Design Destinations Summer 2021 Issue by Franz E. Buchhalter

SUMMER 2021

TANZANIA On Location With Ryan Forbes NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN A Journey Through The Wine Country PHILADELPHIA Where It All Started LAKE COMO A View From The Lake SOLO TRAVELING A Rite of Passage INDONESIA Beaches, Volcanoes, and Waterfalls

DESIGN DESTINATIONS MAGAZINE

Design Destinations Magazine is a publication of Buchhalter International Group, Inc. 9121 SW 140th St, Miami, Florida USA 1 (305) 484 1012 www.buchhalterinternaitonalgroup.com Franz E Buchhalter Editor-in-Chief & Founder Cynthia P. Howland, Managing Editor

Tanzania On Location With Photographer Ryan Forbes

SUMMER 2021

Cover by Scotty Graham - Indonesia

Philadelphia Where it All Started Photo by Elevated Angles

WHAT’S INSIDE 82

London’s West End Fascinating History

Alicia’s Corner Sustainable Travel 4

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN A Journey Through The Wine Country

Solo Traveling The Rite of Passage

Lake Cuomo A View From The Lake

46 Indonesia Beaches, Volcanoes & Waterfalls 6

THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL

Dorothy Dandridge An American Legend

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER More than a year ago, we entered into a challenging unknown and confusing time. Suddenly, our world turned upside down, travel stopped, cities went into lockdown, countries closed their borders, and the joy of exploring new destinations disappeared. We all felt this change, and it was scary. We didn’t know when it would end. Weeks turned into months, and months stretched out to a year. As we enter into another phase of the pandemic, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. Although we’re not there yet, everything seems a little clearer and hope has returned. The “miracle” vaccines are available, and millions of people are being vaccinated every day. Consumers are now making plans to travel, and borders are reopening. And it looks like the end of the pandemic is near. In this issue, we explore the historical city of Philadelphia. We visit Indonesia through the lens of Scotty Graham. Malorie Mackey shares her article entitled “Solo Traveler” based on her own experiences. We welcome a new contributor, Sammy Todd Dysser, who takes us on a journey in one of America’s most beloved ways to travel: trains. Alicia Diez takes us to Lake Como, and we take a peek at nature in our photo journal of Tanzania through the lens of photographer Ryan Forbes. I hope you enjoy this issue, and as always, we look forward to hearing from you! Franz E Buchhalter, Founder & Editor-In-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS Scotty Graham

is an American photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Before becoming a

photographer, he worked as a helicopter pilot, scuba instructor and a mathematics teacher. Teaching is one of his passions and currently Scotty also works as a full time High School photography teacher at Jakarta Intercultural School, and also works as a freelance photographer, most recently for the Olympic Committee Asia capturing the Asian Games. Scotty is a frequent contributor for Design Destinations Magazine whose images have graced several covers. www.scottygraham.com

Malorie Mackey is an actress, host, and writer living in Los Angeles, CA. Malorie's first published book entitled "My Playboy Story: Hopping from Richmond to Hollywood" was published in 2017. Since then, Malorie's short story "What Love Has Taught Me" has been published in the anthology "Choices," and she has been writing and blogging about travel and adventure in hopes of publishing her next book about travel soon. You can find Malorie’s travel content on dozens of digital media platforms. She believes that everyone should enjoy a little adventure in their lives. www.maloriesadventures.com

Alicia Diez is a passionate travel photographer based in the New York City area.

She captured

moments with her camera since childhood and became passionate about architecture and travel. The travel bug bit and she was off, camera by her side. Her years as a travel advisor took her to all 7 continents and is now prepared to share images on her website through blogs and galleries, and through her new interest in writing about travel and its impact. She plans to continue to travel, photograph and write; always motivated to find those special moments and perfect angles that others don’t see and share them in her photographs and in travel features. Instagram: www.aliciatravels.com

Sammy Tom Dyess is an Architectural and Lifestyle Photographer based in the United States. At an early age he realized his love for travel and beautiful scenery. It was his destiny to travel the world and create beautiful imagery for the travel and leisure industry. His photography assignments over the past 35 years have taken him to the most prestigious Hotels & Resorts. Today, Sammy is based in Palm Beach, Florida and is taking assignments for Photography and Video throughout the World for Hotels & Resorts, Tourism Campaigns, Trains and more. Website www.samdyess.com Instagram: https://Instagram.com/sammytodddyess

Ryan Forbes

is an American Photographer based in Los Angeles. Ryan discovered the beauty of

photography at the age of 13 when his father, an Art Director, gifted him with his old camera. After graduating from Hallmark Institute of Photography, Ryan began his journey as a professional photographer traveling worldwide, photographing amazing people, food, architecture, gorgeous landscapes and wildlife. This journey inspired the creation of the hospitality-focused photography company, AVABLU. www.avablu.com

ON LOCATION WITH PHOTOGRAPHER

RYAN FORBES TANZANIA

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

Ryan Forbes on assignment sponsored by Simba Safaris. Simba began leading adventurous travelers through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit in 1969. Since then they are the leaders in programs that include Zanzibar and, Kenya. With a fleet of modern vehicles, knowledgeable tour guides and excellent programs, Simba Safaris today is one of the most respected tour companies in Tanzania. Form more information please visit www.simbasafaris.com and learn about their programs and their foundation.

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

Photo: E. Frizzelle

PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, whose name means the City of Brotherly Love, is a city that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Any visit should include all of the historical sites, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philly, is a vibrant city where everyone will enjoy the many attractions this vibrant and historical city has to offer.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

National Historic Landmark building since 1893. If you are in the mood for fresh oysters or are ready to try the famous Philly steak sandwich, this is the place to go. And to experience the best Philadelphia has to offer when it comes to culinary expertise, don't miss a visit to Fishtown. Here is where Philly's culinary, art and music trends take off. It’s a magnet for hipsters and creative types. The vibrant nightlife includes hip cafes, beer gardens, and a retro arcade. Indie bands perform at the landmark Johnny Brenda's, a lauded gastropub.

I have visited Philadelphia on many occasions, and my last trip to this city was in October of 2020. Although many places were closed or had limited admission, we enjoyed the food scene and the many tourist sites.

Philadelphia is a destination for the entire family as the many museums, historical sites, and exciting locales are a sure hit with everyone. If you visit Philadelphia during the summer, the Great Plaza and Festival Pier are popular venues for outdoor concerts, while River Rink offers ice skating in the winter. For more information visit www.visitphilly.com

Philly has always fascinated me in because the city is so convenient and how easy it is to navigate. From historymaking locations like Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, to one of the most visited attractions in Philadelphia, Reading Terminal Market, one of America's largest and oldest public markets, located in in a

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021 Photo: Chris Murray

Photo: k. Kelly

Photo by R. Rabena

Photo by Elevated Angles

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

Photo by Joseph Hu

Photo by J. Fusco

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021 Photo by C. Smyth

Photo by K. Kelly

INDONESIA

Beaches, Volcanoes, and Waterfalls Photos by Scotty Graham

Agung Volcano, Bali

Tampa Sewu, East Java

Penida Island

Padar - Komodo National Park

Rice Terraces

Togian Islands

PTana Toraja Regency

Raja Ampat Island

LAKE COMO A VIEW FROM THE LAKE By Alicia D. Diez

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

LAKE COMO A VIEW FROM THE LAKE By Alicia D. Diez (Text and Photos)

When you think of Lake Como, romantic images of a pristine lake, a tranquil lakeside retreat, and beautiful villas come to mind; but this may not be the case for everyone. For many, images of George Clooney, who placed Lake Como on the map to a broader audience would spring to mind. When visiting Lake Como, a native of Lake Garda asked if I knew the main difference between Lake Garda and Lake Como. And as I was about to give specific differences, he stopped me. “The answer is straightforward, “he said – “George Clooney, “and with that, he laughed! Although George Clooney has made it more mainstream, Lake Como, or Lario as it was previously known, has been a popular retreat for the aristocracy since the times of the Romans. The Huffington Post referred to it as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many noble families built impressive villas and used them as holiday retreats providing comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Among those fantastic villas are Villa Olmo in Como, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Balbianello in Tremezzina, Villa Monastero in Varenna, and Villa Bernasconi Villa

Erba both in Cernobbio, as well as the gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio.

As much as visiting the interiors of these villas give us a glimpse of life in such beautifully opulent homes with majestic gardens and mesmerizing views of Lake Como, the best way to experience Lake Como is from the water.

Most of the villas in the Italian Lakes were built initially with privacy and views in mind, so the best way to see them is from a boat; in fact, many of these villas are only visible from the water. Hiring a private boat, such as a Venetian water taxi or a Vaporina, is a fabulous way to experience the lake.If possible, arrange for a full-day excursion to include stops for a morning cappuccino at a local caﬀè, lunch al fresco in a quaint village, and shopping in Como or Bellagio. With your private boat, you can do as you wish as there is so much to experience; live like a celebrity, as you stop along at the towns of Cernobbio, Bellagio, Menaggio, Cadenabbia. Or refreshments and lunch on board with Prosecco can be arranged in advance, so spending a leisurely day

CGI to transform Villa Balbianello into a more futuristic scene. But other more recognizable locations could be from Ocean’s 12 at Villa Erba in Cernobbio;(IS This spelled correctly?) “Casino Royale” in Villa Balbianello in Tremezzina; “Julia and Julia” and, most recently, “Murder Mystery “ featuring beautiful views of the lake.

On another day, travel like a local and take one of the many small ferry boats which zigzag along the lake, making stops at the larger villages and see where the route takes you. If time is a factor, take the hydrofoil and see more of the lake in the same amount of time. It may not be as posh as a private boat, but it still is a relaxing way to see the villas dotting the coastline, as well as the striking mountains surrounding the lake.

If you happen to be on the lake as sunset approaches, perhaps while sipping more Prosecco, you will witness an incredible display of shades of orange, pink, red, and purple! The colors will keep you transfixed as you gaze at the sky! The kaleidoscope of colors attests to why Lake Como has been such a long-sought-after destination.. Lake Como an experience that is authentically Italian.

While cruising along the lake, one may suddenly feel a sense of déjà-vu as Lake Como has been the backdrop for several movies. Among them are “Star Wars – Attack of the Clones,”which is not readily recognized as it had

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

cruising along the lake, admiring the villas and villages, is a great way to go.

SOLO TRAVELING

A Rite Of Passage

By Malorie Mackey

74 Photo by asoggetti on Unsplash

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

Solo traveling can be a true, life-altering adventure. Many who have embarked on solo trips have experienced exhilarating rites of passage, found pieces of themselves they never knew were missing, and had a fun adventure without having to compromise. For those who are unafraid to be alone and meet new people, a solo trip can be one of the greatest experiences of their lives. However, many get nervous about traveling alone and therefore quickly dismiss the idea of a solo trip. The Safety of Solo Traveling Solo traveling can make people feel unsafe because they feel they have no one to watch their back. It is true that while you are traveling alone, you do need to have a heightened sense of awareness- just in case. Though we can regularly hear otherwise, traveling to other countries can be just as, if not safer than, living our daily lives in our home country. For us U.S. citizens, visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website is a great way to see how safe a country is deemed by our government at any given time. They rank destinations in 4 “Travel Advisory Levels”. If the place you are looking to travel to is labeled as a “Level 1”, you should be more than safe to solo travel there, as the US government is recommending that you “exercise normal precautions” and is stating there are no increased dangers. Of course, that doesn’t mean there is no crime there, but you can hopefully keep yourself safe by being alert to your surroundings and looking like you know where you’re going (even if you don’t). Also meeting people in public places rather than greeting people you just met in a private place is another precaution you can take. The Benefits of Solo Travel Though you do have to show more caution when you travel alone, the benefits of solo travel far outweigh the concerns. Traveling alone allows you to meet new people from very different backgrounds, and people you most likely wouldn’t meet if you traveled with companions. It allows you to create your own schedule and alter it as you will, and it allows you to have conversations with yourself, experience new things, and learn about who you really are. Again, solo traveling can be a true rite of passage. Socializing Human beings tend to be social creatures, but we also tend to stick to socializing with those people with whom we are comfortable. While solo traveling, since you don’t have companions with you, you will be forced to strike up conversations with people who are local to the locations you are traveling to. Sitting alone in the bar, someone

Photo by Hannah Busing

Photo by Victor Xok

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021 Photo by Dylan Alcock

is almost guaranteed to talk to you. And from that, you can make new friends, learn about how people live far from your home and what they believe, and develop relationships with people you would have never talked to otherwise. One of my most cherished experiences happened when I traveled alone to Germany on a press trip and met up with a group of people who were each from a different country. We began discussing the state of the world, and it was incredible learning about how each representative from each country viewed our current state of the world. Go on Your Own Time For those control freaks out there, nothing can be more rewarding than having full control of your own schedule. While solo traveling, you can create your own agenda, and you can freely move any event if something comes up without having to worry about how your traveling companions might feel about it. Having the freedom to craft your own trip without worry is a wonderful, and liberating feeling. Learning About Yourself Lastly, and perhaps, most importantly, solo trips really help you understand yourself better, and find your confidence, and allow you an opportunity to have a rite of passage. I was twenty when I first left the country, and it was to study abroad at a theatre in Serbia. I had roommates from my school with me, but they all had boyfriends on the trip, so they left me completely alone

throughout the adventure. And our apartment was a good thirty-minute trek from the theatre, so we would only be allowed to venture back to it at the very end of the day. So, throughout the day around my studies, I was forced to take the bus around Belgrade, get my own meals, visit the internet café to connect back home (this was before smart phones were a thing), and spend countless hours alone in Old Belgrade. I was terrified at first. However, once I was pushed to be on my own, I became confident, aware, and proud of how responsible I could be in a city where I didn’t even speak the language. There’s something so reassuring about living through this and knowing you can be alone somewhere completely foreign- and that’s okay. I came back ready to see more of the world, having shifted my perspective to being one who loved travel. Being forced to travel alone allows you to realize your strengths and weaknesses, face some of your fears, and develop a special kind of confidence that only comes from seeing the world firsthand by yourself. All in all, even if you’re not the solo traveling type, I encourage you to try it at least once. Seeing the world confidently as yourself and exploring new terrain completely alone can provide so many benefits that you really have to see to believe. It’s possible you’ll even go through your own metamorphosis if you can just find the courage to step on a plane by yourself.

Photo by Asoggetti

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN A Journey Through The Wine Country Photos by Sammy Todd Dyess

Located in Northern California about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco and about 60 miles west of Sacramento, the Napa Valley is one of the top wine growing regions in the world. And the Napa Valley Wine Train’s route runs right through it. Originally a rail line built in 1864 to take visitors north to the resort town of Calistoga, the Wine Train is a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, guests travel through the old industrial section of Napa, crossing the Rural Urban Limit Line (RUL) about ten minutes into the journey. Then it’s nothing but the spectacular scenery of beautiful wine country, the famed agricultural preserve of Napa Valley, past some of the most expensive and famous farm real estate in the country, and through the charming towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford.

HISTORY OF LONDON’S WEST END

Photos Courtesy of Visit London

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

HISTORY OF LONDON’S WEST END BY LONDON’S STAFF WRITER Ask anyone about what comes to mind when you think of the West End of London and they’ll likely tell that it’s the prime destination for the best in theatre shows and a night on the town. Now, it is both of those things, but is is so munch more than that and here we are going to take a brief look at just some of the history that came to pass in the area to make it what it is today. West of the City, North of the River Thames The term ‘the West End’ is an abbreviation of The West End of London and it describes a specific of Central London that’s to the North of the famous River Thame. Geographically speaking, the area is comprised of Camden and Westminster and it sits, surprisingly, to the West of the centre of the centuries-old capital. Interestingly, the West End became a popular locale with the rich fold of medieval London, as the prevailing wind there usually brew downwind, keeping the choking smoke of central London away. It was also a locality that was home to the Palace of Westminster - a royal seat at the time and now home to the iconic houses of parliament. Over the course of 300 years, covering the 17th to the 19th century, more and

more palaces and townhouses for the rich elite were built, displacing what had been poor communicates in Covent Garden, Holborn and Sever Dials. The truth, before the elite of London became interested in the area, there wasn’t much to speak of in London and the catalyst of change and development came in the form of the Great Fire of London in 1666, which famously started in Pudding Lane, near London Bridge. This pivotal moment history proven to be a turning point for the West End and without it, we might see a very different look to the district today. Leicester Square With Covent Garden and its bustling markets to the East and Piccadilly Circus and all of its attractions to the West, Leicester Square sits right in the heart of the West End. Like much of the area, it had much humbler beginnings, even being noted as a place to simply dry clothes and graze horses back in the 17th century. A map exists that’s carved from wood named ‘Civitas Londinium’ and it portrays the area being something of a grassy meadow - a far cry from the bright lights and busy

Photos Courtesy of Visit London

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021 streets we see today. It wasn’t until 1670 when the pedestrianized square was a las out and given it’s official name after the 2nd Earl of Leicester and his residence - Leicester House. Over the ensuing years, it turned into a residential area populated primarily by the middle class, with Karl Marx, Joshua Reynolds and Frederick, Prince of Wales noted as some of its more famous inhabitants. This upward mobility didn’t last forever, however, as Leicester House was pilled down at the end of the 1700s and the area became much more like its precious downmarket self. In its place, dozens of retail establishments were created, followed by a multitude of theaters over the next 150 years. Many of the cinemas that exists in Leicester Square housed in the same buildings created during this period. It’s certainly true to say that the face of Leicester Square has experienced a great amount of change in its long history. Piccadilly Circus The area know as Piccadilly Circus is best known for its large bean billboards and video screens but despite its name, it isn’t and never been home to any circus of any

kind. This famed area of London is actually just a junction that links the Haymarket, Coventry Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Regent Street and the ‘Circus’ part simply refers to the roundabout that once existed there, as ‘circus’ is a latin translation of the world ‘circle’. The roundabout is no longer there, but the name endures. The junction itself was a built back in 18112 and because of its prime location and proximity to so many top-class entertainment venues, it has become a tourist destination in its own right. The Piccadilly part of the junctions name has its origins back in the 17th contrary, as Roger Baker, a Taylor who made his fortune making Piccadills (a popular frilled collar fashion item of the day) lived in the area, and so the full name that’s so familiar to so many today, was born. The locale is also home to the Criterion Theater, the London Pavilion Theater and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain Statue, which ironically is best know for being something it’s not. Many believe the monument that was built in 1892 to be Eros, the Greek God of chaos, but whilst it does feature a winged cherubic figure brandishing a bow and arrow, it’s actually something entirely different. It’s actually a stature of Anteros and was erected to commemorate the philanthropic work of Lord Shaftesbury, a man who challenged the concept of

Photos Courtesy of Visit London

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021 of child factory labor, so common at the time. Convent Garden Arguably the area of the West End that is steeped in the most history that of Covent Garden, a place where you’ll find markets selling all manner of hand-made goods, antiquities and fine fashion items. The area’s history can be traced back to the early 1500s, with its name originally being known as Convent Garden, due to it being located of Westminster Abbey’s vegetable garden, tended by monks who called it home. It stared that way until 1535 when King Henry VIII - a stanch opponent of the Catholic Church - dissolved England’s monasteries, seizing the land in the process. The King gifted the land to one of his friend, with the area changing hand a number of times before it finally came into the possession of John Russell, whose official title was the 1st of Bedford. After unsuccessfully trying to sell the land in the early 1600s, it passed to the 4th Earl of Bedford - Francis Russell. It was Francis that began the area’s transformation into want is is today, as, in an attempt to create an income from the land, he commissioned Inigo Jones, a note Royal architect, to build a square development of home ‘fit for gentlemen with ability’. The ensuing square was

the first piazza of its kind in England’s Capital city and it’s widely regarded as being the inception of the famous thoroughfare that exists today. Although the locale that has since become known as Covent Garden was still relatively sparsely populated and by the time the mid 1600s came around, markets began to appear there with increasing regularity. It was perhaps the fact that it was only requested by wealthy folk whatnot escaped the workout effects of the plague of 1665 and it was fortunate enough remain untouched by the aforementioned Great Fire of London that claimed so much of the city just a year later. A massive influx of people to Covent Garden occurred due to 7/8ths of the homes of London being destroyed and this caused a rapid expansion in commerce and trade, leading to King Charles II granting Covent Garden a Royal Charter in 1670. The Great Fire of London was a traumatic event for so many of London’s inhabitants, but with out it, Covent Garden almost certainly wouldn’t exists as it does today. Trafalgar Square Another example of the rich history of the West End of London lies in Trafalgar Square, which sits in the heart of the City of Westminster. The area used to be known as

Photos Courtesy of Visit London

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021 Charing Cross before being renamed to commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory in the Napoleonic battle of the same name. The significance of the area actually dates back to the 1400s, as it was originally the official site of the King’s Mews (another name for stables). After King George IV relocated the King’s Mews to Buckingham Palace, the area was redeveloped by John Nash to mark Nelson’s achievements, however, it was some years before it was completed. By 1844 the square saw one of its main features installed - the 169-foot tall column with Lord Nelson sitting at the very top. The monument, surrounded by four majestic lions is one of several monuments in Trafalgar Square, with the fourth plinth - vacant since the mid 1840s - now being used to display contemporary art. Theatreland No history of the West End would be complete without covering the centuries of thespian activity that has occurred there. As early as 1663, the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane was built at the request of Thomas Killigrew a noted theatre manager and dramatist of his time. This is the longest-standing theater in the West End, officially going by the name of Theatre Royal when it first opened. It wasn’t until 1806 that the next major theater was bilk in the West End. The Sans Pareil, now know as the Adelphi Theatre was built with £10,000 of playwright John Scott’s

money and the majority of the shows and entertainment performed were actually written by his daughter, Jane M Scott. Fast forward another 83 years and we see the Garrick and Lyric Theaters open, with the Garrick being built over an old Riman river. Whilst the Lyric is the oldest theater found on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Garrick is one of the smallest you’ll find in the area. By the time the 20th century arrived, Theatreland was in full swing, whit the longest-running show in theater history - the Mousetrap - opening for the first time in 1952 and the Ambassador Theatre. In is 60+ years, more than 10 million people have see n the show and this number is still rising, as it’s still going strong today. When you also consider that the West End is the home of other epic shows like Les Miserable opening in 1986 and the Phantom of the Opera in 1990, it’s clear that the area has been and still remains as a hub of theatrical excellence. It will likely still be strong in another 100 0years time.

This article was first published in WestEnd London by a staff writer. We only published portions of the article. For more information on West End London, please visit their website at www.westend.com

Photos Courtesy of Visit London

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS By Francisco Ruano

If you are like me and have tried everything to increase your Instagram followers, you are not alone. You are with many people who have tried many things to achieve the magic goal of 10,000 followers. There are many ways to increase the number of people who follow you. The more people that follows you, the more eyes are on your business, therefore, growing your brand and business. Many consumers buy goods and services based on what they see in their Instagram feed.

best reach. Post at least once a day, but ensure that the post is relevant.

When it comes to social media platforms, Instagram is the leader and has more users following business brands than any other social media channel. Instagram’s consumers engages with brands more regularly than with other social media platforms, and with over 700 million users on Instagram regularly it makes sense to focus your efforts on this social media channel.

Tip Number 4: Make sure that your posts are clear and exciting. Instagram users are looking for genuine posts from brands — not apparent advertisements. Try to capture your company culture with lifestyle shots.

Here are a few simple recommendations to increase your followers:

Tip Number 6: Post testimonials from your clients. Big brands often get comments from satisfied customers. Instagram users love to hear what people say about a brand, and they trust satisfied consumers. It's the new "Word of Mouth" concept.

Tip Number 3: Get your customers to share posts with you and vice versa. Re-posting generates trust, increases conversion, amplifies your brand message, and serves as an unlimited pool of content for your business. The opinions of their peers influence many Instagram users.

Tip Number 5: Post short videos. With a photo being worth 1000 words, video can help convey even more.

Tip Number 1: Ensure that you are targeting your customer. Bring your followers with you on inspiring journeys. By leveraging the right hashtags, you will reach the right target for your business. Connect with the right influencers. Who are the top bloggers or websites that you follow or like? Who are the experts that you trust? Evaluate your competitor’s Instagram accounts and see why they are successful. Be inspired by them. And see who follows them back and start following them too.

Tip Number 7: Ensure that your logo is on every post. Your logo is your calling card, your company's face, and the icon that people will associate with your brand. And the last Tip: Make sure that your profile include links to your company's website and more importantly, make sure that your profile defines your brand.

Tip Number 2: Create engaging content. Beautiful and eye-catchy pictures get re-shared and have some of the

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THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL

In 2020 travel came to a complete stop all over the world. There were canceled flights, international borders were closed, and everyone was locked in their cities and, in some cases, their homes. Travel was put on hold, and planned vacations and the joy of exploring or simply visiting places became a distant dream.

people are beginning to book their trips, maybe not to their dreamed place but somewhere to feel safe and relaxed. In recent weeks, airlines have reported an increase in seat capacity week over week and in comparison to 2019. These figures are music to our ears. These are excellent news for our industry as the journey to recovery no longer seems a distant thing.

These were unprecedented times, and for us who are part of the travel community, this represents a loss of revenue, a loss of clients, and not being able to do what we love to do. Countries have slowly started to reopen their borders and travel slowly is coming back; many

We decided to ask a few industry experts their opinions about how they foresee the future of travel. Everyone provided an upbeat outlook and positive insight based on their clients' actions and how the industry is reacting.

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Angela Adto Tepper - Founder AZA Travel, Affiliate of Travel Edge, New York “An unexpected pandemic has altered the world, but a more vigilant, conscious, and thoughtful traveler has emerged! Nothing symbolizes our independence more than the ability to roam freely and explore. While optimism for more regular trips seems imminent, new travel trends have been born. It's beautiful to see how travelers pivoted with a renewed sense of yearning back to nature and wide-open spaces. Travel pods formed, solo adventure seekers remained creative, and wanderlust enthusiasts discovered countries with open borders. The past year has been riddled with restrictions, bans, and government regulations, making it nearly impossible to travel. Yet we, The Luxury Travel Industry, continue to persevere by meeting our travel clients' needs while complying with the onslaught of ongoing changes. In the coming years, I sense that experiential travel will only garner a greater sense of intrigue. Bucket-list desires will be magnified, health and wellness experiences will not be taken for granted, and more extended vacations will be a priority. Covid vaccine availability and an ebbing of the virus's spread provide comfort and optimism that we've turned that vital corner. Luxury travel is being redefined. It's no longer about merely having an enriching and meaningful experience; it's doing so with safety assured. The Luxury Travel Industry has navigated the ever-changing landscape of travel guidelines and restrictions and forges on mightily because we have continued to adapt responsibly. If COVID-19 has taught us anything about travel, it's to explore the world respectfully and with a greater sense of purpose”.

Terry Bahri - Luxury Travel Designer TerryB Luxury Travel, Los Angeles “2020 was a challenging year, and many of us in the travel industry lost everything. At first, we figured this wouldn't last, and the world would be back to normal in the fall. Well! Fall of last year came and passed, and so did the Festive season, and every destination was still under a lockdown, and no one was traveling. We had better hope for 2021, but Europe continued to be under lockdown, and only a few options were available for US Citizens to travel. The pandemic did not stop me from living, getting together with friends, or from traveling. And as soon as we were allowed to travel to Mexico, I headed to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and LaPaz. Since then, I have traveled to Mexico five times and have been to Florida more than six times, primarily to conduct site inspections in South Beach, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. It is a good idea that my clients see me traveling and that seeing me will encourage them to do the same. Luckily, I impacted some of the clients and booked short vacations in SoCal, Cabo, and even the Caribbean. I currently have a client in Belize. This year, I believe that a few clients will venture outside the US to open destinations. Most will stay put or travel locally; However, I anticipate that the vaccine's rollout and positive guidelines will encourage people to travel”. 103

Jack Ezon - President and Co-Founder EMBARK Beyond, New York “This pandemic has been the Great Reset: a Darwinistic event that will ferret weak businesses and make the stronger ones thrive. Many say things will never be the same. No more offices; people will wear masks forever; hugging and shaking hands will no longer be a thing. I'm afraid I have to disagree. Both history and physics have proven that things always fall back to equilibrium, albeit a modified balance. Travel will be no different. I say this confidently because I see firsthand so many people begging to get back to their old ways. We see people "cheating" as often as possible to see a show or dance together. We see people dreaming for a tomorrow that resembles yesterday. The hottest new trends? We don't think any solid recent trends will evolve. Instead, we believe there will be an acceleration of trends already in motion and a dwindling of others. Foundational principals won't be going away. We, humans, are built for connecting. Our condition is to touch, hug, to embrace. Human Connection will prevail; it is just a question about how long it will take and what that journey will look like. The biggest near-term drivers will be using travel to create meaningful and memorable experiences reuniting people to the places they go, the loved ones they are with, and to themselves. The latter is about recalibration and resetting their bodies –the ultimate wellness manifestation. People will travel to more familiar places in the next year – like the Mediterranean or even Canada (if they let us in!) with more exotic locales like Southeast Asia beginning in late 2022. And speaking of 2022, market compression will be our biggest challenge with three years of travel, meetings, incentives, and celebratory travel condensing into one, making space and price a premium. Lastly, we don't expect the privacy 'thing' to be about health, but rather more intimate bonding time. Look at a growing market segment – the 'Global Nomad' – a new generation of Gen-Z'ers who constantly rotate around the world, unshackled by an office or family. In the next two years, travel will be back with a vengeance as the world's elite becomes fully vaccinated and ready to resume world exploration, with the biggest inhibitor being open borders. The wealth gap will be more blatant than ever, causing an amorphous recovery completely different based on market segment and geography”.

Jhonny Stathopoulou - Vice President Forest Travel Agency, Miami “I foresee a tremendous uproar of people who want to travel who have not traveled for the last year and a half. Craving an escape from a new “normal” harsh reality, most people are currently planning a trip or daydreaming about their next travel. I predict many travelers will return to their journeys with an equally exuberant sense of vengeance as they set out to make up for the lost time. Many people are reevaluating their priorities in life and wanting to pursue their travel dreams as they see life differently after COVID. Feeding into the cliché that you only live once and life is what you make of it, many people have found a new passion for adventure and exploration. As vaccinations become more readily available to the public, I believe there will be many last-minute bookings. Consumers will check first which countries are following restricting protocol for safe travel”.

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Limor Decter - Luxury Travel/Lifestyle Advisor & Writer EMBARK Beyond, New York “We have had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a better travel industry, improve the travel landscape and make the world a better place. I believe that travel will be more rewarding, enriching, and safer than ever before. Travel has always been a good force, but this past year has shown us the profound impact of the travel ecosystem. We have had the opportunity to become better global citizens. We were collectively united in our isolation, and we learned to weather the same storm despite our different vessels. We now have a greater responsibility to open our minds and hearts to respect other cultures, traditions, and heritage in our daily lives and travel. Many travelers yearn to connect with family and friends, craving to share new experiences and creating new memories. Multi-generational travel will certainly grow. Many travelers will want to experience the world and step outside their comfort zone to destinations they have dreamed about this past year. Wanderlust has grown this past year considerably- many are inspired and ready for new adventures beyond the front door. I anticipate leisure travel will have more purpose and meaning, with a stronger focus on important issues such as sustainability, conservation, community empowerment, wellness, and diversity. Travel teaches us how we understand and experience the world. Travel breeds tolerance and empathy, two of the essential elements of a journey”.

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Photo Simon Lund on Unsplash

DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

ALICIA’S CORNER Alicia C. Diez

LET’S KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

Finding new positive ways to continue our progress towards benefiting the planet and our community is fun to discover, especially when it adds to our enjoyment of planning to travel in the near future. So, let’s keep the momentum going by supporting those companies with a vision of a better planet and future.

CUYANA As we plan for our long-awaited trips, we can look to fashionable and ethical companies, such as Cuyana (www.cuyana.com) which manufacture responsibly by not overproducing inventory, using suppliers committed to a high degree of ethical conduct and environmental responsibility, and with 96% of their clothing and handbags made from sustainable materials.

Take a

look at their clothing - stylish, comfy, packs well – a winning combination!

Looking stylish in easy-going

clothing, plus fun bags, such as their new Convertible Belt Bag, a perfect addition for travel….

PUREFUL YOGA For those driving off on an epic road trip bringing continuing their yoga practice throughout the voyage, should consider Pureful Yoga (www.PurefulYoga.com), a company creating yoga mats from cork!

addition to the cork tree remaining intact to regenerate its cork bark again, the lightweight mat is non-slip, and their cork contains anti-microbial properties!

Something that is on most people’s mind these days, plus a

feel-good component of having 3% of the profits donated to environmental causes and forest preservation!

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DESIGN DESTINATIONS Summer 2021

TWO BLIND BROTHERS Who wouldn’t want to have the softest t-shirt to take on a trip, or just to wear all the time? As a result of two brothers suffering from a degenerative eye disease, Two Blind Brothers (2BB) ( www.twoblindbrothers.com ) was born and one of the softest fabrics was created. They also created sunglasses featuring 100% UV protection and polarized lenses that protect against vision loss and glare which are perfect for a vacation on the beach or skiing the slopes, or anywhere. Who hasn’t lost at least one pair of sunglasses – Two Blind Brothers has a special replacement policy! Not only do 100% of the profits get donated to Foundation Fighting Blindness to help fund research for curing blindness, but they employ individuals who are visually impaired! Watch these brothers on YouTube, they are inspirational! COTO PAXI Going hiking to a National Park or to the Rockies, or just a hike nearby, and don’t have the right jacket? Take a look at Cotopaxi - named after a volcano in Ecuador. Cotopaxi (www.cotopaxi.com), a certified B Corp. positively impacting its workers, suppliers, community, and the environment, has just what you need for being outdoors! Fun and colorful fleece jackets made 100% from recycled polyester, lightweight insulated jackets made from repurposed and recycled materials, along with equally colorful totes and backpacks – using materials destined for a landfill and having 1% of the proceeds to fund grants helping communities in Ecuador! Making hiking trips good for the mind and body, plus good for the soul…

PEOPLE FOR URBAN PROGRESS (PUP) This is why creative people, those who think outside of the box, are so important in continuing the strive towards no waste.

Who

would have thought of reusing AMTRAK discarded seats covers?? Enter People for Urban Progress (PUP) (www.peopleup.org/pages/ amtrak) for good design and civic sustainability!

They have thought

of a variety of bag styles – taking a weekend trip, holding the credit cards to use while on a trip, messenger bag for holding while somewhere away from home working remote, even a case to hold those sunglasses while on a beach vacation! There is something for everyone and you are keeping more materials from the landfill!

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DOROTHY DANDRIDGE

Dorothy Jean Dandridge was an American actress, singer, and dancer. Halle Berry in her Oscar acceptance speech for the Best Actress Award dedicated the “moment” to three African American actresses who led the way. One of them was Dorothy Dandridge. Dorothy was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1922. She and her sister were part of The Wonder Children and later were known as The Dandridge Sisters and performed along with Etta James in the 1930s. The Dandridge Sisters were a regular act at high-profile clubs like The Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. Dorothy broke out from the act and performed as a solo act in the same clubs. She appeared in several films in small parts and was given her first role in the film “Four Shall Die” in 1940. Dorothy’s career was limited due to her rejection of stereotypical black roles. After occasional appearances in films and on stage and as the lead singer with major bands throughout the 1940s. After a critically acclaimed performance with the opening of the famous Mocambo nightclub in West Hollywood, and later in London and New York she was spotted and offered her first leading role in the film “Bright Road.” In 1953 she auditioned for the role of Carmen with an all all-black musical film adaptation of Oscar Hammerstein II's 1943 Broadway musical “Carmen Jones.” For her performance in the leading role of Carmen, she became the first African American film star to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. (1954). Her new fame led her to receive a multi-year contract with 20th Century Fox and made her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. Although she was offered lesser roles in films, she continued her career in clubs and in 1955 opened the Empire Room inside New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel as the first African American headliner. In 1959, Dandridge was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for “Porgy and Bess.” She is the subject of the 1999 HBO biographical film, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. She has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the 1940s Hollywood had its eyes on three young starlets. One of them was Dorothy Dandridge, the other two were Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. The rest is history.

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Photo Credits Philadelphia - Where It All Started Pages 28-35 Photo by R. Rabena for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® On World Health Day on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the skyline of Center City, Philadelphia — and even the interior rotunda of The Franklin Institute — were alight in blue to honor healthcare workers and first responders. Philadelphia will continue the tradition of Philly Shines Blue on subsequent Tuesday evenings through April 2020. Photo by K. Kelly for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® The Good Spoon Soupery is a cafe in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia that’s known for its savory and sweet menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, sides, fresh juices and pastry. Photo by K. Kelly for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® East Passyunk Avenue is a diagonal interruption to South Philadelphia’s grid layout. The stretch of the avenue between Dickinson and Mifflin streets is alive with community life, shops and restaurants. Pictured here: La Scala’s Birra, a popular spot for pizza with seating indoors and outdoors. Photo by Joseph Hu, courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art. The North Entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art provides access to the Vaulted Walkway, a historic space with a 24-foot high ceiling clad with Guastavino tiles. The Walkway is illuminated with natural skylight and new bronze-encased LED lighting.

Photo by E. Frizzelle for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® Summer through fall, Cherry Street Pier, on the Delaware River Waterfront in Philadelphia, hosts weekly markets of local food and makers. Every Saturday from midJuly through mid-November, The Food Trust, producers of the food truck-fueled Night Markets, brings in vendors it describes as “culinary entrepreneurs” and “creative sellers,” alongside performance artists and indie retailers. Photo by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” sits among the daffodils in the front garden of the Rodin Museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. The elegant museum, designed by Paul Cret and Jacques Gréber, is owned and operated by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and houses one of the largest collections of work by Rodin outside of his native France. Photo by Elevated Angles for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® Completed in 1926, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connects Camden, New Jersey and Center City, Philadelphia (pictured) over the Delaware River. The 1,750foot long span, designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret, was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Photo by Elevated Angles for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® The skyline of Center City Philadelphia rises beyond the iconic statue of city founder William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall. City Hall was Philadelphia’s tallest building from 1901 until 1986. Today, the Comcast Technology Center claims that distinction. Page 4 Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® The largest standalone pops orchestra in the United States invites fans to BYOB (bring your own blanket) for a concert of patriotic tunes with Independence Hall as the dramatic backdrop.

Solo Traveling - A Rite to Passage Pages 66-69

Photo by asoggetti on Unsplash

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Photo by asoggetti on Unsplash

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Photo by Victor Xok on Unsplash

Photo by Dylan Alcock on Unsplash

Venezia -1600 Anniversari Pages 36 - 45

Photo Commune di Venezia 1600 It

Lake Cuomo - A View From The Lake Pages 60-65

Photo Alicia D. Diez Private Collection

Indonesia- Beaches, Volcanoes, & Waterfalls Pages 46-59 Photo by Scotty Graha. Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Indonesia's island Bali and a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan and twelve even smaller islands. Photo by Scotty Graha. Padar is a small island located between Komodo and Rinca islands within Komodo archipelago, administrated under the West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It is the third largest island part of Komodo National Park. Photo by Scotty Graham. The Raja Ampat Islands are an Indonesian archipelago off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua. Comprising hundreds of jungle-covered islands, Raja Ampat is known for its beaches and coral reefs rich with marine life. Ancient rock paintings and caves are on Misool Island, while the crimson bird of paradise lives on Waigeo Island. Photo by Scotty Graham. Tana Toraja Regency is a regency of South Sulawesi Province of Indonesia, and home to the Toraja ethnic group.

Photo by Scotty Graham. The Togian Islands are an archipelago of 56 islands and many offshore islets, situated in the Gulf of Tomini, off the coast of Central Sulawesi, in Indonesia. The largest islands are Batudaka, Togean, Talatako and Una-Una

Photo by Scotty Graham. Rice field is a place where farmers do their activity to grow rice. Farmers who have paddy fields on hillsides often have to make terraces so the rice fields can be easily managed. Apparently the farmers’ hard work to build the terraces in the rice fields create an incredible natural scenery. Photo by Scotty Graham. Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Indonesia's island Bali and a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan and twelve even smaller islands. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly with a maximum altitude of 524 metres. Photo by Scotty Graham. Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Indonesia's island Bali and a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan and twelve even smaller islands. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly with a maximum altitude of 524 metres. Photo by Scotty Graham. Tumpak Sewu, also known as Coban Sewu, is a tiered waterfall that is located between the Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency, and the Ampelgading District, Malang Regency, in East Java, Indonesia. The waterfall is overshadowed by Semeru, an active volcano and the highest mountain in 111 Java.

Design Destinations Magazine is a publication of Buchhalter International Group

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