A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Every year, particularly during family gatherings and visits with friends, I enjoy preparing my renowned indulgent fluffy gin and tonic waffles. Yes, you read that correctly—gin and tonic waffles. This dish has become my hallmark contribution at various dinner parties and special occasions, and I must admit that it’s a particularly indulgent treat that I prefer to keep to myself. 😉
This is a complex subject. The geopolitical realities surrounding Crimea create numerous challenges for potential visitors; nevertheless, the visual appeal of this castle is undeniably striking.
Tanya Spaulding wasn’t just impressed by the attentive service at the Inn at Little Washington—she was almost in awe of it. “Every time we left our room, even for a short time, they came and refreshed the amenities and straightened up,” says the head of Minneapolis, Minnesota design firm Shea, Inc. “We joked that there were sensors and a commando team, ready for action the minute we left. That omniscient hospitality is a feature rarely—if ever—found in the larger hotels.” This intimacy is what compels travelers like Spaulding to seek out boutique properties like the 38-year-old Virginia wine-country inn, which ranked near the top in GoTravelDaily’s annual reader poll.
My favorite Roman fountain is tiny, just a lion’s head set in the old city wall along the Via Garibaldi as it rises up and out of the Trastevere district. A recent trip had me staying close by, and I visited frequently: the water, liquid crystal, was cool and sweet. I always drank deeply, pleased my connoisseurship was validated by locals who’d often join me to fill a jug or cup a hand.
When visiting Japan, there are a few things that absolutely need to be on your list: enjoying some (or a lot) of sake with the locals, ample time to explore all of Tokyo’s nooks and crannies, and—if you’re a lady who’s into anime or manga—a quick visit to the girls-only otaku cafe in Osaka. Oh, and then there are the breathtaking temples and shrines you’ll find around every corner in Kyoto. Each and every temple is special in its own rite—a space for housing sacred objects and worshipping. It’s the places like this where locals and tourists alike gather to partake in a peaceful moment that really catch our eye. In fact, you don’t even need to be in the presence of these stunning pieces of architecture to feel the effects—take a few moments to rest your eyes from the daily grind to take in some of Japan’s wondrous (and most cherished) sites.
Over 4.5 million people visit the Statue of Liberty each year. However, it’s astonishing to learn that just six months after our national icon of freedom was opened to the public in 1886, it became a desolate spot, nearly abandoned by a disinterested populace.
This surprising fact is one of the many gems revealed by Elizabeth Mitchell, author of
A trip to Norway is invariably exhilarating; occasionally, I find myself too enthusiastic to obtain a sufficient night’s rest. While planning our itinerary for the coming week during our recent return to this captivating country, I managed to get minimal sleep.
It’s not easy to travel to Papua New Guinea. The exact qualities that make the country so attractive to adventurers—its rugged natural beauty, thriving traditional cultures, and an anachronistic lack of infrastructure—are precisely what makes it such a challenging destination. The Australian government’s travel guidelines for the country serve as a long warning about various potential hazards: Landslides, car-jackings, gang violence, venomous snakes, and civil unrest.
You will not find a casino on this cruise ship. I repeat: You will not find a casino on this cruise ship. For some folks, that might be a turn off. However, for many, it’s an enticement, signaling the kind of tone theViking Seaaims to set—quiet, restrained, and calming. This is the type of ship where you forgo staying up late at the bar or playing blackjack, because you know in the morning you have a great shore excursion ahead of you or a plate of incredible Norwegian-style waffles to enjoy (more on that later).Viking Seais the second oceangoing vessel from Viking Cruises, a company better known for its river cruising product. Their first 930-passenger vessel,Viking Star, which is identical toViking Sea, launched last year with much fanfare thanks to a slew of unique amenities like an infinity-edge pool cantilevered off the edge of the ship, a spa complete with a snow grotto, and yes, free WiFi, the holy grail for cruisers. Moreover, what really shines on board theViking Seaare the thoughtful touches and details that signal a well-designed space. Things like a soft grey and white throw draped on the back of a chaise longue, perfect for when you get chilly in the late afternoon. Or the blue-and-yellow folkloric plates and mugs in Mamsen’s, the casual café; the pattern is the same one used by Viking chairman Torstein Hagen’s mother, Mamsen. Rather, by forgoing big, bold furniture and lights in favor of sleek, midcentury Scandinavian décor, the ship has a mood and atmosphere that puts you at ease. In terms of the crowd, Viking caters to travelers 55 and older, and no children are allowed on board. GoTravelDaily was recently invited as a guest by Viking Cruises to experienceViking Seaas it made one of its maiden voyages, sailing from Le Havre, France, to Bergen, Norway. Here are some of the standout features on the ship.
When we travel to an urban center, we’re often looking for the whole package — history, culture, exciting cuisine, modernity, antiquity, and everything in between. It sounds like a tall order, but the world’s best cities offer these attributes and more.
The Philippines are enjoying a remarkable reputation. This year, three of the top 10 islands in the world, as determined by readers ofGoTravelDaily, are located in this stunning Asian archipelago.
When it comes to high-end safari planners, insider knowledge and impeccable organizing skills are standard. What separates the great outfitters from the very best is the ability to listen to clients and then create a trip that aligns with their personal desires and exceeds their expectations. That’s what lifted Deeper Africa, a small company that specializes in eastern and southern Africa, to the top of this year’s World’s Best list. Wil Smith and Karen Zulauf, the couple behind Deeper Africa, make a point of accommodating each client as they would a personal guest. “Deeper Africa’s expert understanding of African safaris, and their willingness to listen and customize our itinerary, allowed us to put together the trip of a lifetime,” wrote one reader. “We could not imagine a more perfect experience.”
With crystal clear waters and fantastically fresh seafood, the Caribbean and its sister destinations, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, are home to some of the world’s most beautiful hotels and resorts. Choosing the best of the best can be quite challenging. Each year, for our World’s Best Awards survey,GoTravelDailyasks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more.
There’s something timeless and romantic about a transatlantic crossing. With the seemingly endless open ocean and the leisurely pace of travel, these journeys remind us of the glamorous ocean liners of the early 20th century. Perhaps the most iconic of these ships today is theQueen Mary 2, which regularly carries passengers between New York and Southampton, England, in high style. Its polished wood paneling, black-tie dinners, and classic deck chairs exude elegance, earning the 176-year-old Cunard cruise line top honors in the Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line category of GoTravelDaily’s World’s Best Awards. One satisfied reader noted, “It’s like stepping back in time. Love the formality.”
The cruise industry is continuously evolving to adapt to the needs and desires of travelers. Lines such as Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian have introduced new suite accommodations and family-friendly attractions, thereby appealing to multigenerational groups. Meanwhile, Holland America worked with renowned interior designer Adam D. Tihany to create a sleek, contemporary aesthetic for its newest launch.
Who could argue with the magic of French Polynesia? The stunning majesty of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu, the primal beauty of the Marquesas Islands, and the tranquil pristine landscapes can make anyone feel like they have docked at the end of the world. Moreover, many of these breathtaking destinations are best explored by boat. Cruising not only simplifies logistics but also provides the opportunity to return after a day of exciting excursions to high-thread-count sheets and enjoy an excellent glass of wine.
Rivers are all the rage. Travelers are increasingly interested in seeing the world on cruises through smaller waterways. A significant selling point is how river cruises allow guests to experience destinations in a deeper way. For instance, sailing Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River lets you explore a destination at a significant turning point in its history, while itineraries on the Rhine River showcase the charming villages and towns that line the waterway. In addition, these trips are heavy on cultural offerings and insider access, with excursions to museums, villages, wineries, and restaurants. The ships—intimate and often luxurious—are also appealing. While you might not encounter jaw-dropping waterslides on most lines, many river ships offer cabins with balconies, premium dining experiences, and spas. For example, Viking Cruises features an innovative Explorer Suite, complete with a wraparound terrace and heated bathroom floors. Every year, for the GoTravelDaily survey, readers weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, and more. Readers rate individual cruise ships on their cabins/facilities, food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities, and value. These assessments generate results for the cruise lines in various categories, including river cruising. This year, top honors went to Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection—a line recognized for its style and elegance. Staterooms are plush and border on opulent. Even its new ships, such as theMaria Theresa, launched last year, take design cues from the past. Uniworld isn’t the only cruise company expanding its fleet; at least 11 new river ships debuted in recent years. Lines like Tauck, Viking Cruises, and AmaWaterways have all recently added new ships while expanding their itineraries. For instance, AmaWaterways has introduced wine-themed cruises—led by experts—along popular rivers like the Douro, Danube, Rhine, and Rhone, allowing guests to indulge in tastings with someone else at the helm.
One thing is perfectly clear in our list of the best cities in the United States: travelers (and locals, too) love the charming, historic cities of the American South. Of the top 15 cities on this year’s list, one-third are below the Mason-Dixon line, and two more are in Texas.
Some of the very best cities on the planet can be found in the continental United States — so is it any wonder that some of the most exciting hotels are in the lower 48? For instance, the Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery, located in Louisiana, has quickly become one of the coolest new hotels in the country. Debuting at the No. 7 spot this year in New Orleans, it features two galleries promoting local artists and a French-Caribbean restaurant, where conch croquettes share the menu with black drum fish with beurre blanc and caviar. Inside the 167 rooms, guests will find custom vintage-inspired writing desks and exposed-brick walls.
Chicago is packed with activities and attractions all year round. Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the 606, a rail line-turned walking and biking trail, while summer is ideal for exploring the outdoor parks or cooling off in the spectacular art museums. Additionally, fall is the perfect season to visit the city’s top tourist attractions, like the Willis Tower and the Bean. During the winter, the cold provides a great excuse to seek comfort in the city’s diverse restaurant scene, with exciting places such as Duck Duck Goat, a Chinese-inspired spot from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, and secret bars like Three Dots and A Dash. Consequently, it’s little wonder that Chicago has seen an influx of tourists in recent years, leading to an expansion in its hotel scene. Notably, several new hotels have made a significant impact, with The Langham, Thompson, ACME, and Godfrey all opening within the last five years, earning accolades as some of GoTravelDaily’s Best Hotels in Chicago.
