traveler and tourist Issue 2 FEB/mar 2020
the spring issue
editor’s note
STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Welcome to the February-March edition of Traveler and Tourist magazine! Hope you enjoyed reading the first issue of the year and will find this special equally inspiring. This month’s edition shines light on women in the travel industry and how they contribute to the sector in their unique way. From products by women to women-owned businesses to support in the travel and hospitality space, there are more ways than one to see how women play a big role in the industry. Ample reading material as we welcome spring. As always, the monthly giveaway of a bag full of travel related goodies is up for grabs. To enter, simply sign up to receive the magazine alert directly to your email inbox. If you’ve already subscribed, then you are already entered to win the monthly goody bag...that simple! Additional giveaways are hosted online so follow all the social media channels linked to the right here to stay abreast of our adventures and other alerts.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS314915-A
Editor’s Pick
Enjoy your personal copy of this latest edition and do let us know if you liked reading this issue as much as we did working on it! Ruksana Hussain
Editor and Publisher: Ruksana Hussain Creative Director: Parker Shatkin Cover photo: Royal Castle, Poland Photo by Ruksana Hussain
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IN THIS ISSUE Travel Diary restaurant review on our radar style statement coastal charm at saint simons portland: city of roses sustainable travel at your service european affair: poland Poland, pg 30
design district special focus plan your vacation health on the go shelf esteem
4 6 8 12 16 20 26 28 30 36 40 46 48 50
Santa Monica, pg 36
Traveler and Tourist magazine is published online in California, USA and distributed digitally to subscribers worldwide. No portion of this magazine can be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from publisher. All information gathered within is considered to be reliable,but accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. ISSN 2576-5175.
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travel diary
art vancouver april The popular art festival draws over 10,000 art lovers every year to view well-known and new artists. Also indulge in live demonstrations, speaker series, art classes and guided tours. The event’s mission is to grow, inspire and empower the local, national and international arts community.
Celebrating Global Art and Design A glance at art and design events around the world to plan your travels around in the future
paris art and design may A pioneering event for art and design aficionados and collectors, it offers an intimate cocoon to those who have made decorative arts and design the core of their collection, driven by passion and heritage. This year will give greater room to Primitive Art, so mark your calendars for May 12-17 in Les Tuileries.
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gz-basel june Enjoy the sixth edition with the theme of Embracing Art, June 3-7 in Basel, Switzerland. Hosted at the well-known Basel Art Center, the event will display select paintings, photography, sculpture, installation-art, video and performance. The chosen theme is emotion, a globally recognizable topic.
art santa fe july A contemporary art and design fair, the three-day curated show features extraordinary works from around the world, specially curated programming, special events, and entertainment. Exhibitors include top galleries, art dealers, and established independent artists and designers from the Santa Fe area, across the U.S., and around the world.
art nocturne knocke august Block out a week in Belgium for this art bonanza. Expect a mix of established and new artists, and a mix of antique, modern and contemporary art and design from various styles, periods and continents presented in an eclectic setting. The seaside resort that hosts will be a perfect summer escapade or retreat for the travel enthusiast.
brussels art on paper september The international fair on contemporary drawing presents a unique panorama of the quality and diversity of approaches dedicated to this practice in the center of Brussels. It offers the opportunity to connect different audiences, art professionals and enthusiasts alike, in discovering this plurality through the presentation of artists’ solo shows.
art basel miami december
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Leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia show significant work from masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well as the new generation of emerging stars. In 2018, the 17th edition of Art Basel in Miami Beach attracted an attendance of 83 000, showing 268 premier galleries from 35 countries.
london art fair january
Vancouver, Canada
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
fine art print fair october
Begin the year connecting with the best galleries from around the world featuring seasoned and aspiring collectors. From 20–24 January, with a VIP Preview 19 January, the fair nurtures collecting at all levels and offers expert insight into the changing international market throughout three distinct sections.
The largest and most celebrated art fair dedicated to fine prints, the fair celebrates 500 years of printmaking.The event represents more than 160 vetted international art galleries and publishers who champion the work of artists in printmaking from old masters to contemporary.
Singapore affordable art fair november The fair showcases a variety of local, regional and international galleries of fresh, affordable art that delights both first time buyers and experienced collectors. Choose from floral, animal, colorful or monochrome works as well as sculpture, landscapes and portraits. Many pieces are under $1000 and a steal for the price.
Singapore
Photo by Lily Banse on Unsplash
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restaurant review
Taco Time: Tuesdays or Any Day earthy flavor. All of their tomatoes, tomatillos, and other vegetables are roasted to prepare each of their house-made salsas. The team also weighs, rolls out and hand presses each of their tortillas for their tacos and hand makes every quesadilla so they are fried and do not break. The restaurant features a wood smoker, using pecan wood to smoke everything from chicken wings and different meats to the poblano chiles. Their mole is also made from scratch whenever they offer it, individually preparing each ingredient, which can sometimes include up to thirty different ingredients. Whether it is toasting the sesame seeds and nuts, frying the plantains, roasting tomatoes, or burning Tacocita’s Taco Trio tortillas to color the mole negro, each and every ingredient has to be prepared in its own special Introducing Tacocita, Pasadena’s newest taco way. stop featuring tacos and smoked chicken made The menu kicks-off with nine signature tacos with incredible flavors from regions all over offering something for everyone. Meat-lovers can Mexico and California. Every item on the menu sink their teeth into the Braised Beef “Birria,”a here is prepared from scratch. The team picks crispy, chile-braised beef short rib taco, with tiny rocks out of bags of dried black beans, then soaks them overnight to prepare them the ancient jack cheese, marinated onions, cilantro, and red salsa; or the Sonoran Style Carne Asada, Mayan way using the water that the dried chiles prepared with grilled skirt steak, a smoked chile were rehydrated in after toasting them, so that glaze, guacamole, marinated onions, cilantro, the beans have a completely unique and special
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FEB/Mar 2020 and red salsa, among other options. The Not Tacos section showcases classic favorites with a contemporary twist such as the Tacocita Salad, Street Cart Fried Quesadillas, and Enchiladas. Choose from beverages such as Purple Rain CBD, Dry Hop Pamplemousse, or Manguava Whalebird Kombucha, or syrup free Pineapple Mint, Jamaica, or Horchata flavored Aguas Frescas made from scratch daily. The interiors here area mix of bold contrasting colors, textured brick, reclaimed wood, organic typography, and vibrant custom murals of plants native to Mexico that surround the building on the exterior and interior. The patio offers an area to take full advantage of the SoCal sunshine while sitting back and enjoying their new taco spot. Bottled Drinks from Tacocita
Tacocita Exterior Images courtesy of Tacocita
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on our radar
on our 8 www.travelerandtourist.com
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Top picks for your travels from our gifting guide (All images provided by respective brands)
radar
well told etched maps barware Always remember where you’ve been with etched barware from Well Told. Featuring detailed city maps on various drinking vessels, you can celebrate those special destinations each time you raise a glass. From where you grew up, to that romantic vacation, to where you partied during Spring Break, Well Told has you covered. But it doesn’t stop at city maps. They also have Marathon Map glasses, Airport Terminal glasses and Constellations in their collection as well, in the form of flasks, insulated drinkware, coasters, bar boards and more. You can also get a customized piece with a unique message to truly make your travels memorable. 9
on our radar
baseline cbd
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This innovative brand is designed to promote homeostasis through plantbased solutions, featuring full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD infused with whole plant ingredients and adaptogens. The Baseline brand is unique to the CBD category by designing products intended for daily use/cumulative benefits, offering a range of formulations mapped to the need states of today’s active consumers and featuring an innovative delivery technology that significantly improves the product’s bioavailability. Each of their four carefully crafted lines combines effective time-honored adaptogens with pure, full-spectrum CBD in a capsule taken daily to help with focus, sleep, stress, or energy.
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suja juice
arcopedico sandals Warm weather is just around the corner which means showing off those toes, and a sandal from Arcopedico is just the way to do it! These sandals feature the brand’s famous twin arch system, which ensures your feet will be comfy all.day.long. Seriously. Harley is a whimsical wedge with support you can feel. The sandal features hook and loop closure at the ankle to provide a perfect fit and allow maximum adjustability. The upper is made with their patented Lytech™ blend and complimented by the Arne-Dry footbed which makes this wedge a lightweight, breathable and flirty pick for your spring and summer adventures. Other designs, patterns and colors available on the site.
Leading cold-pressed, organic and nonGMO beverage company Suja debuted the brand’s innovative new line of functional beverages, alongside new packaging for the full product lineup, recently. Developed in collaboration with supermarket chain Whole Foods, Suja’s new Elevated Nutrients line is launching exclusively onto the retailer’s store shelves nationwide. Designed to heighten consumers’ overall wellness regimens, Suja created the dynamic line of seven chef-crafted juices to be packed with key vitamins, minerals and premium functional ingredients offering benefits from beauty, to immunity, energy and detoxification.
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on our radar
bu sunscreen A pump spray that’s easy to take on the go and even easier to apply, Bu goes on so lightly that it feels like a puff of air when applying. It leaves a silky-smooth and invisible layer of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, is great for all skins and not greasy, sticky or filmy.The no-touch applicator keeps your hand clean so conveniently use it to just spray and dry. It is dermatologist recommended and great for sensitive skin, as it is moisturizing, hypoallergenic, and more. The mist applicator provides 170 sprays per 1 oz bottle and 500 sprays per 3.3 oz bottle. The SPF 30 comes in three soft, natural scents: white sage, citrus, and fragrance-free.
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just the cheese snacks These delicious and crunchy 100% pure cheese snacks were awarded first place in the Natural Snacks category of the prestigious World Championship Cheese contest! The 100% Wisconsin cheese baked into bars and mini bites is naturally low in carbs, gluten-free and only 75 calories per bar. While most “cheese crisps”are air-dried, Just the Cheese® is oven baked, caramelizing the cheese which results in a cheesier flavor and crunchier texture. Perfect for a portable snack on the go, which all ages will love. Available in multiple flavors including Aged Cheddar, Grilled Cheese, Jalapeno Cheese, Mild Cheddar, White Cheddar, Wisconsin Cheddar, and Garlic & Chive.
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yunizon sunglasses The all-inclusive, gender-neutral sunglasses that are created with everyone in mind. One size has never fit all and Yunizon is here to solve that. A new sunglass brand that’s revolutionizing the way you shop for shades, their proprietary Global Fit Technology celebrates individuality with design enhancements for every face shape and size, so all you have to worry about is choosing a favorite style. Look stylish and protect your eyes from the sun’s powerful rays without compromising your comfort or fit. Lightweight and shatter-resistant CR-39 lenses and thin acetate frames don’t weigh you down, and the fashion forward styles are inspired by the diversity of New York.
mobile edge travel totes A good, quality tote is a must-have travel companion for women on the go, especially totes designed with today’s busy travelers in mind. Mobile Edge totes not only protect your tech gear and keep it organized with dedicated compartments for laptops, mobile devices, cords, accessories and personal items; they also let you travel in style with fashion-inspired designs and materials. From sleek totes designed for Chromebooks, Ultrabooks, and Tablets, to roomy multi-purpose bags that can double as purses, travel bags, or briefcases, Mobile Edge totes combine sophisticated looks and fashion with innovative features and versatility. Pictured here is the Urban Tote. 13
east coast destination
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coastal charm in georgia saint simons island offers a beachfront getaway 15
east coast destination
One of the many islands that form the Golden Isles along the Georgian coast, Saint Simons Island is a waterfront getaway in the southeast with plenty of culture and cuisine to entice the traveler in you. Weather is great almost all year-round and the natural beauty of the region does leave a favorable impression on all visitors.
Shrimp and Grits
dine
Any of the restaurants as you head toward the pier here on the island are a great choice. Others you can visit are Halyard’s and Tramici. The former is a relaxed grill eatery with an outdoor lounge area featuring locally sourced seafood and meat dishes. It is an upscale setting and a great spot for locals to gather. The latter is a family oriented Italian restaurant with pizza, pasta and other comfort food choices. Great prices and service and a laidback relaxed atmosphere make it an inviting choice. The calamari and tuna tartare are recommended at Halyard’s while Tramici has fantastic salads, soups and sandwiches. Given the proximity to the ocean, fresh seafood is guaranteed and some of your choice fare can be easily found locally. But also ask around for some of the southern delicacies to indulge in such as shrimp and grits and oysters, and hearty stew. 16 www.travelerandtourist.com
Images: Ruksana Hussain
stay The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort is located along a semi-secluded stretch of the shoreline here. It is a big part of the history of the area and a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The resort is one of only six properties in the entire state of Georgia. A room here will get you a good view of the water, overlooking the hotel pool. Early morning walks along the shore are recommended and if you leave the windows just a tad bit ajar at night, you will sleep to the lull of those gorgeous ocean waves. The dining here is world class, without a doubt, and a spot in front of the lobby fireplace might tempt you into never leaving. In past avatars, the hotel has been a naval facility, a dance club and contributed in a big way to the island’s timeline. And if you enjoy golf, you are at one of the best spots to indulge in that hobby as well.
A room at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort
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Views of the Georgia Coast
vacay For your sightseeing itinerary, consider the village pier for a breezy walk (where you will find many enjoying some fishing), the historic Lighthouse Museum and Christ Church Frederica. Lighthouse Trolleys offers several local tours that are fully narrated -the nighttime ghost tour and the history tour are both a good choice. There are many water activities available –head for a dolphin tour or shrimping tour, or get active with hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. You can easily use Saint Simons as home base to visit other islands in the vicinity including Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Sapelo and Cumberland, should you have the time to venture out. Other points of interest include the local beaches, southern architecture and culinary delights, and some insight on local sea life conservation at the Turtle Conservation Center.
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style statement
Flawless Vacation Vibe Essentials
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Travel comfortably and in style with pieces chosen for your next summer escape. From happy blues and green, to versatile neutrals, to bright pinks and yellows that stand out, vacation with these on-trend designs created to wear right out of the suitcase. Clothes that will ensure repeated washing and wearing no matter how long the journey. Look stylish anytime and anywhere with Kut from the Kloth, a vibrant, contemporary lifestyle brand
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known for blending modern trends with coastal flavor. With couture-inspired fashion that’s both accessible and affordable, look like a million bucks and still have plenty of cash to spare. Designed for women and by women, the innovative fabrics, flawless fit and sophisticated style are perfect for travel. 19
virtual travel
Virtual Tours Offer Escape During Pandemic With all the travel restrictions around us since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus spread a pandemic, many destinations and venues are releasing links to virtual tours that you can enjoy online in the comfort of your homes while you quarantine or shelter in place. Some of these vistas are simply stunning while others provide hours on end of entertainment. Here is a collection of some of our best virtual tour ideas to keep you occupied while safe at home with friends and family or alone and unable to move outdoors. In a time of uncertainty and containment, the communities of the Reno-Tahoe Territory in Nevada offer travelers-at-heart an opportunity to escape with a virtual destination tour. The scenery of the Reno-Tahoe Territory is like no other place in the world. To the west are the towering Sierra Nevadas, sheltering pristine Lake Tahoe. Falling to the east is the Great Basin, a horizon of basin and ranges as far as the eye can see. The region’s climate and landscape are vast, wide, wild and seasonal. Take in this mental escape through the lens of the region’s scattered webcams. 20 www.travelerandtourist.com
Step back in time with this view of Virginia City, where you can view an 1800s mining town, left pretty much as it was back in the day. Take in a dose of calm as Lake Tahoe’s waters ripple in the wind with a live view from North Lake Tahoe. You can almost feel the water from this Incline Village webcam on the North Shore. South Shore’s Stateline, Nevada webcam is a pleasant peek of turquoise waters and bluebird skies. See Tahoe’s shore from this Edgewood Tahoe vantage point. Watch from an elevated, high alpine position from the summit of Diamond Peak in Incline Village, Nevada. Carson City, Nevada’s capital, displays the wideopen and scenic Carson Range where glimpses of lush spring are peaking through. Watch as the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno begins to churn with the spring melt. See majesty of Mt. Rose from Reno’s mountain-view camera. During these tumultuous times, these virtual tours being offered in Tennessee can be experienced from the comfort of your home as safety is the highest concern. Choose from Tennessee History for Kids or a shopping tour of main street in Bristol. Chattanooga offers up views of the Tennessee Aquarium and meerkats at the Chattanooga Zoo. Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Greenville’s Downtown tour, and Franklin’s Downtown Tour are also available. Nashville has a few options up its sleeve! Virtual concerts can be viewed online as well as videos from the Country Music Hall of Fame are available here. Grand Ole Opry is streaming live shows Saturdays while the Musicians Hall of Fame
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Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno
Photo by Andrew Sterling on Unsplash
& Museum has their own YouTube videos up here. Over in Pigeon Forge, the Dollywood app offers an interactive map to the park and Rutherford County has a virtual tour of the area as well. While the American Museum of Natural History is closed, the Museum is sharing a range of online content — from materials for families and teachers to virtual tours, videos, games, and more — that engages and educates audiences of all ages. This includes The OLogy science website, where kids and families can find fun activities and games to learn about the natural world around them and Online curriculum collections for teachers, parents, and students, on topics ranging from dinosaurs to river ecology.
There are opportunities to visit virtually through the Museum’s YouTube channel, as well as through previously recorded tours of the Museum’s halls and collections. Learning opportunities for all ages are available through Museum courses on Coursera, Khan Academy, and Kahoot, and a wealth of other online resources is available on the Museum’s website too. And to end on a fun note, the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City decided to put their Head of Security in charge of social media during the pandemic. Check out the genuinely hilarious Twitter feed of the daily updates he shares and you will know why he’s a national favorite in America now. Enjoy virtual tours of The Louvre and its Egyptian antiquities collection and the galleries and architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum offers a virtual guided tour of the artist’s works on display and iconic views from Yellowstone National Park are also available to satiate your wanderlust. One of the largest and most visited zoos in America, San Diego Zoo has set up live streams so you can watch some of the habitats even from home. The British Museum also brings you into its galleries with a virtual, interactive experience covering arts, objects, sculptures and more. In fact, Google Arts & Culture is a digital platform that has partnered with more than 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries to give you glimpses of these must-see attractions at your convenience. Pick from the the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Milan. Choose to be anywhere in the world virtually while you stay home for now. 21
west coast destination
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Portland: The City of Roses in Full Bloom Images: Ruksana Hussain
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west coast destination One of the must-visit west coast destinations is Portland, the largest city in the state of Oregon and home to The Rose Test Gardens, featuring several varieties of roses that are a blanket of color when in season. Think picture postcard scenes and perfect for family portraits or, well, Instagram ones too. Nature enthusiasts are known to spend hours here simply admiring the flowers. A 5-minute walk from the Rose Gardens is the Japanese Gardens. It is said to be the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan and has about ten scenic spots in total. The different gardens are a dream for photogs. If lucky, you might find a bench or two where you can take a minute to enjoy the calm and quiet. Or read a book if that’s your thing. They have some fantastic views of the city near the gift shop.
Lan Su Chinese Gardn
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Also nearby are the Oregon Zoo, The World Forestry Center, Portland Children’s Museum and Hoyt Arboretum. A highly recommended visit is to The Lan Su Chinese Garden, past the Shopping District and Pearl District, where there are some nice stores so if you have retail therapy on your mind, those would be your stops. With 12 different vistas here, and a booklet to explain everything, you could easily spend a few hours inside if not in a hurry. They also have a little tea house if you need a pit stop but have a few seats at each vista if you want to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Claim to fame? The most authentic Suzhou-style Chinese garden outside of China. Most of the building materials and plant species came here from China. Also it took 65 artisans from China 10 months to get this completed. Another garden is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, a botanical garden perfect for a lovely walk along a lake and woods during the day. Some of the most beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas grow here at Crystal Springs. It’s a pretty quiet venue and a good spot for some alone time, especially if you’d like to bring along a book to read and enjoy with your coffee. You will chance upon ducks and geese, but possibly other species as well. Fondly referred to as OMSI, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has a few fun exhibits to spare a few hours. A necessary stop is the Portland Art Museum. If you have the time their cute café is worth a visit as is their amazing gift store. The Native American exhibits see a
FEB/Mar 2020 substantial portion of the museum dedicated to it. Across the street is the Oregon Historical Society which has historic exhibits about the state, and a huge collection of resources for the public at their library. We hear the exhibits change often so look online for an update on the latest. Other spots to include on the agenda are The Grotto and Maritime Museum. A stop at the Portland Mercado is recommended - an open-air market concept offering Latin American foods and multiple vendors. You can’t miss the building – it’s colorful and has eye-catching wall murals. Cuisines available here are Cuban, Oaxacan, Peruvian, Colombian, Venezuelan and Nicaraguan. Chez Dodo for Mauritian food is also a worthy spot. Walk along to the waterfront to enjoy the samosas, and rice and noodle dishes. Of course, Portland’s food carts are wellknown, and many get busy during peak hours and weekend. Other dining recommendations are PokPok thai, Nong’s Khao Man Gai and Bollywood Theater. Visiting during restaurant week is also a great idea to maximize great deals from local businesses. Stay at Jupiter NEXT Hotel, a modern boutique hotel close to the Pearl District. The minimalist décor and large wall murals are eye-catching as is the sleek furniture and large lobby area. For a time saver and convenient go about, purchase a Big Pink Sightseeing Grayline Hopon Hop-off Portland Trolley Tour day pass. You can buy this from the driver if you happen to see the trolley anywhere or from their ticket location right in the middle of Pioneer Square.
Portland Mercado
Helps that this is located near the travel info center where you can get other tourist info as well as restroom facilities. Also helps that it is right next to Starbucks if you wanted to pick up coffee. And it never hurts to be located close to some retail storesand restaurants in case you happened to be there too early and needed to waste time window shopping. They cover 13 attractions on the trolley and provide narration along the way. They tell you exactly where they will pick you up and at what time,so you never have to worry about being stranded anywhere. So get on the ride and explore Portland on your next trip. Check out this video for additional visual inspiration!
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sustainable travel
mindful traveling Sarah Casewit, Marta Tucci and Sofia Mascotena, the founders of Naya Traveler, share their tips on how to be a more eco-conscious traveler. Naya Traveler offers curated experiential journeys to culturally rich destinations, steeped in ancient traditions and customs. Rooted in first-hand expertise and intimate knowledge, the highly personalized itineraries focus on exclusive insider experiences that bring back purpose and value to travel. They provide a unique space to discover a destination through the eyes and knowledge of those who know it best.
A sustainable home away from home Look for hotels committed to protecting the environment as much as possible. Taking this a step further, it’s important to remember how our behavior during a hotel stay can aid this matter: small gestures like turning off the lights, electronics, and AC while we are out on excursions all help reduce the use of power and emissions.
Environmentally friendly airlines Beyond the reduction of carbon emissions through the use of modernized and more efficient fleets, some airlines are also opting for the use of environmentally friendly materials such as carbon fiber seats, recycled paper and reduced use of plastic in the in-flight service and setting protocols in place for responsible waste management.
Plan ahead and pack light Plan out an itinerary/route that is as efficient as possible in order to avoid unnecessary carbon emissions. (This is where planning a trip with the help of a travel expert comes in). It’s important to understand that carbon emissions per passenger can be significantly reduced by offloading unnecessary weight, so the bottom line here is pack light. Take a minute to rethink what clothes and personal belongings you need while traveling and make an effort to travel as lightly as possible.
Make sustainability your companion
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Slow down
Reduce use of plastics such as water bottles, bags and paper. It’s common to consume up to five bottles of water daily while traveling. If you do the math for a standard 10-day trip, that’s a lot of plastic per person! Consider bringing a reusable water bottle; small changes like these go a long way on the road.
Don’t buy into consumerist culture or social pressures when it comes to travel. Travel less, make it count more. It’s infinitely more rewarding to slow down the pace, and engage deeply with a destination, than to race to tick off all the things on your travel bucket list as soon as possible. This form of travel is not only void of genuine personal transformation but is also the most detrimental kind to our suffering planet.
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All the efforts and extra measures we strive to apply within our daily lives to be environmentally conscious, should be our closest companion on the road. If you don’t use a fresh new towel every day at home, there’s no need to do this while traveling, even if hotels offer the option. Following this rule of thumb, small initiatives such as saying no to plastic bags go along way when added up.
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Images: Provided
Naya Traveler curates a special “Walking Journey through the Sacred Andes” itinerary, a journey designed to celebrate and connect with the Pachamama, Quechua for Mother Earth. A unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Quechua beliefs which highlight the relationship between man and earth, witness ancient history in the Land of the Incas, and discover the pristine natural beauty of the Andean highlands. This 7-day luxury trekking experience will take you on a historic section of the Inca trail through 15 different eco-systems, while you traverse a mountain pass over 15,000 feet, explore villages where locals still maintain ageold traditions, and rediscover the mystical beauty of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. Each day’s trek ends with a hot shower in a cozy lodge, complemented by a massage or a dip in an outdoor jacuzzi, followed by a gourmet meal with select wines and all provided with highly personalized service. 27
at your service
Staying Heathy while Traveling: The Coronavirus Update While countries and governments are working round the clock worldwide to understand and address the coronavirus pandemic, you can also be a responsible member of society and do your part to ensure you are healthy and not unnecessarily utilizing emergency resources. The World Health Organization has advised precautionary steps and more resources are available online as well. Here are a few to remember:
1.
Avoid travel if you have a fever or cough. Seek medical care early and share your previous travel history with your health provider, especially if you have any difficulty breathing.
2. Avoid close contact with people
suffering from a cough or fever. Frequently clean your hands with alcoholbased hand rub or soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. If you cough or sneeze, cover your
mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue and immediately discard the tissue safely in a trash can or other garbage disposal. Wash hands immediately. 28 www.travelerandtourist.com
Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.
If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle including proper diet, sleep, exercise and social contacts with loved ones at home and by email and phone with other family and friends.
Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor. Have a plan, where to go to and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required. Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust such as WHO website or, a local or state public health agency.
Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.
Draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous life’s adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak.
FEB/mar 2020 Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak Children may respond to stress in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious, withdrawing, angry or agitated, bedwetting etc. Respond to your child’s reactions in a supportive way, listen to their concerns and give them extra love and attention. Children need adults’ love and attention during difficult times. Give them extra time and attention. Remember to listen to your children, speak kindly and reasure them. If possible, make opportunities for the child to play and relax.
Try and keep children close to their parents and family and avoid separating children and their caregivers to the extent possible. If separation occurs (e.g. hospitalization) ensure regular contact (e.g. via phone) and re-assurance.
Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible, or help create new ones in a new environment, including school/learning as well as time for safely playing and relaxing.
Provide facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words that they can understand depending on their age. This also includes providing information about what could happen in a re-assuring way (e.g. a family member and/or the child may start not feeling well and may have to go to the hospital for some time so doctors can help them feel better).
4. If you decide to wear a face mask,then make sure it covers your mouth and noseand refrain from touching the mask once it’s on. If these are single use masks, then discard after each use and wash hands immediately.
5. If you become sick in the course of travel, then immediately inform the crew and get medical attention as soon as possible. Share your previous travel history. 6. Eat only well-cooked food wherever you are and ensure packages are fully sealed before purchasing. 7. Avoid spitting in public. Public hygiene is of immense importance now more than ever. 8. Avoid close contact and travel with animals that are sick.
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international destination
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poland: an underrated european gem
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international destination
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One of the favored destinations in Europe that is on every travel wish list now is Poland, a country that will mesmerize with its history and culture, architecture and cuisine, natural beauty and more. For a first visit, highly recommended are a stop in Warsaw, the Polish capital, and Krakow, the country’s second largest city. Both have several places of interest to explore, from museums and restaurants to historical sites to hidden gems. The country boasts 16 UNESCO world heritage sights so simply trying to cover even those will address your wanderlust while here.
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Warsaw on my Mind Several cities globally offer direct flights to Warsaw. LOT Polish Airways offers world-class business and premium economy experiences on its Dreamliner fleet. You will find options aplenty to suit every style and budget when it comes to stay choices but the Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and the Sheraton Warsaw Hotel, located minutes from the old town square, are great locations to consider as home base. The former is a 1900s building featuring art deco rooms and ‘star sightings’ are a common occurrence here. The latter is a combination of rich heritage and modern design, with Asian and Italian dining options onsite. For local sightseeing, begin at The Warsaw Rising Museum, which is a tribute to all the people that died fighting for the country’s independence. If you aren’t fully familiar with Polish history, this is a good steppingstone to
understand all that the country has persevered through in being built back to its glory after the war, which caused casualties to lives and monuments of importance. Another spot to stop by is the Warsaw Zoo. The residence located in there might be of interest to historians and film fanatics – it appeared in The Zookeeper’s Wife and you can do a tour inside to learn more about the role of the Zabinskis in saving people during the war. The guided tour covers many artefacts collected from that time and will also take you to the 33
international destination
Following on to Krakow Sukiennice, the Kraków Cloth Hall, is one of the city’s most recognizable icons and probably one you’ve seen in reference to the country in media. It is a UNESCO site and located right in the middle of the market square. It looks beautiful day or night and is a good spot for souvenirs and other mementos. All around the square are restaurants and shops so you can spend a whole day in just this area alone. tunnel entry downstairs from which Another UNESCO site is Wawel many paved their path to freedom. Castle which sits on top of Wawel Hill If your taste buds are game for and is any architect’s dream venue some regional Polish cuisine, then to study the splendor that is so many Stary Dom should be on the top different styles and structures coming of the list of restaurants to enjoy together to create a visual canvas. a meal at. Locals flock here as do Housed here are classic examples of visitors, and their tableside beef Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and tartare preparation is quite the Renaissance architecture. Remember scene stealer. Traditional décor to look up at every turn, there’s adds to the experience of an design galore every which direction authentic meal from start to finish, you can imagine. and the ambiance is lively any time One of the many reasons people you visit. visit here is also to head to the Pope 34 www.travelerandtourist.com
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John Paul II Museum located in his hometown of Wadowice. The tour of his home and church gives you an inside look at his life and death, and his body of work across the years he served his papacy. This is a beautifully designed space and worth your time to add it to your itinerary. Also to add to your agenda, the Wieliczka Salt Mine which is one of the country’snational historic monuments. You will have to go underground to take in the beauty of this structure. There are four chapels
Images: Ruksana Hussain
that are all carved out by the rock salt found here, artistic works by the miners. You will be amazed at how big the attraction is as its all below the surface except for the lobby area. A guided tour here is suggested to learn the importance it plays in the country’s history. For a short getaway from the city, consider heading out to Zakopane which is located at the foot of the Polish Tatra mountains. Considered a mountain resort of sorts and one you can visit year-round. The traditional Highlander cuisine available here brings along its own stories and eating at one of the restaurants will guarantee you stories form the staff. This is also where you’d find Oscypek which is a smoked cheese that is made from salted sheep’s milk that is found solely in this region. Another edible that will catch your attention is the exquisite chocolate made here – a great idea for something from your trip to take home to share with loved ones. 35
plan your vacation
Plan a Group Getaway For Your Friends By Daniel Bayard Jackson
Photo by Chris Murray on Unsplash
Girlfriend getaways have become more popular than ever. It’s a time to connect with friends against a backdrop of adventure or relaxation in exciting new places. But in all of the planning over our trip, we often overlook potential issues that can pop up and impact our friendships. The purpose of these girlfriend getaways is to have a good time with women we love, but if we fail to communicate expectations before making travel arrangements, we may be setting ourselves up for conflict and misunderstandings before we even get to check-in to the hotel. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning a problem-free trip with friends. Invite the right people It’s so tempting to invite all of your girlfriends on a special getaway, but it’s important to remember that any experience leans heavily on the personalities involved. If you plan to do tons of excursions but your friends are more “lounge-by-the-pool” girls, this could cause conflict and disappointment along the way. Be sure you invite women who share the same idea of what’s going to happen 36 www.travelerandtourist.com
on the trip, and whose personalities mesh well with others on the guest list. Discuss group spending plans Between drinks, meals, and tips for hospitality staff, there will be several little costs to cover while you’re on vacation. In order to eliminate any moments of misunderstanding, it’s wise to first have a conversation with friends about how you’ll manage these costs.
FEB/mar 2020 Will one person cover everything? Will the ladies reimburse each other through Venmo? Will one person cover rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft? While it may seem a bit technical, it’s important to discuss how you’ll address this along the way so that you can enjoy your time while being mindful of everyone’s budget. Two out of five people admit to being willing to end a friendship over money (i.e. not being reimbursed for money loaned), so it’s best to keep your friendship intact by communicating and planning together, avoiding any possible hiccups that could put unintentional strain on the relationship.
I’d “wasted” a cute outfit and that the group wasn’t as vivacious as I would have liked. When one friend suggested we call it an early night, I wanted to protest, but I gave in and joined them as we headed out of the club. When we returned to our accommodations, a few of us ended up sitting on the couch and talking for hours. It wasn’t how I initially wanted to spend our first night, but it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. With a little planning and a lot of communication, we can avoid the conflicts that lead to friendship breakups. While having tough conversations about expectations may seem counterproductive to a fun time, they allow us to step into the freedom to enjoy a truly worry-free adventure with the people we love most.
Remain flexible on schedule. We often plan our trips according to the ideas we see on television and comparisons to others’ vacation posts on social media. But it’s important to remember that your experience may veer from the plans you have in mind. While you may design a detailed itinerary of all the “hot spots” to hit during your travels, you may end up falling in love with one location and staying there for the rest of the day. I once took a trip to Miami with friends and had many grand ideas of how our evenings would play out: we’d get really dressed up, dance the night away, and mingle with strangers. But the reality hit me hard when we arrived: we went to a popular salsa bar and, while I was Danielle Bayard Jackson is a friendship thrilled to be there, I caught several of my expert, certified women’s coach, speaker, and friends begin to yawn. And since we’d arrived author of Give it a Rest:The Case for Tough Love later than expected, the band was wrapping Friendships. up when we got there. I was disappointed that
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design district
Old Meets New: Santa Monica Proper’s Architectural Transformation While many instantly recognize Santa Monica Proper’s beach-inspired design by Kelly Wearstler, many don’t know the significant architectural story behind the property’s two juxtaposed buildings: one new build and one historic Santa Monica building. Santa Monica Proper Hotel fuses a circa-1928, Arthur E. Harvey-designed Spanish Colonial Revival building with sleek, sweeping new construction to create the city’s freshest, most invigorating luxury hotel. This unique architectural endeavor took 14 years and hundreds of engineers, consultants and stakeholders, making it one of the most ambitious preservation and ‘ground-up’ construction projects within the City of Santa Monica. 38 www.travelerandtourist.com
In the 1920s, Harvey designed the Santa Monica Professional Building, which was originally used as office and retail space. The historic building is well known to locals and was transformed into a hotel, having been thoughtfully restored when the property opened in June. One of the most unique parts of a Proper stay is that guests have the opportunity to choose between two styles of Kelly Wearstler-designed rooms in the historic landmark building or the new building, each evoking their own vibes and style.
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Upon entry into the historic building, guests are transported to Spain with the historic Spanish architecture and Moorish details. Local artists and designers add a touch of Santa Monica, including a beautiful shell lamp and sandcolored furniture, layered with soft colors and textures, natural sunlight, and ocean breezes. In contrast, the new building, designed by Howard Laks Architecture, is monolithic in nature with a natural, organic palette and furnishings that evoke the beach. Spanning two stylistically different buildings with contrasting styles, the buildings are linked by a suspended bridge.
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design district Wearstler also designed the brand’s flagship San Francisco Proper Hotel. When walking into the lobby of the property, enjoy the ambience of a modern day French art museum. With wall to wall artwork paired with the designer’s signature juxtaposed patterned furniture, the lobby elicits a European salon feeling that evokes the artful living spaces of the past. During San Francisco Proper Hotel’s conception, Wearstler found the design inspired by a vintage piece of art she found at a gallery in Paris. This Parisian artwork helped her to develop a playful storyline about an artful, creative and well-traveled woman who lived at the hotel with her cat, Charmaine, who could often be found walking along the rooftop, which today is home to Charmaine’s rooftop bar. The property’s design embodies the life of this woman with its art-filled walls with pieces from around the world.
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FEB/Mar 2020 Within the lobby, all of the art is from local San Francisco artists, both contemporary and vintage, including Jonathan Anzalone and Joseph Ferriso, or inspired by the surrounding city of San Francisco. The art serves to tap into the cool modern vibe of the city, as seen in a variety of modern art paintings, mixed with its historic classic European influences, as reflected in the architecture of the flatiron building. Within the guestrooms, find the same bold patterns, bright colors and blend of vintage furnishings paired with her own designed
Images: Provided
pieces and pieces from her personal collection. She has procured her various artworks and furnishings in the hotel from around the world, visiting vintage and antique shops, auction houses and smaller art openings and exhibits to experience local artists whenever she travels. To top off the whimsical rooms, custom-designed wallcoverings based on vintage designs with geometric and floral patterns differ from room to room,using different scales, colors and textures. Truly a designer’s paradise for those with an artsy eye.
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special focus
Travel Trends Shaping the Luxury Boutique Experience From bio-architecture and conscience-free cuisine to dispersed hotels and ultimate relaxation methods, creative, inspiring and novel elements reflect the emergence of a movement or burgeoning trend. When it comes toluxury in the ever-changing travel landscape, many are looking to embrace pared back extravagance by interacting with local cultures, respecting nature and participating in something that feels bigger than themselves.
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Lefay Resorts in Lake Garda and the Dolomites has been offsetting CO2 emissions since 2013 (Images: Small Luxury Hotels of the World)
Conscious Luxury
Bio-architecture, conservation projects, widespread plastic-free initiatives and hotels striving for carbon neutrality are the highlight. 43
special focus
Domaine des Etangs in France has rooms scattered around the entire estate in separate farmhouse buildings
Dispersed Hotels
By spreading the destination across buildings in one small town or village, hotels are naturally creating a unique micro-community for guests and locals.
San Canzian Village & Hotel in Buje, Croatia, has been created on the ruins of an ancient medieval village
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Le Refuge de la Traye in Meribel, France has eco-luxury chalets creating a hotel hamlet
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upskilling escapes
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences grant travelers VIP access to specialists in an effort to learn new skills or become experts themselves.
At Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, learn about the island’s precious Neptune grass with a National Geographic presenter.
At Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa,Olympic skier Andrew Weibrecht is available as an exclusive ski guide to hotel guests.
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special focus
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa in California is the first hotel to introduce a sleep fitness program leveraging innovative technology
Wellness from Ahh to Zzz
Indigenous spa practices and rituals such as hay baths, volcanic mud and Ayurvedic therapies are on the rise, while the importance of sleep and innovative solutions to achieve optimum rest continue to be key for overall health and wellbeing.
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: Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad, Switzerland, will host an overnight ‘Bamford B Silent Sleep Retreat’ combining guided wellness techniques with targeted treatments
Destinations to Watch
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Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan, one of the only carbon-negative countries in the world, lures active travelers while cultural enthusiasts appreciate its traditions unhindered by outside influences
The Norman Tel Aviv is the only luxury boutique hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel
At Dinamo Hotel Baku, explore Azerbaijan, which is a perfect combination of European, Asian and Middle Eastern influences that make The Land of Fire a fascinating place
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Health on the go
eating healthy when home or traveling With the new cases of the coronavirus cropping up every day, one thing people are starting to think about is how the food supply chain is being affected. It’s going to be a big deal, but there are alternatives like choosing more plant based foods, says Chef Suzi Gerber, executive chef and director of Haven Foods, as well as a restaurant, food, and medical industry consultant, and author of Plant-Based Gourmet. Per the FDA, all food being imported to
the U.S. is at a new level of screening, not just things from problem areas with registered outbreaks, slowing things coming into the country considerably. Expect missing or delayed entry for many products in meat, dairy and eggs, there is also special concern for all imported poultry and fish. Plant-based foods are not immune to the probes butare safer bets for consumers because they are 90% less likely to harbor the virus. Whether you are traveling or not in these constantly evolving circumstances, Gerber has a few healthy tips for you. 48 www.travelerandtourist.com
Pack a snack bag I am on the road 10-14 days a month so I know how hard it can be to keep in shape and dedicated to health when off your routine. Before every trip, for work or play,I make sure one of my bags is a reusable shopping bag with: Dried fruit, fresh fruit that travel well like clementine, freeze-dried veggies (like broccoli and kale, or my new favorites mushrooms and okra!), a few powdered mixes like multivitamin Emergen-C Make your first stop a decent grocery store It’s tempting to forage for food in local restaurants, or worse,gas stations and convenience stores, but rather than treating your travels like a wilderness adventure, go for your best bet: a grocery store. This quick trip will not only save you money but will mean you never get stuck eating a bag of potato chips for dinner, if you have refrigeration available. Great things for non-fridge trips: nut or seed butters (if space is limited,single serving pouches are a lifesaver), intact grain crackers like Swedish Seeded Crispbreads or Mary’s Crackers, carrots, trail mixes (you can make your own combining your favorite nuts and dried fruits!). If you have a fridge, get yourself the elaborate workings of a salad loaded with pumpkin seeds, radishes, lemon, and mixed greens, and my favorite baked tofu. Make a big salad that you keep in the fridge andcan graze when you are out,knowingthatyou have a good healthy dose of nutrition and less indulgent food to fill up on when you return. Vegan alternatives that don’t need cooking My favorite on-the-go snacks are Tofurky deli sliceslean protein, no prep needed, eat them on their own or
FEB/mar 2020 make a sandwich. Because the protein isn’t animal based, they take travel so much better, so traveling in between cities, or taking them out and about with you means they last longer and stilltaste great. Pickles and olives are an amazing road snack for this reason too. Don’t be afraid to get picky Restaurants and food establishments may be able to make you something off-menu.Piece together healthy meals from side-dishes or things you see on their menu, my favorite: Grilled veggies and hummus wrap. Most places have your favorite things scattered about, sodon’t be afraid to ask for something custom.When in doubt, findyour local juice place or download Happy Cow to find healthy plant-based options.
Chef Suzi Gerber is a firm believer and
staunch advocate of a completely plantbased diet. Her mission is to show others how easy it can be to make a plant-based lifestyle sustainable, healthy and an absolutely delicious reality. She teaches chefs, food educators and food developers how to incorporate plant foods into standard menus and recipes without removing flavor or compromising product texture. Suzi Gerber
Photo provided
A quick point to note: The suspected origins of the virus were in exotic foods, but it can be easily transmitted in many foods, typically of animal origin. The history of many viruses in fact come from animal origin. From the common cold to the flu,all come from our interaction with livestock and animal husbandry. Of concernarebackyard chickens, people who live near processing facilities, and coastal receiving centers. Restaurants and diners should beaware ofbest practices, training staff in food service to minimize contact and increasingcleanliness standards.The shift toward ordering inandreducing contact with potential carrierswill also affectdining trends.
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shelf esteem
Driving while black Author and acclaimed historian Gretchen Sorin looks at how the car was a symbol of independence and possibility for African Americans. The heart of the book is Victor and Alma Green’s famous Green Book, (remember the movie by the same name?) a travel guide which helped black Americans enjoy a family vacation. But despite the freedoms it offered, cars also translated to new obstacles such as segregated ambulance services, traffic stops, and racist violence. Interwoven with Sorin’s own family history, the book looks at how the automobile reshaped African American life. Sorin is a museum curator and has selected more than 70 never-before-seen images that accompany the text in the book, which is tied to a major PBS documentary of the same name to air this year. She is also the documentary’s lead historical consultant.
slow travel A beautifully packaged book that is both a practical and aspirational guide, it takes readers off the beaten track. Author Penny Watson is an experienced traveler who has written for a number of guidebooks. Slow travel is one of the top trends in travel currently and the book takes you on a journey to escape the fast pace of life and connect to your inner self. The book urges you to travel in your own time and on your own terms, toward more of a leisurely time away, which is what a vacation is meant to be. There are ideas galore on not just destination ideas and resorts but also how-to’s and resources, tips to unplug and slow food experiences as well as experiential activities, all accompanied by stunning imagery. If wellness and travel are on your mind, then this is the inspiration.
shelf esteem Additions to your reading list as you dream up your next journey
staying healthy while you travel A somewhat timely read given the coronavirus chaos that is here and now. Author Dr. Jane Wilson-Howarth shares information on immunizations, common diseases, protecting yourself from insects, and more. Putting her medical background to good use, she writes often on travel and health for global outlets. If you are looking for in-depth advice from someone with experience, then this is the resource you need. She has traveled extensively and worked in health scenarios aplenty to provide hands-on, practical and scientific insight. She has three travel health guides in print (‘How to Shit Around the World’ is an Amazon bestseller in two categories) as well as two memoirs, one set in Madagascar, the other in Nepal.
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