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ANA Intercontinental Appi Kogen Resort view_ALTB - image courtesy of Tohoku Tourism Promotiaon Organization

5 reasons to visit Tohoku once Japan re-opens for tourism

By Paul Johnson on Jan 02, 2022 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel

Tohoku, the historically-isolated northern Japanese region, will be among the best places for international travelers to visit, especially for spiritual and natural adventures, once Japan reopens for tourism. Written about by legendary haiku poet Matsuo Basho in his masterpiece travelogue “Oku no Hosomichi” in 1702, Tohoku has been known in Japan since ancient times for […]

10 chartered vacation retreats in Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands

By Alfonso Tandazo on Jun 18, 2021 in Accommodation, Ecuador, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Resorts, South America, Speciality Travel, Vacation Rentals

Here, in the pint-sized South American nation of Ecuador, the massive re-opening of some of the most amazing — yet safe — nature vacations has begun. Whether in the stunning Galapagos Islands, deep in the Amazon, along the dazzling Pacific coast, or high in the Andes, a whole range of accommodations can be chartered for […]

Top 5 high-end experiences in Scotland

By Dorothy Welsh on Jun 17, 2021 in Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Scotland is much more than castles, whisky and tartan. It is also much more than just the Highlands. If visitors are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, there is an abundance of opportunities. For luxurious accommodation the days of rigidly formal 5-star hotels and traditional castle accommodation have gone. The investors in luxury brands […]

Unique places to stay in South Africa

By Kristof Eyckmans on May 16, 2021 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Rail Travel, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Speciality Travel

South Africa is one of those destinations that has everything to offer for travellers, irrelevant if they are looking for culture, natural wonders, history or even culinary delights. It does’t matter how many times you’ve visited this stunning country, there is always more to explore, more to experience and certainly more to learn. Those who […]

5 amazing rail journeys around the world

By Kerry Golds on Feb 16, 2021 in Asia, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, North America, Oceania, Peru, Rail Travel, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel

A journey by rail is one of the most romantic ways to travel. And, as passionate Bradshaw’s devotee Michael Portillo will attest, it’s also a fantastic way to discover remote landscapes, communities and cultures across the globe. In the early days of the luxurious Orient Express, just a handful of train rides could claim to […]

Riding the Glacier Express through Switzerland

By Guido Graf on Nov 16, 2020 in Europe, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe

Switzerland impresses with its nature and mountains. One of the best ways to experience Switzerland is to take the Glacier Express. This is a panorama train that crosses Switzerland from St. Moritz to Zermatt. The Glacier Express runs this 8-hour route daily from May to October. Many travelers make the trip in a day, but […]

Wildebesst crossing the Mara River, Tanzania

6 of the best experiences in Africa for your travel bucket list

By Paul Campbell on Mar 14, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Rail Travel, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Africa is one of the most fascinating continents in this world. For anyone dreaming of going for the first time or if you are thinking of planning your next visit, here are a few of our top suggestions to add onto your bucket list 1. Track The Big 5 in Kruger If you’re looking for […]

5 amazing solo travel experiences in Africa

By Willow Constantine on Feb 17, 2020 in Africa, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Road Travel, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Tanzania

February is typically the month of romance. However, as I am personally not a big fan of so-called ‘Hallmark Holidays,’ it seems fitting to reflect on embracing solitude – while travelling. There could be no better continent than African to find oneself (safely) alone amongst wild things. Here are my reflections on five of the […]

South Africa’s top 8 luxury lodges and hotels

By Dave Warne on Feb 15, 2020 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Rail Travel, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Speciality Travel

From ultra-luxurious safari lodges with spas to treehouses under the stars, South Africa offers some of the continent’s most stunning properties and experiences. Perhaps go wine tasting on a private train, dip in the pool alongside elephants in Kruger National Park or relax at a spa retreat overlooking Table Mountain. Here, we’ve rounded up the ultimate […]

Time travel, slow travel and other African adventures

By Willow Constantine on Dec 31, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Botswana, Congo, Kenya, Rail Travel, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Zambia, Zimbabwe

In the 21st century, life for many has taken on a pace that sometimes feels too busy and far too fast. We are increasingly exposed to vast amounts of information, and although beneficial, this can lead to a sense of overwhelm. Current trends towards ‘digital detox’ and ‘slow living’ are indicators of a growing need […]

Top 5 luxury travel experiences for 2020

By Dave Warne on Dec 12, 2019 in Accommodation, Asia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Ecuador, Europe, Hotels, India, Italy, Rail Travel, Regions, Resorts, South America, Speciality Travel, Sweden, Thailand, Western Europe

As 2019 draws to a close, perhaps you’ve started thinking about your 2020 travel bucket-list? To help inspire, we’ve picked out the very best travel experiences for next year, whether you’re after a luxury rail journey or Arctic adventure. Discover our top picks below. Italy & the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express We all know the Orient Express […]

19 things to do in China

By James Jayasundera on Nov 21, 2019 in Asia, China, Food and Drink, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

To think of China and not think of The Great Wall would be unlikely. But as impressive as this feat of humankind is, it is often the less obvious things that make a trip to any country just that bit more special. China, as a vast country, has many wonderful sights from the Great Wall […]

Africa: the perfect honeymoon destination

By Laura Burdett-Munns on Nov 14, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Honeymoons, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Tanzania, Zambia

Couples invariably spend months and months planning their big day, down to the smallest detail. But what of the honeymoon to follow? How you spend your first few days or weeks together is actually just as important as it is one of the bedrocks of your married life. Whether you are planning the honeymoon as […]

Top 5 luxury experiences in Africa

By Kristof Eyckmans on Oct 29, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Leisure Travel, Morocco, Rail Travel, Regions, Rwanda, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Tanzania

Often Africa is left aside when looking for a luxury escape from everyday life. But the dark continent has a lot to offer, and not only for budget travelers but also for the ones that aren’t shy to spend some cash in return for the most exclusive travel experiences out there. Here are a few […]

6 of Europe’s most luxurious rail journeys

By Dave Warne on Oct 24, 2019 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Portugal, Rail Travel, Russia, Spain, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

While there are myriad ways to experience Europe’s heritage-filled cities, spectacular landscapes and world-class gastronomy, we think it’s all perhaps best showcased with a luxury rail journey. Expect centuries-old tradition and five-star service framed by iconic views that range from the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal charm of Spain’s north. See […]

Destination profile: Vancouver

By Scott Anderson on Oct 10, 2019 in Alaska, Canada, Cruises & Boat Travel, North America, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA

Consistently found topping lists of the world’s most liveable cities, Vancouver’s charms are myriad. Wedged between sea and mountains, its natural setting rivals the likes of Rio and Cape Town while its creative enthusiasm sites it firmly on North America’s West Coast. Taste your way through artisan cafés and craft breweries, marvel at world-class art […]

Category: Rail Travel