Amtrak customers can take advantage of this limited-time summer sale
Great deals are now available for summer travel on Amtrak with someone special. For a limited time, a customer booking a private Roomette for travel this summer can bring a companion for free. Roomettes offer meals included in the price of the ticket, scenic views by day, and comfortable beds at night. Available on Amtrak’s website, this sale is valid between Apr. 6-16, 2021, for travel between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2021.
“We want to offer our customers a truly unique way to see the country this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With our nationwide Roomette sale, customers can share the experience with a travel companion while taking advantage of some of the best sightseeing opportunities this country has to offer.”
For those seeking both space and privacy, Roomettes include a big picture window, fresh towels and linens and access to a restroom and shower. A dedicated attendant provides turndown service, assists with meals, helps with luggage and shares great stories of life on the rails. All customers in private rooms receive complimentary lounge access at major stations, priority boarding and complimentary meals onboard.
During this promotion, two customers can travel together in a Roomette for as low as:
Private rooms are available on 15 routes across the national network: Auto Train, California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Regional, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle.
To apply this discount, visit Amtrak’s website, or enter code C645 when booking a trip on the Amtrak app. The paying adult and free companion must travel in the same room and reserve in the same reservation. This offer is valid for Roomettes only; no upgrades permitted. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. Other terms and conditions apply.
The iconic, Swiss countryside resort in Lausanne reopens for the second time following COVID-19 lockdowns.
Located on the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Swiss Alps, the Beau-Rivage Palace announced it is reopening its doors today–just in time for spring.
As the property marks its 160th anniversary, the hotel has taken advantage of the temporary closure and is debuting several upgrades. The Beau-Rivage wing is undergoing a glorious renovation, and the new Cinq Mondes Spa boasts a fresh space and innovative wellness concepts.
With its ten acres of lakeside private gardens and five restaurants and bars, the Beau-Rivage Palace is committed to the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene measures throughout every touch point of the guest experience. This protocol guarantees the safety and well-being of guests and staff members, ensuring a successful summer for the Swiss destination hotel. The property is planning enhanced programming for the coming months, starting with a festive Easter weekend.
For more information on the Beau-Rivage Palace, visit their website.
ABOUT THE BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE:
The Beau-Rivage Palace is situated on ten acres of private gardens, adjacent to Lake Geneva with spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. The property’s two Michelin starred restaurant, Anne-Sophie Pic at the Beau-Rivage Palace, features France’s only female chef with three Michelin stars. Other amenities include two bars and terraces, two tennis courts and a special program for children.
As the World Rushes to Develop a Travel Passport, Jamaica’s International Airport is Already Using TPT MedTech’s Mobile QuikLAB(TM) End-to-End Testing, Monitoring, Vaccination App and QuikPASS(TM) Check and Verify Passport Platform to Screen.
We believe this Partnership is the first fully operational, comprehensive advanced testing platform in effort to keep travel open.
As the world searches for a complete testing solution regarding travel during Covid, Jamaica’s International Airport has already partnered with TPT Global Tech, Inc. (OTCQB:TPTW) and its subsidiary, TPT MedTech. The company is looking to deploy its QuikLAB™ and QuikPASS™ technology platforms as the “Check and Verify” Passport system for travelers. Already, Jamaica is checking travelers daily in and out of the country by the thousands.
The TPT/Jamaica Airport partnership allows tourists in the country to obtain the completely private and HIPPA compliant QuikPASS App from the TPT MedTech website and get tested at the Baywest Hospital and Clinics or another QuikLAB testing site on the island in order to receive their results electronically via the QuikPASS app. Once cleared to travel, a tourist is free to enter the airport, show or scan their QuikPASS QR code, which displays their HIPPA compliant testing records, in order to verify that they have been tested in the past 72 hours and are free and safe to travel home.
“While the world itches to get back to safe travel, we have been helping Jamaica’s airports achieve that for an entire month. From the UK to the US and beyond, our test and verify platform provides complete, safe and fully secure testing that is already being used to get travel back to normal in Jamaica and we look forward to working with airlines, cruise lines, hotels and entire countries to help them do the same,” said TPT Global Tech CEO Stephen J. Thomas III.
TPT MedTech developed its QuikPASS™ Check and Verify passport system and Covid 19/vaccination monitoring platform for corporations, governmental organizations, schools, airlines, hospitals, sports venues & arenas, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. The all-in-one mobile system checks and verifies that an individual has been tested for Covid-19 or vaccinated, providing proof individuals are able to travel or gain access to venues with the idea that everyone inside that venue would be Covid-free. The QuikPASS Check and Verify passport-style platform works with third-party testing labs and organizations that participate on the QuikPASS Network and will be offered for free to US domestic and international business commerce and governmental organizations around the world.
About TPT Global Tech
TPT Global Tech Inc. (TPTW) based in San Diego, California, is a technology-based company with divisions providing telecommunications, medical technology and product distribution, media content for domestic and international syndication as well as technology solutions. TPT MedTech subsidiary is a provider of Covid/health testing services on a global scale, and its industry leading platforms are helping travelers get back to travel, allowing events to take place, and generally helping life get back to a new normal. TPT Global Tech offers Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS). It offers carrier-grade performance and support for businesses over its private IP MPLS fiber and wireless network in the United States. TPT’s cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media and collaboration features in today’s global technology markets. TPT Global Tech also operates as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a master distributor for pre-paid cell phone services, mobile phones cell phone accessories and global roaming cell phones.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as “believes,” “looking ahead,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and other terms with similar meaning. Specifically, statements about the Company’s plans for accelerated growth, improved profitability, future business partners, M&A activity, new service offerings, and pursuit of new markets are forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases, the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.
Beijing’s Tourism Revenue Dropped by 53% in 2020 – Loss of Over ¥330B
The tourism industry was badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the city of Beijing saw the momentum of the industry halted in 2020. Beijing had become an increasingly popular tourist destination prior to the pandemic with revenue from inbound tourism recorded at $5.16B in 2019. According to data presented by TradingPlatforms, Beijing’s total revenue from tourism decreased by over 53% in 2020 for a staggering loss of ¥330B, or $50B.
Beijing Revenue From Tourism Dropped By Over $50B After Years Of Growth
China has long moved on from its isolationist policies and has encouraged the mainland as a travel destination for tourists. Revenue from China’s tourism sector grew at a strong 13.8% CAGR from 2010-2019 to ¥5.7T, or almost $880B. In 2019, China was the fourth most visited country by foreign tourists with 65.7M arrivals for the year.
Beijing is one of the leading tourist destinations in China, and the city has been enjoying the growth of the tourism sector until the pandemic of 2020 hit. From 2016-2019, Beijing’s tourism revenue experienced a 5.53% CAGR, rising to a value of ¥622.7B in 2019. However, COVID-19 shut borders around the world, crippling global mobility and disrupting the momentum built up by Beijing’s tourism industry. Beijing’s revenue from tourism dropped over 53% in 2020 to just over ¥291.
Beijing suffered a staggering loss in revenue, specifically in inbound tourism, where revenue dropped from $5.16B in 2019 to just $480M in 2020.
COVID-19 Hit China Early – Caused Massive Disruption in H1 of 2020
China felt the effects of COVID-19 before much of the rest of the world did. A clear example of this is in the drop in weekly Airbnb bookings from the period between January 5th to March 7th. This drop occurred when the coronavirus was just becoming news to the rest of the world of what was happening in various parts of China. Beijing experienced a dizzying 96% drop in weekly Airbnb bookings compared to just 46% in Seoul and 29% in Tokyo in this time period.
The number of domestic tourists is estimated to have dropped by as much as 62% in the first half of 2020 compared to the year prior, with revenues dropping by as much as 77%. By the end of the year, China had experienced a 43% drop in domestic tourists and a 52% drop in revenue from domestic tourism.
Tourism in China Projected To Completely Recover Within 5 Years
In 2019, the absolute economic contribution of tourism in China was estimated at $1.67T. This fell sharply to just $745.5B in 2020-a decrease of more than 55%, but still the largest in Asia and the second-largest overall, after the USA. However, projections have the figure bouncing back up by over 40.5% in 2021 to $1.04T. The figure is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 2023, when the absolute economic contribution of tourism is projected to be at $1.75T.
Despite the turmoil of 2020, China’s absolute economic contribution from tourism is projected to have an impressive CAGR of 20.75% from 2021-2025, reaching more than $2.67T by the end of the forecast period.
You can read more about the story with more statistics and information on TradingPlatforms’ website.
With an incredibly rich history, it’s no wonder that Japan has more than 5,700 museums across its 47 prefectures; and with so many to choose from, travelers are bound to find some unexpected surprises among them. Below are some of Japan’s most interesting museums that travelers can visit, once travel restrictions are lifted.
Cup Noodles Museum – Kanagawa Prefecture A fun destination for kids and adults, the Cup Noodles Museum in Kanagawa Prefecture is full of exciting activities. Along with interesting exhibitions, such as a replica of the shed where instant noodles were invented and a small collection of modern art pieces made from Cup Noodles, visitors can make their own personalized cup noodle at the My Cup Noodles Factory. At the My Chicken Ramen workshop, guests can make their own instant ramen noodles from scratch. The Noodles Bazaar also gives visitors a chance to try out nine different noodle dishes.
Towel Museum of Art – Ehime Prefecture
An incredibly unique institution, the Towel Museum of Art in Ehime Prefecture is the world’s first towel museum dedicated to the art of towel manufacturing. Inside, visitors can find galleries and displays showcasing intricate traditional towels, art made from towels and an exhibition on the towel-making process. The museum gift shop features a wide array of original goods and local products available for purchase.
TOTO Museum – Fukuoka Prefecture
Japan’s famous TOTO brand is best known for its bathware and in celebration of its 100th anniversary, the TOTO Museum was opened in 2017. The elegant two-story building leads visitors through the history of TOTO, especially focusing on the evolution of its toilets. From the first ceramic flush toilet seat that was developed in 1914, to modern toilets with bidets and heated seats, guests can learn about the company’s evolution, spanning more than a decade. While the museum’s signage is in Japanese, visitors can download the museum’s app for an English audio guide or to translate the signs.
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum – Saitama Prefecture
Located in the heart of the Omiya Bonsai Village, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is home to more than 120 bonsai masterpieces and bonsai-related artifacts, such as woodblock prints, books, bonsai pots and more. Art pieces are selected in accordance with the season and around 50 pots of bonsai are always on display in the garden and gallery. After visiting the museum, travelers can wander around the village and check out local artisans and stores. The village was originally founded in 1925 when the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 forced bonsai nurseries and garden industry workers in central Tokyo to relocate.
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum – Akita Prefecture
The first manga-themed museum in Japan, the Yokote Masuda Manga Museum showcases the artwork from manga artists across Japan and the world. The museum houses around 400,000 original illustrations from around 100 artists in the permanent exhibitions. The museum also pays honor to the works of Takao Yaguchi, whose work helped highlight Akita Prefecture and attracted visitors. Guests can enjoy a large library of manga and read to their heart’s content for free.
For updates on travel restrictions to Japan, please visit this website.
ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO)
As the official tourism board of Japan, JNTO is involved in a wide range of promotional activities to encourage international travelers to visit Japan. Through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, JNTO is inspiring more American travelers to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond.
Atzaró Group, the leading international luxury hospitality brand, based in Ibiza, is proud to announce the opening of the latest property in their portfolio, a 7-suite luxurious mid-century-style villa (pictured above) at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
THE RESIDENCE BY ATZARÓ – CAPE TOWN
This opens its doors on December 15, 2020. With an unparalleled location at the foot of Table Mountain and the national park, the villa boasts stunning panoramic 360 views of the national park, the mountain, Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak and beyond.
With seven suites, one staff suite, 9 bathrooms and extensive living and outdoor areas, the property has numerous terraces from which to enjoy the breathtaking views. The Residence by Atzaró – Cape Town is the perfect villa to capitalise on the 2021 post-pandemic trend for multi-generational-family and friend-group holidays in private luxury villas, offering spacious luxurious accomodation and situated overlooking one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
Designed sensitively by Atzaró Design to be in harmony with its stunning natural environment, the interior colour palette is muted and mirrors the views with pale teak and soft textiles. The Residence by Atzaró – Cape Town offers full hotel-style services, with the live-in house manager, staff and maintenance, multiple living and dining areas, kitchen, office spaces, barbeque, pool, wellness suite with yoga room and massage room, gym, sauna and nature walking on the doorstep.
Every room and space in the four-story villa is framed by the most stunning panoramic views (pictured below), providing the perfect private escape with nature as a backdrop.
Discover the rugged mountain-range, countryside white sandy beaches, coves, clear waters and rolling vineyards all on your doorstep. The guided activities available at The Residence by Atzaró – Cape Town include hiking, mountain biking and beach horse riding. For those with an adventurous side, the guides and instructors offer amazing cape experiences with paragliding, snorkelling with seals, shark cage diving and powerboat days on the sea. Inland excursions include guided wine tours and visits to the gently rolling vineyards of the Cape. The Residence by Atzaró – Cape Town, the ultimate private luxury hotel-experience villa on the cape. Booking fees for the whole villa start from £2,600 for two nights (minimum two night stay).
ATZARÓ GROUP NEWS
Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel will be reopening on March 4, 2021. The pandemic saw the hotel fully booked throughout the 2020 summer season, its beautiful and extensive gardens offering the perfect spacious retreat. The 13-hectare estate is one of Europe’s leading luxury destinations with sprawling manicured gardens, organic vegetable garden, farm, 24 bedrooms, 2 restaurants, 7 pools, terraces and spa all providing the perfect destination to let go, unwind and focus on wellness and relaxation. The concept is ‘natural luxury’ and the look is chic, simple, harmonious and calm with a splash of Ibiza glamour.
The Atzaró Vegetable Garden, opened in the summer of 2019 for Atzaró’s celebrated 15th Anniversary, is a magnificent 3-hectare organic vegetable garden. The garden features tree and pergola lined walkways strewn with climbing and tumbling vegetables and flowers, out lounging areas, duck pond, large vegetable beds, a romantic seated restaurant, bar and picnic areas, an open-air cinema and expansive Atzaró valley and mountain views. Some very special visits are planned in 2021 from UK celebrity chefs for one-off curated dinners and a calendar of spectacular summer dining experiences with live jazz and opera are planned.
Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, a magical estate with authentic style and glamour, is known as the heart of Ibiza and is the best Agroturismo hotel on the island. From the abundant nature-rich estate, to the charm of the authentically Ibizan history and design of the hotel, the ‘farm-to-fork’ food, the gloriously dreamy long daybed days under the sun to romantic starry nights under the palms.
Aubergine by Atzaró, Atzaró Group’s much-loved and heralded country-chic ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant in the Ibiza countryside near Santa Gertrudis will reopen for the 2021 season at the end of March 2021 and ready for Easter. The large romantic garden restaurant is found on the San Miguel road – a quaint century-old finca with traditional white thick plaster walls and stylish, authentic touches. The upscaled furniture, with its olive-green pastel hue, adds to the atmosphere to set the scene for dream-like dining. The spacious outside dining areas of terraces, gardens and pergolas are set amongst cascading planting with views over the Ibizan countryside. The food concept is ‘farm-to-table’, a Mediterranean style with a strong focus on health, vitality and flavour, with organic ingredients grown in the Atzaró Vegetable Garden and a sumptuous home-cooked style, which has made the restaurant an Ibiza must-do.
Atzaró Beach is the Atzaró Group’s beach club restaurant on the stunning beach of Cala Nova, on Ibiza’s northeast coast. Reopening late spring 2021, the boho-style beach club and restaurant is open for long sun-soaked daybed days, terrace lunches and moonlit dinners. A revised new menu sees healthy inclusions and sharing plates, with organic produce fresh from the Atzaró Vegetable Garden. Choose from one of the 30 double daybeds priced for the day per bed or visit for lunch or dinner. The beach club, which has become an Insta favourite, has with natural wood pergolas, hanging rattan lamps, peacock chairs, an abundance of lush green plants and cacti, rustic lounging and straw umbrellas.
Atzaró Chiringuito is Atzaró Group’s laid-back little sister on the beach and is reopening late Spring 2021. The beach bar and restaurant with an enviable location on Cala Nova, amongst the sand dunes – one of the best beaches on the Island, is a favourite for holiday makers and locals looking for the simple beach-life of Ibiza’s yesteryear. Cocktails, juices, salads and snacks are perfect on the terrace or lounging on the restaurant’s beach sunbeds, taking in the view.
ABOUT ATZARÓ AGROTURISMO HOTEL
Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, situated on a vast 13-hectare estate, is a former working farm which opened in 2004 as a luxury rustic hotel. One of the first Agroturismo hotels on the island, the 300-year-old finca is rich in history and still maintains a working orange farm, it has been in the same family for generations. An A list and celebrity favourite hideaway, the likes of Kate Hudson, Chiara Ferragni, Rihanna, Luke Evans and many more have visited, firmly placing it on the map as the number one luxury Agroturismo hotel in Ibiza.
Most of us associate Las Vegas with a city that never sleeps and a hometown of the biggest casinos and luxurious hotels. Vegas settles in the very heart of Nevada, a state that is considered a motherland of gambling and entertainment. When you arrive in the neon city, be prepared to meet multiple celebs walking down the streets amid casual tourists. Do you want to take a picture with His Highness Elvis Presley? Easy! Dozens of artists dressed up as the King of rock-n-roll will gladly make a selfie with you.
Vegas never sleeps, just like people who visit this marvelous city. Tourists have a myriad of cool things to do in this dazzling place. You can start your trip from attending the legendary Mob Museum to learn more about gangsters and see another dark side of Vegas. Your next destination can be the iconic museum of Madame Tussauds (not to be confused with the museum in London), where you can take a photo with eminent celebs, like Britney Spears or Mike Tyson. You can dive into the atmosphere of luxury and burlesque in the notorious Burlesque Hall of Fame. Are you a huge Marvel fan? Then welcome to the Marvel Avengers Station featuring your beloved superheroes in a full size.
Top 5 unusual things to do in the neon city
Looking for more thrilling Nevada adventures?! For more demanded tourists, who want to get a truly mind-blowing and one-of-a-kind experience in the neon city, we prepared a list of the top 5 unusual things to do in Vegas.
Feel the spirit of the Wild West ghost town
The unique atmosphere of Wild West will never stop intriguing people. No wonder, as the world of brave cowboys, bandits, and saloons seems so mesmerizing and even a bit frightening (thus even more tempting). In Vegas, tourists have a unique chance to feel that Wild West thrilling spirit by booking a tour to the Wild West ghost town. The tour duration is 10 hours (10 AWESOME hours to be exact), during which visitors can learn the history of ancient cowboys, have a drink in the authentic saloon, and try their luck in gold mining. And don’t forget to purchase a cowboy hat as a souvenir from this remarkable spot.
Don’t miss the Titanic exhibition!
The sad history of the most famed liner Titanic is known to everyone. The film adaptation, directed by the eminent James Cameron, gave a second breath to the Titanic’s story and brought 11 Oscars to its creators. People still commemorate all those passengers who tragically passed away in the liner’s crash. In Vegas, you can feel the Titanic spirit as an actual traveler by attending the unique exhibition. You can step on the deck and visit recreated rooms of the legendary ship to get that realistic experience like the Titanic’s passengers decades ago. The organizers assure that those who visited their exhibition at least once would always keep Titanic’s story in their hearts.
Check the National Atomic Testing Museum
Whether you love physics or not, the National Atomic Testing Museum is a must-to-visit spot in Vegas. The museum stores unique pieces of weapons, video recordings, and letters from the times of WWII. Visitors can get a one-of-kind experience of the atomic testing and read the diaries of the prominent scientist Albert Einstein. You can discover the mysteries of atomic evolution and find out how contemporary geniuses continue their ancestors’ path by developing new top-notch technologies. You can put yourself in Sheldon Cooper’s shoes in the museum and find out what it feels like to be a talented physicist.
Visit the Red Rock Canyon
Nothing can beat the beauty of witnessing a picturesque sunset at the Red Rock Canyon. Millions of tourists annually attend this marvelous national conservation spot in Nevada. The views of the magnificent mountains and plains, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable hiking experience make the Canyon the most beloved sightseeing among tourists and locals. Visitors can book a camping tour and spend a night under the open-air, sitting near the fire and listening to the guitar. They can admire the beauty of the surrounding nature and landscape at an aerial view by booking a flight across the Canyon. This mysterious place won’t leave anyone cold.
Get unforgettable emotions in the Caesars Palace
Nevada is a gambling state, and Vegas is the heart of the most luxurious casinos and entertainment spots. When you are in Vegas, the No.1 spot to see on your map should be Caesars Palace. This magnificent place will change your vision of entertaining routine as nobody gets bored there. No wonder that this resort is titled the Palace because once you enter its doors, you dive into the parallel universe with the gorgeous halls, Michelin-starred restaurants, and lavish casinos. The majestic gambling area in the Caesars Palace will make you feel like George Clooney’s hero at Ocean’s Eleven. Visitors can have a tour in the Caesars Palace even if they don’t stay in the hotel. It is a dream place for gamblers and high rollers or casual spectators who want to feel that unique thrill.
Things to know when scheduling a voyage to Vegas
When you are in Vegas, you won’t let yourself get bored. However, there are some rules you must know when planning to visit the city of dazzle:
In Vegas, it is forbidden to drink alcohol if you are under 21.
You can’t stop a taxi on the street in Vegas. Taxis can take passengers only in the designated spots. Usually, they locate near hotels, restaurants, and casinos.
You can get married within an hour in any chapel if you provide your ID. Vegas marriages are the fastest and easy-going, though we can’t say the same thing about the divorces. When considering tying the knot in Vegas, better think twice not to pass through a tiresome divorce process afterward.
Take gambling mindfully! Though casinos and wagering activities are allowed in Nevada, there are many pitfalls that gamblers must learn before visiting a gambling spot. According to the WorldBookmakers’ experts, bettors can start wager on real money only if they set up a strategy in advance. A good strategy is a key to hit the bank on wagering and gambling.
Summing up
People who have been in Vegas at least once admit that this majestic city stole their hearts forever. If you plan a trip to the neon city, pick up the sightseeing you want to visit beforehand. You can schedule a shopping marathon, attend the largest museums in the area, go camping to the legendary Canyon, and try your fortune at the luxurious casinos. So many awesome spots and gorgeous places to visit along the way! Vegas is full of opportunities that you can discover firsthand.
Japan launches dedicated website to keep travelers inspired
While travel restrictions remain, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched a website dedicated to ensuring travelers can stay inspired by future travels to Japan.
The website is introduced by a wanderlust-inducing video short depicting iconic visuals of Japan: lush forests and intricate temples, tropical southern beaches, snowy ski mountains, and of course, cherry blossoms. The video concludes with a message: “hope lights the way.
On the website, virtual tourists can explore “Traveling Without Leaving Home,” a grouping a resources for virtual, remote travel experiences. These include Zen meditation sessions, vegan cooking classes, and even virtual drinking games with a geisha.
For more wanderlust inspiration – and geographical education – travelers can take in the country’s 47 prefectures through a series of stunning videos. These videos touch on the natural beauty, artistry and traditions of each unique prefecture.
About Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):
As the official tourism board of Japan, JNTO is involved in a wide range of promotional activities to encourage international travelers to visit Japan. Through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, JNTO focuses on inspiring American travelers to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond.
Travel is one of the best things that you can do to broaden your mind, experience new cultures, and have lots of fun. Many people, though, do not have friends to head off with, which makes traveling on your own a must. Before you go, you have to plan appropriately to get the most from any trip. If you chose to head to New Jersey on a break, it would be wise to look at sites, including the Tropicana Online Casino, so you had something fun to do in your hotel room during chill time. The same is true for other destinations within the USA or around the world. Looking at what the nightlife is like, what sights there are to see, and what there is to do in the day is sensible.
Of course, before you delve into the finer details of any resort or city, you need to pick the right place first. That is often a little trickier for solo travelers who have a slightly different set of priorities than those holidaying in a group. But which are the best destinations for solo travel around the world?
Cannes
Beautiful Cannes is in the South of France on the fabled Cote D’Azur. However, like most other destinations around the world, it has been hit by COVID-19 lockdown measures recently, Cannes plans to revive tourism soon. But what makes this place so great? First of all, the weather is superb during the summer months, and this makes it perfect for relaxing on the gorgeous beaches there while doing some people watching.
The café culture is also evident, so you will feel very comfortable when sipping a latte alone while watching the world go by. Cannes is also a very safe and welcoming destination, which makes it ideal for solo travelers. With a buzzing atmosphere and many other single travelers around, it is a fabulous place to holiday on your own.
Stockholm
If you fancy heading somewhere where Scandi cool is in full effect, Stockholm in Sweden is a reliable choice. Stockholm just has an air of laid-back charm that allows you to slow down and recharge your batteries. The city that you access via a series of bridges is spread across 14 islands, which makes it simple to get around.
It is also full of lovely parks and stunning architecture to marvel at while having plenty to keep you occupied. If you need help getting around, there is a fun guided Vespa Tour you can take. If you are a real foodie, there are numerous Michelin-starred restaurants around the city where you could dine alone in true style. With a friendly and cozy feel, this is a real gem for solo travel.
New York
You might not immediately think of New York as a solo travel hot-spot, but it is. With so much to do and so many people around, you never actually feel isolated. New Yorkers are famous for their particular charm, and this means you will always find a friendly face in cafés, bars, or shops. If you want a city that will also keep you busy, the Big Apple is it.
The shopping here is excellent (especially Fifth Avenue), and it gives you every chance to pick up cool souvenirs to bring home. Also, New York has many fabulous sights to see – from lovely Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum. If you fancy a change from dining and drinking each night, why not check out the best plays on Broadway?
Dominica
One surprising choice for any single traveler may be the Caribbean – after all, it is known as a honeymoon spot or a cruise destination. Dominica is a little different, though, and is somewhere that feels perfect for traveling alone. If you like an adventure when away, it is a great choice. The island has lakes to trek alongside and massive gorges to cave through. The wildlife here is naturally fantastic, and there is also some excellent accommodation for a reasonable price. You will always feel safe here, thanks to the welcoming local community, and it is an island that is very easy to walk around. With delicious local food and some charming bars to enjoy a shot of rum at, Dominica is a real hidden gem.
Solo travel spots are worth researching first
No doubt, checking out the best places to go alone before booking any trip is worthwhile. Doing so will ensure that you end up in a place where there is plenty to do, and that makes you feel comfortable being there as a single person. Hopefully the above has given you some fresh ideas on the most exciting places to try.
Experience Music City from home with virtual cooking classes, tours of historical sites, bedtime stories by Dolly Parton, and more
As Music City continues to follow the guidance of government and health officials, attractions have closed their doors to visitors and shifted to offering online experiences. As a follow up to the initial list, new virtual Nashville experiences include cooking classes from local chefs, read-aloud bedtime stories, and shared playlists can all help you feel connected to Nashville.
New offerings include online cooking classes from some of Nashville’s most beloved chefs, including James Beard Award-winner Sean Brock (Audrey, Joyland, and previously Husk), Tony Galzin (Nicky’s Coal Fired), Matthew Bell (Gray & Dudley), and more. While most are free of charge, Sean Brock is offering his classes for a fee, with every penny earned going to support his team’s wages.
Nashville is doing the best to support the tireless medical professionals who are working on the front lines to combat COVID-19. In true Music City fashion, one way the city is showing its’ support is through Gratitunes, a shared playlist individuals add to and is shared with Vanderbilt University Medical Center staff and streamed to clinics. Musicians including Brad Paisley, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, Dustin Lynch, and more have all joined in by dedicating a tune on their social media channels. Learn more and add your favorite uplifting song: www.visitmusiccity.com/upcoming-concerts
One of country music’s most recognized and loved artists, Dolly Parton, has started “Goodnight with Dolly,” a weekly YouTube series in which she will read aloud a children’s book from her Imagination Library project. She hopes to give parents and children “a welcome distraction during a time of unrest and also inspire a love of reading and books.” This will be a 10-week series, with the first episode having aired on Thursday, April 3.
For art lovers, Frist Art Museum is offering Art History Courses throughout the month of April. Art historian Jim Womack will host 3 classes, available on Zoom for a small fee, covering a variety of topics. Learn more and register here. Nashville’s creativity and foundation in music still shines in partnerships between restaurants and breweries and vinyl shops. Among others, Tennessee Brew Works is pairing with Third Man Records to locally deliver craft beer with a side of vinyl. See more: www.visitmusiccity.com/VinylPairings
