June Leisure Lifestyle 2022 Global Traveler

globaltravelerusa.com

June 2022

LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS p. 8 TRAVEL-THEMED TV SHOWS AND MOVIES p. 26 UNIQUE MUSEUMS p. 34 INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRIPS p. 40 THE WORLD’S BLUE ZONES p. 46 HONEYMOON HOT SPOTS p. 52 SMALL-TOWN AMERICA p. 58 TRAVEL TIPPING GUIDE p. 64

LEISURE LIFESTYLE Global Traveler’s guide to the luxurious world of leisure travel

LETTER ®

EDITORIAL Editor In Chief Kimberly Krol Inlander kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President/Digital Director Katie Skrzek katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor Janice Hecht jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor Patricia Vanikiotis patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Social Media & Editorial Coordinator Mary Melnick mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor Aoife O’Riordan aoife.oriordan@globaltravelerusa.com ART Art Director Tracey Cullen tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer Christopher P. Ottaunick christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor Vance Piccin

WRITERS Kristy Alpert Debra Bokur Becca Hensley Eugenia Lazaris Richard Newton Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

For complete bios visit globaltravelerusa.com

New Perspective: Aoife with friend Hayes Leaver on top of Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, Austria PHOTO: © AOIFE O’RIORDAN

Grab Every Opportunity

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hings are finally starting to go back to normal — even if our new definition of “normal” is quite different than before the pandemic. After more than two years of lockdowns; vaccines; and separation from family, friends and bucket-list destinations; it’s safe to say we all have a new outlook on life.

Only after we had the luxury of travel taken from us did we realize how precious it is; and with countries now opening up, airlines reinstating and adding new flight routes, and cruise lines embarking on exciting courses, we cannot let the chances that entice us slip from our hands.

Now is the time to take every opportunity to see the world, whether it’s finally visiting that destination you have dreamt of or going to that restaurant about which you heard rave reviews. Take life and travel and run with it, for the world holds so much beauty, and

many adventures await you.

As you read the Leisure Lifestyle Edition, place yourself in these locations and imagine yourself on these tours. Don’t push your dreams of travel into the future; instead, let the inspiration found in this issue guide you. Whether it’s visiting unique museums, exploring small-town America, heading out on international road trips or discovering the world’s Blue Zones, do not let these adventures pass you by. Grab every opportunity to see and experience the world, and you will find yourself feeling more fulfilled and enlightened.

CIRCULATION Special Projects Manager John Wroblewski Specialist Louie Atsaves Managers Jayhawk Evans, Mark P. Ford, Teresa Jackson, Anthony “Scraps” Dimera Circulation Director Michele Shannon Circulation Manager Anna Pudzianowski Research Consultant Sharon Sterne

ADVISORY BOARD Chairman Michael Donahue COO Michael Kiely President Carlos Cappuccio Deputy Vice President Aviation Edward Jefferson Deputy Vice President Accommodations Stephen Doherty Deputy Director Destinations Wayne Tallman Vice President Special Events/Photography Christopher Ottaunick Secretary Mark Lane Research Director Frank LoVerme Director of Technology Bob Hancock Director of Digital Advancement Jared Torgan Vice President of Corporate Giving Jim Bolger Director of Emerging Markets & New Business Frank Wood

GENERAL COUNSEL Thomas F. Goldman CONTACT US General Inquiries/Issue Requests/Reprints info@globaltravelerusa.com Subscriptions tel 818 286 3134 | gbtcs@magserv.com Public Relations kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Letters to the Editor letters@globaltravelerusa.com

Aoife O’Riordan associate editor

Global Traveler is published monthly by FXExpress Publications, Inc., 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067. The U.S. subscription rate is $42 for one year, $79.95 for two years, $121.95 for three years.

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to Global Traveler, 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067

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LETTER ®

ADVERTISING Publisher/CEO Francis X. Gallagher tel 215 919 8988 | fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com Director of Sales Alaina Cagliostro tel 215 932 1567 | alaina.cagliostro@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising Manager Haley Fogarty tel 215 932 0284 | haley.fogarty@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising and Production Manager Yasser Ogando tel 267 884 1650 | yasser.ogando@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Western Region and Asia Maria Angeles tel 215 932 1621 | maria.angeles@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Southern Region and the Caribbean Carrie Cox tel 215 932 0861 | carrie.cox@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Mexico Mariana Zenizo tel 52 55 6560 1152 | marzenizo@gmail.com Business Development Executive Christyn Pek tel 215 932 1472 | christyn.pek@globaltravelerusa.com

Sampling Spain: Christyn enjoys a glass of wine in Spain.

PHOTO: © CHRISTYN PEK

REPRESENTATIVES

A Thirst for Travel

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ravel offers a way of tasting life by sipping on different flavors enhanced by our adventurous senses. Global Traveler acts as a sommelier to our readers, making suggestive pairings for every occasion including honeymoon hot spots, luxury beach getaways and travel tips piggybacked with fascinating excursions. We welcome all who share the same cravings to our Leisure Lifestyle Edition, where we uncork the finest in luxury travel, hitting on all hospitality sectors, entertainment and destinations as voted by our readers.

As a newer face on the team, I’m thrilled to be part of FXExpress Publications, Inc. I am even more excited to take part in our in-person events to honor those travel providers who go above and beyond to curate seamless experiences for our readers through hard work and dedication.

We witness a significant transformation as the world of travel progressively opens back up. Like me, you may have attempted to quench your thirst for travel before the reopening, finding loopholes to see some of the most breathtaking sites while crowds remained small. I escaped to Spain before accepting my new role, delighting in Barcelona’s Sagrada Família and Madrid’s Royal Palace, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Alcalá … along with tasting some of the best Mediterranean cuisine, tucked away in the alleys of the city. Later in the summer, I again

ventured across the sea to Italy, where I walked through the Colosseum, climbed the Duomo, viewed the statue of David and made a wish at Trevi Fountain. Unfortunately, I could only sip from a half-full glass due to mask mandates, curfews and restrictions, but that proved enough for me.

Global Traveler’s cross-functional team of talented editors and executives stands ready to help fill our readers’ glasses to the brim with experiences worth bucket-listing.

We provide a variety of blends to pique your taste buds, no matter your stage of life. Our sister brands Trazee Travel and WhereverFamily cover a wide range of interests with content from one of the world’s most trusted travel sources.

Regardless of where you are at the moment, I hope this Leisure Lifestyle Edition uncovers flavors of the world you might not have tasted before. We appreciate the support of our readers and will continue to provide new samplings of adventure, luxury, innovation and lifelong memories.

Australia Charlton D'Silva tel 61 2 9252 3476 | charlton.dsilva@pubintl.com.au France Géraldine Roger tel 33 1 88 32 62 61 | cell 33 7 81 22 02 36 | groger@asset-media.com India Vimal Anand tel 91 124 4932020 | cell 91 98100 71000 | vimal@gmnindia.com Indonesia Sarah Hutabarat tel 62 21 29704008 | sarah@mediaman.co.id Japan Yoshinori Ikeda tel 81 3 3661 6138 | yoshinori.ikeda@pacific-business.com Korea Jeff Hwang tel 82 31 702 7782 | cell 82 010 6347 9117 | gng@gngcom.co.kr Malaysia Ester Chai tel 60 3 7722 1968 | esther@fitzgerald.com.my Singapore Peggy Thay tel 65 83768345 | peggy.thay@pubintl.sg Slovak Republic (Eastern Europe) Zorka Sipkova tel 421 948094611 | zorka.sipkova@pubintl.eu South America and the Caribbean (excluding Peru and Colombia) Ana Torres de Navarra tel 305 205 3303 | ana@colibri-media.com Spain Olga Martínez tel 34 91 320 0497 | cell 34 669 10 12 73 olga.martinez@aboutim.es Taiwan Keith Lee tel 886 2 2523 8268 | leekh@ms4.hinet.net Thailand Janya Limmanee tel 66 2 0514694 | janya.l@jpp-thailand.com Turkey Elif Mengu cell 90 532 255 83 24 | elif@catalyzismedia.com United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rosy Kachouh Nawfal cell 971 55 607 8163 | rosy@i-repme.com

Christyn Pek business development executive

United Kingdom Stefanie Stroh-Begg cell 44 0 7798 665 395 | stefanie@mercury-publicity.com CORPORATE OFFICE 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067 info@globaltravelerusa.com

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Leisure Lifestyle 2022

CONTENTS

PHOTO: © SILVERSEA CRUISES

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features

on the cover globaltravelerusa.com

June 2022

LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS p. 8 TRAVEL-THEMED TV SHOWS AND MOVIES p. 26 UNIQUE MUSEUMS p. 34 INTERNATIONAL ROADTRIPS p. 40 WORLD’S BLUE ZONES p. 46 HONEYMOON HOT SPOTS p. 52 SMALL TOWN AMERICA p. 58 TRAVEL TIPPING GUIDE p. 64

LEISURE LIFESTYLE Global Traveler’s guide to the luxurious world of leisure travel

COVER PHOTO: JUNGLE BUBBLE SUITE AT ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT

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Leisure at Its Best Global Traveler announces the winners of the 2022 Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

The Great International Road Trip You don’t need a translator to answer the call of the open road abroad.

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On Location Travel-themed movies and TV series take us on journeys real or imagined.

Living Long, Living Well Discover the longevity secrets of the world’s Blue Zones.

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Quirky Collections Look for unique museums filled with fascinating artifacts wherever you travel.

PHOTO: © ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT

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globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

Isn’t It Romantic?

Dive into a dreamy honeymoon destination worthy of celebrating your love.

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Small Towns, Big Magic America’s endearing towns and villages serve up leisure at a more measured pace.

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The Etiquette of Tipping Gratuity customs vary around the world, so plan ahead to avoid embarrassing mistakes.

WELCOME BACK TO THE AIR CANADA SIGNATURE SUITE Rediscover an exclusive luxury travel experience that begins before you depart from Toronto Pearson International Airport or Vancouver International Airport.

We’re welcoming eligible* customers back to enjoy an elevated experience at the Air Canada Signature Suite in Toronto and Vancouver.

Relax in finely crafted comfort and indulge in the finest Canada has to offer, such as à la carte sit-down meals created by renowned Canadian chef David Hawksworth.

Discover more at aircanada.com/signaturesuite. *Exclusive to eligible customers. Complete eligibility requirements can be found at aircanada.com/signaturesuite

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic: Alaska PHOTO: © GALYNA ANDRUSHKO | DREAMSTIME.COM

Leisure at Its Best Global Traveler announces the winners of the 2022 Leisure Lifestyle Awards. BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

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ne decade of winners! That’s right, we’re celebrating our 10th Leisure Lifestyle Awards, our annual survey honoring the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, recognizing goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines and cruises. Read on to find out the champions in this year’s milestone ranking — and congratulations to them!

Let’s begin with our destination winners, some of the best cities, islands and towns around the world offering the ultimate in leisure travel. Kick back in

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globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

any of these exceptional, award-winning spots, starting with Greece, Best Historical Attractions, International; and Savannah, Georgia, Best Historical Attractions, Domestic. History buffs, those are the destinations for you, and adventure seekers, here’s your round-up: India is Best Adventure Destination, International, for the second consecutive year; while Alaska proves the Best Adventure Destination, Domestic, two years running.

Lanai, Hawai‘i, upset a four-time winner to take the top spot for Best Beaches. The Dominican Republic now stands as a two-time Best Caribbean Island winner, while Santoríni retains its Best Island in Europe title for the ninth consecutive year. Cook Islands continues its winning streak, winning Best Island in the Pacific Rim for the seventh year in a row. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, takes its second win as Best

Best Airport for Recreation: Denver International Airport PHOTO: © JOE SOHM | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Leisure Destination in Africa: Morocco PHOTO: © XANTANA | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line: Paul Gauguin Cruises PHOTO: © PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain: Ace Hotel PHOTO: © ACE HOTEL

Island in the United States.

Sports enthusiasts, listen up: Telluride, Colorado, Best North American Ski Destination for the fourth year in a row, is calling your name, while Whistler, British Columbia, takes back its title as Best International Ski Destination.

Golfers, Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Florida, is Best Golf Destination.

Consider these other winning destinations as you plan your leisure travel: Charleston, South Carolina, Best Leisure Destination in the United States for the third consecutive year; Morocco, Best Leisure Destination in Africa; İstanbul, Best Leisure Destination in Europe; Panamá City, Panamá, Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America; Cabo San Lucas, Best Leisure Destination in Mexico; and Italy, Best Leisure Destination for Groups, for the second year in

a row. Taipei takes its fifth title as Best Leisure Destination in Asia, also earning it Quint Status, which recognizes those who win the same award for five consecutive years.

Savannah, Georgia, and Dublin, Ireland, round out our destination winners as Best Weekend Destination in North America (three years running) and Best Weekend Destination in the World, respectively.

Let’s set sail with this year’s winning cruise lines, starting with Holland America Line, Best Family Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. Silversea Cruises takes a Best Luxury Cruise Line win, while Emerald Cruise Line is the winner of Best Value Cruise Line two years running.

Oceania Cruises also takes its second win as Best Cruise Line Suites for its Owner’s Suites.

Several cruise lines earn seventh consecutive wins this

THE PROCESS

Global Traveler conducted a survey of its readers Dec. 14, 2021–April 30, 2022, with open-ended questions for the best in many categories of leisure, luxury and lifestyle travel. This survey ran in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, as a direct mail questionnaire, online at globaltravelerusa.com/leisureballot and emailed during the survey period. Only those questionnaires with more than 50 percent of the questions completed were counted. Those with fewer than 50 percent of the questions answered were discarded. Employees of the magazine and individuals associated with the travel industry could not participate in the survey.

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE Best Beaches 1. Lanai, Hawai‘i 2. Cayman Islands 3. Turks and Caicos 4. The Big Island, Hawai‘i 5. Costa Rica 6. Lopes Mendes, Brazil 7. Mykonos, Greece 8. Phuket, Thailand 9. Krabi, Thailand 10. Honolulu, Hawai‘i

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic 1. Savannah, Georgia 2. Williamsburg, Virginia 3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 5. Washington, D.C. 6. Charleston, South Carolina 7. New Orleans, Louisiana 8. Boston, Massachusetts 9. Charlottesville, Virginia 10. Big Sur, California Best Historical Attractions, International 1. Greece 2. Italy 3. Turkey 4. Egypt 5. Spain 6. United Kingdom 7. Israel 8. India 9. Jordan 10. Peru Best Adventure Destination, Domestic 1. Alaska 2. Hilton Head, South Carolina 3. Albuquerque, New Mexico 4. Asheville, North Carolina 5. Nashville, Tennessee 6. Grand Canyon 7. Salt Lake City, Utah 8. Portland, Oregon 9. California 10. Montana

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Best Eco-Friendly Airline: United Airlines PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

year: Paul Gauguin Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line; Cunard, Best Large-Ship Cruise Line; and Princess Cruises, Best Cruise Ship Excursions. Princess Cruises is a three-peat on this year’s survey, also honored as Best Cruise Line Entertainment, four years in a row, and Best Cruise Line to Alaska.

Ponant makes its second appearance as Best Adventure Cruise Line, and also wins Best Expedition Cruises. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises earns Quint Status for its fifth win as Best River Cruise Line. Seabourn has us seeing double with two wins: Best Cruise Line Dining and Best Cruise Line Spas for the fourth year in a row.

Captain’s Club from Celebrity Cruises takes its second Best Cruise Line Rewards Program title. Going around the world? Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the Best World Cruise winner. In the Caribbean, it’s all about Windstar Cruises, Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings. Take off from the Port of San Diego, Best Cruise Port.

Upsetting a seven-time winner, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts shook up the Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World category this year. The brand also appears topping the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels ranking. Another winner that unseated a former long-time favorite, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is Best Hotel Chain Resorts. Making its first appearance ever on one of our surveys, Ace Hotel won Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain.

Rounding out our hotel and resort winners, we have Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Best Family Resort Chain in the World; Club Med, Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean; Banyan Tree, Best Hotel Chain in Thailand; and Hyatt Zilara, Best All-Inclusive Resort.

So much goes into executing the perfect leisure travel trip. Here’s a look at the rest of this year’s survey honorees,

globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

Best Leisure Airline: Hawaiian Airlines PHOTO: © HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

starting with airports and airlines. We applaud the following winners: Istanbul Grand Airport as Best Airport for Layovers, and Denver International Airport, Best Airport for Recreation.

TAP Air Portugal takes its fourth win for Best Stopover Program, while Air Canada flies away with three awards: Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment and Best Premium Economy Class, both for the fourth consecutive year, and Best Airline Onboard Menu in its business class cabin, for the third year in a row. United Airlines earns its title as Best Eco-Friendly Airline. Last, but certainly not least, Hawaiian Airlines is Best Leisure Airline.

The band of winners continues with Abercrombie & Kent, Best Tour Operator; Maserati, Best Luxury Vehicle; Ulysee Nardin, Favorite Luxury Watch Brand; Hertz, receiving Quint Status as five-time Best Leisure Car Rental; Na Hoku, Best Destination Jewelry Brand for the third year in a row; and Bacardi, Best Liquor Brand.

Congratulations to the 2022 Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners!

Hassle-free flying.

It’s about time.

Don’t you love how navigating in and out of Ontario International Airport is a breeze with quick access and easy parking? Isn’t it refreshing how great it is once you’re in the airport – shorter lines, room to spread out, happy people to help you? At ONT you can leave the stress of other Southern California airports behind because faster is always better when it comes to your airport.

So let Global Traveler know by voting for ONT for: • Best Airport in North America • Best Airport Staff • Best Airport Parking • Fastest Growing U.S. Airport

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@flyONT

Cruise Line of the Year: Viking PHOTOS: © VIKING

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Adventure Destination, International 1. India 2. Taiwan 3. South Africa 4. The Galápagos Islands 5. New Zealand 6. Chile 7. Thailand 8. Australia 9. Jordan 10. Colombia Best Leisure Destination in the United States 1. Charleston, South Carolina 2. Savannah, Georgia 3. Asheville, North Carolina 4. Austin, Texas 5. Nashville, Tennessee 6. Chicago, Illinois 7. Virginia Beach, Virginia 8. San Francisco, California 9. Napa Valley, California 10. New Orleans, Louisiana Best Leisure Destination in Africa 1. Morocco 2. South Africa 3. Seychelles 4. Zambia 5. Kenya 6. Uganda 7. Réunion Island 8. Zanzibar 9. Botswana 10. Namibia Best Leisure Destination in Europe 1. İstanbul, Turkey 2. Lisbon, Portugal 3. Krakow, Poland 4. Florence, Italy 5. Seville, Spain 6. Porto, Portugal 7. Paris, France 8. Prague, Czech Republic 9. Venice, Italy 10. Rome, Italy

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CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR

Global Traveler is pleased to name its Cruise Line of the Year. Congratulations to Viking!

River, ocean or expedition — this year’s Cruise Line of the Year offers it all. Started as a river cruising company, Viking today has hundreds of awards to its name and operates a fleet of state-ofthe-art ships. This year marks Viking’s 25th anniversary, and by the end of 2022 it will welcome its second expedition ship; two new ocean ships; new Viking Longships; and purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.

Viking river cruises sail Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Duoro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde rivers, as well as Egypt’s Nile and Asia’s Mekong, on eight- to 23-day itineraries. This spring Viking launched on the Mississippi River. Viking took to the oceans in 2015 with Viking Star; the current fleet of six ocean ships await two more vessels this year and another in 2023, all designed to be environmentally considerate. Ocean voyages focus on Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North America, South America and Africa. January 2022 marked the launch of Viking’s expedition voyages with the 378-guest Polar-class Viking Octantis, sailing Antarctica and the Great Lakes.

We eagerly look to the future of this year’s Cruise Line of the Year. Congratulations, Viking!

globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

Cruise Line of the Year 2022 Viking

CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR: Cunard Line

PHOTOS: © CUNARD LINE

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Leisure Destination in Asia 1. Taipei, Taiwan 2. Seoul, South Korea 3. Phuket, Thailand 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Singapore 6. Hong Kong 7. Bangkok, Thailand 8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 9. Osaka, Japan 10. Bali, Indonesia

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico: Cabo San Lucas PHOTO: © RUTH PETERKIN | DREAMSTIME.COM.

Best Leisure Destination for Groups (four or more): Italy

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/ South America 1. Panamá City, Panamá 2. Buenos Aires, Argentina 3. Bogotá, Colombia 4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 5. Mendoza, Argentina 6. Santiago, Chile 7. Montevideo, Uruguay 8. Cusco, Peru 9. Machu Picchu, Peru 10. Quito, Ecuador

PHOTO: © LINGHUI KONG | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico 1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 2. Cancún, Mexico 3. Playa del Carmen, Mexico 4. Guadalajara, Mexico 5. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 6. Isla Holbox, Mexico 7. Mexico City, Mexico 8. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 9. Cozumel, Mexico 10. Mérida, Mexico Best Leisure Destination for Groups (four or more) 1. Italy 2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 3. Costa Rica 4. Park City, Utah 5. Dubrovnik, Croatia 6. Cartagena, Colombia 7. Napa Valley, California 8. Montréal, Canada 9. Nashville, Tennessee 10. Ireland

LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

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Outstanding Environmental Initiatives: Ponant

Outstanding Innovations: Virgin Voyages

PHOTO: © PONANT

PHOTO: © VIRGIN VOYAGES

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

WINNERS’ CIRCLE Outstanding Social Responsibility Oceania Cruises Outstanding Customized Services Silversea Cruises Outstanding Environmental Initiatives Ponant Outstanding Innovations Virgin Voyages

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Each year, in addition to our Leisure Lifestyle Awards, Global Traveler acknowledges those travel companies going above and beyond. Our Special Achievement Awards recognize leaders in innovation, environmental initiatives and community outreach. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

Social responsibility lies at the heart of Oceania Cruises’ mission as the cruise line works to consider human impact on the air, land and sea. Several initiatives — including its Alaska Raptor Center, dedicated to the medical treatment of birds of prey; its measures to protect marine mammals during cruising; its eco-paradise Harvest Caye in Belize; and its introduction of Vero Water and elimination of single-use plastic bottles — earned Oceania Cruises this year’s Outstanding Social Responsibility nod.

For cruisers looking to customize their entire cruise experience, consider Silversea Cruises, winner of Outstand-

ing Customized Services. Around-the-clock, dedicated butlers offer service and undivided attention in all suites.

That’s only the beginning — the staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1 and customized bars can be found in each suite, along with many other unique amenities.

With its Le Commandant-Charcot, the first hybridelectric polar exploration ship sailing the seas, it’s no wonder Ponant was bestowed this year’s Outstanding Environmental Initiatives honor. The latest addition to the cruise line’s fleet, powered by liquefied natural gas, it allows for polar exploration like never before.

Virgin Voyages came about under the guise of disrupting the cruising industry, making it an obvious choice for Outstanding Innovations. These range from its adults-only policy and cutting-edge technologies to its ability to achieve carbon neutrality from Day One and its brandnew Terminal V at PortMiami. Continue to watch this provider for future innovations.

Outstanding Social Responsibility: Oceania Cruises

Outstanding Customized Services: Silversea Cruises

PHOTO: © OCEANIA CRUISES

PHOTO: © SILVERSEA CRUISES

globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

Where you connect

Telecom services to reach new heights.

salam.sa

Best Leisure Destination in Asia: Taipei, Taiwan PHOTO: © F11PHOTO | DREAMSTIME.COM

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Weekend Destination in North America 1. Savannah, Georgia 2. Charleston, South Carolina 3. Austin, Texas 4. Asheville, North Carolina 5. Las Vegas, Nevada 6. Nashville, Tennessee 7. New Orleans, Louisiana 8. San Francisco, California 9. Miami, Florida 10. New York City, New York

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Best Weekend Destination in the World 1. Dublin, Ireland 2. Québec City, Québec, Canada 3. Belize City, Belize 4. Bermuda 5. Lisbon, Portugal 6. Rome, Italy 7. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal 8. Cartagena, Colombia 9. Vienna, Austria 10. Paris, France Best North American Ski Destination 1. Telluride, Colorado 2. Vail, Colorado 3. Breckenridge, Colorado 4. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado 5. Alta, Utah 6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 7. Park City, Utah 8. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 9. Winter Park, Colorado 10. Beaver Creek, Colorado

globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

Best International Ski Destination 1. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy 3. Lech, Austria 4. Niseko, Japan 5. Gstaad, Switzerland 6. Meribel, France 7. St. Moritz, Switzerland 8. Verbier, Switzerland 9. Courchevel, France 10. Zermatt, Switzerland

Best Caribbean Island 1. Dominican Republic 2. U.S. Virgin Islands 3. Grand Cayman 4. Bahamas 5. Curaçao 6. Saint Lucia 7. British Virgin Islands 8. Nevis 9. Jamaica 10. Aruba

Best Golf Destination 1. Streamsong Resort 2. Pebble Beach 3. Kiawah Island Golf Resort 4. Sea Island Resort 5. Pinehurst Resort 6. The Broadmoor 7. Sea Pines Resort 8. Bandon Dunes 9. Big Cedar Lodge 10. The Greenbrier

Best Island in Europe 1. Santoríni 2. Sicily 3. Mykonos 4. Ireland 5. Capri 6. England 7. Sardinia 8. Crete 9. Elba 10. Jersey, United Kingdom

Best Island in the United States: Hilton Head, South Carolina PHOTO: © CHERI ALGUIRE | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises PHOTO: © UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Best Weekend Destination in the World: Dublin, Ireland PHOTO: © IAN WHITWORTH | DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Island in the Pacific Rim 1. Cook Islands 2. Okinawa 3. Bora Bora 4. Lanai, Hawai‘i 5. Tahiti 6. Phuket, Thailand 7. The Big Island, Hawai‘i 8. Fiji 9. Maui, Hawai‘i 10. Japan

Best Family Cruise Line 1. Holland America Line 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Disney Cruise Line 4. Atlas Ocean Voyages 5. Seabourn 6. Royal Caribbean Cruises 7. Princess Cruises 8. Silversea Cruises 9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 10. MSC Cruises

Best Value Cruise Line 1. Emerald Cruise Line 2. American Cruise Line 3. Carnival Cruise Line 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Royal Caribbean Cruises 6. Princess Cruises 7. Holland America Line 8. Riviera Cruise Line 9. Norwegian Cruise Line 10. Virgin Voyages

Best Island in the United States 1. Hilton Head, South Carolina 2. Marco Island, Florida 3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina 4. Amelia Island, Florida 5. Maui, Hawai‘i 6. St. Simons & Little St. Simons, Georgia 7. Isle of Palms, South Carolina 8. Lanai, Hawai‘i 9. Longboat Key, Florida 10. Oahu, Hawai‘i

Best Luxury Cruise Line 1. Silversea Cruises 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Azamara 4. Seabourn 5. Paul Gauguin Cruises 6. Cunard Line 7. SeaDream Yacht Club 8. MSC Cruises 9. Celebrity Cruises 10. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best Cruise Line Suites 1. Owner’s Suite, Oceania Cruises 2. Atlas Navigator Suites, Atlas Ocean Voyages 3. Queens Grill Suites, Cunard Line 4. Princess Grill Suites, Cunard Line 5. Penthouse, Celebrity Cruises 6. Owner’s Suite, Silversea Cruises 7. Regent Suites, Regent Seven Seas Cruises 8. Haven Suites, Norwegian Cruise Line 9. Royal Loft, Royal Caribbean Cruises 10. Mega Rockstar Quarters, Virgin Voyages

QUINT STATUS Best Leisure Destination in Asia Taipei Best River Cruise Line Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Best Leisure Car Rental Hertz

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BEST PART OF THE JOURNEY

STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL

Turkish Airlines invites passengers to discover unique wonders of Istanbul with stopover accommodation service.

As the airline that connects more countries than any other, Turkish Airlines offers the opportunity of discovering world’s connection center Istanbul and its unique wonders with stopover service for the passengers with lengthy transfer times.

For passengers with long stopover time in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines provides 1-night stay in a 4-star hotel for Economy Class and 2 nights stay in a 5-star hotel for Business Class. Passengers will also have the option of staying at contracted hotels with special prices starting from 49 USD. Tra n s fe r p a s s e n g e rs f ro m 42 c o u n t r i e s * experienced the privilege of discovering Istanbul with stopover service so f a r.

The scope of the ser vice will be expanded with 15 new departure countries** in 2022.

Terms and conditions apply, visit turkishairlines.com *42 countries (departure point): Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, India, Iran, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States of America. **Planned 15 countries (departure point): Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

WELCOME ON BOARD: WELCOME ON BOARD: The airline that flies to more countries than any other As of May 27th, now Seattle addition to our network. flies is tothe onelatest more destination.

Fly safely with our extensive health measures.

USA Terms and conditions apply.

For details please visit turkishairlines.com

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program 1. Captain’s Club, Celebrity Cruises 2. MSC Voyagers Club, MSC Cruises 3. Crown & Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean Cruises 4. Oceania Club, Oceania Cruises 5. Latitudes, Norwegian Cruise Line 6. Captain’s Circle, Princess Cruises 7. Mariner Society, Holland America Line 8. Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Line 9. Club World, Cunard Line 10. Seven Seas Society, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Adventure Cruise Line: Ponant PHOTO: © PONANT-NICOLAS DUBREUIL

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Adventure Cruise Line 1. Ponant 2. Hurtigruten 3. National Geographic Expeditions 4. Azamara 5. American Safari 6. UnCruise Adventures 7. Windstar Cruises 8. Lindblad Expeditions 9. Scenic 10. Silversea Cruises Best Small-Ship Cruise Line 1. Paul Gauguin Cruises 2. Silversea Cruises 3. Windstar Cruises 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 5. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 6. Viking River Cruises 7. Azamara 8. Seabourn 9. SeaDream Yacht Club

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Best Large-Ship Cruise Line 1. Cunard Line 2. Viking Ocean Cruises 3. Celebrity Cruises 4. Atlas Ocean Voyages 5. Princess Cruises 6. Holland America Line 7. Norwegian Cruise Line 8. Royal Caribbean Cruises 9. MSC Cruises Best River Cruise Line 1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 2. Viking River Cruises 3. AmaWaterways 4. American Queen Steamboat Co. 5. Emerald Cruise Line 6. American Cruise Lines 7. Aqua Expeditions 9. Avalon Waterways 10. Tauck Best Cruise Line Entertainment 1. Princess Cruises 2. Viking Ocean Cruises 3. Holland America Line 4. Atlas Ocean Voyages 5. Disney Cruise Line 6. Celebrity Cruises 7. Royal Caribbean Cruises 8. Cunard Line 9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 10. Norwegian Cruise Line

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Best Cruise Line Dining 1. Seabourn 2. Azamara 3. Cunard Line 4. Atlas Ocean Voyages 5. Silversea Cruises 6. Viking Ocean Cruises 7. Celebrity Cruises 8. Oceania Cruises 9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 10. Virgin Voyages Best Cruise Line Spas 1. Seabourn 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Atlas Ocean Voyages 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Viking Ocean Cruises 6. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 7. Princess Cruises 8. Costa Cruises 9. Virgin Voyages 10. Cunard Line Best Cruise Ship Excursions 1. Princess Cruises 2. Atlas Ocean Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises 4. Cunard Line 5. Silversea Cruises 6. Viking Ocean Cruises 7. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 8. MSC Cruises 9. Virgin Voyages 10. Holland America Line

Best Cruise Line to Alaska 1. Princess Cruises 2. Holland America Line 3. Cunard Line 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Royal Caribbean 6. UnCruise Adventures 7. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 8. Oceania Cruises 9. Viking Ocean Cruises 10. Norwegian Cruise Line Best Expedition Cruises 1. Ponant 2. Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic 3. Swan Hellenic 4. Quark Expeditions 5. Atlas Ocean Voyages 6. Hurtigruten Expeditions 7. Silversea Cruises 8. Seabourn 9. UnCruise Adventures 10. Viking Expeditions Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings 1. Windstar Cruises 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Princess Cruises 4. Norwegian Cruise Line 5. Royal Caribbean Cruises 6. Carnival Cruise Line 7. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 8. Holland America Line 9. MSC Cruises 10. Viking Ocean Cruises

Best World Cruise 1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2. Holland America Line 3. Oceania Cruises 4. Princess Cruises 5. Cunard Line 6. Viking Ocean Cruises 7. Silversea Cruises 8. Seabourn 9. MSC Cruises 10. P&O Cruises Best Cruise Port 1. Port of San Diego 2. PortMiami, Florida 3. Port Canaveral, Florida 4. Port Everglades, Florida 5. Cozumel, Mexico 6. Southampton, England 7. Port of Los Angeles 8. Philipsburg, St. Maarten 9. New York City, New York 10. Venice, Italy

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World 1. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 2. Meliá Hotels International 3. The Ritz-Carlton 4. The Peninsula Hotels 5. Westin Hotels & Resorts 6. Hyatt 7. The Waldorf Astoria 8. Belmond 9. Four Seasons 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts Best Hotel Chain Resorts 1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 2. Four Seasons 3. Meliá Hotels International 4. St. Regis 5. Westin Hotels & Resorts 6. The Ritz-Carlton 7. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 8. Hyatt 9. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel 1. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 2. Westin Hotels & Resorts 3. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 4. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 5. Loews 6. The Peninsula Hotels 7. Le Méridien 8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 9. Mandarin Oriental 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean 1. Club Med 2. Meliá Hotels International 3. JW Marriott 4. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 5. Super Clubs 6. Rui Hotels 7. Barcelo 8. Iberostar 9. Hyatt 10. Royalton Resorts

Best Family Resort Chain in the World 1. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 2. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 3. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 4. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 5. Disney Hotels 6. Westin Hotels & Resorts 7. Hyatt 8. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 9. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 10. Loews

Best Hotel Chain in Thailand 1. Banyan Tree 2. JW Marriott 3. Kempinski Hotels 4. Four Seasons 5. The Luxury Collection 6. St. Regis 7. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 8. Mandarin Oriental 9. Six Senses 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Cruise Line Dining and Best Cruise Line Spas: Seabourn PHOTO: © SEABOURN

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Best All-Inclusive Resort: Hyatt Zilara PHOTO: © HYATT

6. Meliá Hotels International 7. Paradisus Resorts 8. Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia 9. Secrets Resorts & Spas 10. Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resort

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain 1. Ace Hotel 2. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 3. Joie de Vivre Hotels 4. Six Senses 5. Banyan Tree 6. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 7. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 8. Choice Hotels 9. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts Best All-Inclusive Resort 1. Hyatt Zilara 2. Hyatt Ziva 3. Dreams Resorts & Spas 4. Sandals Resorts 5. Karisma Hotels & Resorts

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Best Tour Operator 1. Abercrombie & Kent 2. Kenwood Travel 3. The Inspiring Travel Company 4. The Turquoise Holiday Company 5. Red Savannah 6. Kuoni 7. Trailfinders 8. Cox & Kings 9. Perillo Tours 10. Elegant Resorts Best Airport for Layovers 1. Istanbul Grand Airport 2. Miami International Airport 3. Singapore Changi Airport 4. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport 5. Hamad International Airport, Doha 6. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport 7. Zürich Kloten International Airport

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8. Incheon International Airport 9. Dubai International Airport 10. Denver International Airport Best Airport for Recreation 1. Denver International Airport 2. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport 3. Miami International Airport 4. Incheon International Airport 5. Orlando International Airport 6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 7. Istanbul Grand Airport 8. Zürich Kloten International Airport 9. Munich Airport 10. Singapore Changi Airport Best Stopover Program 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. Finnair 3. Brussels Airlines 4. Qatar Airways 5. Turkish Airlines 6. Air Canada 7. British Airways 8. Emirates 9. Korean Air 10. Singapore Airlines

Best Leisure Airline 1. Hawaiian Airlines 2. Air Tahiti Nui 3. American Airlines 4. Alaska Airlines 5. United Airlines 6. Delta Air Lines 7. Aeromexico 8. TAP Air Portugal 9. Kenya Airways 10. Fiji Airways Best Eco-Friendly Airline 1. United Airlines 2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 3. Alaska Airlines 4. Cathay Pacific Airways 5. Delta Air Lines 6. American Airlines 7. Lufthansa 8. TAP Air Portugal 9. Air Canada 10. Singapore Airlines

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment, Best Airline Onboard Menu and Best Premium Economy Class: Air Canada

Favorite Watch Brand: Ulysse Nardin PHOTO: © ULYSSE NARDIN

WINNERS’ CIRCLE Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment 1. Air Canada 2. Qatar Airways 3. United Airlines 4. American Airlines 5. Korean Air 6. Delta Air Lines 7. Asiana Airlines 8. Emirates 9. Singapore Airlines 10. British Airways

Best Airline Onboard Menu 1. Air Canada Business Class 2. Korean Air First Class 3. Air France First Class 4. United Polaris 5. Swiss International Air Lines First Class 6. Emirates First Class 7. All Nippon Airways First Class 8. Asiana Airlines Business Class 9. LATAM Premium Business Class 10. Lufthansa Business Class

PHOTO: © AIR CANADA

Best Premium Economy Class 1. Air Canada 2. Delta Air Lines 3. United Airlines 4. Singapore Airlines 5. American Airlines 6. Lufthansa 7. Scandinavian Airlines 8. Air New Zealand 9. British Airways

PHOTO: © VIKAABDULLINA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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CM

MY

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CMY

Best Luxury Vehicle 1. Maserati 2. Volvo 3. Audi 4. Tesla 5. Mercedes-Benz 6. Porsche 7. BMW 8. Lexus 9. Acura 10. Cadillac Best Leisure Car Rental 1. Hertz 2. Sixt 3. National Car Rental 4. Avis 5. Enterprise 6. Thrifty 7. Dollar Car Rental 8. Alamo 9. Budget 10. Payless Favorite Watch Brand

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Best Liquor Brand: Bacardi

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1. Ulysse Nardin 2. Panerai 3. TAG Heuer 4. Cartier 5. Louis Vuitton 6. Patek Philippe 7. Movado 8. Tiffany & Co. 9. A Lange & Sohne 10. Omega Best Destination Jewelry Brand 1. Na Hoku 2. Dune Jewelry 3. Destination Jewelry Brands 4. Maui Divers Jewelry Hawai‘i 5. Caribbean Gems 6. Cardow Jewelers

7. Arezzo Jewelers 8. Little Switzerland 9. Tiffany & Co. 10. Diamonds International Favorite Liquor Brand 1. Bacardi 2. Maker’s Mark 3. Woodford Reserve 4. Patrón 5. Johnnie Walker Blue 6. Bombay Sapphire 7. Johnnie Walker Black 8. Crown Royal 9. Grey Goose 10. Belvedere

Travel without leaving your comfort zone Fly to Europe with all the space and privacy you need to relax and arrive refreshed.

A330neo Aircraft Rest assured.

The AirSpace by Airbus cabin offers a more modern, spacious and confortable Executive Class with state-of-the-art full-flat seats.

Economy seating is also completely upgraded, and the new EconomyXtra offers a greater reclining angle and added legroom.

The Portugal Stopover connects you to over 65 destinations in Europe and Africa, from 11 cities in North America.

Proud to be voted Best Stopover Program for the fourth consecutive year by the readers of Global Traveler www.globaltravelerusa.com

On Location Travel-themed movies and TV series take us on journeys real or imagined.

Authentic Africa: Namib Desert, filming location of A Far Off Place (above), and Uganda, where The African Queen was filmed in 1951 (right) PHOTOS: © DMITRII PICHUGIN | DREAMSTIME .COM, © LIFEONTHESIDE | DREAMSTIME.COM

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he Namib Desert, 1992. After hours of driving across parched African emptiness, we reached an oasis of trees and shade surrounded by giant red dunes. Two dozen trucks arrived there before us, along with RVs, tents and tables. Power lines webbed the whole makeshift encampment. Generators and air-conditioners hummed. People bustled around. Attention seemed to focus on a particular tree in the middle distance. I aimed my binoculars and saw more people, a line of empty directors’ chairs, a movie camera, reflectors, a sound boom … and Reese

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BY RICHARD NEWTON

Witherspoon.

Shooting any movie proves an expensive, complicated business, all the more so when the location is a remote part of Africa hundreds of miles from the nearest town. The movie, now largely forgotten, was called A Far Off Place. Although only 16, Reese Witherspoon appeared to take it all in stride.

For me, it was a first glimpse of a movie crew on location. I’d never imagined the scale of the undertaking, just how many vehicles and people and cables it involved.

To an extent, filming a movie on location is a last resort.

Countless variables — weather, politics, wild animals, members of the public — can cause delays and spiraling budgets. On the other hand, however, there is no greater movie set than our planet.

A month after my encounter with Reese Witherspoon and team in Namibia, I bumped into another film crew at a rustic hotel in Bhutan. I was trekking in the Himalayas; Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci was making Little Buddha. I soon learned to give the mercurial director a wide berth whenever I saw him but shared a memorable evening with one of the stars, Chris Isaak, in the hotel bar. When released, the movie received mixed reviews, but all raved about the scenery.

Filmmakers long used stunning locations to sell movie tickets.

John Huston shot his 1951 movie The African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, in challenging conditions in Uganda and the Congo; the authenticity radiates from the screen. Thirty-four years later, Out of Africa, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, inspired countless tourists to visit the plains and

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Exotic Locales: Ait Benhaddou in Morocco served as a film site for Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator (top); and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, were both shot in Jaipur, India (bottom).

PHOTOS: © GRAPHICJET | DREAMSTIME.COM, © ELENATUR | DREAMSTIME.COM

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mountains of Kenya dressed in khaki imitation of the two stars.

The 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia provided such a vivid, immersive experience of the Arabian desert that it still defines the region. Many of the enduring clichés of Arabia owe much to the sight of Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif on camels.

Even when the actual location proves unfeasible, either due to expense or politics, the world offers no shortage of stand-ins.

Seven Years in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt, never left the Americas ... instead filming the dramatic Tibetan mountain sequences in Argentina and Canada.

During the Cold War, and perhaps for the foreseeable future, Helsinki stood in for various Russian cities. Morocco, meanwhile, carved out a lucrative niche as a movie version of Beirut, Somalia, Iran, Iraq and many other trouble spots. Another North African country, Tunisia, is known to movie-goers as Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine. (You can visit several locations, including the town of Tataouine, which lent its name.)

Some people specifically travel in search of the locations of their favorite movies; many of us travel to enrich our lives. The two are not mutually exclusive. The Julia Roberts movie Eat

ANOTHER NORTH AFRICAN COUNTRY, TUNISIA, IS KNOWN TO MOVIE-GOERS AS LUKE SKYWALKER’S HOME PLANET, TATOOINE. (YOU CAN VISIT SEVERAL LOCATIONS, INCLUDING THE TOWN OF TATAOUINE, WHICH LENT ITS NAME.) Otherworldly: Mos Espa scene on the Star Wars planet Tatooine PHOTO: © BECSEIGY | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Seeking Serenity: Beautiful rice terraces in the morning at Tegallalang village, Ubud, Bali, where Julia Roberts rode her bike in Eat Pray Love PHOTO: © AKARAT PHASURA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Pray Love centers on a quest for self-discovery on a globetrotting journey. Shot on location in New York, Italy, India and Indonesia, the movie inspired many people who saw it to embark on similar spiritually therapeutic journeys.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, were both shot in Jaipur, India, featuring a stellar British cast (plus Richard Gere) finding a new lease on life in old age by relocating to the titular hotel. Another movie featuring seniors discovering themselves through travel, 2007’s The Bucket List, stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. But here the magic of movies trumps the magic of travel. Although it includes scenes set in the French Alps, India, Egypt, China and Tanzania, the two main stars were mostly filmed in Hollywood against projected backdrops.

Such “cheating” has always been part of movie making.

(Humphrey Bogart never set foot in the real city of Casablanca.)

With continuing advances in CGI, expect stars increasingly to

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travel the world while remaining in Los Angeles. StageCraft — developed by George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic — offers a new technology that can vividly recreate any location within the studio. It could spell the end of film crews making camp in remotest Namibia or Bhutan.

But while Hollywood looks for alternatives to location shoots, an entire genre of television reality shows make exotic locations the point. One of the first, developed in 2000 by CBS, Survivor transplanted contestants from their comfortable American lives to, in the first series, the wilds of Borneo. Forty seasons later, the show has tested its contestants to the limit in Kenya, Polynesia, the Amazon, China, Gabon, Nicaragua and Cambodia, among other sites. Lately, its episodes primarily take place on Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands.

Discovery Channel took the concept to greater extremes with Naked and Afraid which, since 2013, has exposed its contestants, stripped of all the basics of modern life — including clothes — to

2022 GT Tested Reader Survey Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

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Asia _____________________________________________________________________________ Africa____________________________________________________________________________ Europe __________________________________________________________________________ The Middle East ________________________________________________________________ North America __________________________________________________________________ South America __________________________________________________________________ * Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions

Best Individual Hotel in the World ________________________________________________ International Hotel Chain _________________________________________________________ Domestic Hotel Chain _____________________________________________________________ Lifestyle Hotel _____________________________________________________________________ MICE* Hotel ______________________________________________________________________ Hotel Website _____________________________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Stay Programs Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World __________________________________ Elite-Level Program ___________________________________________________________ Bonus Promotion ____________________________________________________________ Award Redemption ___________________________________________________________ Customer Service_____________________________________________________________

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OTHER BEST Overseas Delivery Program ______________________________________________________ Rental Car Company ______________________________________________________________ Tourism Destination ______________________________________________________________ MICE* City ________________________________________________________________________ WiFi Service ________________________________________________________________________ Luggage Brand ____________________________________________________________________ Hotel App __________________________________________________________________________ Airline App _________________________________________________________________________ Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program _____________________________________ Best Offshore Business Location _________________________________________________ Travel Insurance Company _______________________________________________________ Best Rail Service/Provider ________________________________________________________ Best Credit Cards Overall Credit Card ________________________________________________________________ Small-Business Credit Card _______________________________________________________ Credit Card Special Events _______________________________________________________ Credit Card Rewards Program ____________________________________________________ Credit Card Design _______________________________________________________________ New Credit Card Launch __________________________________________________________ Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card ________________________________________________ Promotions ___________________________________________________________________ Benefits _______________________________________________________________________ Redemptions _________________________________________________________________ Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card________________________________________________ Promotions ___________________________________________________________________ Benefits _______________________________________________________________________ Redemptions _________________________________________________________________ Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card ___________________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO: Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or FAX to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot Name Street Address City Home Phone

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Survivor Challenges: Navandra Island in the Fijian Mamanuca Islands PHOTO: © MAURIE HILL | DREAMSTIME.COM

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remote environments. It filmed on location in more than 35 countries and on every continent except Antarctica (not compatible with the naked element).

The Amazing Race puts the emphasis more on travel than survival, with contestants racing across the globe in search of clues for their next destination, with an ultimate prize of $1 million for the winners. First aired by CBS in 2001, it has visited 92 countries and earned 10 Emmys for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. With limited funds and cryptic information, the contestants muddle their way around the world, experiencing places far removed from the usual tourist routes.

Not every reality show relies on a competitive element for its drama. Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor completed three epic journeys for television, originally for British TV but now streaming on Apple TV+. Traveling by motorbike with his friend Charley

globaltravelerusa.com LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2022

Boorman, the first series, Long Way Round (2004), took them from London to New York via Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Alaska and Canada. In Long Way Down (2007) they traveled from Scotland to Cape Town across the entire length of Africa.

In Long Way Up (2020) they switched to experimental electric Harley-Davidsons to ride from the southern tip of South America to McGregor’s home in Los Angeles. In all three series they meet with the kindness of strangers, cope with bad roads and sudden accidents, and contend with red tape and criminals.

Movies offer us a stylized view of the world. Reality shows get much closer to the real thing. When you follow the trials and tribulations of contestants in The Amazing Race or Ewan and Charley on their marathon rides, you understand that, for most of us, one of the most addictive aspects of travel is that there is no script.

Travel Transforms Life

You can transform hers.

Water Mission builds best-inclass safe water solutions that aim to transform as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible. With accessible safe water, children can be healthy enough to attend school.

Parents can provide for their families instead of spending hours collecting water. Communities experience economic opportunities that help break the cycle of poverty.

Join us and transform lives through safe water.

Visit watermission.org/traveler.

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Quirky Collections Look for unique museums filled with fascinating artifacts wherever you travel. BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

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Animal Themes: Queen of piggery, pig trolley and three little pigs at the Pig Museum in Stuttgart, Germany (opposite page); and the Bunny Museum in Altadena, California (right) PHOTOS: © STILLMAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY, © THE BUNNY MUSEUM

useums beckon wherever we go. They amuse and enlighten travelers and bring to public attention historical, artistic, scientific and natural wonders.

Most are thought-provoking and educational, stretching our minds and our knowledge of the world. Some, however, stand out as just plain quirky: personal and sometimes whimsical collections, museums dedicated to a unique skill or longforgotten industry, arcane collections originally designed for scientific study.

Others devote their space to sharing a subject that represents one person’s consuming passion.

The quirkiest of these began as personal collections and just kept growing … and growing. Take, for example, the Pig Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

When Erika Wilhelmer’s collection of 25,000-plus pigs and related artifacts outgrew her home in Bad Wimpfen, she found space for her museum in a former slaughterhouse. This might seem odd for a collection made up largely of cute pink piggy figurines and stuffed toys, but the displays celebrate the porcine in all forms, from The Three Little Pigs to BLTs. Pigs are represented in fine art — paintings, sculpture and ivory netsuke — and kitsch, as well as postage stamps, jewelry and mounted wild boar head trophies. Lighthearted themes bring a sense of order to the more than 50,000 pigs, adroitly curated with a sense of humor.

A restaurant downstairs specializes in, of course, traditional German pork dishes.

Like the Pig Museum, the Bunny Museum began with a single stuffed toy. As rabbits will, the bunnies multiplied until the collection outgrew the home of Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski and moved into a building in Altadena, California. A giant bunny from a Rose Parade float marks the spot. Featuring more than 45,000 bunnies, displays capture all the kitsch and cuddly of bunnydom but offer some more thought-provoking moments as they contemplate the rabbit’s relation to culture and society and even language.

The world’s first cat museum, in Kuching, Malaysia, tells a

different story. Not a private collection, it is owned by the city of Kuching — which in Malay means “cat” — and housed in City Hall. The more than 4,000 artifacts arrived here in 1988 from the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors enter beneath the face of a giant cat to find well-curated exhibits considering cats in various cultures; one focuses on the

traditional Japanese beckoning cat figures, one on cats in Oriental art, another on their importance in Ancient Egypt. The museum features plenty of popular culture and cat tchotchkes, including sections devoted to Garfield and Hello Kitty.

Among the most bizarre museums are those that originated for scientific purposes. While many of these contain some gruesome early surgical devices, along with pickled body parts, most mainly seek to educate the public about health and medicine. Objects on display at the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago include gallstones, historic surgical blades and glass eyes, but most comprise contemporary exhibits exploring technological developments in medicine. The Meguro Parasitological Museum in Tokyo, however, remains entirely devoted to samples of tapeworms

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Anatomy Lesson: Animal skeletons (above) and a preserved cadaver at The Fragonard Museum (right) PHOTOS: © THE FRAGONARD MUSEUM

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and other parasites.

The Fragonard Museum in Maisons-Alfort, France, founded in 1766, began as the anatomy collection of the Royal Veterinary School of Paris. Along with skeletons, models of physical malformations and various anatomical displays, visitors can view a bizarre collection of flayed and preserved animals and humans.

The figures, minus skin but with bones and muscles varnished to preserve them, served as teaching models of anatomy at a time when human dissection was not allowed.

Even more disquieting is the way in which Fragonard “posed” these preserved cadavers — one riding a flayed horse — in vignettes designed to reflect scenes from history and mythology.

The Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, part of the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, displays devices touted to cure or prevent human ailments. These range from electric shock machines and X-ray boxes used in shoe stores in the 1940s to show proper shoe fit to a “rejuvenator machine” that engulfed patients in radio waves, magnetic fields and ultraviolet light to supposedly reverse the aging process.

Local industries inspire some unusual museums. Perhaps the omnipresence of a large vacant factory prompts locals to fill it with a museum recording its past, or local residents may begin collecting tangible remnants of a region’s former way of life before the memory is lost. Those museums open windows into the recent past.

Before the last of more than 50 sardine packing plants along the Maine coast shuttered in 2010, Ronnie and Mary Peabody began collecting their equipment, artifacts and stories. Others joined the search, and by 2005 they built the Maine Coast Sardine History Museum in Jonesport, once the site of 15 canneries.

Punching an original time clock on entering, visitors see equipment used to catch, process and can sardines, including a colorful collection of vintage labels.

A closed silk factory in Panissières, France, provided both inspiration and location for a museum. This city once manufactured 80 percent of French necktie fabrics, and today the Museum of Neckties and Textiles presents the craft of silk weaving and neckwear through exhibits and actual working looms. At the Soap Museum in Belver, Portugal, visitors can take home a bar of custom soap they craft themselves. Not all local industries were legal: In Gore, New Zealand, Hokonui Moonshine Museum celebrates local ingenuity in defiance of prohibition laws.

Like manufacturing, local agriculture inspires museums. Olives have been central to Nyons, France, since Roman times, and Museum of the Olive Tree shows how the

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The Big Unknown: Coffe Baum Coffee Museum display left), International Cryptozoology Museum exhibit of Bigfoot relics (top right), and not-soalive Bigfoot (bottom right) PHOTOS: © STILLMAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

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town became the source of one of France’s finest olive oils. Displays include Ancient Roman vessels and lamps. The European Asparagus Museum in Schrobenhausen, Germany, celebrates the region’s best-known crop, and on Prince Edward Island, The Canadian Potato Museum boasts the world’s largest exhibit of potato-related farm machinery, agricultural artifacts and potato lore. A giant potato sculpture marks the entrance.

Leipzig, Germany, is known for its coffee houses, and 15 rooms above one of Europe’s oldest hold Coffe Baum Coffee Museum. More than 500 artifacts explore the drink’s history, from early trade through the origins of coffee house culture and the invention of Melita filters. Stories of commercial skullduggery and political intrigue abound, along with fascinating facts and artifacts of coffee’s social history. If the museum raises thirst for a cup of Joe, the coffee house lies just downstairs.

The personal passions — or obsessions — that become museums can run deeper than just collecting objects. Loren Coleman made a lifetime study of Bigfoot and other unknown creatures, traveling the world to collect sighting accounts, scientific studies and cultural artifacts. It was a natural step to

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open the world’s only International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine. Combining scientific information, legend and popular culture, exhibits include photos of recorded sightings, footprint casts, artists’ renditions, Hollywood props, hoaxes and kitschy souvenirs of Nessie and other creatures. (Fans of Mothman can find a museum devoted to him in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.)

While many pigs and bunnies were contributed by past visitors to those museums, the Umbrella Cover Museum in Peaks Island, Maine, must hold the record for the ultimate in crowdsourcing. This tongue-in-cheek collection began when Nancy Hoffman discovered a few umbrella covers while cleaning a closet. With the avowed “mission of celebrating the mundane in everyday life” and contributions from a few friends, she opened her museum in a little seaside cottage.

As word spread, people showered her with umbrella sheaths, and in 1972, with about 700, the museum made Guinness World Records. They now number more than 2,000 from more than 70 countries. A visit comes with a tour and Nancy singing and playing “Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella” on an accordion.

FX Excursions FX Excursions offer a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a destination around the world. The unique itineraries, exclusively created by and for FXExpress Publications, Inc. and its partners, allow participants to go hands-on at a worldwide event or see an international city in a new way. All the planning and sightseeing is handled for attendees, from the flights and accommodations to the itinerary.

Visit our websites — globaltravelerusa.com, whereverfamily.com and trazeetravel.com — to learn more about our three tour options, including suggested itineraries in worldwide destinations and recommended tours travelers can book at leisure through our preferred tour partner. Our Specialty Tours allow you to travel with us on a handcrafted agenda around the globe.

The Great International Road Trip You don’t need a translator to answer the call of the open road abroad. BY KRISTY ALPERT

Wild Way: The Transfăgărășan Highway with Balea glacier lake in the Carpathian Mountains, Romania (above); and sheep blocking the roadway in Georgia (opposite page) PHOTOS: © RASICA | DREAMSTIME .COM, © FOTOKON | DREAMSTIME .COM

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s the daughter of an airline pilot, raised during the glory days of standby travel when seats were free and plentiful, road trips always remained a novelty to me. Our family buckled into pressurized cabins when traveling between European hubs and opted for aircraft landings when traversing Asian and African destinations. Only when traveling on American soil did we load up the car with blankets, snacks and tunes for motorized journeys across state lines. I lived for those few-and-far-between road trips, begging to pull over to sample fruit from roadside stands and calling out any offkilter scents from the in-between places we passed on the way to family reunions or national parks.

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Our family played road trip games and belted out epic ballads with the windows rolled down, all while creating inside jokes and memories that would last a lifetime. I fell in love quickly with road trips at an early age, which is why, when I moved overseas as an adult and was granted an International Driver’s License, the call of the Autobahn proved too strong to pass up. It often sent me off on adventures around Europe and beyond.

Before long I found myself joyfully stuck behind herds of sheep in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, bartering for homemade jams from Romanian vendors set up along the winding roads of the Carpathian Mountains, boarding ferries bound for obscure Estonian islands and,

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Spirit of the Land: Kryžių Kalnas (top), and Cliffs of Moher in Ireland (opposite page) PHOTOS: © GORSHKOV13 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © SHUTTERUPIRELAND | DREAMSTIME.COM

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yes, more often than not, returning home to a handful of speed camera tickets from a long drive through the Champagne region of France. I quickly justified the extra time it took to drive between major destinations — like Paris to Marseille — with the gorgeous countryside and off-the-beaten-path sites and landmarks I could take in along the way. I often stopped to grab lunch near a UNESCO World Heritage site or pulled into a local vineyard to purchase lesser-known wines from the owners themselves.

On a solo road trip through Lithuania, I stumbled upon an entire hill decorated with more than 200,000 wooden crosses of varying sizes and decided to pull over to check it out. The short detour into Kryžių Kalnas, as I later discovered was the hill’s name, cost only two euros and an extra hour toward my arrival time but granted me the chance to discover a place I would likely have never known existed.

Most frequently I didn’t use my own car for road tripping internationally, and I was introduced to Citroëns, Peugeots and Euro-spec Audis at rental agencies, along with gleeful reactions that I would even consider spending extra on a manual transmission. I learned a lot in those early days of road tripping abroad. For example, just because the other European drivers parked on the sandy Albanian beach doesn’t mean your cheap rental car won’t get stuck and require six German tourists to help push it out. Lessons learned: 1) Know how to say “help” and “thank you” in every language, and 2) spring for the rental upgrade. The misadventures became

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the adventures themselves, and my international road trips are now some of my most cherished travel memories, as they allowed me the opportunity to slow down and truly feel present in each destination.

International car rentals are just as tricky to procure as domestic ones, but thankfully an increase in Uber services overseas as well as international car sharing apps like TURO make it easy to get around abroad when traditional car rental agencies are short on inventory. Find more information at uber.com or turo.com.

POPULAR ROAD TRIPS

The years 2020–2021 have been the time of the Great American Road Trip … and for good reasons like natural social distancing, freedom to change plans and so on. But as international travel restrictions ease, many Americans take their road trips abroad for the chance to soak in new sights and create new memories on international soil. The most popular routes include the 4,860-mile stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway (the second-longest national highway in the world) between Victoria, British Columbia, and St. John’s, Labrador; and the 925-mile trip between Buenos Aires and Salta in Argentina, as it traverses the country’s famous wine region and showcases some of the most scenic vistas in South America.

While the Ring of Kerry in Ireland and the Amalfi Coast in Italy still prove as popular as ever with day-tripping roadsters bound for Europe,

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Into the Woods: Lake Mummelsee and a mountain hotel in Seebach, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany PHOTO: © JÜRGEN WACKENHUT | DREAMSTIME.COM

longer journeys throughout the continent are gaining momentum as well. In France, La Route des Grandes Alpes passes through four national parks and 16 mountain passes in as little as three days, where views of the French Alps are just as stunning as the mountain lakes and streams between them. The Black Forest High Road (B500) in Germany — often regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the world — stretches 40 miles between Freudenstadt and Baden-Baden, past cuckoo clock makers and stunning forested landscapes. When combined with the Fairy Tale Loop in the north (372 miles from Hanau to Bremen), the journey shows off some of Germany’s most magical scenery.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

“Taking a road trip is as much about the destination as it is the journey,” said Ellen Edmonds, public relations manager, AAA. “An international driving vacation comes with additional planning considerations and paperwork for which travelers need to be prepared. Travelers should understand the laws and requirements for driving in other countries, which can vary from country to country.”

Travel agents make a great resource for mapping out an international road trip, but a little research can go a long way to planning out your own truly epic adventure abroad. Start by researching your destination country through the U.S. Department of State’s international travel country information search tool, keeping in mind road conditions, signage, fuel stations and laws likely will differ from those in the United States. The

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info will guide your journey and prepare you for what may be ahead, but AAA also recommends getting a driving permit for international travel.

“An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a legal document that translates U.S. driver’s license information into 10 foreign languages,” Edmonds explained. “More than 150 countries accept IDPs; many countries do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses without an accompanying IDP, and it is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most places. Why risk ruining your vacation, being denied a rental vehicle or, worse, being stopped and fined for not having the authorized IDP in the designated language?”

Obtaining an IDP is easy, and you can do it online at aaa.com/ idp (available for members and nonmembers), and you’ll just need two passport photos and a valid U.S. driver’s license to accompany the short form. From there it’s a matter of mapping out your route and hotels on paper or downloading any international driving apps and maps — like Google Trips — to make sure you’ve thought out your journey before arriving on foreign soil.

For the most part, U.S. auto insurance policies do not cover international routes, so check with your insurance company before travel to see what’s covered and what you may need to do to ensure you’re insured abroad. Many overseas car rental companies offer temporary insurance, but coverage can be minimal and varies from country to country, so know your insurance needs and be prepared to supplement extra coverage if wanted.

Living Long, Living Well Discover the longevity secrets of the world’s Blue Zones. BY JANICE HECHT The Good Life: Staying active keeps us on the road to health.

PHOTO: © WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD | DREAMSTIME.COM

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s the pandemic uprooted our lives over the past two years, health and longevity became a primary concern for people around the world, prompting many of us to reevaluate the way we live and work. At the same time, as we return to travel, we yearn for meaningful, personal experiences … those handson, all-in immersions in another culture that help us reconnect and often plant the seeds of change in our own lives. The Blue Zones of the world afford a unique chance to do both.

In these five hot spots of longevity, researched by National

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Geographic fellow Dan Buettner and his team, people tend to live far longer than average due to their healthy lifestyles and deeply rooted traditions, with many reaching 100 years old. As diverse and far-flung as these regions are, they share common factors which have helped inhabitants live not only longer but healthier and happier lives, all pointing to a life in balance with the rhythms of nature. They tend to eat smaller portions of a plant-based diet and stay physically fit through natural movement such as gardening or walking. These closeknit communities also incorporate a slower pace, daily rituals that

reduce stress, a sense of purpose as well as a positive outlook and strong social networks and family ties.

Historically, most of these places developed in geographical and cultural isolation, which helped them keep to a traditional lifestyle and promoted self-reliance and an appreciation for what they have.

As Western influences seep in, however, younger generations tend to adopt a more modern lifestyle and diet, and the old ways may disappear.

Here we offer tidbits of inspiration from each region and meaningful ways to visit. You can find a wealth of stories, scientific data and information about the Blue Zones at bluezones.com.

SARDINIA, ITALY

Just 30 miles off the coast of Italy but a world away, Sardinia boasts a breathtaking landscape carpeted with macchia, an aromatic evergreen shrub that perfumes the air. Beaches and turquoise waters beckon, but head to the villages in the wild mountain region of Barbagia, where shepherds still tend their flocks. (Look for pecorino cheese made from the grass-fed sheep’s milk.) Raise a glass of Cannonau wine and say, “A chent’annos!” — “May you live 100 years!” Sardinians still harvest the food they eat, primarily sticking to a Mediterranean diet including whole-grain bread, beans, garden vegetables and fruits.

Dive into traditions that haven’t changed in centuries with Sardinia ZonaBlu Tours. On the eight-day excursion you’ll mingle with locals, take an off-road tour into the mountains with local shepherds, sip Cannonau wine under oak trees, make the pasta of the region and visit 5,000-year-old archaeological sites.

On the Italian mainland, indulge in a Blue Zones Longevity Program (and a little pampering) at luxury hotel Borgo Egnazia in the pretty port town of Savelletri in Puglia. The hotel’s Vair Spa partners with Blue Zones LLC to offer a four-day program which includes Blue Zones cooking lessons and workshops, movement classes, spa treatments, a Roman thermal bath and evening social events.

Artisanal Traditions: Cheese made from sheep’s milk in Sardinia (top), and basketmaker in Sardinia PHOTOS: © ERMESS | DREAMSTIME .COM,© GIANFRANCO ATZEI | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Longevity Lessons: In Ikaria, Diane Kochilas buying fresh ingredients at the market (top), cooking vegetables (top right), preparing fresh octopus (bottom left) and teaching a cooking lesson (bottom right) PHOTOS: © DIANE KOCHILAS | THE INTERNATIONAL KITCHEN

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IKARIA, GREECE

On this tiny island in the eastern Aegean Sea, time slows and nobody seems to take life too seriously. The rugged terrain, wild beauty and warm breezes rich with the scents of honey, herbs and pine lure people outdoors into an active lifestyle.

Try the local red wine (many Ikarians make their own, but you can visit Afianes Family Winery at Profitis Ilias), and sample the pure, unfiltered, unpasteurized honey Ikarians consume daily and use as medicine. The centenarians here stick to an uncomplicated, unprocessed diet rich in legumes, vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Celebrity chef, cookbook author and My Greek Table host Diane Kochilas opens her home in the village of Aghios Dimitris to teach small groups about life and longevity on Ikaria. “The New York Times called Ikaria the place ‘where people forget to die,’” said Kochilas. “I like to say that it’s the place where people remember how to live!”

Guests of her week-long Glorious Greek Cooking & Quality of Life On Blue-Zone Ikaria tour learn to prepare healthy, seasonal, traditional dishes and savor them around the garden table amid views of the Aegean. They also visit the island’s artisans, farmers, winemakers, beekeepers, herbalists and goatherds.

OKINAWA, JAPAN

With a distinct climate and geography, Okinawa developed a culture and heritage apart from the main islands of Japan. Visitors enjoy its beautiful beaches, subtropical rain forests and stargazing. The traditional food culture, based on a low-calorie, plant-based diet, reflects a ritual of health and well-being. Okinawans embrace the concept of nuchi gusui (“food is medicine”), and the habit of hara hachi bu — eating only until you are no longer hungry — plays a role in longevity and health.

At Halekulani Okinawa, guests can take part in an Escapes program, a series of immersive, authentic experiences inspired by the island’s heritage and way of life. The four-day Secrets of Longevity retreat reveals indigenous Okinawan practices that result in a longer and healthier life, encouraging guests to embrace them in their daily lives.

Experience village life with local tour guide Kumiko T., who works through Tours by Locals to take guests on an eight-hour Blue Zone Ogimi Village Tour in the island’s rural north. In this village recognized for having the highest proportion of elderly persons in Japan, join a local event for the elderly (COVID restrictions permitting) to understand the chimugukuru (beautiful heart) of Okinawans. Savor the Longevity Meal at Emi no Mise restaurant, prepared with seasonal herbs, island vegetables and local seafood. And thrill at the breathtaking natural beauty on a river trek to Ta-Taki Falls in Yambaru National Park.

Upbeat Outlook: Elderly man playing a shamisen on a water buffalo cart tour in Okinawa PHOTO: © NUVISAGE | DREAMSTIME.COM

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NICOYA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA

Nicoya Peninsula’s phenomenal rural setting offers a rare close connection to nature. This quiet paradise in a country that’s home to 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity is known for its nesting sea turtles, isolated beaches, wellness and yoga retreats and surfing. Don’t miss the chance to adopt the slower pace, simplicity and positive outlook of “la pura vida.” Nicoyans still honor the traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighting the “three sisters” — squash, corn and beans — and enjoy an abundance of exotic, tropical fruits. Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans) and homemade corn tortillas.

Tour Guanacaste brings Costa Rica to life with a range of group or private guided tours of the area’s pristine landscape.

Reserve a spot on the six-hour Guanacaste Blue Zone Tour and you’ll start the day at a mountain yoga center to experience yoga in nature and mindfulness classes. Sample local vegan, vegetarian and indigenous Costa Rica cuisine before heading to a recreation center to visit with a number of active and healthy Costa Rican senior citizens.

LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA

Just 60 miles east of Los Angeles, within view of the towering peaks of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains, Loma Linda is home to a community of 9,000 Seventh-Day Adventists, currently the longest-living group of people in America. Loma Linda University and Medical Center has been a national center of health and wellness research for decades. The university sponsors lectures and musical programs.

The Adventist faith endorses healthy living tenets which discourage smoking, alcohol consumption or foods deemed unclean in the Bible, such as pork. (Because many Adventists are vegetarians, most of the city’s dining spots offer vegetarian options.) Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seeds and whole grains and especially legumes and nuts, Adventists remain fit with modest but regular physical activity. A powerful contribution to their longevity rests with the observance of a 24-hour sabbath, a weekly “sanctuary in time” to downshift, be with family, get out in nature and rejuvenate apart from daily stressors.

Make a pilgrimage to the Loma Linda Market, where all the elements of the Adventist diet stand ready for the picking: dozens and dozens of oversized bins of legumes, nuts and grains as well as fresh,

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locally grown fruits and vegetables and an entire wall of glutenfree delights. Or head to Clark’s Nutrition Natural Foods Market, also offering a wide selection of whole and organic foods, organic produce and prepared foods. Pack up your organic goodies and head out on a nature walk in one of Loma Linda’s many parks to enjoy a picnic in the fresh air. Hulda Crooks Park features great hiking, biking and running trails and beautiful views.

Get Up and Go: Traditional Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (top), and visiting vibrant senior citizens with Tour Guanacaste in Costa Rica (bottom) PHOTOS: © FELZUM | DREAMSTIME .COM, © TOUR GUANACASTE

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Zest for Life European sophistication meets Latin passion in Buenos Aires.

BY ARI BENDERSKY

Art Scene: Couple dancing the tango in front of the sculpture Floralis Genérica PHOTO: © ELULTIMODESEO | DREAMSTIME.COM

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ntil you visit, you may never know the extent of Buenos Aires’ cosmopolitanism. From design and architecture to technology and banking — and across all the arts — Buenos Aires truly has a global feel that rivals Paris, New York and Tokyo. While it’s on the water, Buenos Aires is not a beach destination like Rio but rather a port city — hence locals are called Porteños and have a zest for life and want to share it with all who visit.

Almost as soon as you enter this beautiful Argentine capital, it becomes obvious just how fantastic this energetic metropolitan city truly is. You’ll likely spend most of your time between upscale, classic Recoleta; chic, eclectic and fashionable Palermo; and the romantic and gentrified San Telmo, where you’ll find a sprawling open-air antique flea market each Sunday. But the Central Business District of La Citi, between the San Nicolás, Montserrat and Retiro neighborhoods, is home to the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, Argentina’s Central Bank and other financial institutions.

No matter where you gather with colleagues and clients, you’ll notice quite quickly

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the European influence on the city’s architecture. Waves of immigrants from Spain, Italy and Germany — and what now comprises the world’s sixth-largest Jewish community — all arrived in Buenos Aires in the 19th and 20th centuries, bringing with them design, culture and gastronomy. All over the city their impact can be observed by simply walking around the neighborhoods and looking up at the homes and buildings. You’ll especially see it at Teatro Colón, one of the most important opera houses in the world, where singer Maria Callas famously performed and which offers group tours. At the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, modern and folk art converge in permanent and rotating exhibits. You can experience it in any number of the city’s top spots to watch the romantic, sensual tango shows — and learn a few moves yourself in this, the world’s tango capital. You’ll even encounter it in La Recoleta Cemetery, a neighborhood in its own right where some of the city’s most important residents, including Eva Perón, are buried.

When it comes to business, Buenos Aires’ numerous industries converge. In 2017 the city was named a smart city due to its welcoming attitude toward innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and app development. The newer Buenos Aires Exhibition and Convention Centre hosted the 2017 Smart City

Our weekly slideshow brings stunning photos and information on a range of topics with a current worldwide focus to subscribers every Saturday.

Isn’t It Romantic?

Dive into a dreamy honeymoon destination worthy of celebrating your love. BY BECCA HENSLEY

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oneymoons reign as the ultimate reward. They stand out as your prize for a love well-tended, pay you back for months of wedding planning stress, and seal your commitment with an unforgettable experience that signifies the beginning of your new path together into the future. Honeymoons, you

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might say, represent the threshold to the next chapter of your life. Ready to step into the next phase? We propose some places that promise to fuel your amore for a lifetime.

While planning a honeymoon in the COVID-19 era presents a challenge for engaged couples, experts advise staying flexible and indefatigable … but don’t be afraid to reach for the stars.

FOR ADVENTURERS

After all those pre-wedding deadlines and indoor fetes, nothing sounds better to adventure-addicted honeymooners than a self-guided ramble through the rugged hinterlands of Patagonia in a Jeep. While you hit the highlights by day (from Torres del Paine National Park in Chile to Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina) at your own pace, Quasar

Expeditions works behind the scenes to organize characteristic lodging, unforgettable meals and VIP experiences along the way. In between steering along curving mountain roads and fording rivers, partake of Quasar’s unique, add-on honeymoon experiences to enliven your South American road trip: ice hike with a Champagne reward, sunrise hike with private breakfast, Patagonian cooking classes, a sunset barbecue dinner for two, a professional photo shoot in nature.

paid up front, lovebirds need only take advantage of immense suites, 24-hour room service, eight restaurants, a bevy of bars, adults-only infinity pools and a gorgeous spa kitted out to evoke a sacred cenote. Customize your days to include romantic activities such as private mariachi concerts, beach movies and cooking classes. Don’t miss lunchtime in a cavern, with three-course meal service 65 feet underground in the heart of one of the property’s actual cenotes.

EASY ALL-INCLUSIVE

ROMAN HOLIDAY

Don’t stop reading. Not every all-inclusive feels like a bargain table at a flea market with a throng of shoppers fighting over the deals. In fact, Mexico’s jungle-ensconced, beachside Grand Velas Riviera Maya achieves the opposite: It’s elegant, pampering, luxurious and brimming with options. Having

Choose Your Adventure: (Left to right) El Meulle Hotel in Patagonia, Quasar’s Jeep expedition, and Grand Velas Riviera Maya beach and Grand Class terrace suite PHOTOS: © QUASAR

Think about it: The word “romance” comes from the same Latin root word as “Rome.” No wonder the Eternal City tantalizes lovers so. From the moan-worthy food to the dazzling fountains to the splendiferous piazzas, every Roman experience awakens the senses. Put yourselves at the center

EXPEDITIONS, © GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

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of the city’s effusive amore vibes at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, a former 19th-century Roman palazzo nestled within walking distance of such landmark attractions as Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and the Spanish Steps. Just having an aperitivo at the rooftop restaurant Settimo seems sultry enough, but the hotel can arrange custom jewelry shopping experiences, helicopter tours to one of Rome’s countryside vineyards, private viewing of Caravaggio’s only fresco — even a bath for two in Roman donkey milk, legendarily considered an aphrodisiac … but certainly good for the skin.

EAST AFRICAN SAFARI

Seaside Luxury: (Opposite page) Andronis Luxury Suites deluxe suite with outdoor hot tub (top) and executive suite with infinity pool (bottom); (this page) Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora overwater bungalows (top), hammock (middle) and overwater spa suite (bottom) PHOTOS: © ANDRONIS LUXURY SUITES, © FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA

Discover why everyone says a foray to the African bush will change your life. It’s not just the animal sightings — though dazzles of zebras and towers of giraffes will steal your heart. It’s equally the vastness of the golden-grassed terrain, the hugeness of the sky and the sense of being part of something primeval and eternal. You’ll sip sundowners with Hemingway-style bravado with elephants in sight, stay in glamping tents or indigenously styled huts, and bump along dirt roads in a Jeep with binoculars in hand. Trust SkySafari’s East Africa 13-day foray, which whisks you to various camps across Kenya and Tanzania in your personal SkySafari plane. From Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli, in the foothills of iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, to the 56,000-acre conservancy surrounding Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, you’ll experience a range of terrain styles, each abounding in wild beasts.

PACIFIC PARADISE

That sound you hear? It’s your startled outcry of awe and delight upon seeing the thousand hues of blue that compose the waters around the various islands and motus of Bora Bora, French Polynesia’s dreamiest destination. Poised on a limpid lagoon on its own isle beneath the watchful, ancient eye of Otemanu (one of the world’s most captivating volcanoes), Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora pampers newlyweds with Polynesian style and barefoot opulence. Jaw-dropping overwater bungalows fulfill post-nuptial fantasies, with ample decks hovering above a plentitude of kaleidoscopic fish in motion; plunge pools; and huge, Tahitian art-filled rooms. Get smoochy after a private dinner on Sunset Motu, a tiny isle located just off the resort’s beach, then wake to breakfast delivered to your room by outrigger canoe.

GREEK IDYLL

Legendary for its world-class sunset, Oia, a perfect village in Santoríni, draws you into its old-school, glossy magazine rendition of what you imagine Greece to be. Wedgwood blue seas hypnotically demarcate a horizon that must have been hewed by Greek gods

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Up Close: Jungle Bubble suite at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort PHOTO: © ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT

making metaphor. Classic white domes and Santoríni’s famous caves cling to hills with nooks perfect for musing and canoodling. Tuck into Andronis Luxury Suites, as quintessentially Cyclades as it gets. Twentynine mythic suites, each with private pool, each grotto-like, overlook the ancient caldera and surrounding islands. Cruise the sea like an Onassis aboard Andronis Ferretti, the hotel’s own sleek yacht; let the sommelier lead you on a tasting with wines gleaned from grapes grown steps away; and dine at Lycabettus, famed as the island’s most coveted balcony reservation.

ELEPHANT WHISPERING

You’re already in love with one another, but do you have space in your heart for one more? Sashay farther afield to the remote jungles of far northern Thailand to experience Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. You won’t leave without falling head over heels for a pachyderm — it’s inevitable. Home to a herd of rescued elephants, well-protected among lush vegetation on the lips of a river overlooking Myanmar, this rustically swank resort allows compassionate interaction

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with the great beasts while unveiling the beauty of Thailand’s graceful culture. Book a Jungle Bubble suite, rooms with see-through walls set amidst the leafy terrain, complete with plunge pool. Swoon from within as you glimpse grand “ellies” going about their business, trunks a-swaying while the two of you cuddle in awe.

VILLA HAVEN

After all the wedding hubbub, you may want just to be alone. That can happen on Ambergris Cay. On the southernmost end of the Bahama archipelago, this private island in the Turks and Caicos stretches just three miles. Untrammeled, intoxicatingly tropical, with more friendly iguanas than humans in residence, it holds just 10 private beachfront villa suites, replete with plunge pools, each with the turquoise sea at its front door.

All-inclusive, each villa reservation comes with gourmet meals, premium drinks, ensuite dining, one massage per person per stay, water sports galore (sailing, kayaking, snorkeling) and a golf cart for scuttling from villa to main island restaurant and pool area. If you can tear yourself from your villa, let the concierges organize a catered lunch outing to a deserted island or a visit to the floating Tiki Bar for refreshing rum cocktails.

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Small Towns, Big Magic America’s endearing towns and villages serve up leisure at a more measured pace. BY DEBRA BOKUR Gear Up: The Old Souls outfitters on Main Street in Cold Spring, New York PHOTO: © CHERYL FLEISHMAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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rom sleepy Southern villages lined with blossoming magnolias to mountain hamlets hosting quirky festivals, small towns are enjoying their day in the sun. Popular television shows like HGTV’s Home Town, filmed in beguiling Laurel, Mississippi, make millions of people aware of the charms of non-urban life. It turns out an ever-growing demographic is more than happy to trade the prospect of bright nights and city lights for more local, personalized experiences — a preference that applies not only to where real estate roots are planted but to where tourism dollars are spent.

Set upon the banks of the Hudson River an hour north of Manhattan — and easily reachable by direct train from Grand Central Terminal — the sweet little town of Cold Spring, New York, looks like a film set, whatever the season. From the picturesque train station with its track-side restaurant to the ice cream parlor just across the street, the riverside gazebo and the fun

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mix of high-end branded shops and locally owned stores filled with unique wares, Cold Spring offers an easy city getaway or a serene destination all on its own.

Much like Cold Spring, the waterside town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, lies an easy distance from a city (this time, Providence) but feels as though it’s a million peaceful miles away. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Narragansett boasts more than 18 miles of beaches and nearby hiking areas with routes that include Whale Rock Trail and Black Point Trail. You can order a cabinet (Rhode Island’s take on a milkshake; coffee-flavored is a local institution) and a “stuffie,” featuring local clams called quahogs, then stroll over to the stone Towers on the waterfront to count the sailboats. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail at The Coast Guard House restaurant, located between The Towers.

Maybe it’s an essence of connectivity — an innate feeling of “I could belong here”— that makes small towns so enticing. Sometimes, it isn’t just

On the Waterfront: Riverside gazebo in Cold Spring, New York (top); and The Towers in Narragansett, Rhode Island (bottom) PHOTOS: , © NANCY KENNEDY | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JERRY COLI | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Out West: Old Trail Town tourist attraction in Cody, Wyoming (above); and member of the U.S. Forest Service leading several pack horses in the Independence Day Parade in Cody (right) PHOTOS: © GIOVANNI GAGLIARDI | DREAMSTIME .COM, © HARALD SCHMIDT | DREAMSTIME .COM

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the town but its context that makes it exceptional. While Cody, Wyoming, offers a truly authentic Western-vibe small town experience, its position on the threshold of Yellowstone National Park also makes it a relaxed, welcoming base for a huge array of super-sized adventures.

Musician Dan Miller of Dan Miller Cowboy Music Revue has called Cody home for nearly 25 years. “For me,” said Miller, “Cody has the best of everything to offer recreationally and spiritually. There’s a genuine sense of community. We tend to care for people that we see every day on a deeper level.”

It’s a sentiment that permeates among small-town business owners and

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residents, who relish the familiarity and camaraderie of smaller settings. The enviable coastal address of Amelia Island in northeast Florida consistently draws visitors to its wide, sandy beaches and picturesque streets, but it’s the ambience and friendly nature of the community that keeps visitors coming back.

Part of the Sea Islands chain, this small barrier island is known as Isle of Eight Flags, thanks to a tumultuous early history of ever-changing foreign control. Each spring, the town erupts with food, fun and more food during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Regardless of the season, visitors can meander through the shops, partake in a craft beer and distillery tour, pop up to the window for fresh catch at Timoti’s Seafood Shack, or book a luxury catered beach spread provided by Luxe Picnics by Les. Experiencing the town’s watery location comes with options: Visitors can unwind on the lovely beaches, take a sunset river cruise with Amelia River Cruise & Charters, or set off on a kayaking expedition with Amelia Island Kayak Excursions to view native birds and foliage at a relaxed pace.

Closer to the other end of the climate spectrum and once known as New Archangel, the town of Sitka, Alaska, straddles the west of Baranof Island and the south of Chichagof Island roughly 90 miles from Juneau.

Rimmed by rain forest and home to roaming wildlife that includes brown bears, humpback whales and bald eagles, Sitka proves a winning choice for small-town travel that offers enormous adventure. Outfitters with a deep knowledge of local terrain offer kayaking, fishing, hiking and camping experiences; in town, museums and galleries such as Artist Cove Gallery offer basketry and woven works, sculptures and jewelry created by local Alaskan

artists including Inupiat Eskimos and Northwest Coast Natives.

On Sitka’s Lincoln Street, native-owned and -run Xút’aa Hídi gallery stocks fine arts crafted by indigenous artists. Shoppers can catch their breath over a coffee and something sweet at Sitka Flowers & The Chocolate Moose, embark upon a wildlife boat tour, or take in a performance by the Naa Kahidi Dancers, who regularly perform at Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House.

Sometimes, great small towns lie comfortably in the shadow of a great big town, as is the case in Franklin, Tennessee. Located just 20 or so miles from Nashville, this quaint Southern destination’s size belies a huge array of things to see, do, listen to and nosh on. The Cork & Cow, located off the main square in the historic district, holds a venerable Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence — just one of several restaurants to have received national recognition. Come during the annual Main Street Festival, where perusing arts and crafts booths comes with a soundtrack of live music. Local activities include bourbon and whiskey tastings and seminars, trunk shows and live music weekends at 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails in the historic Harpeth Hotel (you never know what bigname Nashville act may show up unannounced).

There’s an atmosphere inherent to small towns that simply can’t be replicated by a big, shiny city and which can be truly hard to define. Small-town dwellers know that ... and want you to know you’re welcome to stop by.

“It’s hard to put into words what it is that makes Manitou Springs so special — at least for me; I write menus, not poetry,” offered Farley McDonough, owner, Adam’s Mountain Café in Manitou Springs, Colorado. “Locally we talk about doing things the ‘Manitou Way,’ which means a lot of different things but is understood to mean we put people and our community first. We celebrate

differences here and embrace quirky characters. We promote art and beauty all the way down to our public works; you can tell when you’ve crossed the city line by the change in the sidewalks and streetlights. What makes Manitou special isn’t any one thing; it’s a feeling you get when you’re here and sharing in the community.”

Set at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado, Manitou Springs was founded in 1872 as a health resort, thanks to the numerous natural springs burbling up from beneath its rocky surface. A great way to become immersed is to stroll along a dedicated route that leads to each of the town’s springs, where you can sip the healing waters. Manitou Springs also serves as a great base for nearby sites that include Rainbow Falls, Pikes Peak Railway, Cave of the Winds and Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

On an Adventure: Sitka, Alaska (left); and The Broadmoor Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak Cog Railway at the peak of the mountain (below) PHOTOS: © ADELIEPENGUIN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © WAYNE MCKOWN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Town Legends: Abandoned houses of first settlers and early miners in Lewisburg, West Virginia (above); and Frozen Dead Guy Days, an annual celebration in Nederland, Colorado (right) PHOTOS: © ALEXANDAR IOTZOV | DREAMSTIME .COM, © BDINGMAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

For many travelers, there’s something particularly alluring about small mountain towns, especially when they’re tucked into a valley or bordered by a river that makes them feel as though they’re in a completely separate world. Each March, visitors flock to the high mountain valley town of Nederland, Colorado, to take part in the annual Frozen Dead Guy Days

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Festival, while scenic Lewisburg in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, lures travelers with its collection of art galleries, period architecture and winding streets lined with charming shops and antique emporiums.

In Lewisburg, explorers can take a guided tour or cemetery walk or spend a morning discovering the collection of Civil War artifacts at North House Museum. A seasonal farm-to-table dinner featuring authentic Appalachian cuisine enjoyed beneath the wood-beamed ceiling at The Livery Tavern on Washington Street will keep you deliciously immersed in the region’s historic atmosphere.

While the entire state of Hawai‘i beyond Honolulu might feel like one big, peaceful escape, the village of Waimea on Hawai‘i Island has a distinct character rooted in its history as a paniolo town of Hawai‘ian cowboys and ranchers. Wrap up a day of horseback riding or touring the green-covered volcanic landscape by ATV by booking dinner at Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, founding member and multi-James Beard Awards finalist chef Peter Merriman’s restaurant, before heading off to enjoy An Evening at Kahua Ranch to learn about the town’s colorful past.

Whatever your geographical choice, a small-town escape provides a different kind of experience … one you’ll likely savor. Deb Cunningham, a yoga and meditation instructor on Amelia Island who’s also lived in cities including Los Angeles, Denver and Chicago, summed it up when she said about small towns, “What comes to mind immediately is perhaps a bit cliché, but it’s the opportunity to slow down. If you live in a place where you are surrounded by serenity, it becomes contagious.”

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Relax at the Blue Lagoon, explore the town and much more when visiting Reykjavík, Iceland.

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The Etiquette of Tipping Gratuity customs vary around the world, so plan ahead to avoid embarrassing mistakes.

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Local Customs: Paying a bill and tipping takes on different forms in different countries (opposite page and right) PHOTOS: © MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM, © NORDRODEN | DREAMSTIME.COM

raversing cultural differences draws many of us to travel. We love to explore new foods and new customs in new places. But sometimes, navigating those differences proves confusing and downright embarrassing when we don’t know the proper etiquette.

When it comes to things like tipping, keeping track of the who, when and how much remains a bit tricky. Tipping norms and expectations not only vary from country to country but also from industry to industry. Doing it wrong can insult those who provide valuable services and can greatly impact your travel budget if you haven’t properly planned ahead.

Within the United Kingdom, tipping cultures vary slightly. While restaurant tipping in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland averages around 10 percent but isn’t mandatory, it is very much expected in England, where you should plan on at least 15–20 percent. Tipping for other services, such as taxis, is less standard, with no set range. For these services, round up your total bill to a number you are comfortable with.

For doormen and porters, gratuity is not necessary but is always appreciated and should be in the £1–5 range.

In Ireland, tipping is common (but not mandatory) in large cities like Dublin but not commonly done in smaller towns. For hotel staff, small tips of €1–2 are appropriate. Restaurant bills often build in a service charge, so tipping isn’t necessary; but if you wish to show your appreciation for excellent service, add a small gratuity of 10 percent. For tour guides, the rare occupation which expects a gratuity, approximately 10 percent of the cost of a tour is standard.

For other countries in Europe, such as Italy, Greece and Germany, tipping was once unheard of but gained popularity in recent decades to the point where it is standard for many service industries. A safe guideline to follow in these countries is to leave a few euros in casual restaurants and at least 5–10 percent of the total bill in higher-end establishments. Note that in many countries you will find a small service charge on your restaurant

BY EUGENIA LAZARIS

bill. In Greece, however, that charge covers the bread and bottled water automatically served with each meal and is not considered a built-in tip; therefore, do not assume this charge covers gratuity.

Although many European countries follow similar tipping guidelines to those in the United States, a few holdouts don’t encourage it. Spain and Switzerland, for example, still maintain the no-tipping culture that once existed throughout most of Europe. In these countries, tipping is not expected within any service industry, but that does not mean it’s not appreciated, nor is it considered rude. It is safe to follow your instinct and tip when you feel the service warrants it.

The same holds true in Scandinavian countries like Norway and Finland, where restaurant servers and hotel workers often are paid well. While tipping wait staff is not considered mandatory and tipping hotel staff remains uncommon, gratuities are not considered rude and are generally appreciated when given for quality service. There remains the possibility, however, staff will refuse a tip, in which case you should not insist further at the risk of insulting someone.

Asian countries such as China and Japan come with their own category of tipping guidelines with which travelers should familiarize themselves before visiting. In many Asian cultures tipping is not only uncommon but considered rude. In Japan, for example, it is generally expected good service is mandatory and should always be rendered, not based on an expectation of gratuity.

In addition, a tip can be misconstrued as an implication a business doesn’t pay its employees a living wage. For this reason, it is best not to tip while traveling through Japan.

In China, tipping is not only frowned upon but forbidden by the government and can be misinterpreted as an attempt at bribery.

The exception to the rule is with organized tour guides and professional tour drivers who not only accept tips but expect them. In this situation, plan on tipping around 75–100 yuan per day for the tour guide and 40–50 yuan per day for the driver. Give these tips directly to the recipients at the end of the tour. To respect the local culture, use discretion by placing tips in an envelope rather than overtly handing over cash.

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No Tip Necessary: It is best not to tip in Japan.

PHOTO: © EUDAEMON | DREAMSTIME.COM

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In other Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, tipping is not illegal or insulting and is often greatly appreciated by service staff.

Customers generally do not tip street food vendors, but leaving a 5–10 percent tip in restaurants is becoming increasingly common.

In India, expect to tip your server 10–15 percent of your total bill in restaurants, but tipping street food vendors is not common and therefore unnecessary. Riders usually do not tip taxis (including traditional rickshaws), especially if paying by card, but a small amount in cash will surely be appreciated. For porters, tip the customary 20–50 rupees per bag. Tour guides and tour drivers expect tips in the range of 100–300 rupees per day. During your travels throughout the country, be wary of anyone offering assistance you don’t want or expect, such as someone offering to show you the way to a destination. If you don’t plan on tipping for the assistance, do not accept the help to begin with.

When visiting Australia and neighboring New Zealand, travelers should follow their instinct when it comes to compensating providers for excellent service. However, the norms in this region, traditionally a no-tipping culture, are slowly changing, and service staff often appreciate a gratuity — generally 10–15 percent.

In many Central and South American countries, such as Brazil, wait staff do not expect a tip. Often, restaurants in these countries charge a service fee which takes the place of the tip. To be certain, check your bill before leaving your tip; but if you still wish to leave a gratuity, consider 5–10 percent of your bill appropriate. In other countries, like

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Mexico, tipping 10–15 percent in restaurants is more appropriate as servers often receive low wages. Other service providers, such as taxis and porters, appreciate small tips, while you can expect to pay tour guides a 10 percent gratuity.

Middle Eastern countries vary from destination to destination when it comes to tipping ranges, but tipping is generally welcomed. In Egypt, all types of service staff greatly appreciate and anticipate tips.

They expect a gratuity of at least 10 percent of the total bill for food and services, but you can safely leave more if you feel you received exceptional service. In Dubai, on the other hand, restaurants charge mandatory service fees but still expect customers to tip 10–15 percent in addition to this fee.

While tipping norms are far from universal, a handful of tools can help you navigate a confusing situation. At restaurants, always check your bill. If you see a service charge, it is safe to assume the fee takes the place of a tip, making an extra gratuity unnecessary. If you are in doubt, ask your server to explain the charges so you can make an informed decision. It is also helpful to leave your tip in cash in the local currency.

This ensures the tip is more likely to go directly to the intended recipient and they don’t need to bother with exchanging currency.

Finally, when in doubt, follow your instincts. While you should never feel obligated to leave a tip if you were dissatisfied, if a service professional goes above and beyond, go ahead and acknowledge that individual for making your experience memorable.

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