Trazee Book 2018

trazeetravel.com | $4.99 | 2018

THE TRAZEES p. 8 CULTURAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCES p. 22 HOW SOCIAL MEDIA SHAPES TRAVEL HABITS p. 28 BUCKET-LIST TRIPS TO TAKE NOW p. 34 BEST WEEKEND TRIP DESTINATIONS p. 40 WORLD'S MOST ICONIC TRAVEL SIGHTS p. 46

THE TRAZEE BOOK

www.taiwan.net.tw

from the editorial team ®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL

INSPIRING TRAVEL WELCOME TO THE THIRD ANNUAL EDITION of The Trazee Book! Over the past 12 months, trazeetravel.com brought traveling millennials everything they need to explore the world in an informed way.

Now we are excited to bring the tips our readers crave to the printed page as we present the 2018 The Trazee Book.

For some readers, the Trazee Travel web publication broadens horizons about what kind of travel is possible.

For others, the in-depth articles about ANIMAL KINGDOM: LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, guides Erich Martin exploring Rafiki's Planet Watch at Walt Disney World explaining how to spend a day in PHOTO: © ERICH MARTIN far-flung cities on a budget and niche product overviews make travel simpler and more convenient than ever.

As someone who has always had an interest in travel, reading the tips, tricks and other recommendations on the website made me realize global travel is possible if you know where to look for information. The book you hold in your hand will open your eyes to millennial travel as it stands now and where it is going in the future. Inside these pages we recap the 2018 The Trazees awards, go in-depth on cultural immersion experiences, examine how bloggers view social media in the travel landscape, look at some bucket list-worthy trips you should take now, and much more.

The Trazee Book brings the passion behind trazeetravel.com to life and represents a physical manifestation of our staff’s love of travel. As millennials, we know better than anyone what people in our age group are looking for. And that’s one of the reasons we recently redesigned the look of trazeetravel.com to fit the habits, needs and wants of this generation. Be sure to check out the new look!

As a recent addition to the trazeetravel.com team as assistant editor, I am incredibly proud to help bring The Trazee Book to life. Take some time to sit back, relax and enjoy the millennial-relayed advice, compiled by travelers like you.

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 Associate Editor ANGELIQUE PLATAS angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Editor ERICH J. MARTIN erich.martin@globaltravelerusa.com Digital Content Producer DEBRA BOKUR debra.bokur@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com Editor at Large HOLLY RIDDLE holly.riddle@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 JACK GUY CARLEY WADE

ete bios, For compl a.com travelerus al ob gl visit

CIRCULATION Specialists JOHN WROBLEWSKI, 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, Executive Vice President GARY OSWALD, 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

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POSTMASTER: Please send changes of address to Global Traveler, 310 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067

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JOURNEY ON! IT IS A PLEASURE TO WELCOME you to our third The Trazee Book! We are elated to continue to provide millennial readers this fabulous print edition of our Trazee Travel content. Recently re-launched with a brand-new design, the trazeetravel.com website continues to highlight the hottest topics and trends in travel.

This edition of The Trazee Book focuses on topics important to millennials, such as cultural immersion and bucket-list trips, and discusses how social media shapes our travel habits.

Most millennials use social media as a tool to connect, and I am no exception.

I’m fortunate to have friends and family all over the country and a few in other parts of the world. This digital connection allows me to keep in touch and SEIZE THE DAY: Stephanie Makowski finding time to enjoy the beach share my experiences with them through PHOTO: © STEPHANIE MAKOWSKI photos. Trazeetravel.com offers an inspirational reference for my circle. The content is easily shared and sparks daydreams of my next journey with those I love.

Speaking of traveling with those you love … Bucket-list trips are of great importance to me. Having your closest friends in different geographic regions means you must find time to make memories with them. My recommendation: Visit trazeetravel.com and review this edition of The Trazee Book, select a trip you have always wanted to take, choose a friend or two and hit the road!

As millennials, we think there is always another day or other opportunities to watch that sunrise, but it is important to remember to relish these years of fresh starts, firsts and chances to make memories. Take the vacation day and post the out-of-office email message.

See all life has to offer with those who matter to you. As the poet Dylan Thomas once said, “Do not go gentle into that good night.”

I cannot wait to see what our generation of millennials accomplishes down the road.

To better prepare for our future, we must nurture our present with new challenges, dreams and travels.

Wherever your next journey takes you, I’m certain The Trazee Book will inspire your choice of destination. Cheers!

® ®

ADVERTISING Publisher/CEO FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER tel 267 364 5811 ext 200 | fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Vice President RICHARD T. EVANS tel 267 364 5811 ext 203 | dick.evans@globaltravelerusa.com Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher CARLY ALLEN tel 267 495 6287 | carly.allen@globaltravelerusa.com Director of Sales MARIE EDWARDS tel 610 742 4783 | marie.edwards@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive STEPHANIE MAKOWSKI tel 267 364 5811 ext. 211 | stephanie.makowski@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising Coordinator ANDREW RISCH tel 267 364 5811 ext 201 | andrew.risch@globaltravelerusa.com Sales Planner YASSER OGANDO tel 267 884 1650 | yasser.ogando@globaltravelerusa.com Intern AUDREY LEE intern@globaltravelerusa.com

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contents

Trazee Travel 2018 34

8 ¡Olé!

Trazee Travel cheers on the 2018 winners of The Trazees.

34 Why Wait?

Now is the time to take the bucket-list trip of your dreams.

22 Through New Eyes Explore destinations from different perspectives with a cultural immersion experience.

40 Great Getaways Discover the best weekend jaunts to suit your style.

28 Well-Connected Wanderlust How does social media shape the travel habits of millennials?

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trazeetravel.com TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018

46 Wonders to Behold Iconic landmarks across the globe continue to fascinate visitors.

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FX E X P R E S S

ON THE COVER

P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .

trazeetravel.com | $4.99 | 2018

THE TRAZEES p. 8 CULTURAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCES p. 22 HOW SOCIAL MEDIA SHAPES TRAVEL HABITS p. 28 BUCKET-LIST TRIPS TO TAKE NOW p. 34 BEST WEEKEND TRIP DESTINATIONS p. 40 WORLD'S MOST ICONIC TRAVEL SIGHTS p. 46

THE TRAZEE BOOK COVER PHOTO: © MYKOLA KRAVCHENKO | DREAMSTIME.COM

Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material.

AAM member 04-0361-2. AAM audited circulation 111,517. ISSN 1551-7187 ©2017 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

© GLENN NAGEL | DREAMSTIME.COM

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PHOTOS: © JOE ORMONDE | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JOE SOHM | DREAMSTIME.COM, © WITHLOCALS.COM,

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An

urban resort in Los Angeles offering luxurious accommodations, California French dining, newly redesigned bar with live entertainment, spacious meeting rooms, complimentary high-speed internet, spa and salon services, fitness center and more.

SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS | 8555 BEVERLY BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 | 310-278-5444 WWW.SOFITEL-LOS-ANGELES.COM

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¡Olé!

Trazee Travel cheers on the 2018 winners of The Trazees.

BY KIMBERLY KROL PHOTOS BY RIGHT LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

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IN AUGUST THE FXEXPRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. team took to San Diego, California, to attend the annual Global Business Travel Association convention on behalf of our family of brands, including Global Traveler, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and FX Excursions. As GBTA celebrated 50 years, we celebrated the fourth annual The Trazees, hosting an award ceremony and celebration for the winners and for our esteemed clients and friends.

Overlooking the city of San Diego and savoring impressive sunset views, the University Club Atop Symphony Towers hosted the night’s festivities and helped us honor those deemed the biggest names in the world of millennial travel. For the fourth year, GT’s sister web publication, trazeetravel.com, awarded the best and brightest in travel according

to the all-important 18–35 travel segment. Acceptees from a number of renowned travel brands were in attendance to represent their companies.

Trazee Travel is a one-stop resource for millennial travelers with news, tips, reviews and more updated daily. Ballots ran online December 2017–March 2018. To commemorate the web publication’s fourth anniversary, trazeetravel.com unveiled a fresh new website design in October but with the same mission: to deliver everything travel, from A to Z. As one of the night’s sponsors, Ontario International Airport, in Ontario, California, awarded one lucky winner two round-trip, premium-economy tickets on China Airlines to Asia. The night’s other sponsors included the United Explorer Card by Chase, United Airlines and Turkish Airlines Corpo-

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rate Club. Mert Dorman, senior vice president, corporate marketing and distribution channels, Turkish Airlines, accepted the night's Publisher's Recognition Award for exemplary service to business travelers.

To bring a bit of Mexican flavor to the night’s festivities, Mariachi San Marcos, featuring band leader José Arellano, played mariachi music throughout the night, with guests dancing — and singing — along. According to many, Mariachi San Marcos was one of the best and most authentic mariachi bands they saw during their time in San Diego.

“The stunning views across the city of San Diego served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate another successful GBTA and the

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fourth annual The Trazees event. We thank the University Club Atop Symphony Towers for helping us honor the night’s winners. Each year, trazeetravel.com delivers all the need-to-know information for travelers ages 18–35, and we were pleased, once again, to acknowledge the travel providers that, year after year, deliver wonderful travel experiences to this demographic. It was a wonderful evening with the industry’s best and brightest,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc. The 50th Global Business Travel Association convention welcomed more than 7,000 travel professionals from all over the globe. The 51st convention will take place next year in Chicago.

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GRAND GATHERING:

1. Guests gathering at the University Club Atop Symphony Towers 2. Awards ready to be distributed 3.Sponsor poster 4. Sponsor poster 5. Mariachi San Marcos with band leader José Arellano 6. Turkish Airlines’ Flying Chef 7. Atif Elkadi, deputy executive officer, Ontario International Airport 8. Frank Reilly, member, Global Traveler Globility Board; Eric Chiang, member, Global Traveler Globility Board 9. Eugenia Fregoso, national account manager, Grupo Posadas and Sara Jurado, manager, international consortia and crew, sales, Grupo Posadas, celebrating her raffle win 10. Joanna Baskin, corporate business travel and consortia director, Posadas, joins Mariachi San Marcus for a song.

11. Laura Gallagher collecting business cards for the Ontario International Airport ticket raffle 12: Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 13. Guests celebrating with a toast

TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018 trazeetravel.com

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1. Marlene Sanau, vice president, sales, North America, South African Airways

4. Ellen Hardaway, senior marketing manager, Chase Bank Credit Cards

7. Edward Malone, area director, North America, Aruba Tourism Authority

9. Mariela Pesci, senior key account manager, Meliรก Hotels & Resorts

2. Rafael Lizarraga, vice president, business travel, Grupo Posadas

5. Steven Chang, manager, passenger section, EVA Air

8. Michael Covey; managing director, program, premier and air redemption; United Airlines

10. Deborah Mahoney, regional manager, Qatar Airways; Cassandra Kerr, manager, global corporate key accounts, Qatar Airways

3. Caroline Borawski, head of sales, Norwegian Air

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trazeetravel.com TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018

6. Daniel Florence, chief operating officer, Sixt

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2. Anthony Potts, global corporate sales manager, oneworld 3. Pamela Simmons, manager, concessions marketing, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 4. Jeff Etherington, director of sales, community marketing, Alaska Airlines

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1. Kyle Mabry, vice president, managing director, Western division, American Airlines

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5. Marcelo William Bottini, general manager, USA and Canada, Aerolineas Argentinas; Ricardo Fernandez, regional sales manager, Aerolineas Argentinas 6. Carlos Paneiro, vice president, sales, North & Central America, TAP Air Portugal 7. Andre van den Ber, chief operating officer, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; Tanja Dik, director, consumer products and services, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

8. Brad Shih, director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau 9. Mert Dorman, senior vice president, corporate marketing and distribution channels, Turkish Airlines, flanked by Turkish Airlines’ flight attendants and Flying Chef

1. Benedetto Mencaroni Poiani, regional manager, North America, Alitalia; Dragan Drobnjak, sales manager USA, Aeroflot Russian Airlines; Marcelo William Bottini, general manager USA and Canada, Aerolineas Argentinas; Angus Wheeler, sales director, North America, Aeroflot Russian Airlines 2. The Grupo Posadas team celebrates its win with Carly Allen, associate publisher and executive vice president, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 3. The Millennium Hotels and Resorts team joins the festivities.

4. Sara Jurado, manager, international consortia and crew, sales, Posadas; Atif Elkadi, deputy executive officer, Ontario International Airport

America, TAP Air Portugal; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Jessica O’Keefe, director of sales, Egyptair

5. Ellen Hardaway, senior marketing manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Bridget Blake, marketing manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Michael Covey, managing director, program, premier and air redemption, United Airlines

7. The Alaska Airlines team celebrating their wins

6. Carlos Paneiro, vice president, sales, North & Central America, TAP Air Portugal; Ana Paula Coelho, corporate sales manager, TAP Air Portugal; Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, North

9. Angelique Platas, associate editor, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Kimberly Krol, editor in chief, FXExpress Publications, Inc.

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8. Amy Sarto, head of marketing communications and development, Singapore Airlines; Pablo Alberti, global account manager, Singapore Airlines

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE te l C h a in Favo ri te Ho E as t e dl id M e in th Address Hotels + Resorts

FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport PHOTO: © NADEZDA MURMAKOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE: American Airlines PHOTO: © AMERICAN AIRLINES

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA: Alaska Airlines PHOTO: © ALASKA AIRLINES

FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE 1. American Airlines 2. United Airlines 3. Asiana Airlines 4. Delta Air Lines 5. Qatar Airways

FAVORITE AIRLINE WEBSITE 1. aa.com 2. united.com 3. delta.com 4. jetblue.com 5. southwest.com

FAVORITE BUDGET AIRLINE 1. Norwegian 2. WOW air 3. JetBlue 4. Southwest Airlines 5. Frontier

FAVORITE AIRLINE ALLIANCE 1. oneworld 2. Star Alliance 3. SkyTeam

FAVORITE FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAM 1. United MileagePlus 2. American Airlines AAdvantage 3. Delta SkyMiles 4. Alaska Mileage Plan 5. JetBlue TrueBlue

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN SOUTH AMERICA 1. Aerolineas Argentinas 2. LATAM Airlines 3. Avianca 4. Aeromexico 5. Copa Airlines

FAVORITE AIRCRAFT TYPE 1. Airbus A380 2. Airbus A350 3. Boeing 777 4. Boeing 787 5. Airbus A330

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FAVORITE AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA 1. Alaska Airlines 2. Delta Air Lines 3. United Airlines 4. American Airlines 5. JetBlue

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN EUROPE 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. Brussels Airlines 3. Austrian Airlines 4. Turkish Airlines 5. British Airways

WINNERS’ CIRCLE te l C h a in Favo ri te Ho E as t e dl id M e in th Address Hotels + Resorts

FAVORITE AIRPORT IN ASIA: Incheon Airport PHOTO: © TEA | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN AFRICA 1. South African Airways 2. Ethiopian Airlines 3. Air Seychelles 4. Kenya Airways 5. Air Namibia

FAVORITE GREEN AIRLINE 1. Alaska Airlines 2. Lufthansa 3. TAP Air Portugal 4. American Airlines 5. Delta Air Lines

FAVORITE AIRPORT IN ASIA 1. Incheon Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport 4. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan 5. Osaka Kansai International Airport

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Qatar Airways 2. Emirates 3. Royal Air Maroc 4. Saudi Arabian Airlines 5. EL AL Israel Airlines

FAVORITE OVERALL AIRPORT IN THE WORLD 1. Incheon Airport 2. Munich Airport 3. Singapore Changi Airport 4. Hamad International Airport, Doha 5. San Francisco International Airport

FAVORITE AIRPORT IN EUROPE 1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 2. Munich Airport 3. Vienna International Airport 4. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 5. Rome Fiumicino Airport

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN ASIA 1. EVA Air 2. Asiana Airlines 3. China Airlines 4. Korean Air 5. Hong Kong Airlines

FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 3. Denver International Airport 4. San Francisco International Airport 5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston

FAVORITE AIRPORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Hamad International Airport, Doha 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Abu Dhabi International Airport 4. Bahrain International Airport 5. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina

TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018 trazeetravel.com

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE te l C h a in Favo ri te Ho E as t e dl id M e in th Address Hotels + Resorts

FAVORITE LIFESTYLE HOTEL CHAIN: Moxy PHOTO: © MOXY

FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL:

ME Miami

PHOTO: © ME MIAMI

FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL HOTEL: Element New York Times Square West PHOTO: © ELEMENT NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE WEST

FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPS AND DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN THE MIDDLE EAST Dubai Duty Free PHOTO: © ANTONELLA865 | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE AIRPORT DINING 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha 4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 5. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol FAVORITE AIRPORT SHOPPING 1. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 2. Denver International Airport 3. Dubai International Airport 4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 5. Hamad International Airport, Doha FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPS 1. Dubai Duty Free 2. Hamad International Airport, Doha 3. Incheon Airport 4. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 5. Hong Kong International Airport

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trazeetravel.com TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018

FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Dubai Duty Free 2. Hamad International Airport, Doha 3. Abu Dhabi International Airport 4. Bahrain Duty Free 5. Amman Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL HOTEL 1. Element New York Times Square West 2. Hotel Zaza, Dallas 3. Moxy New Orleans 4. COQ, Paris 5. Aloft Brooklyn FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN 1. Aloft Hotels & Resorts 2. Kimpton Hotels 3. Canopy by Hilton 4. Hyatt Place 5. EVEN Hotels

FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1. ME Miami 2. Moxy London Excel 3. INNSIDE New York NoMad 4. Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle 5. The Logan, Philadelphia FAVORITE BOUTIQUE HOTEL CHAIN 1. Tribute Portfolio Hotels & Resorts 2. Canopy by Hilton 3. Curio by Hilton 4. Kimpton Hotels 5. EVEN Hotels FAVORITE LIFESTYLE HOTEL CHAIN 1. Moxy 2. W Hotels 3. Indigo Hotels 4. Tribute Portfolio Hotels & Resorts 5. Canopy by Hilton

WINNERS’ CIRCLE te l C h a in Favo ri te Ho E as t e dl id M e in th Address Hotels + Resorts

FAVORITE COUNTRY:

FAVORITE LUGGAGE BRAND BlueSmart

Ireland PHOTO: © JOE ORMONDE | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE CRUISE LINE Royal Caribbean International

FAVORITE HOTEL WEBSITE 1. andaz.hyatt.com 2. intercontinental.com 3. marriott.com 4. westin.com 5. hilton.com

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN MEXICO 1. Fiesta Americana 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 4. Westin Hotels & Resorts 5. W Hotels

FAVORITE COUNTRY 1. Ireland 2. Mexico 3. Spain 4. South Africa 5. United Kingdom

FAVORITE HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAM IN THE WORLD 1. Radisson Rewards 2. IHG Rewards Club 3. Hilton Honors 4. Starwood Preferred Guest 5. Marriott Rewards

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Address Hotels + Resorts 2. The Ritz-Carlton 3. Marriott International 4. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 5. Jumeirah International

FAVORITE WORLDWIDE CITY 1. Seoul 2. Bangkok 3. Singapore 4. Dublin 5. Hong Kong

FAVORITE GREEN HOTEL 1. Element Hotels 2. Sofitel Hotels & Resorts 3. Hilton Hotels 4. Marriott International 5. Starwood Hotels & Resorts

FAVORITE HONEYMOON DESTINATION 1. Aruba 2. Greece 3. Napa Valley, Calif.

4. Turks & Caicos 5. St. Lucia

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN LATIN AMERICA 1. Riu Hotels & Resorts 2. Westin Hotels & Resorts 3. Sheraton Latin America 4. Sol Meliá 5. Barcelo Hotels & Resorts

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trazeetravel.com TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018

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A HANDS-ON, INDIAN-INPSIRED DINNER AT PONDICHERI IN HOUSTON WITH CHEF ANITA JAISINGHANI! Cardmembers had an opportunity to explore the flavors of India during this special evening at Pondicheri hosted by chef and owner Anita Jaisinghani. During a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, guests tasted an array of Indian cuisine and participated in an interactive culinary demonstration while exploring Indian spices. Following the reception, guests were seated for a four-course, wine-paired dinner. Chef Anita offered each guest a selection of recipes from the evening with spices to use at home.

AN EVENING WITH JUSTIN TURNER, LOS ANGELES’ THIRD BASEMAN! Cardmembers had the opportunity to watch Los Angeles take on Houston during a Sunday afternoon home game, followed by a private reception and dinner with starting third baseman Justin Turner at The Palm Restaurant. During a question and answer session, guests asked Justin about his career on and off the field.

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PRIVATE DINNER WITH CHEF JEREMIAH LANGHORNE, JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION BEST CHEF MID-ATLANTIC! Awarded Best Chef Mid-Atlantic by the James Beard Foundation, Chef Jeremiah Langhorne hosted a memorable evening with a specially curated, summer-inspired menu at The Dabney, his Washington, D.C., restaurant. Cardmembers began with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception featuring creative seasonal libations. All were then seated for a four-course, wine-paired dinner featuring modern American food with regional and historic influences. Throughout the evening guests had an opportunity to watch Chef Langhorne and The Dabney team at work through the open kitchen centered around a wood-burning hearth.

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FAVORITE CRUISE LINE:

Address Hotels + Resorts

Norwegian Cruise Line

PHOTO: © NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

FAVORITE ADVENTURE DESTINATION 1. Taiwan 2. India 3. Thailand 4. New Zealand 5. Austria

FAVORITE FOODIE CITY 1. Asheville, N.C. 2. Chicago 3. Rome 4. Paris 5. New York City

FAVORITE LUGGAGE BRAND 1. Samsonite 2. Swiss Army 3. Tumi 4. Delsey 5. TravelPro

FAVORITE CRUISE LINE 1. Norwegian Cruise Line 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Carnival Cruises 4. U by Uniworld 5. Princess Cruises

FAVORITE EVENT AROUND THE GLOBE 1. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, N.M. 2. Rio de Janeiro Carnival 3. Oktoberfest 4. Full Moon Parties 5. South by Southwest

FRIENDLIEST CITY 1. Atlanta 2. Copenhagen 3. Chicago 4. Nashville, Tenn.

5. Denver, Colo.

FAVORITE CREDIT CARD 1. United Explorer Card by Chase 2. American Express Green 3. American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles 4. Venture Card from Capital One 5. Chase Ink

FAVORITE RIDE SHARE 1. Lyft 2. Juno 3. Uber 4. Curb 5. Via

FAVORITE NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION 1. Bangkok 2. Nashville, Tenn.

3. Barcelona 4. London 5. Las Vegas

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FAVORITE CAR RENTAL COMPANY 1. Sixt 2. Hertz 3. National Car Rental 4. Avis 5. Enterprise

2019 Leisure Lifestyle Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

Best Beaches ___________________________________________________________________________

Best River Cruise Line __________________________________________________________________

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic __________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Entertainment _______________________________________________________

Best Historical Attractions, International _______________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Dining ________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic_________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Spa ____________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Destination, International _____________________________________________

Best Cruise Ship Excursions ___________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in the United States _________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program ___________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Europe_____________________________________________________

Best Cruise Port ________________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Africa ______________________________________________________

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World _______________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Asia________________________________________________________

Best Hotel Chain Resorts ______________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America______________________________________

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel ________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico_____________________________________________________

Best Family Resort Chain in the World ________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination for Groups (Four or More)___________________________________

Best All-Inclusive Resort_________________________________________________________________

Best Weekend Destination in North America__________________________________________

Best Tour Operator_____________________________________________________________________

Best Weekend Destination in the World_______________________________________________

Best Airport for Layovers_______________________________________________________________

Best North American Ski Destination___________________________________________________

Best Airport Recreation_________________________________________________________________

Best International Ski Destination______________________________________________________

Best Stopover Program_________________________________________________________________

Best Caribbean Island _________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Airline ____________________________________________________________________

Best Island in Europe __________________________________________________________________

Best Airline Onboard Entertainment___________________________________________________

Best Island Pacific Rim _________________________________________________________________

Best Airline Onboard Menu_____________________________________________________________

Best Family Cruise Line ________________________________________________________________

Best Premium-Economy Class ________________________________________________________

Best Luxury Cruise Line ________________________________________________________________

Best Pet-Friendly Airline ________________________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Suites _________________________________________________________________

Best Luxury Vehicle ____________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Cruise Line ____________________________________________________________

Best Car Rental _________________________________________________________________________

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Favorite Luxury Watch Brand __________________________________________________________

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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/leisureballot Name Street Address City

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Through New Eyes Explore destinations from a different perspective with a cultural immersion experience.

FACE TO FACE:

Local people help a tourist apply thanaka (a cosmetic paste made from ground bark) in Mandalay, Myanmar.

PHOTO: © CHOKCHAI SUKSATAVONRAPHAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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BY JACK GUY

THESE DAYS IT’S TRENDY TO BE A TRAVELER rather than a tourist. People are looking for meaningful experiences that let them get under the skin of a destination, rather than a whirlwind bus tour that ticks off the major sights.

Cultural immersion experiences play a big role in this ‘The only true voyage of discovery … would be trend, and the term covers a huge range of experiential travel options allowing you to surround yourself with not to visit strange lands but to possess other local culture. eyes, to behold the universe through the eyes For those with time to spare, popular cultural immersion experiences include volunteer or study of another, of a hundred others, to behold the abroad programs, where you can live alongside locals hundred universes that each of them beholds …’ while contributing to a project or learning a new skill.

Language programs are particularly common, and the Marcel Proust, In Search of Lost Time longer you stay, the more you learn.

That said, you don’t have to spend weeks or months abroad to immerse yourself in a different culture; you can also do it on a holiday, a daytrip or even over just a few hours.

The idea is to share an authentic experience with local people, whether you end up teach-

trazeetravel.com TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018

ing English to Korean students for a year or learning how to cook traditional Mexican meals with a local chef in an afternoon.

Over the last few years, social media increasingly influenced travel trends. With just a few clicks you can find out exactly where that amazing beach is, which hotel your friends stayed at and a whole lot more, depending on how much they like to share. As a result, travel experiences have become a lot more visible and, dare we say, less unique.

Taking their own version of the most famous Instagram shots in a destination is the opposite of what certain travelers believe defines travel. They appreciate a more personal, unique experience that can’t be reduced to a series of photos in famous spots. These travelers drive demand for cultural immersion experiences. It might sound slightly elitist to expect every trip to be so personal and unique, but one can’t deny it’s a trend in an age where personalization rules.

However, cultural immersion goes beyond simply making sure

you’ve got some unique photos to show off. It’s a different kind of travel that means not just being somewhere new but seeing things from an altered perspective. When you take the time to see the world through someone else’s eyes, it’s impossible not to feel more empathy for them and appreciate the different context of their lives. As a result, it’s a great way of breaking down stereotypes and improving cultural sensitivity.

There are also myriad benefits in terms of personal growth, which is why cultural immersion experiences are so popular among young students. Working or studying abroad for an extended time forces them away from their comfort zones and into new situations that help to build confidence and resilience. Of course, this applies to any age group.

If you’re interested in learning a new language, cultural immersion is the way to go. Communicating in your target language every day — and perhaps living with a local host family — helps you make rapid progress compared to trying to pick something up

WARM WELCOME:

Local experience in Visina fishing village in Romania PHOTO: © ELENAPHOTOS | DREAMSTIME.COM

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ZOOMING IN:

Walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City PHOTO: © WITHLOCALS.COM

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during a one-hour class after work. After all, when you are fully immersed, you have to learn if you want to communicate.

Having language skills brings further benefits in terms of establishing meaningful relationships with others and encourages further cultural appreciation. Plus, cultural immersion is a two-way street, so in talking to your new friends you will be able to enlighten them about your own culture. Not only will locals potentially learn about people from around the world, they should also benefit economically if you are careful to travel in an ethical way.

You should consider a number of things before you travel to get the most out of a cultural immersion experience. Making a list of goals you want to achieve through your experience — whether it’s learning to salsa or simply eating a specific delicacy with a local — helps to make your journey a conscious one. At the same time, read up on local customs so you can be culturally sensitive.

In general terms, a good cultural immersion experience is about authenticity, not appropriation. Going to a community

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festival taking place even if visitors aren’t there is completely different from watching a staged performance of music and dance put on entirely for tourists’ benefit. Food, festivals, clothes and holidays are all likely distorted when tourists are around. It might be difficult to find something completely authentic, but living in a place and hanging out with locals makes it much more likely.

Failing that, choose a reputable tour operator if you’re short on time.

When you’re on your trip, it’s important to see things as they are, not as you thought the culture would be. You are there to see the reality of local life, not a tourist-friendly version. It might not all be glamorous, but that’s the point. You’re experiencing the everyday and appreciating subtle cultural nuances by getting into the headspace of a local. No one parties every day, and it’s unlikely ordinary life will conform to your stereotyped preconceptions of a place.

If you want to find a cultural immersion experience, there are a number of ways to do so. Think about niche travel agents who put together bespoke packages for individual clients, or

go one step further and use an agency like Trufflepig, which hires “non-guide” guides to show travelers around a destination of their choice. You might find yourself on a food tour of Rome with a local chef or a vineyard tour of Mendoza with a master sommelier. Instead of traveling with a tour guide who does a different itinerary every day, you’ll be spending time with people who really know their stuff.

If you don’t want to book a whole trip, try a portal like Withlocals, which lists local guides in a selection of cities you can browse and book for a cultural immersion experience.

Another option is Eat With, which focuses on culinary experiences like sharing a meal with locals in their homes. You’ll also find a huge selection of experiences on Go Overseas, a company that provides a searchable database even though it doesn’t run any of

TAP INTO CULTURE:

Bike tour in Valencia, Spain (above); and a tour at Juan Bousquet Vineyard in Argentina (left) PHOTOS: © WITHLOCALS .COM, © SCOTT BIALES | DREAMSTIME.COM

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LOCAL FLAVOR:

Ramsay Food Tour in Bangkok (above), and Portuguese home dinner in Lisbon (right) PHOTOS: © WITHLOCALS .COM

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the trips itself. Or look for local cooking and language schools where you can pick up a new skill.

While all of these businesses can place you in situations of cultural immersion, the result really depends on you and how open you are to new experiences. To truly benefit, you will need to engage with the culture from a new perspective. For example, booking a language course in Brazil doesn’t automatically mean you will come home fluent in Portuguese. To get the most out of your experience, you will have to do homework and actively participate in the language-learning process.

It’s as much about a change of mentality as anything else, so try it on your next trip. Leave the tourist restaurants behind in favor of a local meal, and you might come away with a full belly, a new friend and a different perspective on your destination of choice.

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Well-Connected Wanderlust

BEFORE THE DAWN OF SOCIAL MEDIA, travelers received ideas for their vacations and adventures directly from travel agencies. Upon the desk of a local agent, visitors could expect to find pamphlets and brochures extolling the virtues of faraway and exotic lands. On the walls hung posters showcasing beautiful vistas. Once the agent and traveler decided on a destination, the planning began.

Technically, the role of travel agents remains the same in 2018 as it was in the age before social media and the internet as a whole took over. Agents still know the market inside and out. They can still give customers ideas on destinations as well as provide booking assistance.

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A constant connection to social media means prospective travelers will always have access to new ideas and exciting adventures.

Millennials make up one of the chief adopting groups using social media for travel inspiration. Roughly aged 18–35, this group largely came into maturity when social media was taking off. Websites like MySpace began to connect people as early as 2003. Before long, Facebook and other applications like Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter changed the way groups communicate. Not surprising, then, that social media has come to play an important role in how, why and where millennials travel.

PHOTO: Š ROSSHELEN | DREAMSTIME.COM

How does social media shape the travel habits of millennials? BY ERICH MARTIN

where the tour group gets lots of free time to explore destinations, to “Comfort,” slower-paced tours offering more luxury accommodations.

According to Bailey, millennials are often on the lookout for adventure travel as well as travel experiences that will have a lasting impact.

As a result, millennials often opt for the cheaper option with Intrepid as a way to really get to know the destination and the locals.

“In 2017, Intrepid Travel saw a 22 percent increase in millennial travelers globally, as an increasing number of this generation is looking to our company for a sustainable, experience-rich holiday.

Often-misunderstood destinations, like Turkey and Africa, nearly doubled in bookings from 2016 to 2017, highlighting this generation’s desire to look beyond headlines and make judgments for themselves,” Bailey said.

In order to connect with millennials and other travelers, Intrepid Travel makes a point of staying active and engaged on Facebook and Instagram. The brand focuses on storytelling to evoke feelings of inspiration and wanderlust in the travelers, Bailey said. As a result,

PHOTO: © AHIDDEN | DREAMSTIME.COM

Scrolling through Facebook walls, Twitter feeds and Instagram timelines always presents the user with a bevy of potential destinations. Bloggers and friends just wrapping up a trip to Nicaragua, South Africa or Hong Kong readily drown out the posts detailing the monotony of daily life. It is easy to come across a destination or experience you want to add to your bucket list.

“When booking a trip, we find millennial travelers often reference a certain destination or locale they’ve seen on social media and want included in their next adventure,” said Megan Bailey, director of sales and customer experience, Intrepid Travel, North America.

In a recent social media post, Intrepid Travel accounts highlighted Chefchaouen by posting a video of the Moroccan city. Following the video, social media users who follow Intrepid Travel’s feeds inundated the tour operator with questions about which trips and tours went to the specific city, Bailey said.

Intrepid Travel operates small group tours all over the planet.

These tours come in a variety of levels, ranging from “Basix,”

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MOROCCAN MAGIC:

Intrepid Travel social media posts highlighted Chefchaouen as a city to visit.

PHOTOS: © INTREPID TRAVEL

users begin to interact directly with the brand through social media.

“The customer journey for the millennial traveler often starts on social media, where other demographics are more likely to land on Intrepid Travel’s homepage through Google search or other platforms,” Bailey said.

The customer journey is not the only thing to begin on social media. Inspiration and information-gathering also largely happen on social media.

“Instead of flipping through a guidebook or reading top destination round-ups online, millennials actively seek crowdsourced information through real-time conversations on social media channels,” Bailey said. For many millennials who are inspired this way, specific destinations and

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Kydd will use social media to crowdsource information, however.

“I love checking out photos and information about places I am heading and will check out a hostel’s social media presence, typically to see the amenities and menus,” she said.

“I still travel the way I want to regardless of social media. I’m not constantly taking selfies or going out on literal limbs to get amazing pictures for social media.” For her, the focus is much more on enjoying and absorbing the experience.

“I have always been a picture-taker, but even with social media, and as a blogger, I do not stop everything to get that shot,” Kydd said.

The typical traveler might not think the same way. A simple scroll through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest will reveal photos of selfies by waterfalls, poses in front of mountains and, more likely than not, some dangerous positioning all in the name of a social media presence.

“I think people do get inspired through social media posts, and the great thing about widespread dissemination of the unknown is that people can increase their awareness of the unknown,” Kydd said.

“When social media is used for true inspiration and sharing, it is a beautiful and powerful tool. When it is used for one-upmanship and narcissism, it’s gross. Traveling the world is an amazing privilege that most humans don’t get, so treat every destination with the attention and respect it deserves, and experience the world as much as you can,” Kydd said, urging travelers to post on social media after their trip is complete.

PHOTO: © VITALIY MATEHA | DREAMSTIME.COM

experiences are not set in stone. Those travelers simply want a culturally immersive trip, Bailey explained. Although social media inspires travelers to go to destinations they never thought to travel to before, it fails to instill the need for travel to specific destinations.

For those who make travel blogging their livelihood, social media represents an entirely different component of traveling and staying connected with an audience.

Emily Kydd, 33, has blogged about her travels since she was 21. In the past two years, she has taken to blogging about her adventures more formally through her website, seehertravel.com. In that time, Kydd garnered a sizeable following on social media, with more than 8,000 Twitter followers; nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram; and nearly 1,000 Facebook followers.

“I would say social media is important, as a blogger, as it is the easiest way to keep folks up to date without writing a full blog,” Kydd said.

Further, Kydd argues, an over-hyping of social media can make travelers portray their adventures in ways that never really happened, noting picture-perfect setups and “modelesque” images do not capture what travel is truly about.

As a travel blogger, Kydd’s audience might expect her to find all of her destinations on her own. Her pictures are the ones to inspire others to travel to remote destinations, one might think. While Kydd is not immune to the siren song of travel social media, she has only ever been affirmatively swayed to a particular destination once: a beer spa in Iceland.

Why Wait?

Now is the time to take the bucket-list trip of your dreams. BY KRISTY ALPERT EVERYONE HAS ONE. THAT DREAM list of destinations you want to see with your own two eyes, those experiences you want to savor with your own five senses, and those exotic flavors you want to taste with your own tongue before life passes you by. Whether you call yours a bucket list, a retirement list or prefer to keep your list unnamed, having a list of dream travel experiences inspires and motivates you throughout your

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day-to-day life. It’s much more interesting to file reports for work while dreaming of sipping mint tea in the souks of Marrakech, and time flies during long commutes to the office while imagining yourself test driving a Maserati along the winding roads of the Italian Alps.

Unfortunately, all too often these dream trips rarely become realities. A recent study commissioned by luggage provider Victorinox found 76 percent of Americans expressed a strong desire to travel more frequently than they were currently, but a lack of finances or simply feeling unprepared and ill-equipped prevented many from taking their first steps. Although money can be a limiting factor to travel, only in extreme cases will it truly prove a hindrance to taking a dream trip. Waiting until you have enough money, enough time or enough [fill in the blank] often results in a missed opportunity when it comes to travel.

Having the physical stamina to trek through the Impenetra-

MOROCCAN MARKET:

Marrakech souk PHOTO: Š DANIEL M. CISILINO | DREAMSTIME.COM

ble Forest in Uganda to see the silverback gorillas is more attainable now than it will be for many in decades to come, and some of the world’s more rare and mystical destinations are quickly changing due to climate change or other natural factors. The truth is, there is never a perfect time to travel — something will always come up, and there will always be an excuse to put a trip on hold. Fortunately, this current travel climate of discounts, airfare sales and reward points makes this year the ideal time to take a dream vacation and start turning those travel dreams into realities. From wine tasting in Europe to snagging an early ticket to Machu Picchu, here are the top five bucket-list trips to take now.

WINE TASTING IN FRANCE Plane tickets to Europe have never been more affordable, thanks to budget airlines like WOW air and Level, but travelers can even score tickets as low as $400 for a round-trip ticket to Europe during exclusive airfare sales on Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Once there, the next step is deciding upon a wine region. Red wine fans will love the complex and robust flavors of Burgundy (book a tour with Maison Joseph Drouhin for the ultimate

immersion into this legendary wine region), while those who prefer rosé or white wines shouldn’t pass up the delicate flavors of Provence. Looking to celebrate? Head to Reims in the heart of the Champagne region to learn the art of making and sabering a bottle of Champagne.

WINE ENTHUSIASTS:

Burgundy wine (left), and Champagne tasting in the G. Tribaut vineyard in France's Champagne region (bottom) PHOTOS: © MASSIMO SANTI | DREAMSTIME.COM, © WIKTOR WOJTAS | DREAMSTIME.COM

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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS:

Ranger and tourists returning from a mountain gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (top), and eco-tourists in a Zodiac observing gentoo penguins in Paradise Harbor, Antarctica PHOTOS: © HEL080808 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JOE SOHM | DREAMSTIME.COM

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TREKKING FOR SILVERBACK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN UGANDA Mountain gorillas only exist in four forests around the world, but the largest population resides in the densely forested hilltops of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. “Mountain Gorilla numbers have increased, according to the last census done earlier this year, which means that the conservation efforts being employed are working,” says Alfred Kamya, director, Let’s Go Travel, in Uganda. Not only are the chances the best they’ve ever been to see these amazing creatures interacting in their natural habitat, but tourism has made a huge impact on the livelihood of the locals, with people in and around Bwindi receiving training in aspects of tourism, and the blossoming market is creating jobs, feeding families and quite literally saving lives in the area. “As of now, Bwindi is still not on the quintessential safari circuit, which means that there is a real intrepid atmosphere about visiting the area and trekking in the forest,” Kamya adds.

“That feeling will diminish as more catch on to this incredible experience, so the time to go is now.” Trekking permits cost $600 per person and need to be purchased well in advance from a company like Let’s Go Travel.

CRUISING TO ANTARCTICA A voyage to the seventh continent consistently ranks No. 1 on many bucket lists as one of the most remote places on the planet. News headlines about climate change drove the urgency for many visitors to make the trip sooner than planned. Fear of the unknown and fear of discomfort remain as major deterrents

WONDER AND AWE:

for many, which is why affordable cruise company Polar Latitudes upgraded its ships to improve comfort and safety with all-suite configurations for 100 passengers, offering exterior views from each room. “Antarctica is a destination people want to see while they can because of the time and expense a voyage takes,” says Jonathan Brunger, general manager, Adventure Life. Some of the activities available on the voyages include kayaking among icebergs and spending a night camping on the ice. One of the more interesting activities with Polar Latitudes is its citizen science initiatives with researchers from organizations like NASA and the Scripps Institute, allowing passengers to participate in climate research, penguin and whale surveys and more.

EXPLORING THE RUINS OF MACHU PICCHU As entrance regulations continue to change for this UNESCO World Heritage site, the future is unclear as to what a visit to these ancient ruins will entail in years to come. In the past,

Machu Picchu view from above (above) and inside (left) PHOTOS: © OLIMAYER | DREAMSTIME.COM, © CRISTINA STOIAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

visitors were free to roam the mystical ruins as long as they pleased for only a small entrance fee. As of Jan.1, 2019, re-entry to the TRAZEE TRAVEL 2018 trazeetravel.com

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VIBRANT VIEW:

The Northern Lights in the night sky over a winter Lapland landscape PHOTO: © NIKOLAY TSUGULIEV | DREAMSTIME.COM

citadel will not be allowed, and stays will be limited to a maximum of four hours for Llaqta de Machu Picchu. When booking tickets for this Incan citadel, consider including a ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain, where visitors are able to enter the citadel an hour earlier to make an hour-long climb up the steep mountain to another Incan ruin offering postcard-worthy views over the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

WATCHING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN AN IGLOO IN FINLAND The Northern Lights are often called “the fickle lady,” as they don’t always show up … even after viewers traveled thousands of miles and spent an equal sum of money to get the chance to see them in person. Finland offers more opportunities to see this natural phenomenon than most other destinations due to its percentage of clear nights and latitude. Northern Lapland offers the chance to see the lights about every other clear night between September and March, while they show up in southern Finland roughly 10–20 nights per year. Although now is as good a time as any to see the lights, scientists predict a surge of aurora activity will likely begin mid-2019, bringing increased atmospheric activity until the solar maximum, likely in 2025.

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g to rdin o c c A net, List. t e k hern Buc Nort e h t g ost seein the m s i ers’ s on us Light m e t s, lar i popu t list e k c ces e bu erien p x e onlin by on wed going follo m o r ing f g the rang seein o t t. ise Egyp a cru n i s mid pyra

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Great Getaways Discover the best weekend jaunts to suit your style.

BY CARLEY WADE

IN BLOOM:

Longwood Gardens PHOTO: © LYUDMILA MENSHOV | DREAMSTIME.COM

rt irpo a d e ct Add dire d n e sa t th way hou g run u ea thro mak hts s g e i l r t f asie Sta e d t e n t e. jau Uni efor end b k r e we eve than 40

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NOT ALL TRAVELERS ARE CREATED EQUAL, which is why not every weekend getaway is the same. Whether you’re looking for your toes in the sand or music to tap your toes to, there are several styles of getaway for the foodie, family, adventurer and more. Here are a few with convenient flights and a plethora of activities — or the opportunity to laze the day away in style.

FOODIE | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Forget the cheesesteak! Some of the country’s most creative and exciting restaurants reside in Philly, thanks to chef-owners drawn to one of the last bastions of affordable rents. Plan ahead to get a spot at Top Chef winner

Nick Elmi’s 22-seat Laurel, or cozy up at his creative cocktail palace, ITV, next door. Stroll through this funky Brooklyn-like neighborhood or stick closer to the area where most of the hotels are, downtown at 13th Street.

There, stick-to-your-ribs fare comes in spades thanks to Chef Marcie Turney and her partner, Valerie Safran.

Their nine restaurants and boutiques turned the area into a trendy village with plenty of people-watching and shopping (try their tucked-away artisanal chocolaterie Marcie Blain).

No weekend is complete without one of James Beard king Michael Solomonov’s outfits and his eye-opening Israeli cuisine at Zahav. Bonus for mushroom lovers and vegetarians: The borough of Kennett Square — where more than half the nation’s crop is harvested — lies less than an hour away and makes a particularly tasty excursion; make sure you plan for an hour or two at Longwood Gardens, the Versailles of Pennsylvania, as well.

Philadelphia is American Airlines’ hub, so plenty of direct flights travel in and out of the East Coast.

BEACH | Bermuda It’s easy to see most of this 21-mile-wide island nation in a weekend and still get a chance to relax at low-key yet high-brow beaches.

This British territory gained some steam recently as a honeymoon spot thanks to its Zika-free shores, but sailors have also buoyed the local economy for centuries, and the 2017 America’s Cup brought a bout of hotel refurbishments that put new shine on the penny. New The Loren at Pink Beach offers chic seclusion — and an unforgettable, three-course, shore-side cabana brunch on Sundays. Fairmont Hamilton Princess’ $100 million renovation included the addition of Marcus Samuelsson’s new Marcus’ (specializing in seafood, of course), and several craft cocktail bars and restaurants tempt visitors all along the capital’s Front Street just a couple of blocks from the hotel.

It’s easy to get around by bus or zipping around via Twizy, cool electric cars with docking stations conveniently spread across the island. One is at the Royal Naval Dockyard, a one-stop shop for anyone with just a couple of days to spare; it houses the National Museum, Bermuda Rum Cake Company & Glassworks, Dolphin

Quest and glass-bottomed boat tours. Whether you’re departing during the day with kids or living it up on a night sailing, each includes a complimentary rum swizzle.

Both Delta Air Lines and JetBlue offer direct flights of less than two hours from Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK).

FAMILY | Washington, D.C. Free is always the right price for families, and many attractions in the nation’s capital — such as the Air and Space Museum, National Zoo and the new-ish National Museum of African American History and Culture — are complimentary. Aim for an April departure and you’ll not only beat the summer heat, but also you might get lucky enough to catch the iconic cherry blossoms. The annual festival celebrating the pink blooms is timed around when they’re best predicted to open (typically mid-March through mid-April) and includes a kite festival, musical acts, fireworks and food trucks.

Stay at the Willard InterContinental just a few blocks from The White House, and in April you’ll not only enjoy some of the city’s biggest rooms (starting at 375 square feet), but you’ll also maximize

SERENE SECLUSION:

The Loren at Pink Beach PHOTO: © THE LOREN AT PINK BEACH

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ROMANCING IN MAINE:

Local lobster, Atlantic seafood and scrumptious fine dining by candlelight await at the White Barn Restaurant (top); and a wellstocked bar and fireplace make for a romantic evening at Earth at Hidden Pond Restaurant (bottom).

PHOTOS: © WHITE BARN RESTAURANT, © EARTH AT HIDDEN POND RESTAURANT

your chances to see Millie the mallard, the hotel’s unofficial mascot who’s fond of laying her eggs in the courtyard. Guests delight at seeing her and her ducklings milling about in spring.

The hotel’s kids’ concierge schedules programming honoring the history of the hotel and 200-year-old property; all youths who check in get sugar cookies in the shape of Millie.

Three airport options and easy Metro transportation to and from them make D.C. an A-plus for parties of three or more.

ROMANTIC | Maine It’s not called Vacationland for nothing, and there are plenty of places to take your “Maine” squeeze on a rustic yet refined getaway featuring the best coastal dining. Kennebunkport’s a hotbed of posh seaside hotels; and if you’re looking for an aphrodisiac, you’re in luck — many feature their own restaurants, so the world is your oyster with bubbly and bivalves sans driving. Earth at Hidden Pond serves up farm-to-fork cuisine, and you can feast outside under the stars just a few feet from where lettuce and heirloom tomatoes are grown before you head back to a cottage nestled in 60 acres of birch forest. Get froufrou with French at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort’s Ocean restaurant, featuring Chef Pierre Gignac’s inspired takes on Maine’s most famous export — lobster — and a coastline feast for the eyes.

At Relais & Châteaux luxury property Grace White Barn Inn & Spa, the restaurant’s tasting menu features rich foie gras, lobster tortellini and

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caviar, all aglow in candlelight. All massage services can be offered as a dual treatment in the Couple’s Spa Suite, or cuddle up in front of the fireplace available in most of the 26 rooms.

It’s just as nice in fall, when you can find some of the country’s best leaf-peeping while driving just 90 minutes up the coastline from Boston’s Logan International Airport.

ADVENTURE | Colorado Some consider being two hours away from civilization adventure enough, but for anyone who grew up watching Billy Crystal, roping a steer is on the bucket list. Broadmoor Resort’s City Slicker Experience offers up just that in the heart of the Colorado wilderness, where 3,200 acres teeming with canyons; wildflowers; pink-granite cliffs; and pine, spruce and aspen surround all-day adventurers learning how to drive cattle like the most experienced ranch hand.

Afterward, turn from rugged to refined in one of just 10 cabins, each with its own fireplace, and communal chef dining. The get-away-from-it-all experience can continue at Broadmoor’s Fly Fishing Camp, with Orviscertified professional guides and its own private five-mile stretch of the Taryall River stocked with rainbow trout and more. Bonus? You can recuperate with a day reveling in luxury at the 779-room main resort, celebrating its 2018 centennial with a number of refurbishments. There’s a spa, a couple of pools, golf and fine dining.

Getting here is easy, too, when you fly directly into Colorado Springs Airport. A Broadmoor shuttle desk sits just in front of baggage claim (one-hour shuttle service is available from the Denver International Airport, too).

DON'T FENCE ME IN:

The Broadmoor provides horseback riding for the true outdoorsman who can’t get enough of the Colorado wilderness (top), and its Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp offers seclusion and some of Colorado’s best bites on a private stretch of the Taryall River (bottom).

PHOTOS: © THE BROADMOOR

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MUSIC | New Orleans, Louisiana Music is as much a part of life here as jambalaya and po’boys, and there is indeed dancing in the streets almost every weekend. Come with an appetite to party, since some of the best free entertainment is tableside: The saints come marching in — again and again — at jazz brunches throughout the city. Get your fill at some of the most iconic (Commander’s Palace or Brennen’s, or spice it up with the burlesque shows at SoBou) before heading to the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

You’ll discover plenty of festivals throughout the year dedicated to what grooves you (Satchmo Summer Fest, Jazz & Heritage, Voodoo, Music & Arts, Blues & BBQ), but the city sparkles with long happy hours and live nightly shows year-round.

Hotels like Monteleone (with its funky carousel bar) and clubs including Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s keep the party going long into the wee hours.

A new airport terminal scheduled to wrap in 2019 will make it even easier to travel here, thanks to more gates and flight options. Plus, a plan to expand the food court with local treats including Café du Monde beignets will have visitors whistling a happy tune.

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ALL THAT JAZZ:

The New Orleans Jazz Museum teaches visitors about the city’s music history (top), and (right) Preservation Hall perpetuates New Orleans jazz.

PHOTOS: © NOLA JAZZ MUSEUM, © F11PHOTO | DREAMSTIME.COM

Wonders to Behold Iconic landmarks across the globe continue to fascinate visitors. BY ANGELIQUE PLATAS BLUE GLOW:

Ice cave at the Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland PHOTO: © GLENN NAGEL | DREAMSTIME.COM

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WHILE THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY CONTINUES to change, bending to meet the needs of ever-evolving travel trends, one thing remains the same: Iconic landmarks reign supreme. Whether traveling to a destination specifically to visit the must-see locale or just looking for something to see and do on vacation, we’re drawn in by iconic sites.

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Maybe you heard about a must-see destination, or saw the Golden Gate Bridge and steep hills of San Francisco on Full House and decided to make a pilgrimage — either way, word gets around, and we feel wanderlust for culture and FOMO experiences.

Measuring iconic locales to visit can vary person to person, but in terms of most visited, it’s safe to say these landmarks are the world’s most sought-after.

According to airline and hotel booking sites, Iceland is one of the hottest travel destinations of the past few years. Once on the island, visitors flock to its naturally beautiful caves and hot springs. The rising interest in Iceland drove hundreds of thousands to the iconic natural geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. Last year

alone, more than 700,000 international guests made their way to the lava field for the mineral-rich waters.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, stands out among a slew of icons. Whether its dark history or its famous image provides the allure, the ancient gladiator battleground attracts visitors from around the world to get a look at the ruins.

When a destination is so remote and ancient that droves of visitors threaten its existence just by over-tourism, you know you have an intriguing destination. Insert Machu Picchu, Peru. This South American wonder boasts incredible beauty, scenic hikes, tribal ruins and history — hence the reasons more than 1 million visitors made their way to its mountainside in 2016.

Recently on a slight decline in annual tourist visits, Stonehenge in England still records more than 1 million visitors each year. The historic site dates back to 2,000–3,000 B.C., becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. The mysterious allure of the rocks and beautiful surrounding landscape easily captivate tourists.

Barcelona’s vibrant city streets and Gothic architecture attracted visitors for ages. When you see a mosaic tile-covered wall, you know you’re in Barcelona and within view of the Sagrada Família. The towering cathedral was inspired by the surrounding old-world architecture of the city mixed with nature and forward momentum — but most of all, it’s an unbelievable building to behold.

ARCHITECTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

Sagrada Família (left), and the Colosseum in Rome (below) PHOTOS: © IVAN ABRAMKIN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © PROCHASSON FREDERIC | DREAMSTIME.COM

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HIGH POINTS:

Christ the Redeemer above Rio de Janeiro (right), and the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens (below) PHOTOS: © RENATO MACHADO | DREAMSTIME .COM, © ADREA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Zooming aerial shots in movies take in the epic views of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the vantage of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue sitting above the city. While an impressive shot, the white replica of Christ is much more than a dramatic focal point for film. Tourists, religious pilgrims and locals trek the steep climb to its feet each year. While recent statistics report more than 1.8 million visitors recorded annually, nearly 14,000 visitors find their way to the statue on Easter Sunday alone.

Another historical site standing the test of time in more ways than one, the Acropolis of Athens attracts tourists by the millions. The ancient ruins sit atop Greece’s ruggedly beautiful cliffs, offering views in quite literally every direction. While restoration projects have been ongoing for years to preserve and maintain the ancient site, the scaffolding hasn’t deterred tourism. Visitor numbers climb year to year, and experts predict Athens will see a record high by the end of this year — around 4.5 million international guests.

Just the idea of tourists flocking to iconic landmarks in far-off destinations may make you think of the Eiffel Tower, and for good reason. This impressive structure has held the hearts of residents and tourists since it was completed in Paris in 1889.

Perfectly set in the heart of the city, the Eiffel Tower as a focal point has transcended into an icon. The landmark, a universal

symbol of travel, is on many bucket lists, recording 7 million visitors each year.

One of the only iconic destinations seen from space, The Great Wall of China attracts more than 10 million travelers annually. Visitors from all over the world converge on the historic site. Travelers come to witness one of the world’s most impressive manmade structures — stretching more than 13,000 miles — while taking in the natural views. Adventure seekers enter marathon runs and athletic tours along the scenic and thrilling path.

One of the world’s first iconic sites at more than 3,000 years old, the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, ranks as a top contender. With a 3,023-foot perimeter and standing 480 feet high, the tomb remains a wonder to behold. Nearly 15 million visitors each year trek (or ride camels) through the desert just outside Cairo for a look.

Located on the border of New York and Ontario, Niagara Falls may be the most unexpected yet most visited iconic destination in the world. This massive group of waterfalls includes 6

POWERFUL SYMBOLS:

Niagara Falls (above), and the Pyramids of Giza (left) PHOTOS: © PATRYK KOSMIDER | DREAMSTIME .COM, © ANNA KRIVITSKAIA | DREAMSTIME.COM

million cubic feet of pounding water, spraying visitors in boats seeking a closer peek at the grandness of it all. An astonishing 30 million visitors put on their ponchos and head to the Canadian

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NATURAL OCCURRENCE:

Torres del Paine (above), and Redwood National Park (right) PHOTOS: © JPBARCELOS | DREAMSTIME.COM, © ZRFPHOTO | DREAMSTIME .COM

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and U.S. border each year.

Notice a theme here? The world’s most iconic sites, most visited destinations and bucket list-worthy locales are all steeped in history and culture while surrounded by natural beauty. It’s safe to say this level of fame and allure stemmed from the world’s first iconic landmarks, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Seven Wonders became world-renowned and revered through the rich history and culture surrounding them. With a lineup ranging from the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Colossus of Rhodes to the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, iconic sites used to be commissioned by kings for honor and grandeur. But we have a new list of wonders consisting of more natural features, based on recent travel trends.

Travelers flock to the wild, natural landscapes of our world to see giant, centuries-old trees in Redwood National Park in California or the iconic peaks and dips of Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chile. They hike active volcanoes on Hawai’ian islands or take the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway to see Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. They experience a wild safari up close on the Serengeti and South African wildlife reserves or trek up north to view the aurora borealis in its splendor.

Whatever your preference — history and culture or wildlife and nature — there is an iconic locale for you to seek. Interestingly, the oldest sites at the heart of our history and civilization remain the most attractive to today’s society. With all the new structures going up each year and grand openings of bigger and better towers and buildings, it’s comforting to know the natural wonders and ancient manmade icons of the world still hold the most value. It seems time only adds to their interest and fascination for avid travelers.

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