmen Blossoms
• Las Alamandas Awaits

The tourism secretary and Mexico Tourism Board will also host promotional events for the campaign in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Miami, but chose Los Angeles for the kick-off event, due to the large number of Mexican Americans living in the area.

The “Viajemos Todos por México” initiative is a sub-component of the Mexico Tourism Board’s larger, global “World of Its Own” campaign that launched last year, which focuses on personalizing marketing efforts by country and audience segment.

Mexico enjoyed a healthy surge of visitation in 2017. While final numbers are still being tallied, it is estimated that the number of air arrivals in Mexico from the U.S. grew by more than 9.6 over 2016. In total, a record-breaking 39.3 million international visitors traveled to Mexico in 2017, representing a 12 percent increase over the previous year. The tourism board recently announced it is hoping to welcome 50 million visitors by 2021.

10 Countries Where the Dollar Goes Furthest in 2018

 Courtesy Jamie Moore, SmarterTravel

Here are insider tips on the travel destinations where your dollar goes furthest in 2018.

Japan

Now is a great time to leverage the strong dollar in Japan before prices rise and crowds descend on Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. This year, the yen is expected to depreciate 4.3 percent against the U.S. dollar, according to the 2018 Global Travel Forecast by the GBTA Foundation. The forecast also anticipates a 6.3 percent drop in airfare and 4.1 percent drop in hotel rates. Gearing up to host the world for the Olympics, Japan is opening a series of new and revamped hotels in the mountains around Tokyo.

If you go: Don’t miss the temples and hot springs. The luxury KAI Alps Ryokan recently reopened near the Omachi Hot Springs in Nagano. In 2018, you can watch new Olympic venues under construction — including the Olympic Aquatics Centre, the National Stadium, and the Ariake Arena — start to take shape.

Book it: Get prices for Tokyo hotels

Denmark

Denmark isn’t typically chalked up as an affordable travel destination for Americans, but the dollar goes further in 2018. As of January, Denmark’s currency was undervalued against the U.S. dollar by 6.6 percent, according to The Economist magazine’s annual Big Mac Index currency comparison tool. And, although airfare and hotel rates are expected to jump more than 3 percent across the globe this year, they’ll likely fall about a percentage point in Denmark, notes the 2018 Global Travel Forecast.

If you go: Head to Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens for special 175^th anniversary events in 2018. Flights to the Denmark capital are surprisingly reasonable — a recent Airfarewatchdog search for round-trip flights turned up fares like $502 from Seattle in May, $444 from New York’s JFK in May and June, $399 from Boston in April and May, and $421 from Los Angeles in April.

Book it: Get prices for Copenhagen hotels

Brazil

A strong dollar will take you deeper into Brazil’s colorful culture this year, giving you more chances to make your dollar go further while embracing iconic experiences like Copacabana Beach, samba shows, and even World Cup soccer mania. Although Russia is hosting the FIFA World Cup in June, Brazil is the top-ranked favorite, and is sure to draw game-day crowds watching from sunny plazas and bar stools throughout Brazil. This year, the country has loosened travel visa restrictions for Americans, dropping the cost from $160 to $40. Relatively steep declines of 8.7 percent are expected in the country’s 2018 hotel prices. The Global Travel Forecast projection coincides with a booming hotel market in Brazil, where both Hilton and Accor Hotels recently announced expansion plans.

If you go: Tour the national soccer team’s Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. An Airfarewatchdog search found round-trip flights to Rio from Miami for $597 in May and Boston for $716 in April.

Book it: Get prices for Rio de Janeiro hotels

New Zealand

This year, New Zealand’s currency is undervalued by 14.6 percent compared to the greenback, which means you can have fun imagining everything is on sale at 14 percent off. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan who hasn’t seen the Hobbiton movie set or you’re a nature lover longing to soak in New Zealand’s geothermal mud baths, then 2018 is the year to go to make your dollar go further. Over the next six months, you’ll likely score hotel deals: Airfarewatchdog search data found the average three-star hotel rate in Auckland was $95 per night during that period. Round-trip flights to Auckland start at $726 from San Francisco in May and August and $742 from Houston in June.

If you go: Before you go, watch episode one of BBC’s new Blue Planet II nature documentary miniseries, which debuted in the U.S. in January. It features bottlenose dolphins and rare false killer whales that swim together in the waters off the north coast of New Zealand each spring.

Book it: Get prices for Auckland hotels

Morocco

You need not be a professional haggler to score at Morocco’s marketplaces this year; the 2018 Global Travel Forecast is projecting Moroccan currency to depreciate 7.7 percent against the dollar. The strong dollar will go further in the narrow alleys of the souks in 2018 and, according to the forecast, getting to Morocco will also be cheaper. Experts foresee a 7.4 percent drop in hotel rates and 5.8 percent drop in airfare. For March travel, Airfarewatchdog listed flights from Washington, D.C., to Casablanca for $750 round-trip.

If you go: Skip Marrakech and make your dollar go further by visiting the mosques and medinas in Casablanca instead. “Casa,” as locals call it, is one of TripAdvisor’s 2018 Top 10 Destinations on the Rise. Visitors say it’s Morocco’s most cosmopolitan, Western-feeling city.

Book it: Get prices for Casablanca hotels

Vietnam

Get a beer for only 16 cents per glass in Vietnam’s capital city, ranked the world’s cheapest city to visit in 2018. Price of Travel’s 2018 Backpacker Index listed Vietnam’s Hanoi (#1) and Hoi An (#4) on the annual index of 138 international cities listed from cheapest to most expensive. In Hanoi, get your fill of pho soup and street food between visits to markets and little temples, or sit down at a tourist restaurant where the average meal is under $3. Three-star hotels averag $17 to $55 a night, according to the index. This year the 2018 Global Travel Forecast sees Vietnam’s currency depreciating 7.6 percent against the dollar and airfares dropping 6.3 percent.

If you go: Stay at Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, ranked #4 on TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Top 25 Hotels in the World. On the northeast coast, the Quang Ninh province is the 2018 National Tourism Year host with 51 cultural, sports, and tourism events scheduled.

Book it: Get prices for Hanoi hotels

Costa Rica

Plan your Costa Rica yoga or surf retreat, or book a beach escape in 2018 while the country’s currency is valued 23.7 percent less than the dollar. The Global Travel Forecast expects it to depreciate another 4 percent, making this a good time to make every dollar go further. You’ll get the most for your money in San Jose, which ranks as the #6 cheapest South and Central American city on the 2018 Backpacker Index. Or fly into Liberia in the Guanacaste region, a mid-priced beach area. According to a recent Airfarewatchdog search, three-star hotels in Liberia average $72 per night over the next six months.

If you go: There’s lots to do in San Jose, the country’s capital city that sits at number six on TripAdvisor’s 2018 Top Destinations on the Rise list. Tour the coffee plantations on the city’s outskirts and try fresh-roasted beans at the central market. The new gastronomy market in the city’s Barrio Escalante is worth a stop before you head into the tropical rainforest for ziplining and hiking.

Book it: Get prices for San Jose, Costa Rica, hotels

Argentina

Now more than ever, Latin America’s tourist destinations are offering rich experiences that rival Europe — all for a lot less coin thanks to undervalued currencies. The Argentine peso is undervalued by 25 percent against the strong dollar and predicted to fall 7.7 percent in 2018. Buenos Aires is a bargain compared to Barcelona. And its classic architecture, cafe-lined streets, esteemed museums, and foodie scene are no less enchanting.

If you go: You can find nightly rates of $90 at three-star hotels in Buenos Aires in the next six months. Most people only day trip from Buenos Aires to the iconic Iguazu Falls, but this year you can overnight at the new Awasi Iguazu lodge in the rainforest near the falls.

Book it: Get prices for Buenos Aires hotels

Mexico

Of the countries listed here, the dollar goes furthest in Mexico. The peso is undervalued by 51.3 percent, according to The Economist’s 2018 Big Mac Index. Hotels and flights are also affordable. The average price for a three-star hotel in Puerto Vallarta over the next six months is $92 per night. In Mexico City it’s $104, according to Airfarewatchdog search data. Flights into Mexico City are a particularly good deal: Search data uncovered $224 round-trip flights from Los Angeles in March, $206 from Orlando in March, $263 from Baltimore in March and April, and $230 from Houston in April and May.

If you go: This year, check out special events and the innovative design in Mexico City, named the 2018 World Design Capital. Also try the new space-age Izzzleep Hotel sleep pods in Mexico City International Airport.

The World’s Most Popular Travel Experiences, According to TripAdvisor

Courtesy Carl Unger

TripAdvisor recently released its 2018 Travel Trends Report, naming the most popular travel experiences, tours, and activities booked by its users last year. The data points to a shift toward non-traditional and experiential activities as travelers look to expand their options.

That doesn’t mean travelers are neglecting the old standbys, however. The most-booked experiences include a skip-the-line pass for the Vatican Museums, St. Peters, and Sistine Chapel; the Chicago River Architecture Cruise; and admission to iconic sites including the Sagrada Familia and Eiffel Tower. Here are the rankings:

TripAdvisor’s Most Popular Travel Experiences, Globally

• Skip the line: Vatican Museums, St Peter’s, Sistine Chapel
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise
• Skip the line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour
• Rome Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
• Priority Access: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour
• Eiffel Tower Summit: Priority access with host
• Warner Bros Studio: The Making of Harry Potter with Luxury Round-Trip Transport from London
• Empire State Building Tickets
• Murano, Burano, and Torcello half-day sightseeing tour
• Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour

TripAdvisor’s Most Popular Travel Experiences in the U.S.

• Chicago Architecture River Cruise
• Empire State Building Tickets
• NYC One World Observatory: Skip the line
• USS Midway Museum: Skip the line (San Diego)
• New York City PASS
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour
• Skydeck Chicago: Admission
• Big Bus New York Hop-on, Hop-off
• 9/11 Memorial Museum Admission
• Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

According to TripAdvisor, “historic and heritage experiences saw the most growth (+125 percent in bookings), and culinary travel is an up swinging trend: cooking classes and food tours both appeared among the top five categories, each with 57 percent bookings’ growth. By gross booking value, food tours saw the most growth in 2017.”

It’s important to remember that these numbers reflect bookings made on TripAdvisor, as opposed to trends observed across booking sites. Still, the insight of a popular booking site can help travelers during the planning process. These activities are in higher demand and may be worth booking well in advance of your trip. Lists like this can also help travelers avoid overcrowded activities, if you’re not into crowds.

It’s also a good idea to shop around and read reviews to make sure you select a good provider. You don’t want to end up with random fly-by-night outfit capitalizing on a trend.

The post 2018 Travel Destination Tips and Most Popular Travel Experiences appeared first on Traveling Archive.