The Negro Motorist Green Book was first published in 1936 as a guide for Black people traveling through hostile, racist towns in the Jim Crow South. The legacy of the publication helped hundreds of Black travelers to safely explore the country and encourage other generations of explorers. One Black woman wants to preserve its legacy with a new travel guide to open travelers to the African diaspora around the globe.

Martinique Lewis is a travel consultant and owner of the ABC Travel Green Book series, a new collection of travel guide books highlighting Black-owned tours, restaurants, and places of interest-based on the local Black population. Lewis was inspired by her own travel experiences meeting Black people from other countries.

“After traveling the world and being blown away by the people who look like me in places I’d never think Black people were, I knew I had to somehow create a resource that helped others have these experiences,” says Lewis in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Not only did I want to connect the African diaspora globally, I wanted to celebrate Black businesses around the world to help keep the Black dollar circulating.  There is not one resource that compacts all this information and no search engine or travel site can tell you where in Israel you can get your hair braided. But we seek that info and now it’s available through the book!”

“In addition to running her own business, Lewis also works to advocate for diversity within the travel sector ranging from her Diversity Report Card to her work on the board of the Black Travel Alliance, an organization seeking to amplify Black narratives within the industry. She also works closely with the Nomadness Travel Tribe, a collective of Black travelers spanning over 20,000 members around the world.

Lewis hopes for the new series to inspire the next generation of Black travelers. “I want people to realize that the African Diaspora is everywhere, and there is a vast opportunity to amplify black voices, stories and businesses with the ABC Travel Greenbook,” she added. “I want the travel industry to not just talk about it, but be about it.”

They no longer can say they didn’t know the Black restaurants or Black history tour in Amsterdam to put in their travel publications or to add to their itineraries because the ABC Travel Greenbook tells you where they are,” Lewis says. “I also want people to realize Black people didn’t only get to destinations through the slave trade. We were explorers too, and sailed the seas just like everyone else. I want people to treat this book like one of the most powerful resources in the world, because it is.”

Travel and tourism sector key to APAC’s economic recovery: WTTC

The travel and tourism industry will play a pivotal role in Asia-Pacific’s economic recovery, once the Covid-19 pandemic resolves, according to a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

In its latest annual Economic Impact Report (EIR), WTTC shared that in 2019, travel and tourism generated US$2,971 billion towards GDP, or 9.8 per cent of the region’s economy, representing a 5.5 per cent growth from the previous year. This figure puts it ahead of the overall regional economy for the fifth consecutive year, which grew by 4.2 per cent.

International visitor spend totalled a staggering US$548 billion, representing 6.6 per cent of the region’s total exports.

This surge in tourism receipts was driven by the continued growth in middle income households, visa facilitation, improved connectivity and government prioritisation of the sector.

In addition, WTTC’s study also showed that over the last five years, the travel and tourism sector created more than 21 million new jobs in the region, accounting for 56 per cent of all new jobs globally.

As well, leisure travel makes up the majority of total travel and tourism spend (81 per cent), with only 19 per cent being attributed to business travel. When considering domestic and international spend, the numbers skewed similarly, with domestic visitor spend comprising 74 per cent of the total, and international making up 26 per cent.

China led the region in 2019 in terms of GDP and employment size, with strong performances in other major Asian markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The travel and tourism industry supports more jobs in China than in any other country in the region, accounting for nearly 80 million jobs, or 10.3 per cent of total employment. Last year, the travel and tourism economy in the country grew by 9.3 per cent and is the second largest in the world, making up 11.3 per cent of China’s overall economy.

Malaysia and Vietnam also witnessed significant growth, up 6.6 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively, with both displaying an even split between domestic visitor spending (49 per cent) and spend from international (51 per cent). The majority of the travel and tourism spending in both countries overwhelmingly came from leisure travel, with Malaysia attributing 86 per cent of visitor spend to leisure, and Vietnam attributing 90 per cent.

The Philippines also saw significant growth by 8.6 per cent once again, making up 25.3 per cent of the total economy in the country and supporting 24.1 per cent of total employment, the equivalent of more than 10 million jobs. Leisure spending made up 66 per cent of total visitor spending, and 85 per cent was made up of domestic visitors.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president & CEO, said: “WTTC’s 2019 EIR shows how intrinsic travel and tourism was last year to the economy in Asia-Pacific, making it the fastest growing region in the world in terms of its contribution to GDP, supporting more than 182 million jobs or 9.6 per cent of the total number of people employed.

“Our report underscores how vital travel and tourism will be in powering the recovery of the region’s economy, generating new jobs and driving visitors back to Asia-Pacific, having a positive economic domino effect on suppliers large and small throughout the industry.

“Until then, it is crucial that all governments throughout the region help to protect travel and tourism as the backbone of the regional and global economy, which is currently in a fight for survival. Our research shows that up to 75 million jobs globally are at immediate risk, with more than 48 million at risk across the Asia-Pacific region alone, highlighting how critically the sector requires support.”

On a global level, the travel and tourism sector outperformed the 2.5 per cent rate of global GDP growth for the ninth consecutive year in a row, thanks to an annual GDP growth rate of 3.5 per cent. This made it the global economy’s third highest sector in terms of GDP growth.

The EIR shows the sector supporting one in 10, or 330 million, jobs; making a 10.3 per cent contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs.

A breakdown by WTTC shows Asia-Pacific to be the top performing region worldwide, with a growth rate of 5.5 per cent, followed very closely by the Middle East at 5.3 per cent. The US and EU both demonstrated a steady growth rate of 2.3 per cent, while the fastest growing country was Saudi Arabia, growing four times than the global average.

Purushwadi, a village full of fireflies in Maharashtra

People travel in search of adventure, places, culture, religion, cuisine and so much more; and then, you have Purushwadi. A place that attracts those in search of some good, old-world charm, for it has swarms of fireflies coming in. Yes, you read that right; this tiny village in Maharashtra, at a drive of some four hours from Mumbai, is the stuff that all good dreams are made of. So much so that Purushwadi also plays host to a Fireflies Festival every year, right when the monsoons are about to hit India.

If you have a taste for surreal, Purushwadi is an ideal getaway from both Pune and Mumbai. A sliver of a place, it attracts fireflies to its lush green areas; especially before the monsoons when the mating season for the species in on then. The fact makes May-June the best time to visit Purushwadi, especially if the place has seen a light rain shower or two, and if you do not mind getting drenched in sudden bursts of rains. Do remember that a heavier rain burst ends up in killing the species and you might miss on the extravaganza; so yes, go before the actual Maharashtra monsoons hit.

Expect a stunning show, like nothing that you would have ever seen, for there are more than 2000 species of fireflies that put on their mating lights in May-June! Get ready to trot around the village lanes, and see them come alive with warm lights from thousands of fireflies, as the night gets darker.

While there, you can binge on some really delectable Marathi cuisine. And believe us, there is nothing fresher and more delicious than a fresh serving of puran poli, or a plate of piping hot pav-bhaji. Purushwadi has a few camps that are open to tourists, and while the village has no luxury resorts yet, a night or two in one of the camps or homestays will be an experience to remember.

Ranveer Singh and Manushi Chhillar come together to promote e-commerce fashion brand, Club Factory

Publicis Beehive, the full-service ad agency from Publicis Worldwide has won the creative mandate of popular Chinese e-commerce fashion brand, Club Factory. As its creative partner, Publicis Beehive will play an integral role in launching the brand in India. To further the cause of the brand in India, Club Factory recently announced Bollywood’s leading star and youth icon Ranveer Singh and Miss World Manushi Chhillar as brand ambassadors. The two together star in a high decibel brand campaign that has been executed and conceptualised by Publicis Beehive. The film portrays the broad range of products available on the platform and how users can own these trendy & factory priced brands at just the click of a button.

Watch the spot:

A popular online shopping brand across the world, Club Factory has a strong presence in South Asia, Europe, the United States, the Middle East and other regions. What makes Club Factory unique is that it allows users to shop through millions of products that are trendy and fashionable and available at unbeaten prices.

Commenting on the partnership and the launch of the brand in India, Aviva Wu, Marketing Director, Club Factory said: “Club Factory has managed to carve a unique niche in the hearts of the consumers across various markets that we operate in. India is no exception with consumers, especially the youth, having taken a liking to the brand in a very short span of time. We have ambitious plans for the market and are glad Publicis Beehive is our creative partner.”

On winning the mandate, Paritosh Srivastava, COO – Publicis Beehive said: “The Indian online retail market is at an interesting juncture right now with a plethora of brands vying for some share of the customer’s attention and also his wallet. Though a late entrant, Club Factory is already a well-known brand and our task was to make it a popular & regular online partner of its patrons and keep them coming back for more. With the inaugural launch communication already out, we are confident of achieving that.”

Sharing her views on the film, Shyamashree D’Mello, ECD & Head of Creative Services, Publicis Beehive said: “It was great fun working on the Club Factory launch campaign, as it challenges the notion of fashion being the fiefdom of expensive brands. The bonus was getting the energy of Ranveer Singh and the elegance of Manushi Chillar, paired together for the first time ever, to do that. The light-hearted reverse snobbery they bring to the fore, really hits home as it’s all about being trendy and original in style choices, but paying a fair price for it. Fashion pundits be damned!”

The film has been launched on various digital platforms and has been receiving some rave reviews from the viewers. It has already surpassed 24million views on Youtube since it went live a few days ago. The campaign has also been launched across various platforms including television, digital, outdoor, print etc.

Campaign credits:

Client: Club Factory
Client Team: Aviva Wu
Agency: Publicis Beehive
MD & CCO: Bobby Pawar
MD: Srija Chatterjee
COO: Paritosh Srivastava
Creative Team: Shyamashree D’Mello, Avinash Parab, Savita Nair, Nikhil Warrier, Harish Iyengar, Shreyas Shetty
Account Management: Smita Das, Khushbu Hisaria
Account Planning: Binita Tripathy
Production House: Prodigious
Production Team: Vandana Watsa, Anup Das, Andalib Patel, Sajid Shaikh
Director: Karan Kapadia

Resource: https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Ten Tips for Shooting a Travel Video

Shooting travel videos may seem easy, however, achieving good footage on the move requires combination of proper planning, technique, and a good story.

Whether you’re planning to shoot travel photos or videos on your next trip, there will always be some obstacles that will ruin your images. Especially, when visiting popular tourist attractions, your images will be photobombed by tourists most likely. But, tourists are not the only problem you might face. You may just need to pay a bit more attention to details, technique, and your schedule to overcome any possible problems.

Parker Walbeck is a full-time filmmaker and on this 17-minute video, he shares his top 10 tips on travel videography. He underlines the significance of scheduling the shoot day, and how he manages his time to get more from daylight. This leads to other topics such as content, composition, subject, and how to use them effectively in a travel video. The video continues with other helpful tricks including gear, lens choice, camera settings, and post-processing, and Walbeck explains these tips with samples on this video.

Do you have any tips for shooting travel photos and videos? Please share your thoughts in the comments section down below.

The Appeal of Adventure is Growing for Chinese Tourists

The outbound Chinese market is maturing and increasingly looking to adventure as the means to more deeply experience the world and its many cultural and natural wonders. A May 2018 poll from J. Walter Thompson Intelligence found that 30 percent of Chinese travelers had already taken a trip focused on thrill-seeking or adrenaline-pumping activities, while 45 percent are interested in planning one.

The poll was based on 1,500 consumers from 16 Chinese cities who had traveled outside China in the past 18 months and reported in “China Outbound: The New Face of Chinese Global Travel.”

With Chinese tourists’ overseas spend expected to grow from $115 billion in 2017 to $429 billion by 2021, according to CLSA, adventure operators can expect a jump in Chinese customers.

“Chinese high-end travelers are becoming increasingly mature and sophisticated in their travel preferences. They’re no longer interested in traveling in big groups which lacks a sense of privacy, flexibility, and uniqueness and are now looking for exceptional experiences and completely customized itineraries,” explains Jonathan Cheung, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent China whose headquarters are in Beijing.

“They do not want to travel the traditional way by visiting crowded tourist sites but are looking for a holiday where they can experience new cultures with unique experiences.”

After years of providing travel services to Chinese expatriates living abroad, Abercrombie & Kent recently set up a private travel office in Beijing to serve the growing clientele interested in luxury adventure trips.

While African safaris and polar expeditions are both high on Chinese adventurers’ wish lists, catering these experiences to the Chinese market is particularly challenging.

It not only requires Mandarin-speaking guides, but the product must be completely customized to reflect Chinese interests and menus, explains the A&K team.

For example, Geoffrey Kent took 11 Chinese billionaires on their first safari to Kenya and found that rather than teaching a local guide to speak Mandarin, it was more successful to teach a Mandarin speaker to be a safari guide.

These challenges haven’t stopped visitor growth to some of the world’s most remote destinations.

Last year China overtook Australia as the second largest source of travelers to Antarctica, accounting for 12 percent of approximately 46,000 visitors, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

Chinese nationals are also the largest group of visitors to Russia’s Arctic region, according to government figures. Moreover, Finland’s Lapland region last year recorded a record 92 percent rise in overnight stays by Chinese visitors.

“While they want adventure and exploration, they expect to travel in comfort and style,” explains Cheung.

WeChat has also become an important element of the high-end travel experience for Chinese guests and being used to settle payments, communicate with guests and for marketing.

Even Chinese travelers not interested in such extremes are seeking to explore more traditional destinations in Asia, Europe, and the United States in a new way whether that be through the lens of art, wine, fashion, or sports.

Not all Chinese adventure tourists are looking beyond the selfie just yet, according to Dan Austin, owner of Austin Adventures, an award-winning tour operator primarily focused on national parks.

“Our understanding and impression so far is that the average Chinese visitor to the US may want to ‘see’ the iconic sights like say Old Faithful,  but they are looking for a quick selfie and not deep immersion being on a site-packed travel itinerary,” explains Austin.

In his experience, Yellowstone National Park is an exceptionally desired location. However, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and Zion are also growing quickly.

Austin has found the best way to reach the market is with and through an “in country” Chinese travel partner

“We see opportunities in the custom-designed, exclusive trip area where we can build an itinerary to suit specific desires, goals, and budgets. The high-end, affluent Chinese client is becoming our target audience and custom, private trips are the product we feel we can sell,” he says.

As a leader in national park vacations, Austin has organized a handful of “custom” Chinese requests and expects that number to continue growing.

As often occurs, the luxury market is leading the evolution of Chinese adventure tourism with deeper, more immersive and exotic experiences. Adapting this model for a variety of price points will be key in capturing the growing outbound market looking to move beyond the museums and shops of major cities and into nature.

Experiencing Ooty Through Its Lakes

The charming hill station of Ooty is an escape plan during the harrowing summer months. And the places to visit in Ooty include some very irresistible natural vistas, misty landscapes, and lakes that present a strong case for languid living. Wouldn’t it be just perfect to sit back and relax by one of these lakes in Ooty, where you don’t have to do much, perhaps drink homemade Sangria, and feel the breeze on your face?

Most of the places to visit in Ooty are full of romance, as it is with most hill towns in India, but the place has a characteristic charm that is undeniable. Of course, much of this has to do with the alluring Nilgiri Hills. When in Ooty, do visit these lakes and experience wonder like never before.

Avalanche Lake 

Located about 28 km away from Ooty, this picturesque lake is just perfect for a day out. Pack a lunch, get in the car, and drive to Avalanche Lake, and do stop for the waterfalls on the way. Also, the journey will take you through forests, so it is going to be a memorable journey. Surrounded by rhododendrons, magnolia, and more, Avalanche Lake is for the ardent romantics.

Emerald Lake 

Yet another beautiful lake that is perfect as a picnic spot, Emerald Lake is located almost 25 km from Ooty. Yet another great place to enjoy a day out, and probably a picnic, Emerald Lake is known for exotic birds that are found here, and as well as scenic sunrise and sunsets. You could also visit one of the tea plantations that are located in and around the place.

Upper Bhavani Lake 

Definitely a place to visit for all, the lake is located in the hilly region of Upper Bhavani, and is all about peacefulness. Herein, the Bhavani River flows before it enters the plains, and it is a pleasant place where you can spend some quality time. Here too, you will get the chance to experience riding on a boat, and horse riding at the same time. It is quite a charming place for those who take interest in photography.

Ooty Lake 

A major attraction here in Ooty, you can expect quite a few tourists here at the lake, mostly enjoying boat rides. The lake was constructed way back in 1824, and has been a major part of tourism in Ooty. You can enjoy the boat race that takes place here during the summer. The lake includes some exciting features such as a mini train, an amusement park, and a canteen.

3 Big Tips For Women Who Travel

WASHINGTON — Travel is one of life’s great pleasures. Women are traveling more than ever and taking solo trips in greater numbers each year.

A 2014 Booking.com survey found that 65 percent of U.S. women are taking vacations without their partners. And, according to REI Adventures, 58 percent of their guests were women, and they are designing more of their travel adventures for women.

But with this increased travel comes risks for women who are traveling alone, for business reasons or for pleasure. According to a survey commissioned by AIG Travel, 45 percent of female travelers feel less safe or much less safe about traveling than they did five years ago.

The reasons behind those concerns? Twenty-four percent of women travelers suffered an adverse situation when traveling on business, such as theft, physical assault, attempted kidnap and intruders in hotel rooms, according to a Maiden Voyage Women in Business Travel Survey.
There are many things that women can do to protect themselves, their families and their valuables when they travel. Preventive planning is key, so before boarding the plane, take the time to consider these travel safety tips.

1. How to keep your identity, money and valuables safe
Make copies of your passport, itinerary, credit cards, insurance and important contacts:

Besides keeping this information securely on your smartphone, make sure to print this information in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Consider keeping this same valuable information in a secured vault accessible through the cloud that you can access from any computer.
Send your itinerary to close family and friends so they know where you are at all times. Establish regular check-ins to stay connected.
Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including friends and family, insurance and emergency travel assistance, local embassy, hotel and transportation.
Keep your passport in the hotel safe, along with copies of your credit card. Keep a copy of your passport and medical/travel insurance with you.
If the hotel does not have a safe, or if you are staying in another type of lodging like an Airbnb, keep your important documents with you at all times.
Have some cash (i.e. local currency) on you and know your currency exchange rate — not all places will accept credit cards, especially if you are traveling in more remote areas.

Familiarize yourself with the local ATMs and, of course, avoid using ATMs at night or in deserted areas. Do not keep all your money in one place — keep it in several places in case your wallet is stolen or lost.

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your upcoming travel destinations and dates before you leave the U.S. to avoid having your overseas charges denied. This will put them on alert and more vigilant to any suspicious activity while you are traveling.

Inquire and confirm your smartphone provider’s international data plans and costs before you leave. Some wireless providers have temporary international data, text and calling plans for reasonable daily rates that you can activate while you are traveling. Call them before you go to make these arrangements.

Another alternative is to use WhatsApp to text and call when traveling. WhatsApp provides an additional layer of protection when texting and calling outside the U.S. through end-to-end encryption — meaning that your messages and calls are secured so only you and the person you’re communicating with can read or listen to them, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp.

Don’t trust free Wi-Fi and avoid using free Wi-Fi at internet cafes, airports, hotels and other public spaces. Do not open or respond to unfamiliar emails or text messages.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, 76 percent of their survey takers admitted that they knew using free Wi-Fi can lead to identity theft, yet 71 percent of them admit to using public Wi-Fi to log onto personal email, 11 percent do online banking and 13 percent shop online using a credit card.

Instead, consider using a mobile hotspot from your smartphone. Just make sure that it’s set up with security and a strong password to prevent others from using your data on your dime.

Don’t wear flashy or valuable jewelry.

Never charge your mobile devices by plugging directly into public USB ports. While this may be convenient, keep in mind that these ports are communication channels, and if they are compromised, they could infect your data.

Instead, charge your devices by plugging a portable USB connector directly into a physical plug. The only thing that is transferred is the power to recharge your device.

Lastly, be smart about your social media postings to avoid hackers and stalkers tracking your movements by providing too much real-time information. This is especially important to convey to your young adult children who may be traveling without you.

2. Know where you’re going
It’s important to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the local laws, customs and security issues, as well as having a game plan if you need emergency or medical assistance. Here are some recommended resources:

Go to the U.S. State Department’s travel site: This website provides a wealth of helpful information for any country you may be visiting, as well as specific passport, visa and vaccination requirements, travel advisory messages and specific security alerts. Make sure you know the location of the closest U.S. embassy for your destination and have this information readily available.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: Download the app on your smartphone. This is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive updated safety and security messages, and make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to locate you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency. You just need to sign up once, and then add trips later for all your future travels.
Go to the AIG Travel for Women website for travel safety tips: As a global insurance provider, AIG’s Travel for Women has plenty of helpful tips. There are too many to list in this particular article, but here are some worthwhile security tips, particularly for women traveling alone: never hang a sign asking for your room to be cleaned, as this announces that no one is in your room; ask for two hotel room keys and keep one in your purse and one on yourself; and organize your belongings the same way every time so you know if something has been tampered with or moved.
Review your medical insurance policy coverage: Check to see if your medical insurance covers you outside of the U.S. and what your specific coverage includes. As an example, when I called my group health insurance provider, I discovered that overseas emergency room care was covered for $150 per visit after meeting my deductible. I was also covered for several other medical services based on my out-of-network terms.
Consider travel insurance options: While consulting with a local personal insurance broker, Myrna Smith of Willis Towers Watson, I discovered there are several different types of travel insurance available for a reasonable fee. For example, you can buy individual trip cancellation with or without medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual travel policies for those who travel frequently throughout the year. Also important is knowing that you have 24/7 emergency assistance. It may be a phone call to find a local doctor who speaks English, or an emergency airlift evacuation, or even security assistance in the event of political unrest. Having the peace of mind that expert worldwide travel assistance is available may be worth the fee. Consult with your insurance agent to determine what plan is best for you.
3. What to do before your adult children travel
For those with young adult children, many enjoy traveling abroad. It’s not uncommon for them to start at a young age, while still in high school or college. In addition to the travel tips and resources mentioned here, there is one more piece of advice that parents or guardians need to keep in mind.

Once a child has turned 18 years old, he or she is considered an adult. Without the proper legal documents in place, a parent or guardian does not have the legal right to obtain medical information or make any legal decisions on the child’s behalf anymore.

This is true even if your son or daughter is covered under your health insurance plan.

While medical providers are permitted to exercise professional judgment if the young adult child patient is incapacitated or, in emergency situations, providers often come down on the side of patient privacy, especially if they have never met the family member.

There is no better time than before an upcoming trip — domestic or overseas — for parents or guardians and their young adult children to sit down and review the appropriate forms to handle medical emergencies or other legal matters that may arise. These forms may be found online or can be prepared by an attorney.

Medical or health care power of attorney, or POA: By signing a medical or health care POA  — aka health care proxy — a young adult appoints an “agent” such as their parents or guardian to make medical decisions on their behalf in case they are incapacitated and cannot make these decisions by their self. Each state has different laws governing medical POAs and, therefore, different legal forms. You can access downloadable forms at the American Bar Association. A medical POA form may also include HIPAA disclosure authorization. If it does not, a separate HIPAA authorization should be signed.
HIPAA authorization: A signed HIPAA authorization permits health care providers to disclose your young adult child’s health information to the person the child assigns as their health care “agent” for a designated time period or indefinitely.
Durable power of attorney: A durable POA is a legal document that authorizes a trusted person that your adult child designates to act as their “agent” or “attorney-in-fact” (even though the person may not be an attorney) and remains valid even if the adult child is incapacitated. Since this trusted person as “agent” can step into your adult child’s shoes to legally take care of business on their behalf, your child should only give this type of authorization to an adult they truly trust and who has their best interest at heart. This legal document gives broad powers and should be taken very seriously as it may not be appropriate in many situations.
We recommend that you consult with your financial adviser or attorney in preparing these legal documents.

Lastly, once these forms are signed, it’s a good idea to scan and save them electronically so they are readily available on a smartphone or computer. You should also keep the original forms in a secure location for safe keeping.

By planning in advance and taking a few common-sense precautions, you and your family can relax and enjoy your travel adventures, wherever they may take you.

Source:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG24jZuScHvUuwiP6uzcwJg
https://twitter.com/clubfactoryapp

Think You Can Design a Hotel Room Out of Ice

Designing and building a hotel suite is no easy endeavor. Now imagine doing so using nothing but ice and snow. Since 1990, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, rebuilds itself north of the Arctic Circle each winter, creating a tourist destination made entirely out of ice and snow. This year is no different, and to help get the public involved, the hotel is inviting people from around the world to have a go at creating its ice suite from start to finish.

To be considered, designers must submit an application online that includes images and/or visuals an overview of their vision, a written description of specific design elements, and a name for the 323-square-foot suite. A team of judges will then choose a winner and that person (you can either work solo or as a team) will get the opportunity to travel to Jukkasjärvi and be involved in every aspect of the construction process, from carving blocks of ice from the frigid Torne River to spending the night inside the completed suite.

“It doesn’t matter if you have worked with ice and snow before or not,” Arne Bergh, the creative director and co-owner of the Icehotel, tells Smithsonian.com. “If you’re selected, Icehotel will show you and your fellow artists some basics about the material and the tools. The artist teams are responsible for completing their suites at Icehotel, but there is also a support team that can advise you on design and construction, as well as a lighting team to assist you with the lighting of your suite.”

Bergh emphasizes that the crazier and more creative the idea, the better, so he encourages submitters to not be afraid and to think outside the box with this one.

“[The judges and I] are looking for something that we’ve never seen before,” Bergh says. “We never want to repeat designs from year to year, so we’re always on the lookout for something unique.”

In previous years, artists have created everything from hexagon-shaped ice chandeliers that cascade down from the suite’s vaulted ceiling to a bed floating on a cloud-shaped bedframe made of a mixture of snow and ice.

Bergh says that one of the most challenging aspects of the project is working with ice, a fickle medium that can change at a moment’s notice. Because of this, the Icehotel puts safety first and foremost to ensure that the idea for the winning suite is architecturally sound and will survive throughout the winter months and into the spring. During the ice suite’s multi-month run, it stays at a chilly 17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit. (For comfort, the hotel provides a mattress, thermal sleeping bag and reindeer hides to guests staying in the suite.)

“The atmosphere changes from day to day and goes back to cycle of nature as it warms,” he says. “By mid-summer, everything is gone. And then we start the cycle again.”

These are top travel contests you can enter in April

Traveling can get expensive especially when you go to far-off places. But there's one way you can get travel discounts or even a free trip: by entering a contest. Many hotels, cruises, airlines, tourism bureaus, travel agencies, and other online travel companies offer various giveaways and contests. Here are a few notable ones:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a Million Smiles contest, asking travelers to hashtag their images on social media with #ThaiMillionSmiles to win a trip for two to Thailand. The tourism board will make a contribution of $15,000 to Operation Smile’s trips and operations for Thai children with cleft lips or left palates. To enter, travelers must upload a photo on Instagram of what makes them smile about Thailand. The caption should read “Why this makes you smile and how it gives you a new perspective on life.” The deadline for submissions is May 31. The winner will be announced June 20. The prize is a five-day, four-night trip to Thailand for two, including airfare, accommodations at The Riverie by Katathani and daily breakfast.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau is offering a free winter escape. One winner will receive two roundtrip tickets on JetBlue Airways, a three-night stay at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, dinner for two at Ocean2000, and two Greater Fort Lauderdale VIP cards, good for complimentary admission to more than 30 attractions. Travelers are required to complete a registration form by April 15

Ace Hotel New Orleans is having a contest in honor of New Orleans’ tricentennial. Entrants have to post a favorite New Orleans memory on Instagram and explain why New Orleans is their favorite place to travel or share why they’d like to wish New Orleans a happy 300th birthday. They have to tag Ace Hotel New Orleans in their post at @acehotelneworleans and include #onetimeinnola and #acenola300. They also have to tag two friends and follow Ace Hotel New Orleans at @acehotelneworleans. The deadline is May 18. The winner will receive a three-night stay at Ace Hotel New Orleans, dinner for two at Seaworthy, breakfast for two at Josephine Estelle, lunch for two at Alto, two tickets to a show at Three Keys, and three exclusive limited edition vinyls of Sister Gertrude, Meters Live on the Queen Mary, Six of Saturns Vol. 1. They will also get an Ace Hotel New Orleans Tote Bag, a 15-minute NOLA cocktail history tour with Beverage Director Matt Ray featuring a cocktail at each stop, and a recipe and history book with hand painted artistry from Ace's bellman, Tyrell Shaw. The winner will be chosen on May 19. 

FlexJet, a fractional jet ownership company, will give two contestants a private jet roundtrip flight to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico for four days and three nights. The prize includes travel for the winner and a companion on a private jet provided by Flexjet from anywhere in the continental USA to Cabo San Lucas. They will fly with Kenn Ricci, chairman of the company.Upon arrival in Cabo, they will be taken to Marquis Los Cabos and Spa, a resort on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. To win, contestants must share a unique travel experience that Ricci can undertake with his Instagram followers. His official Instagram account is @KennRicci. Contestants must also follow the Instagram accounts of Flexjet LLC and Marquis Los Cabos San Lucas and tag friends who might be interested in the contest.

Southwest Airlines fans can win a vacation to Cabo San Lucas. They have until April 30 to win round trip airfare on Southwest for the winner and a guest to Los Cabos International Airport. Included is four-night double accommodations at the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. Round trip airport to and from hotel transfers are part of the package. They have to sign up here to qualify.

Travel Options: Explore New Lands, Make New Friends

Many are making plans to travel in 2018, and there are so many options for senior citizens.

For example, there are group travel options just for women, those traveling alone, couples expeditions, educational tours, small group trips, low-cost tours, and general tours that draw a host of different people. But whatever option chosen, one thing remains the same. You will meet interesting people, make new friends, explore new lands and have a good time.

One of the many options for traveling seniors is the elder hostel, and Bill Ness, writer for www.55Places.com, said they have changed.

"If the term 'elder hostel' brings to mind a bunch of gray-haired hippies wandering around Europe, sleeping in questionable accommodations and lugging a backpack, you are behind the times. Today's elder hostels are well-planned, well-organized, educational and cultural opportunities especially developed to appeal to the 55-plus crowd enjoying active-adult living," Ness said.

There are thousands of choices in hundreds of places around the world, as well as an array of educational tours that feature local and renowned experts for learning opportunities that include in-depth lectures, field trips and discussions. There are also cultural tours that focus on music, theater or the arts. Study cruises are available so you can enjoy the best of both worlds - being on a cruise and learning or experiencing something new at the same time. For the athletically inclined, there are walking, biking, hiking and camping excursions.

"Accommodations are very reasonable and are often in local hotels or college campuses. In many instances, most meals are included as well. You won't have to worry about a thing. Activities, lodging, meals and more are all covered as a part of the packages," Ness said.

For more information about elder hostel trips, visit elderhostel.org.

Lifelong learners also can find a tour or trip of interest at www.roadscholars.org. The group offers many opportunities and a number of special trips such as for grandparents wanting to travel with their grandchildren.

Road Scholars' website notes that "lifelong learners who participate in Road Scholars' adventures find them fun and stimulating. Road Scholars is a diverse group of lifelong learners. They are solo travelers. They are couples - partners or friends. They are retirees and busy professionals. They are farmers and urbanites. Intellectuals and adventurers. And together, they form a dynamic cohort that enriches every learning experience."

Senior Citizen Travel, http://seniorcitizen.travel, also has opportunities to see and explore the world for senior women only. Women can get their friends together or simply pick a trip to make new friends on one of the many trips for those 55 and over.

For those who are much more adventurous, there is ElderTreks, which offers small group exotic adventures for travelers 50-plus. ElderTreks' tours include Horn of Africa in Ethiopia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and polar tours around the Antarctica and the North Pole.

One of the trips is camping with the emperor penguins, where travelers fly by ski aircraft to an emperor penguin rookery on the remote, south coast of the Weddell Sea. Camp is set up for a small group of 10 and they spend several days totally immersed in the activity of the rookery. Travelers photograph majestic emperors against a spectacular backdrop of ice cliffs, pressure ridges and icebergs. They can fall asleep to a chorus of trumpeting calls and wake to find curious penguins outside the tent.

The AARP and AMAC also have a large travel section on their websites filled with many opportunities and discounts. Visit www.aarp.org or https://amac.us/travelperks.

The number of opportunities for travel, travel groups, and businesses and organizations that are catering to senior citizens' travels has grown in the past few years. These groups and businesses can be found by searching "senior citizen travels" online.

Remember though, if you do take a trip - alone, as a couple or in a small or large groups - research safety tips for senior citizens traveling.

The world continues to change, so before you take off, take care to review safety tips for the area you will be visiting and general tips.

A few safety travel tips include keeping the "bling" to a minimum, or in other words, leave your jewelry at home, which can be an advertisement that you have some dollars in your pocket. Also, don't advertise your absences from your hotel room by leaving "Clean the Room Please" or other signs that could let thieves know you are not in your room.

Also, be sure and let someone at home know your itinerary, and check in on a regular basis.

Also, when you are traveling, be sure to watch what you eat, for as you age, tummies can be more sensitive. But most of all, make sure you have all of your medications packed and enough for the duration of your trip.

So, check out the many trips in and around Texas, the USA or the globe, have some fun and be safe.

Airbnb Unveils New Category Of Rentals Rated By Inspectors

SAN FRANCISCO — Airbnb is dispatching inspectors to rate some of the properties listed on its home-rental service in an effort to reassure travelers they’re booking nice places to stay.

The Plus program, unveiled Thursday, is aimed at winning over travelers who aren’t sure they can trust the current, computer-driven analysis of reviews posted by past guests. The misleading pictures drawn by Airbnb’s rating system have become a big enough problem to spawn a website devoted to horror stories spanning from an overcrowded, dirty “hippy commune” in Pasadena, California, to a Paris vacation ruined in a moldy, bug-infested apartment.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says the company’s internal surveys have found travelers willing to pay more for inspector-certified properties, allowing homeowners and apartment dwellers to recoup a $149 fee to participate in Plus.

Human inspectors will review properties based on a 100-point checklist covering everything from the speed of the Wi-Fi to the bedding. Properties that fail can still be part of Airbnb’s regular listings; the company will also offer advice on improvements to qualify.

The program will initially cover about 2,000 properties in 13 cities — Austin, Texas; Barcelona, Spain; Cape Town, South Africa; Chicago; Los Angeles; London; Melbourne, Australia; Milan; Rome; San Francisco; Shanghai, Sydney; and Toronto. That’s a small fraction of the roughly 4.5 million properties listed on Airbnb in 81,000 cities worldwide. By the end of the year, Chesky foresees verifying 75,000 homes in 50 cities.

Airbnb is shaking things up at a time its growth has been slowing, a trend the company would like to reverse before it sells its stock in an initial public offering expected within the next two years. Despite its popularity, Airbnb remains unprofitable, with a loss of $75 million on revenue of nearly $2.6 billion last year, according to financial statements reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

At an event in San Francisco, Airbnb announced other steps to become more like a traditional hospitality company instead of an industry renegade that has siphoned business away from major hotels. Frequent travelers will quality for discounts and other perks. The company also is adding other rental categories, including bed-and-breakfast inns and boutique hotels.

A major hotel industry group slammed Airbnb’s expansion as a sham. “Airbnb’s latest scheme is just further proof the company is trying to play in the hoteling space while evading industry regulations,” said Troy Flanagan of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “If Airbnb wants to enter the hoteling business, then it needs to be regulated, taxed and subject to the same safety compliances.”

Airbnb’s success has drawn fire from city officials upset about lost revenue from hotel taxes. It has also stirred protests from long-time renters of homes that are being converted into short-term places to stay instead. Airbnb’s critics contend the latter trend has been making it even more difficult to find a place to live in cities such as San Francisco, where housing is already scarce and expensive.

Airbnb argues it is enabling more people to stay in their current homes by helping them bring in more money whenever they want to rent some space.

What Luxury Travelers Going To Asia Are Seeking In 2018

While we may be nearing the end of January 2018, there's still plenty of time to start planning for the year's travel arrangements and get those holiday leaves approved.

From the rise of personalized travel to luxury travelers seeking more authentic local experiences, here are four key travel trends everyone should know about.

Embrace Personalization

According to Daniel Welk, vice president of Hilton APAC Luxury Operations, "The travelers of today expect integrated and personalized digital interactions across channels throughout their travel experience." So much so that travelers are willing to provide hotels and other travel providers data from past travels to receive more personalized services. The Hilton Honors App, for instance, works with hotel management systems so guests can check into and select preferred rooms, as well as decide on room service features during their entire stay.

Similarly, other hotels and travel operators are offering bespoke experiences catered to the individual's preferences. It's ultimately time to say goodbye to cookie cutter travel packages in 2018.

Slower Travel

In a time where we're constantly occupied by digital devices, there's a greater desire to escape from it all and travel slow. This year will see more travelers escaping to far-flung places in Asia and traveling for a longer duration even.

James and Tamara Lohan of boutique travel agency, Mr & Mrs Smith, commented: "Singapore Airlines has plans this year to re-introduce their direct route from New York to Singapore, and I think we’ll see a rise in U.S. travelers to Asia with this now being such an easy journey."

Whether it's through long haul flights or taking up trips on luxury trains through Asia's countrysides, more travelers will be looking to take things slow and truly immerse in their journeys.

Wellness Tourism

With "mindful movement" predicted as being this year's key travel trend by Health And Fitness Travel, various luxury hotels, resorts spas and travel organizations will be providing travelers with a range of holistic and wellness-related packages to choose from.

From yoga retreats and surfing breaks, to cycling tours and hiking trips, health-conscious travel is set to become increasingly more popular.

Living Like Locals

Lastly, 2018 will also quickly become the year for "living like locals" when traveling. This will go beyond just having a taste of local cuisine or visiting prominent cultural sites. Instead, it'll revolve around specially crafted itineraries that'll bring you closer to a country's way of living. "At our Conrad properties around the world, we have rolled out Stay Inspired, an initiative offering guests with inspired experiences through a customized and curated collection of 1,3 or 5-hour experiences covering food, shopping, art, design, culture amongst others," said Welk.

So instead of hopping from one city to the next, it's time to fully connect and embrace each city's culture, creating a more authentic experience. Airbnb, for instance, has also been popularizing this trend since 2016 with the introduction of "experiences" -- a way for travelers to be shown around a new city by a local ambassador.

How To Effectually Exercise At Home

Many people spent weeks at the gym last year creating the perfect summer bodies and following a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Day-after-day they carefully monitored every calorie, carb and anything else that passed their lips.

With the few last days of holidays remaining, some are still in their bikinis or Speedos lying on sun loungers and any thought of exercise during this time is usually brushed aside.

But Sonwabo Bomvana, a licensed Zumba instructor, advises against falling off the exercise wagon.

Bomvana says a workout doesn’t need to be rigorous and confined to a gym.

And in fact, it has to be creative and fun - and can be done even in the comfort of one’s own home.

Ever thought that you could help stay in shape with your simple dance moves such as hip hop, reggaeton styles, Pantsula or gumboots dance?

“Dedicate a few minutes to sweat it out in a fun way and in that way you still continue with your regime during the festive season,” he adds.

And a former X Factor winner, Leona Lewis, 32, found a fun way to stay on track.

In an interview with Daily Mail, Lewis, a fan of spinning classes, running and hot yoga, shared her secret to her well firm legs.

A single leg circle is a great way to tone legs, she says. And the best way to do it is to lie on your back with arms by your sides and palms facing down.

Then point your left foot upwards and rotate your leg slightly outward. Inhale and trace a circle on the ceiling with your left leg, keeping your hips still.

Trace the circle three to four times clockwise, then anti-clockwise. Perform three sets on each leg.

Paul Rothschild, owner of Body Under Construction, says the key with exercise is routine.

According to him, many people generally fall off the exercise wagon because their routine changes and they struggle to prioritise a workout. The most effective solution when on holiday is to exercise in the morning before you start your day. This way you make sure nothing can interrupt your routine. Here’s a few tips on how to keep at it:

Squats

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outwards. Keep your head and chest up and your back straight as you squat towards the ground. Stop when your quads are parallel to the floor. Make sure to push through your heels as you squat.

Dips

Facing away from a chair or bench, place your palms shoulder distance apart. Lower yourself towards the floor keeping your body close to the chair or bench. Stop when your upper arms are parallel to the floor and return back to the starting position.

Front plank

Start lying on your stomach, with elbows aligned under shoulders and forearms on the ground. Keeping your body nice and straight, lift your body up on to your forearms. Keep your back flat, pulling your belly button into your spine. Hold in position for the duration of the interval.

Alternating back lunges

Start standing upright. Lunge back with your right leg, keeping your back straight, head in the neutral position with your eyes forward and keep your core tight. Make sure your knee is behind your toes on your left leg. Lower your right knee until it almost touches the floor and your left thigh is parallel with the floor. As you lunge back, rotate your torso over your front leg. Return to the start position and repeat with the other leg.

Push ups

Place your palms just wider than shoulder-width apart. Lift your body into plank position either up on your toes or drop your knees if you need to. Keeping your back straight, lower your chest towards the floor. Stop when your upper arms are parallel to the floor and return back to the starting position

Mountain climbers

Get into a plank position on your hands. While holding your body up, bring one knee forward under your chest. Repeat with your other leg. As your strength improves, aim to increase the speed of the movement.

Inca Trail Permits To Be Released Four Months Early

Anyone hoping to trek the Inca Trail in 2018 better start planning, as permits are about to be released – four months earlier than usual.

Until this year, the initial tranche of permits for travel were released in January of the same year and the rest in February, but for the first time the Ministry of Culture is releasing all permits for 2018 on 1 October 2017.

With only 500 permits available per day, tour operators are urging travellers to book the trek, which ends at the 550-year old Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, as soon as they can. “Tickets usually sell out almost immediately for the peak trekking months of April, May and August,” said Dan Clarke of RealWorld Holidays. “Five-hundred a day may sound like a lot but when take into account the permits required for the guides, cooks and any other members of the trek team, you can see how they can disappear very quickly indeed.”

Permits can only be obtained through an officially licensed company that operates the four-day trek; they can not be bought separately. The Classic Inca Trail is the most popular of all of specialist South American operator RealWorld’s trips.

Travellers who miss out on Inca Trail permits can still trek to Machu Picchu on an alternative route – the Salkantay trek for which no permit is needed. “On the Salkantay trek, you pass through small communities and farmsteads, and approach Machu Picchu from the other side. Instead of arriving at Inti Punku (the sun gate), you get a stunning panorama, free of human interference – no transport, no farms, no tourists,” said Laura Rendull-Dunn of tour operator Journey Latin America.

Machu Picchu is among the most iconic ancient sites in the world but has become a victim of its own popularity in recent years, with Unesco threatening to place it on its endangered list. Pressure to do something about overcrowding prompted the Peruvian government to introduce a new timed entry system earlier this year, with the aim of creating a more even distribution of visitors throughout the day and reducing queue times. However, the new system controversially allowed for an increase in the total number of visitors from 5,000 a day to nearly 6,000 – more than double the Unesco recommendation of 2,500.

Solo Travel: Tips For Travelling Alone

TRAVELLING by yourself can be liberating and self-indulgent in the best possible ways.

Some of my most treasured memories are from the times I set out on my own. It’s not just the fact that I could do whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it, it’s the way I got to know more about myself as I discovered new places.

That said going it alone does have its challenges, from not having anyone to wait in line or watch your bags while you pop to the bathroom, to no second opinions on the best way to tackle a public transport system. There are also times when you miss not being able to share some of the highs and lows of travel with a friendly face.

But for me the solo travel pros greatly outweigh the cons, and there are ways to make the experience easier and safer.

SLEEPING ALONE

I talk to empty hotel rooms a lot when I travel solo. Don’t worry it’s not behind closed doors, but I like to create the illusion that someone else is there with a casual ‘I’m back’ and ‘see you soon’ as I enter and leave. I also ask for two keys at check in for my imaginary friend and I.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website suggests female solo travellers should book and check in using a first initial and surname only with no Miss, Ms or Mrs, and it’s a good idea not to tell anyone where you’re staying if they know you’re by yourself.

If anyone else is within earshot when you are asked your room number at breakfast give your name instead, and always listen to your intuition.

If your room doesn’t feel safe when you check in, ask to change rooms or move to another hotel. If someone waiting for the same lift makes you feel uneasy, say you’re waiting for a friend and will get the next one.
Avoid a ground floor room if you can as they are the easiest to break into, and as so many hotel doors don’t have chains on them a simple rubber door wedge can help you sleep better at night.

GETTING AROUND

If you’re planning on getting a taxi from the airport ask the hotel how much it should be and then ask the taxi driver the same question before you get in so you’re not taken for the wrong sort of ride.

Sit in the back seat behind the driver and either make a call to someone to say you’re on your way or mention to the driver that your partner is waiting for you. If you opt for the train instead, avoid sitting in an empty carriage.

Jenny Gray, Product Manager Intrepid Travel says petty theft can happen regardless of where you travel so it’s best not to carry all of your cash and cards on you when you’re out and about.

“Keeping a reserve locked away in the hotel means you have a back-up plan should the worst happen. Make scans of important travel documents and email them to yourself, this will save hours of time in paperwork if anything does happen.”

Ask your hotel if there are any areas you should avoid before you go exploring, and if you ever do feel a little lost or uncertain, don’t show it. Walk with calm confidence and retrace your steps until you’re back in your comfort zone.

If you start to crave human interaction join a walking tour, shoot the breeze with a friendly barman, or Skype with someone you love back home.

And don’t be put off if you see a Sold Out sign on a show you want to see. Single seats can appear so ask and you may be happily surprised.

TABLE FOR ONE

Solomangarephobia is a fear of eating alone in public. Personally I’m quite happy taking myself out to dinner but if it makes you nervous there are some things you can do.

Bring along a book or magazine, take the time to write postcards or capture your travels in your journal, edit the photos in your phone or do a little social media update.

But don’t spend the whole time with your face in your phone or book. Really taste the food and take in the scene around you.

A counter seat or a seat at the bar can be a good option, but if you prefer a table don’t let the waiter stick you on the worst one in the corner just because you’re alone. Ask if you can sit at a table you like and if they refuse you can always move onto somewhere you’ll feel more welcome.

While bathroom breaks are easy if you’re in a nice restaurant and won’t lose your seat, if you’re in a café leave something like a book or scarf to show your seat is taken and tell a waiter or another customer you’ll be right back while always taking your valuables to the rest room with you.

CONSIDER A GROUP HOLIDAY

If your friends or family don’t want to travel to the same places you do but you’re not keen on going it alone then a group tour could be for you.

Greg Carter, co-founder of Latin America and Polar Specialist Chimu Adventures says apart from the social aspect of travelling with like-minded people, they give inexperienced solo travellers a sense of security and confidence.

“But even for the veteran traveller a group tour can be a great idea as it can give you access to regions that may be hard to visit independently.”

The Managing Director of Insight Vacations, Alexandra O’Connor says different tours are tailored for different travelling styles and so you should check what best suits your interests from city highlights to off the beaten track.

O’Connor says your Travel Director is like a 24 hour concierge and can give you all the tips you need before you do some exploring on your own.

“Listen to your Travel Director when they offer safety tips and areas to be mindful of (and) ensure you have their mobile number in case you’re running late or lost. But overall enjoy and take in all of your surroundings from the sounds to the scents and everything in between, some of the best experiences and memories are captured when you’re solo and can fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.”

While some group tours pair you up with someone of the same sex so you can save money on a single room, others waive single supplements altogether.

There are also companies like Monograms that mix the flexibility of travelling by yourself with the support found on a guided holiday.

Monograms’ Chris Fundell says their holidays include a choice of hotels, transportation and transfers, but guests are free to explore at their own pace.

“They include a selection of special activities and guided sightseeing as well as the services of a Monograms Local Host to offer advice and assist with planning additional excursions. The packages also give travellers the option of VIP access to popular tourist attractions, a perk that is usually only available to larger groups.”

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

When it comes to deciding on a destination there are some countries that are easier for solo travellers than others.

Places like the UK, USA and Canada offer a mix of the new and exciting with the familiar and comforting as you speak the same language and are familiar with most of the customs, and you can easily meet fellow solo travellers in popular tourist spots throughout Europe and Asia.

On The Go Tours’ Carl Cross says solo travel can be daunting in places like Russia and in parts of Africa where overland travel is next to impossible without a local guide.

“Also, when touring overland across several borders, it can be much safer and more efficient to travel with a tour company in certain parts of the world. In some countries, solo female travel is not advised, often due to cultural considerations, so a tour group in these places is an ideal solution.”

No matter where you decide to go, make sure you do your research beforehand.

“Read and subscribe to the travel advice for the countries you plan to visit (and) talk to friends, relatives and colleagues who have travelled to the places you plan to visit.” A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says. “Remember that careful planning before you leave is essential to help you choose a destination where you’ll feel safe and comfortable, and be prepared for any issues you might face.”

Five Tips To Reduce Food Wastage

South Africa's first Michelin Star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen says fruit and vegetables are the most common foods people waste because they perish so easily.
He says: "With expensive products like meat or fish, before they have a chance to expire, the average consumer sees its value and knows to freeze it and hopefully use it at a later stage. The first line of defence against fresh produce wastage is not to overbuy. What often happens is that we buy far more fresh produce than we can realistically consume before it perishes, and half of it ends up in the bin or forgotten about in the bottom of the fridge."

Plan ahead

Find fifteen minutes at the weekend to work out a weekday menu for the upcoming week, considering which ingredients you can use for multiple dishes. For instance, the tomatoes you didn’t use in your salad today can make a delicious relish tomorrow.

Adopt a shop-smart mindset. Make a shopping list and be realistic about what you need – checking, of course, what you already have in your fridge before popping down to the shops.

Use everything

Get a bit creative. Embrace #LeftoverMondays. Instead of throwing the last three bananas out, make banana bread. And if you’re watching your waistline, give it to someone who needs it.

Another culprit in the food waste quagmire is the best before date. Treat it like a guideline, not a matter of fact. Use-by dates refer only to the quality of food – not its safety. Trust your senses – they are there for a reason. In other words, taste before you waste.

Take stock of the food you have in your home and adopt a new rule of thumb: use what spoils first.

Check your portions

Over preparing is a common issue throughout the industrialised world, but as South Africans, the notion of Die tafels moet kreun (an old Afrikaans adage referring to festive tables set with an abundance of food) is better reserved for special occasions than for the norm.

It is speculated that mainstream restaurant culture is largely to blame here and it has affected our sense of value. The larger the portion, the better the value for money. But in the process, we’ve lost the ability to gauge how much we actually need. Remember, your stomach is only about the size of your fist.

Make a mind switch – let value centre on the quality of the ingredients. Focus more on the smell, the taste and the joyful experience of eating the food you make and less on the amount you ingest.

Store it well

You’ll be surprised to learn what fruits and vegetables prefer to be stored at room temperature and not in the fridge. And if you can clear some fridge space, storing your leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch will become less of a problem.

Fridge clutter feeds a dangerous tendency of out of sight, out of mind. And it makes it difficult to know what you have to work with.

Donate what you don’t use

Studies show that when people give to charities, it activates pleasure centres in the brain connected to trust and a sense of belonging, which are responsible for that “warm glow” feeling.

Inevitably, we don’t always use all the food we buy. In a country with such a big divide between the haves and the have nots, why not find out where your local food banks are and donate what you don’t consume? Or start a local community dedicated to feeding the less privileged on a Saturday morning.

A Trip To King’s Landing, Minus The Dragons And The Lannisters

Croatia’s coastal city, Dubrovnik, therefore, became a natural destination in my travel wish list which is doubled as King’s Landing in GoT. Many scenes of the show have been filmed in this picturesque city.

I landed in Dubrovnik on an extremely rainy morning and checked into an all-girls hostel. Since the larger part of my stay was in the neighbouring budget friendly Bosnia, I had expected Croatia to be a money-friendly place as well. However, I was proven wrong. Croatia is relatively more expensive than other parts of Europe as a decent dorm at a hostel costs up to €20-25 per night, which is extremely high compared to other tourist destinations such as Rome and Barcelona. ‘Tourist staple food’ pizzas are about €6 and the superstores are dearer than in the United Kingdom.

Croatian people, however, are quite friendly and helpful, especially if you try to communicate with them in Croatian. They are extremely generous and it almost appears that the less people have, the more they tend to give. I think that they complement their country’s stunning scenery in the truest sense.

Croatian food can be distinguished on the basis of its regions, that is, Dalmatian food and Zagreb food. My favourites included strukli, a delicious pastry filled with cottage cheese and sour cream boiled or baked in the oven, and brudet (brujet, brodet) which is a fish stew flavoured with chilli pepper. Another dish worth trying is the oily fish that represents an essence of the Dalmatian diet. Sardines, mackerels, anchovies, Mediterranean sand smelt, tuna and bonito are also delicious and a common staple around Croatian homes.

Since Croatian islands and GoT-famed Dubrovnik attract a large number of wealthy European tourists all year round, it has niched itself as an exotic holiday destination.

GoT’s King’s Landing, Dubrovnik, was once a trade capital of the Balkans. During the 16th century, it boasted the largest merchant naval fleet in the world with more than 50 consulates in the world. Dubrovnik was a city of rich merchant villas and wealthy sailor fleets but it has lost its formal glory ever since.

Today, most of the places worth seeing in Dubrovnik are within its ‘pedestrian only’ walled town. This town was declared as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) heritage site in 1979 and is dotted with beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

I braced the rain with an umbrella and ventured into the old town, and to be honest, it looked like the mall road of Murree at first glance. It is crammed with souvenir shops, museums, empty villa-museums, eateries, tour operators, musicians and dancers. It really pours ice cold water over one’s fantasy of a breath-taking perception of Dubrovnik, until one climbs the town walls and takes a detour around the town.

The walk on the Dubrovnik Wall is one of the most beautiful experiences in Croatia. It’s a beautiful longish walk over the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, where the city and sea below actually looks like a vision of King’s Landing, right out of GoT.

During the walk, one passes through the east entrance to the old town Dubrovnik, namely the 14th century ‘Ploče Gate’, which was the Red Keep gate in GoT. Cersei Lannister passed over this same bridge and entered the Red Keep during her walk of shame.

Just across Dubrovik’s old town square is the 16th century ‘Sponza Palace’, where wonderful arrays of painting exhibitions take place regularly. During my visit, I came across a painting exhibition about atrocities of the Bosnian war. Though Croatia has fared economically better than its Balkan neighbours after the Bosnian war, emotional battle scars are still visible through war monuments all around Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik has a few beaches just outside its city limits that are more laid back and quieter, with Lapad beach being one of them. Here I was able to relax and sip tea while gazing into the sea while snorkelers dive into the water every now and then.

My next stop was the coastal city of Split for a further detour to the island of Brac, which is famous for its olive oil. This oil is a must try for any visitor who plans to visit the island. Being one of the biggest islands in Croatia, it is a little inconvenient to get around the island considering the lack of conveyance. Even though buses move around regularly, I was about to miss the bus to the docks and my subsequent flight out of Split the next day. Luckily enough, my constant waving caught the eye of the driver of the last outgoing bus, who in a show of humanity for a solo traveller, stopped outside his bus route and took me to the dock. Brac, however, did not leave much of an impression on me and I could easily skip it the next time I visit Croatia.

Split was an impressive city with a gorgeous seafood market just near its harbour. Split is a heaven for any seafood lover and since I am one, I devoured a sumptuous breakfast of sardines and other small fish at one of the small local inns.

Roman ruins of the Diocletian Palace remains one of the most interesting features of Split, with its snake-like labyrinth of streets, packed with shops, people and Roman warriors. You find Roman warrior actors around the palace who at a nominal fee will pose with you or even let you pretend to be one.

The visit to Split marked the end of my Croatian tour and so I bid my farewell to King’s Landing and headed towards other destinations.

For anyone who is a GoT fan, I highly recommend visiting Dubrovnik. It is time and money well-spent.

Rashida Jones Shares Her Tips for Making the Most of Every Journey

Most seasoned travelers are a wealth of hard-earned travel tips, and Rashida Jones is no exception. The actress, who is as beloved for her down-to-earth persona as she is for her on-screen roles, can rattle off a slew of logical advice with the best of them. “Somebody once told me that when you get to the place you’re going, either take a bath or try to find an ocean and jump in,” she says when explaining her jet lag cure. Or, when pondering the age-old quandary of whether to check a bag: “Try not to check luggage if you’re on a short enough trip. You’re always better off just having your things with you.”

But like every seasoned traveler, Jones also has her share of travel horror stories. “I was traveling for work with my writing partner, on a trip through Italy—nine cities in eight days—ending in London,” she recounts. “That crazy Icelandic volcano hit and grounded most of the flights in Europe. So we took the last train out of London on a Sunday night, headed to Paris. It took us seven hours to find a rental car in Paris. We then drove through the night to Madrid, where we got lost, and ended up running through the airport to catch our flight to Dallas—and landed just in time to catch our connection to L.A. Forty hours door to door.”

With all that experience under her belt, it’s no surprise that cult-favorite luggage brand Away would tap Jones to partner on a collection of totes, packing cubes, and suitcases in a trio of pretty pastel shades. “We’ve always been huge fans of Rashida’s,” says Away’s Jen Rubio. “Aside from being funny, smart, and warm, she’s an expert traveler with an incredible eye for design.” For her part, Jones agrees that the collab was a no-brainer: “I love the idea of being able to bring some magic into something banal. Anybody that’s been to a major international airport in the last five years can attest to the fact that it can be really grueling to travel. I look for places to find whimsy so that I don’t crumble under the pressure of traveling.”

Below, Jones shares some more of her best travel secrets exclusively with Vogue.

Favorite travel destination:

I adore Tokyo. It is so dense and complex and whimsical. My travel tip in Tokyo is just pick a few areas…Aoyama, Shibuya, Shinjuku Park . . . and just get lost. Try to go during cherry blossom season, it is magic.

The key to making the most of any trip:

Try your best to meet a local . . . either a friend of a friend or even a fellow travel guide, someone nice and safe. I love to see a city for what it really is, not for how tourists see it. You can only do that if you’re with someone who lives there. I also love to take a run in a new city. It’s a great way to wander and cover a lot of ground without looking like a lost tourist!

Packing style:

I have become an underpacker as I’ve gotten older. I like to make the most of my trip, and lugging stuff around and stressing over what to wear takes away from that.

Best packing tip:

I do a combo of rolling and flat. I used to think rolling was the best, but I only do it for durable, less wrinkly fabrics like thick cottons and cashmere. I lay jackets flat on top.

Never-forgets:

A pair of sneakers and a mini travel candle.

Dream destination:

I would love to go to New Zealand next. I’m increasingly attracted to being in expansive, vast, untouched nature. It’s humbling and clarifying.

Solo travel secret:

I used to love traveling alone. It felt so romantic and sometimes melancholy, which is great for writing. It was a perfect time for me to be introspective. But now because I’ve traveled so much, I get a bit sick of it. I usually create some itinerary of shows and movies to watch, books and magazines to read, and work to finish so that I know I’ll feel some combination of fulfilled and still curious by the end of the journey.

Why You Should Travel to Santa Fe Now

Along with the draw of a major Native American art events, a slew of new restaurant and store openings make Santa Fe a top contender for that last-minute escape.

Every August, international aesthetes descend upon Santa Fe, New Mexico for the famed SWAIA Indian Market. This weekend, spread out around a central leafy plaza, the market plays host to a world-class roster of Native American artists: Aric Chopito's traditional Zuni Pueblo textiles, including a fringed rain sash; Russell Sanchez’s earthy San Ildefonso pottery; Shan Gorshan’s double-woven Cherokee baskets; and Sonwai's chunky 18-karat gold and silver jewelry pieces, which are also on display at the oh-so-perfectly curated Shiprock Gallery, to name a few. While the seasonal market will draw huge crowds, the city is worth exploring beyond the main plaza, offering a slew of new openings to keep you inspired, well-fed, and well-rested.

Fittingly, this weekend, ZOHI, a new contemporary Native-American-owned space is opening as well. “We wanted to bring a resurgence of Natives selling their own art,” says its founder, Zoe Urness, an Alaskan Tlilngit and Cherokee photographer perhaps best known for her image of a U.S. military veteran at Standing Rock, wearing a gas mask and clutching an American flag. Along with her Navajo partner, Lehi Thunder Voice Eagle, her space will be showcasing work by the filmmaker Sterlin Harjo, who has created a virtual reality piece based on the Standing Rock experience; works by Steven Paul Judd, Santiago X, and Gregg Deal; and Jacque Fragua’s politically charged street art.

And then there’s the fashion. Last month, cult Japanese label Visvim moved into a light-flooded Victorian house, where it combines a Zen aesthetic with a deep homage to Native cultures. From designer Hiroki Nakamura, the brand’s first womenswear outpost features high-rise leather moccasins alongside Japanese furniture and antique pottery. For Western ware, the beloved Santa Fe Vintage has an adobe home on East Palace Avenue with reworked indigo Mali cloth, cowboy boots, vintage denim, and turquoise jewelry.

Collecting all those beautiful crafts and fashion can work up an appetite—luckily, new bars and restaurants have you covered. The unfussy Mexican spot Paloma offers bone marrow tacos, grilled whole sea bass and mezcal-based cocktails, while the locally loved French café Clafoutis’s new storefront features airy croissant sandwiches and niçoise salads with white anchovies. For something sweet, drop by Dolina for dreamy slices of banana cream pie, Eastern European baked goods, and a fortifying espresso. Healthy açaí bowls, turmeric juice shots, and biodynamic seeds are on tap at the bright white-on-white Modern General—so are garden tools, cotton baskets, and ceramic mixing bowls. Just behind it, the cheery, salad-focused Vinaigrette serves peach burrata, kale Caesars and summery rosés.

After all the hustle, wind down at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado’s new partnership with EQUUS, which uses horses for well-being and therapy sessions. Wellness is nothing new in Santa Fe, but harnessing the power of the herd and horses in an open paddock helps guests gain insight into their own personalities—in the season of the eclipse, even the most ardent new-age cynics could become believers.