The list shows how Asian destinations are the ones dominating the list, by clinching more than 40 entries. Hong Kong is likely to hold on to its popular status of being the worlds most popular city, despite handling political unrest for months, which led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. However, the good news is, Delhi enters the ranks for the first time. And here is the list of top 10 most visited tourist destinations in 2019.

Hong KongWith estimated international arrivals of 26.7 million, Hong Kong holds the numero uno position, despite dealing with political unrest for months. This destination is as cosmopolitan as you can imagine, and is always bustling with activity. Its rapidly developing economy can give almost all the emerging cities a run for their money. And no matter what you want to grace your travel itinerary with, Hong Kong has something for everyone.

BangkokWith estimated international arrivals of 25.8 million, Bangkok secures the second spot in the list. Here, you get to witness the amazing blend of old-world charm and modernity. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, may come across as a bit chaotic, but its infectious energy will welcome you with open arms the moment you land here. Also, the interesting ambience that this destination creates with its high-rise apartments, high-end dining spots, five-star luxurious hotels, delicious street foods, buzzing nightclubs, Buddhist meditation centres, and much more, will give you an experience of a lifetime.MacauWith estimated international arrivals of 20.6 million, Macau finds itself in the third position. From famous casinos to many hidden treasures, this peninsula has in store more surprises than you can think. Macau may seem small, and that you might think your itinerary will be light, but dont just fall for this. This little wonder will welcome you with serene temples, black-sand beaches, hedonistic malls, adventure options, and if you like these things, Macau is a place for you.SingaporeWith estimated international arrivals of 19.8 million, Singapore is in the fourth position. Having attained a glamourous status in the tourist circuit, this place has all the features to attract adventure lovers, shopaholics, photographers, backpackers, and artists. Lovingly referred to as Garden City, Singapore is that place you need to visit and its stamp should definitely grace your passport.

Paris

With estimated international arrivals 19.1 million, Paris is in the sixth position. This place with all its beauty will be a feast for your senses, and the sights will please you wherever you go. Immersed in history, Paris will leave a remarkable impression on you and is often considered as one of the most glamorous cities in the world. And a tour of Paris, with glamour and culture juxtaposed, there will never be a dull day in Paris.

Dubai

See original here:

Most popular travel destinations of 2019 that created records - Times of India

The passion for running took fitness-cum-travel enthusiasts to Vietnam, Oman, Sweden, Denmark, England, Germany, South Africa, Thailand and many other countries. A growing breed of running freaks now travel the world to take part in global marathons. Rather than looking up long weekends or festive breaks, they check the global marathon calendar to plan their travel. What makes this running vacation or runcation more exciting than a regular trip is the ability to view a new place from an entirely different perspective. Running frees you from tourist traps, allows you to explore the secret nooks and crannies of a city or discover an outdoor wonder. Some seasoned tourists even take to running up mountains across the world.

No such thing as a good seasonThere was a time when people would prefer travelling during festive breaks and summer holidays. 2019, however, saw a rise in off-peak travel, with more travellers venturing to places

during off-season months, or to places that usually don't see people because of their extremely cold climates. Travellers are now picking their travel dates as per flight deals which drop after the peak season. This way, not only do they avoid large crowds but also save a lot of money by getting fabulous deals on flights and stays.

Lesson learnt

OvertourismWhile travel emerged as the most emancipating takeaway in 2019, it also emerged as a global problem. An over-travelling world caused mayhem at some locations across the world to an extent that governments had to put a ban on tourists. With massive crowds causing environmental degradation, cities around the world were seen asking one question: Is there anything to be done about being too popular? Social media and apps such as Instagram lead tourists to pitch over cliffs and clog vital roadways in search of the perfect pic, while travel booking sites are making restaurants, museums, and beaches discoverable, and thus ruinable. Can we save cities from tourist onslaught. Systematically? The debate will continue in the New Year.

Embracing minimalist travel How to pack minimally and travel around with a carry-on was one of the top travel searches this year! There is definitely a shift in the way travellers pack. People as well as brands are ditching oversized suitcases for chic carry-ons and sleek backpacks built to maximise space. Lets thank Marie Kondo for that!

Non-starterBleisure

Bleisure also known as business and leisure trips was a buzzword in 2019. Millennials contributed to a 20 per cent rise in the trend this year and many young professionals managed to make the most of their work trips by exploring culture, food, and local attractions of a destination by adding a few days to their itinerary. On the flipside, a lot of them experienced guilt for taking time off for a personal holiday, a fact corroborated by a recent study that reveals Indians do not take leave even on a vacation! This can only result in stress and decreased productivity. One must remember that vacation is a perk and one isnt necessarily neglecting work every time one unplugs.

Lessons learnt

Dont spin, just cookAnything and everything that gives a modern spin to a traditional Indian dish did not cut ice with diners. Also, the notion that trends like fancy fusion, cooking techniques or merely jazzing up plating methods will sell was dispelled this year. Diners became discerning in their choice of meals and chefs also realised that fancy culinary terms or tasteless tweakings to a traditional dish will not sell. Simple straightforward dishes, good cooking techniques and emphasis on quality ingredients became the order of the day as the year went by.

Zero waste and eco-friendlyFrom using leftover meat for preparing stocks to using every part of the ingredient in cooking, chefs and restaurants aggressively promoted zero-waste dining. From opting for paper straws, glass bottles and doing away with poly packaging, there was a visible effort to promote responsible eating out. Expect more places to jump on the bandwagon next year.

Non-startersBizarre combosActivated charcoal powder, chicken in sushi or nitrogen fumes in cocktails this was the year when diners stayed away from too much drama. Molecular gastronomy turned out to be a big flop as did bizarre pairing of ingredients or plating of dishes just to look cool.

Here to stayIndia on the Plate

From khichdi in various forms, pastas and pizzas made from locally sourced flour, local artisanal cheese and chocolates; junking exotic salmon and basa for Indian alternatives like bhetki this was the year of Indian produce. Chefs boasted of their culinary tours in unexplored Indian destinations, sought inspiration from cuisines from the Northeast and put mountain food on the plate. This has been a year when young chefs did more than lip service to regional Indian food and made an endeavour to promote local cuisines and ingredients. The trend of choosing fresh local produce over frozen imported goods has become the norm and is only expected to grow stronger next year.

Non-alcoholic CocktailsThe notion that people who cannot drink need not party was being aggressively challenged by the fast growing trend of non-alcoholic cocktails. And these were not sugar syrup loaded mocktails. Globally, bars popped up that served an extensive drinks menu sans alcohol. The most popular cocktails and beverages were

Concocted with no use of any spirit. These bars, that serve non-alcoholic distilled gins or beers and drinks based on them, became a huge hit. Expect this trend to finally gather steam in the coming year as many outlets are eager to get these non-alcoholic spirit brands to India and make it a part of their menu.

View original post here:

The year of the conscious connoisseur - Times of India

After analysing the Tripadvisor websites 250,000 bookable tours and activites, Tripadvisor crunched the numbers and identified the top 10 most booked tourist attractions of 2019.

Unfortunately, not one Australian tourist attraction or destination made the list, while Europe laid claim to seven of the top 10, and the Colosseum in Rome took out first place. Check out the full list below.

The winner of 2019: Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Getty

10. Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

9. Skydeck Chicago, Chicago, US

8. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands

7. French Quarter, New Orleans, US

6. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

5. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

4. Statue of Liberty, New York City, US

3. Vatican Museums, Vatican City

2. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

1. Colosseum, Rome, Italy

The safest places to visit in 2020

The best airline in the world 2020

The best beach in Australia 2020

Read this article:

Tripadvisor reveals 10 best attractions in the world 2019 - Better Homes and Gardens

The Helix, home of The Kelpies, is preparing to welcome thousands of people to its new year festival Fire & Light: 2020 Visions on 1-2 January. Produced by Jaggy Events with support from Falkirk Community Trust and Event Scotlands Winter Festivals fund, 2020s Fire & Light will bring a fusion of past, present and future to Falkirk as part of Visit Scotlands Year of Coasts & Waters.

The fifth event of its kind, the 2020 Visions show will feature some of Scotlands best theatre, fire and LED performers, including the world-famous Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers who will perform a heart-thumping performance in front of The Kelpies and PyroCeltica, Scotlands trailblazing fire act.

The event encourages visitors to embrace the adventure of a new year with a walk through The Helix park towards the magical Kelpies, interacting with an amazing array of performances and installations along the way.

Once visitors reach The Kelpies, they can stop and enjoy the fire jets that will be choreographed to the powerful Taiko Drummers performance of Rhythm of Light. When the drumming stops, an LED clad musician will perform on a spectacular laser harp, celebrating the iconic waterways of Falkirk. The event will also be one of the first set to welcome in Scotlands celebratory Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.

Maureen Campbell, chief executive of Falkirk Community Trust, organiser of Fire & Light: 2020 Visions said: This event is returning as one of Event Scotlands Winter Festivals and this continues to support Falkirk as an all year round must visit destination.

Paul Bush OBE, director of events at VisitScotland said: We are supporting Fire & Light in its fifth year through Scotlands Winter Festivals programme. As one of the first events to celebrate Scotlands Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, the innovative programme of activity planned for Fire & Light 2020 Vision further reinforces Scotland as the perfect stage for events.

Original post:

New Year festival at The Kelpies to kickstart Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 - Travel Daily

A new intercontinental weapon that can fly 27 times the speed of sound became operational on Friday, Russias defence minister reported to President Vladimir Putin, bolstering the countrys nuclear strike capability.

Mr Putin has described the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle as a technological breakthrough comparable to the 1957 Soviet launch of the first satellite.

The new Russian weapon and a similar system being developed by China have troubled the United States, which has pondered defence strategies.

The Avangard is launched atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, but unlike a regular missile warhead that follows a predictable path after separation it can make sharp manoeuvres in the atmosphere en route to target, making it much harder to intercept.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Mr Putin the first missile unit equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered combat duty.

I congratulate you on this landmark event for the military and the entire nation, Mr Shoigu said later during a conference call with top military leaders.

The Strategic Missile Forces chief, General Sergei Karakayev, said during the call the Avangard was put on duty with a unit in the Orenburg region in the southern Ural Mountains.

Mr Putin unveiled the Avangard among other prospective weapons systems in his state-of-the-nation address in March 2018, noting its ability to make sharp manoeuvres on its way to a target would render missile defence useless.

It heads to target like a meteorite, like a fireball, he said at the time.

The Russian leader noted Avangard was designed using new composite materials to withstand temperatures of up to 2000C resulting from a flight through the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.

The military said the Avangard was capable of flying 27 times faster than the speed of sound.

It carries a nuclear weapon of up to two megatons. Mr Putin has said Russia had to develop the Avangard and other prospective weapons systems because of US efforts to develop a missile defence system he claimed could erode Russias nuclear deterrent.

Moscow has scoffed at US claims its missile shield wasnt intended to counter Russias massive missile arsenals.

Earlier this week, Mr Putin emphasised Russia was the only country armed with hypersonic weapons.

He noted Russia was leading the world in developing an entire new class of weapons, unlike in the past when it was catching up with the US.

In December 2018, the Avangard was launched from the Dombarovskiy missile base in the southern Urals and successfully hit a practice target on the Kura shooting range on Kamchatka, 6000km away.

Russian media reports indicated the Avangard would first be mounted on Soviet-built RS-18B intercontinental ballistic missiles, codenamed SS-19 by NATO.

It was expected to be fitted to the prospective Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile after it became operational.

The Defence Ministry said last month it demonstrated the Avangard to a team of US inspectors as part of transparency measures under the New Start nuclear arms treaty with the US.

The Russian military previously had commissioned another hypersonic weapon of a smaller range.

The Kinzhal (Dagger), which is carried by MiG-31 fighter jets, entered service with the Russian air force last year.

Mr Putin has said the missile flies 10 times faster than the speed of sound, has a range of more than 2000km and can carry a nuclear or a conventional warhead.

The military said it was capable of hitting both land targets and navy ships.

China has tested its own hypersonic glide vehicle, believed to be capable of travelling at least five times the speed of sound.

It displayed the weapon called Dong Feng 17, or DF-17, at a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese state.

US officials have talked about putting a layer of sensors in space to detect enemy missiles faster, particularly hypersonic weapons.

The administration also plans to study the idea of basing interceptors in space, so the US can strike incoming enemy missiles during the first minutes of flight when the booster engines are still burning.

The Pentagon also has been working on the development of hypersonic weapons in recent years, and Defence Secretary Mark Esper said in August he believed it was probably a matter of a couple of years before the US had one.

He has called it a priority as the military works to develop new long-range fire capabilities.

Read more:

Russian missile weapon can travel 27 times the speed of sound - NEWS.com.au

You strap on a slim, comfortable headset, pick up your controls and press a button. A drone takes off, whizzing down flooded city streets. Through the goggles, you see what the drone seesa crisp, live, 360-degree view of battered houses and uprooted trees. When you look down, you see whats below the drone. The full-color picture doesnt seize up; theres no latency. You are, essentially, digitally teleporting into the aftermath of a natural disaster.

At least, thats the goal. Digital teleportation, as the field is fancifully known, doesnt exist yet. But proponents of the technology, which some call live delivery, believe that in the coming years, a mix of virtual reality, fast wireless networks and machines like drones and rovers will allow people to immerse themselves in actual, far-flung environmentsin real time. Live delivery is a new type of tool that will reinvent the way we experience the world, that will allow us to be on the spot when things are happening, said Marc Carrel-Billiard, senior managing director at Accenture Labs, who advises businesses on VR and augmented reality.

While VR shows prerecorded scenes, live VR, which is starting to show up in classrooms and operating rooms, allows users to experience what is happening in situ. Companies are already starting to pair simplified versions of live VR with drones to give users a sense of being in another place.

See the article here:

Virtual Travel Could Change the WorldIf It Gets Off the Ground - The Wall Street Journal

Google released its "Year in Search 2019" results this week, which showed the travel destinations that had the highest spikes in searches in the U.S. from this year to last.

The list shows what's trending not necessarily what's most popular so don't be surprised if your favorite Caribbean island or mouse-themed amusement park didn't make the list. Instead, Google taps into the changes in the travel zeitgeist, revealing the places where Americans went or simply aspired to go more in 2019 than previous years.

So what's hot in travel this year? Americans searched for "trip to" these 10 places:

The underwater glass master bedroom of the Muraka residence at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Courtesy of Justin Nicholas

One photo of this small south Asian nation easily explains its popularity. It's simply beautiful. Made up of a chain of atolls, the Maldives is famous for its one-per-island resorts, translucent turquoise waters and pristine coral reefs.

A trip to the Maldives is not about exploration; it's about staying put, which makes choosing a hotel the most important decision of the trip. Google Trends shows newer properties, such as Kudadoo Maldives and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, were the most popular in terms of searches this year.

A stay in an over-water villa in the Maldives is de rigueur for many Americans. Then, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island upped the ante with the world's first over-water villa with an underwater bedroom. A night there can set you back a cool $38,000 for a full-board package during peak season, which makes the low-season $10,000 bed-and-breakfast daily rate seem like a steal.

Japan's Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Marco Bottigelli | Moment | Getty Images

The world is fascinated by Japan, and Americans are no different. The United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that as of September 2019 Japan posted the second highest growth in international tourism receipts, after Australia.

Yes, the 2020 Summer Olympics are a half a year away. Yes, Japan has turned the basic requirement of eating into high art (which explains why its capital city, Tokyo, has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world). And yes, you can drive go-cartsthrough the streets of Tokyo dressed like Batman. And, any nation that has turned Kentucky Fried Chicken into an annual Christmas tradition is in good stead with the American populace.

But Japan has a softer side; it's home to dramatic temples, natural onsens, world-class skiing, seasonal seas of cherry blossoms and a people known for their politeness.

Sunset from the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

ShutterRunner.com (Matty Wolin) | Moment | Getty Images

Bora Bora is the comeback kid of 2019. Starting in the 2000s, tourist arrivals to this French Polynesia jewel started to wane. In 2009, Club Med Bora Bora shuttered its doors.

But the past few years have been kind. Interest is on the rise. People are now searching for flights and resorts, though Google Trends shows recent surges relate to rapper Lil Durk's "Bora Bora" video and unretouched photos of Demi Lovato in a bikini.

Home to a crystalline lagoon and sugary sands, Bora Bora is a good spot to swim with sharks (the pleasant kind), rays and even whales. Diving is big business in this tropical paradise, which sits atop an extinct volcano.

Americans search for "all-inclusive" resorts as well as specific hotels, such as the Four Seasons and St. Regis properties. Luxury rooms top $1,000 per night, while more modest, grass thatched-and-drift-wood accommodations have daily rates of $300 or less. A third option is to cruise around on the Paul Gauguin, an all-inclusive deluxe vessel, named after the artist who spent the last years of his life in French Polynesia.

A portion of the Las Vegas strip.

Dennis Hohl / EyeEm | EyeEm | Getty Images

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love Vegas and those who don't.

But make no mistake both groups go.

It's the spot for blackjack, showgirls, pre-wedding mayhem, musical residencies, epic club scenes and even more epic elderly slot playing. The city's history has been immortalized in Scorsese mobster filmsand now classic comedies. It's glitz, glam and gutter life rolled into one discount weekend package.

Google Trends cores into exactly what people want to know about Sin City. People search for hotels, flights, shows and Craigslist? The site is surprisingly popular in Las Vegas; proceed with caution.

Giving credit where credit is due, this desert city successfully attracts everyone from young families and celebrities to MICE travelers and the highest of high rollers. The sinners come as do the saints. Even the grasshoppers a top trending Vegas-related search term at the moment.

Mexico is the most popular international destination for Americans.

MM i m a g e s / 500px | 500px | Getty Images

Mexico may be the fifth most popular place to search for trips, but it will almost certainly be the No. 1 spot where Americans actually end up.

Mexico is the most popular international destination for Americans by a landslide and has been for many years. That's why it's no surprise that the most searched travel question in the U.S. in 2015 was: what to pack for Cancun?

It's close, warm, relatively affordable and offers everything from the ruins of Chichn Itz to tequila tours by train. Plus, Americans are obsessed with the food well, a version of it anyway.

And not only are Americans vacationing in Mexico, they are quietly moving across the border. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City estimates around 1.5 million Americans live in Mexico, more than seven times the number since 1990.

Costa Rica is popular for ecotourism.

Johner Images | Johner Images Royalty-Free | Getty Images

The second half of the top 10 list shows a domestic bent Alaska, New Orleans, California and New York, in that order with one exception, Costa Rica in the 10th spot.

Though Americans have a reputation for stateside travel, Google's "Year in Search 2019" data shows that Americans are setting their sights on international shores. And with the number of Americans with passports now at 42% up from just 4% in 1990 more people are poised to turn their search dreams into reality.

The rest is here:

Google reveals the 10 most popular travel destination trends of 2019 - CNBC

The Nuffield International Farming Scholarship Program offers funds for farmers to experience agriculture in other countries around the world. Started in 1947, the program just became accessible to Americans in the past four years. Nuffield Scholars travel to various countries as a group for six weeks, then individually to complete a research assignment. Commodity groups sponsor the scholars to pay for related expenses.

Brock Taylor, a long-time independent agronomist in Clovis was just named to the Nuffield USA Board of Directors.

TaylorFor me, it's, it's really leadership. Going back to their own community with all this experience and traveling and meeting other people and dealing with people while you travel and bringing that back to their own community. So that's, that's a really good thing. The commodity group funds it and sponsors it, but then they're coming back to their own community in a leadership role for the community, which I really like.

Taylor first became involved with Nuffield by planning visits to California for foreign scholars. He says most participants are farmers or ranchers in their 30s or 40s, and have someone who is able to takeover their management responsibilities while they travel.

Scholars choose their individual travel areas based on their research topic. They then bring that knowledge back to their local communities.

Nuffield is accepting applications and will be conducting interviews in the spring. Learn more and apply at http://www.NuffieldInternational.org.

Link:

Nuffield Scholarship Program Funds World Travel for Farmers - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST - AGInfo Ag Information Network Of The West

An article in the WSJ talks about how virtual travel could change the world with help from drones, VR and fast wireless networks. And even though drones might seem to be the best technology for deploying the cameras needed for digital teleportation, widespread use is likely to be years away.

Sarah Toth Stub writes for the Wall Street Journal that:

Proponents of digital teleportation are working to combine live virtual reality, drones and fast wireless networks to allow people to explore far-flung locales in real-time.

You strap on a slim, comfortable headset, pick up your controls and press a button. A drone takes off, whizzing down flooded city streets. Through the goggles, you see what the drone seesa crisp, live, 360-degree view of battered houses and uprooted trees. When you look down, you see whats below the drone. The full-color picture doesnt seize up; theres no latency. You are, essentially, digitally teleporting into the aftermath of a natural disaster.

At least, thats the goal. Digital teleportation, as the field is fancifully known, doesnt exist yet. But proponents of the technology, which some call live delivery, believe that in the coming years, a mix of virtual reality, fast wireless networks and machines like drones and rovers will allow people to immerse themselves in actual, far-flung environmentsin real time.

Since May, Israeli soldiers on the Gaza border have been using a drone system for surveillance, to search areas for explosive devices and enemy combatants, and to deflect flying objects sent by militants, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The drone transmits up to 130-degree, live footage to a pilots headset, allowing soldiers to explore dangerous areas without risking their safety.

Pairing live VR with drones is the next step. The technology partly comes from the small but growing world of professional drone racing. Pilots don goggles during races that give them a first-person view of the drones progress along the course. The system is difficult to learn; it takes the pilots full attention just to steer the drone. First-time fliers often crash, said Nicholas Horbaczewski, chief executive and founder of the Drone Racing League. Pilots often opt for flat, black-and-white footage because it has the quickest data-transmission rates, but it isnt detailed enough for military or other non-racing uses.

Still, startups are pushing ahead. For consumers, San Diego-based NewBeeDrone is working on a headset for use with first-person-view drones that comes with high-definition views. Its more of a proof-of-concept now, said Daryn Huang, the companys chief financial officer. But this shows people what it can be like to fly.

Still, the technological developments needed for useful, widespread teleportation by drone are likely years away, Mr. Chakareski said. Drones appear to be the best technology for deploying the cameras needed for digital teleportation, he said. But you have to completely redesign the process of gathering data and distributing data in order for VR to really deliver on its potential and have a societal impact.

You can read the entire article Virtual travel could change the world with help from drones, VR and wireless here [paywall].

If youd like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors and reviews, then follow us onTwitter,Facebook,YouTube,Instagram or sign up for our daily email newsletter, that goes out every weekday at 6 p.m. ET.

Buy your next drone directly from manufacturers, such asDJI,Parrot,Yuneec or retailers like Adorama, Amazon,B&H,BestBuy, DroneNerds or eBay. By using our links, we will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping DroneDJ grow!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Subscribe to DroneDJ on YouTube for exclusive videos

Excerpt from:

Virtual travel could change the world with help from drones, VR and wireless - DroneDJ

It can be hard to find a nice holiday gift for the frequent flyer. In 2019, however, there are some notable coffee table books and book books that will please the AvGeek, the frequent flyer or anyone with a healthy love of wanderlust on your list.

If youre like me, route maps in the back of an inflight magazine are a fascinating look at the world. For instance, who knew there were nonstop flights between, for example, Nashville and London? Or, just how extensive are American Airlines routes to Central and Latin America? The route map is at once marketing for the airline and bragging rights that they can take you from here to there in style.

Enter: Airline Maps, a new release for 2019 that features full-color reproductions of route maps and airline art from the likes of American Airlines, British Airways, Air France and KLM, among many others. Its a fascinating look at an era of travel long past. The examples span from 1919 to the present day. Its a must for anyone interested in the history of flight and the graphic design behind the maps and airline posters. The authors, Mark Ovenden and Maxwell Roberts, are a design historian and university lecturer, respectively. (Ovenden also authored Transit Maps of the World.) Buy:Amazon.com

Theyre back. The Greenpoint, Brooklyn-based auteurs created a travel phenomenon with their original book, Atlas Obscura. The second edition features just as many oddities as the first, from the worlds largest solar furnace (Languedoc, France) to surfing in urban Germany. Equal parts fascinating, creepy, trippy and unexpected, pick up a copy for the most curious and adventurous traveler on your list. The new edition features 100 new spots plus a fold-out map of a dream round-the-world trip. Its all very, well, obscure. Buy: Amazon.com

On cold days, I love to flip through something that warms the spirit. What better way to remember a trip to Italy than with Gray Malins Italy. The noted photographers tome has 125 truly stunning images of everywhere from the rugged, rocky Puglia to the green, northern feel of Lake Como. Its bright, colorful and bold; I want it on my table. In an era where drone photography is ubiquitous on Instagram, Gray Malin is the original master. Gray Malin: Italy is as close to a visit to the Cinque Terre as youll get without actually flying there on points. Eccellente. (I had better get planning a trip for 2020.) Buy: Amazon.com

Airline pilot Mark Vanhoenacker penned Skyfaring, the popular book every traveler should read. Earlier this year, the British Airways Boeing 787 pilot released How to Land a Plane, which literally explains how one would fly a jumbo jet and actually land it. His prose is simple, enjoyable and the book makes for a quick read. Who knows? Maybe youll inspire a future pilot with this gift. Buy: Amazon.com

The weather has a very large impact on our travels. But if you want to get a deeper understanding of how the weather is forecast, and the history of humankinds efforts to predict it, try The Weather Machine, a new book by Andrew Blum. It doesnt explain how thunderstorms develop, but will help you understand how we went from an inability to predict the weather two days out to now being accurate to 10 days. Blums book is a non-technical explanation that goes behind the scenes of the worldwide meteorology club. (If you want something decidedly drier to learn more about the actual weather, the FAA publishes the Aviation Weather Guide for Pilots.) Buy: Amazon.com

Its already a best-selling book (to the tune of 3.5 million copies), but the book was released in 2019 in a giftable format: a hardcover edition worthy of your coffee table with more than 1,000 photos from adventures around the world. Its an international whats what of places to visit and experience, accompanied by photography that will definitely make you want to get out there and explore. Dont tell my brother, but hes getting this 15-pound book from me on Dec. 25. Its eye candy for travelers, and a hefty choice. Buy: Amazon.com

Since 2015, Monocle Magazine has published several dozen city guides, and is now in the process of updating some of the originals such as New York and London. The Monocle Guides are a more accessible version of the small, colorful Wallpaper Guides you may have seen. In 2019, Monocle released Athens, Hamburg, Chicago, Brussels + Antwerp, and Marrakech, Tangier and Casablanca. (Chicago, in particular, is a nice read with good information on architecture and simply the best curation of things to do, stores to visit and places to eat in this architectural gem of a city.) Buy: Monocle.com,$15 each

Mike Arnot is the founder of Boarding Pass NYC, a New York-based travel brand, and a marketing consultant to airlines, none of which appear in this story.

Feature photo by eternalcreative/Getty Images

Read the original post:

The best books of 2019 for people who love travel - The Points Guy

We already know about the Great Lakes. But the word is starting to get out.

Travel magazine Travel + Leisurejust named the Great Lakes asone of the world's best places to travel in 2020, according to its annual list of the 50 best places to visit.

Travel + Leisurewent through books andtourism statistics. It scopedout major events,new restaurant openings and posts of the best travelInstagram accounts. It surveyedtravel experts advisors, writers, hospitality insiders, and other industry pros to see what places should make it to the list.

The result: The Great Lakes made it to No. 22, sandwiched between Guyana and Istanbul, as the next hot cruise destination.

Turnip Rock in Lake Huron.(Photo: Dayna Mae Photography)

Collectively, the five lakes offer 11,000 miles of "attraction-packed shoreline."There are new small ship cruises making it easierfor visitorsto explore.

You can travel fromQubec to Milwaukeefor the first time in 2019 on luxury French cruise linePonant.If that doesn't quite float your boat,Blount Small Ship Adventuresadded a two-week Great Lakes trip, taking visitors from Chicago to Montral.

If you prefer to be on land, there's always Mackinac Island, named the no. 1 summer destination in Americaby TripAdvisor in 2018 and a top "secret celebrity hideaway" by Forbes in 2017.It's a traveler favorite and has two new hotels in 2019, theMackinac HouseandWaterfront Collection.

(Photo: iStock / Michael Deemer)

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula,Chicago Michelin-starred chef Iliana Regan and her wife, Anna Regan, launched theMilkweed Inn, a converted hunting lodge on 150 acres that's now aglamping destination. "The Regans serve exquisite meals all weekend long, capped off by a multi-course Saturday night tasting menu," Travel + Leisure wrote.

"And lakeside cities like Cleveland and Milwaukee are drawing new crowds, the former for a thriving creative scene and revived waterfront, the latter for its dynamic restaurant landscape, new museums, and anticipatory buzz ahead of Julys Democratic National Convention."

Other destinations on the list includeAddis Ababa, Ethiopia(No. 1), Barbados (No. 6), Doha, Qatar (No. 16) and Singapore (No. 43).

Contact Bisma Parvezat 313-222-1881 or bparvez@gannett.comFollow her on Twitter @bismapar.

More Michigan travel news:

Mackinac Island named the No. 1 summer destination in America

Peters: Why the Great Lakes are worth protecting

Read or Share this story: https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2019/12/10/great-lakes-travel-2020/4384213002/

View post:

Great Lakes named a top destination for 2020 by Travel + Leisure magazine - The Times Herald

Tucked in a valley between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea in central Italy, Piobbico is a handsome medieval town full of grand stone buildings surrounded by lush forests. But despite its picture-perfect setting, Piobbico is renowned for the ugliness of its people.

Since 1879, this 2,000-person town has been home to the Club dei Brutti (The Ugly Club), an association whose members believe that a person is what he is and not what he looks like. Over the generations, what started as a utopian idea has blossomed into a worldwide movement. Today, the so-called World Association of Ugly People counts more than 30,000 members across 25 global chapters.

The Club Dei Brutti was originally conceived as a matchmaking service for the towns single women. As it evolved, local villagers made it their mission to remind society that inner beauty is more important than ones physical appearance, and in 2007, Piobbico unveiled a statue dedicated to ugly people in the towns square.

Today, it is easy enough to become a part of the club. Senior members just have to judge and rank the ugliness of potential members which can range from unspecified to extraordinarily ugly. Yet, the groups members are not necessarily ugly the club is more focused on celebrating ones inner beauty and not worrying about what others think.

On the first Sunday of September, people gather from all over the world to take part in Piobbicos annual Festival of the Ugly, in which members elect the clubs president; sign up new members; and eat locally sourced truffles, polenta and pasta. In a country placing so much emphasis on making a bella figura (beautiful impression) this corner of Italy is proving that being genuine and unconventional may shine brightest.

(Video by Adam Barr, text by Bernadette Young)

Join more than three million BBC Travel fans by liking us onFacebook, or follow us onTwitterandInstagram.

If you liked this story,sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newslettercalled "The Essential List". A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Culture, Worklife and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday.

See the article here:

Travel - The Italian village that celebrates ugliness - BBC News

A baseball player strikes out. Disappointed, he turns to the stands where he makes eye contact with a man who yells, WHAT A WASTE OF A SPACE. The player slowly walks back to the dugout, his head hung low, a routine he seems familiar with. He is isnt a major league superstar like Anthony Rendon, George Springer or Mike Trout, accustomed to the wrath of impatient fans. He is an eight-year-old boy and the disgusted fan is his father who, based on his body language, might as well have yelled, What a waste of a life.

This happened a month ago in a midst of an under-nine tournament as we waited for my sons game, which happened to be against the kid with the angry father. I wanted to hug that kid or at least compliment him in front of his dad. That wasnt necessary. His team demolished ours and the boy walked away with his father, who looked a little less incensed than he had a couple of hours prior.

The night before, I learned about a parent from a different team. He wore a shirt that read, FUCK OFF, and took a swing at a parent from our team for politely pointing out the inappropriateness of his attire. This was a youth baseball tournament sprinkled with players as young as six. Fuck Off Guy was given a proverbial Fuck Off when he was escorted out of the complex, a baseball Disneyland called Big League Dreams that hosts weekly tournaments and makes gobs of money in the process. There are beautiful fields and two bars. Apparently watching your kid play sports is better when buzzed.

That weekend was our first full-scale experience on the youth baseball travel circuit, a baseball business that presents kids as young as seven with a chance to compete at a theoretically higher level of competition by participating in regular tournaments. A key part of the USs $15bn youth sports industry, these travel teams often come with hefty price tags that automatically excludes many families. It was a contrast to the league we had played in the previous summer. There, my son was selected to a team of the best players in our local baseball league. We participated in three tournaments that were sweet, community-based annual events. Kids ran the snack shacks, there were trophy presentations for the winners and plenty of local pride was on show. The whole thing was so innocent it felt like it was played to the soundtrack of John Fogertys Centerfield.

A far different animal, last months tournament was just one of many for a company that runs tournaments every weekend all year long, trying to squeeze in as many teams (and their entry fees) as their permits allow. Our tournament involved 10 teams, and we started one game after 8.30pm. By the time my son came in to pitch, it was 10.17pm, 107 minutes past his bedtime.

There is no parenting manual that differentiates between the glorious aspects of youth baseball and the predatory ones. No one can fully explain how youth sports can monopolize your world until youre in it. And, for better or for worse, were officially in it.

My eight-year-old son is a multi-sport athlete. Its ridiculous to refer to him as an athlete since hes really just a third-grader obsessed with body-part jokes and his fantasy football team. But he plays soccer and baseball competitively and hes good enough at the latter that hell probably be playing for the foreseeable future.

Im one of those parents who is not only interested in her kids endeavors, I want to participate unless they tell me to get lost. So despite the fact that I never played softball or baseball as a kid and eschewed most organized sports for the performing arts, I have transformed into a hardcore baseball mom. I learned proper glove mechanics, the throwing motion and youth baseball rules so I could participate in the thing he loves most, which thankfully is baseball and not base jumping. Just yesterday, my son made my heart burst when he said, youre awesome at baseball for a mom, which was almost as gratifying as the follow-up, I love that you play baseball with me. It seems logical but I cant emphasize enough the magic of interacting with your kid on his turf.

Committing to a travel team requires drastically altering your life. Multiple practices a week are just the start. If you have a two-sport athlete like I do, it means tournaments every weekend, hotels, expenses something we are lucky enough to be able to afford and making sure siblings are sated. When the stars align like they have for us and the parents are amazing and your kid becomes instant friends with his teammates, you indulge in everything because you suddenly have a baseball family.

If my kid decided to walk away from travel baseball tomorrow, I would be devastated, but also aware that my number one job is to support my children. Not every kid has that luxury. I polled several friends with sporty kids on the travel circuit, and many have been witness to parents who seem to care more about youth baseball than their kids do. Some are simply trying to relive their glory days (or construct glory they never had); other parents from certain socio-economic backgrounds view a baseball as their childs only viable path to college and see youth baseball as a training ground for a scholarship. No wonder, for some, every game feels like life or death. This of course can lead to detrimental team dynamics as parents gossip or aggressively lobby coaches for playing time. I cant even imagine that type of in-fighting among our baseball crew, but our kids are only eight and nine. Who knows if in five years one of us will go postal if a coach makes a decision that we feel unfairly harms our kids trajectory?

For now, I am laser-focused on protecting my son against the outside forces who care about what they can squeeze out of him. Last summer, my son was invited to play on a travel team he could even make it without a tryout, the coach said. When we politely declined citing concerns about burnout, the coach said my son is the type who will never burn out because he loves baseball so much. He was pleasant about the whole thing and we eventually joined his fall travel team, largely because my son likes him and a ton of his friends signed up. But Im concerned about fending off future invites.

The future scares me. I dont want my sons joy to wane. But I know there will be more recruiting, more join-this-or-that-or else-your kid may fall behind sales methods.

I dropped my five-year-old off at an after-school class a few weeks ago and had a coach ask me if my eight-year-old would be participating in their winter workouts. I said no, that we didnt want to burn him out. The coach looked at me like I was torturing my child, and simply uttered, I hope he doesnt get too rusty. I smiled on the outside and rolled my eyes on the inside. Then I left to pick up my kid and meet my husband at a local park where we all played catch for the next hour. Like we always do.

Follow this link:

Travel baseball: a world where eight-year-olds are treated like pros - The Guardian

(CNN) Twelve-year-old Mohammad is the first to spot the tracks.

Jumping from the SUV driven by his father, Ali, he races a few yards over the desert sands and follows them toward a small, scrubby bush. "Rabbit," he says with a grin, pointing to the animal camouflaged against the grayish-yellow sand. And then with an even wider smile, "He's going to be dead."

With the prey sighted, sitting on the back seat of the SUV is the predator, a falcon, ready to be released and to confirm Mohammad's prediction.

With the rabbit found, the hunting party and its guides in two other 4x4s start shouting, blaring their car horns and driving after the startled animal (neatly defining the word "overkill").

From one of the vehicles another falcon is quickly released, and it swoops alongside the cars as they careen over the low dunes. The rabbit manages to dodge an impossibly fast dive by the falcon and hides in another bush -- only temporarily safe. Yet neither Saeed M. Al Mansoori, one of the visiting Emerati falconers, nor his falcon can catch it even when flushed out a second time. In the end it's left to young Mohammad and his falcon Marzoom to show the visitors how it is done.

In for the kill

Marzoom is quickly prized off the kill by the distraction of another rabbit carcass, before being tethered and gently picked up by Ali and returned to his son. A gentle spray of water with a diffuser cleans Marzoom's beak of blood and, Ali says, helps calm him down. The rabbit is placed in a bloodied sack. It's set for the cooking pot that night when tales of how it was caught -- and almost not caught -- plus the other hunts of the day are to be served up back at the camp.

It's a scene that plays out daily between November and February in the vast Al Marzoom Hunting Reserve. Just an hour's drive from the gleaming towers of urban Abu Dhabi, it's one of only two areas in the emirate where, for the past five years, falcon owners and curious visitors have had the opportunity to hunt sustainably managed wildlife.

It's a delicate balance between hunting and conservation, yet the reserve is managed by Abu Dhabi's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Hunting -- entwined in the Bedouin heritage of the country -- is touted as a form of eco-tourism. Rabbits and indigenous houbara bustards and karawan are either bred on-site or bought from other government-regulated breeders and then released into the desert, where wild animals including deer also roam across 200 square kilometers.

Visitors like Saeed Al Mansoori can choose what prey they want their falcons to catch, each providing different challenges for falcons. The unsuspecting prey are then released in one part of the reserve before being tracked with the help of guides, giving each excursion the semblance of a "proper" hunt. A typical day consists of one hunt early in the morning before the desert heat is too intense and another from late afternoon until dusk.

Cars and camels

Falcons in transit.

Dean Irvine

Last season over 1,300 people visited the reserve, many as family groups and mainly from the UAE and neighboring Gulf states. According to Mohammad Basheer, the genial guest coordinator at the reserve, a typical visit is one to three days, although guests can come for just one morning or afternoon hunt if they prefer.

Overnight stays are spent in one of three pop-up campsites on the reserve. Looking out across the vast sands of Al Dhafra, the vast western region of Abu Dhabi, the camps are well appointed, ranging from the comfortable -- sofas, proper beds and hot showers -- to the luxurious King Camp, the only one to offer a deep bath-tub with gold-gilt fittings, literally fit for a king. All have the essential campfires for storytelling and cooking of the day's hunt.

This mix of traditional and modern extends to how visitors can hunt. While many from the Emirates or Saudi Arabia come with their own falcons and in their own 4x4s, there is a garage on site housing classic Land Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers from the 1950s and '60s. All are available for rent; a Land Rover comes as complimentary if staying in the King Camp. But for those who not only want to step back in time but return to a pre-modern era, camels can be hired.

"One visitor from the UK was able to ride the camel and hunt with the falcon, it was surprising and impressive," says Mohammad Basheer.

Bloodlines

Owning a falcon, however, isn't essential for would-be visitors to the reserve. Visitors can go out with Ali and his falcons or other guides and trainers at the reserve and still get the full experience.

While falconry and the birds themselves are revered in Abu Dhabi and the knowledge and skills are still being passed down through families, as with Ali and his son Mohammad, it remains a status hobby with a price tag to match. The most prized birds are the original wild types with pure bloodline, affectionately known as "wahasha" (or "monster") for their wild, killer instincts. These beasts are hard to find, says Ali, and can easily cost in excess of $30,000. And then there's the training. It can take from six months to a year to fully train a falcon and the trainers at Al Marzoom, who often have a few falcons each, use remote controlled planes adorned with houbara feathers to teach young birds.

For Al Mansoori it's been one of his most loved hobbies for more than 13 years; he looks after his falcon as a cherished pet.

"Sometimes I go 12 times [a year to the reserve]. I would like more so I also travel to Morocco, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, too," he says. "I look after my falcon in my home, sometimes he's even living in the same room I am sleeping."

Al Marzoom Hunting Reserve, Al Gharbia - Abu Dhabi; +971 56 587 4448

Excerpt from:

Hunting with the falcons of Abu Dhabi - CNN

W Muscat, one of the capitals newest and hippest hotels, has scooped two coveted titles for Worlds Leading New Hotel 2019 and Omans Best Hotel Spa at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2019 and its offshoot, the World Spa Awards. Joining the global hospitality industrys most prestigious properties, W Muscat received the awards during the Grand Final Gala Ceremony held at the neighbouring Royal Opera House Muscat. Considered the Oscars of the hotel industry, the World Travel Awards are a welcome win for the resort, which opened its doors in April this year.

Were thrilled that our hotel has been recognised with two World Travel Awards, a remarkable achievement given our short time in operation. Our aim from the beginning was not only to offer something new to the local social scene, but to draw a different kind of tourist to Oman; one that is young, adventurous and experience-hungry. Whether guests are looking to chill, to play, or anything in between, we have something for all. It is all about our guests pursuing their lust for life and unlocking their individuality, said Gerald Chevasson, General Manager of W Muscat.

As an iconic property owned and developed by OMRAN Group, the Sultanates leading executive arm for tourism development, W Muscat has brought its fresh approach to luxury hospitality to Oman, steered by the globally-recognised W brand. A true disruptor in its aesthetic, the hotel is an eye-catching ode to the brands passion for design, music, fashion and fuel, and a playful take on the Sultanates natural beauty and rich heritage.

An essential part of the W experience is the AWAY Spa which, like the rest of the hotel, is designed to make guests feel like theyve stepped into another world. Reminiscent of the ancient ritual of stargazing, guests are enveloped under a bejeweled night sky with the intimacy of cave-like comfort. With an enticing spa menu, a Beauty Bar for touch-ups and quick fix treatments, AWAY Spa is perfect for all-day pampering or a quick glam session before a night out.

Aside from a range of programmes to suit everyone from thrill-seekers to chill-seekers, W Muscat boasts an array of picture-perfect dining spots and a bold food and beverage culture, all created to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.

For more information on all things W Muscat, visit http://www.wmuscat.com or get social with W Muscat on Instagram @wmuscat.

More here:

W Muscat Wins Double at the World Travel Awards - Al-Bawaba

Delta Air Lines said Thursday it is taking a minority stake in private aviation start-up Wheels Up, in a move that establishes one of the world's largest fleets of private aircraft.

Once the transaction is approved, which is expected in early 2020, Wheels Up will have a fleet of 190 planes and more than 8,000 customers, Delta said.

"This groundbreaking partnership will democratize private aviation making the convenience of private jet travel accessible to more consumers," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. He added that the agreement "is the latest step in Delta's ongoing effort to build partnerships that extend Delta's brand beyond its core business."

The company declined to disclose financial terms but said it expected no impact to its 2019 financial guidance. Delta will also hold an equity position in Wheels Up, which said in August that it had completed a $128 million round of funding that valued the company at $1.1 billion.

"It's a way for us to extend our brand and our ability into a new space," Bastian told CNBC's Phil LeBeau in a "Squawk Box" interview from the airline's investor day in Atlanta.

Industry giants such as VistaJet, Directional Aviation and Wheels Up are vying to become the dominant players in the industry.

"To partner with the No. 1 airline in the world ... that's incredible validation for Wheel's Up," the company's founder and CEO Kenny Dichter told CNBC.

Read the rest here:

Delta partners with Wheels Up, creating one of the world's largest fleets of private aircraft - CNBC

Billionaires are always on-the-go, even when they're vacationing.

Business Insider teamed up with boutiqueluxurytravel agencyOriginal Travel, which plans trips for high-net-worth individuals, to find out the hottest spots the elite are spending their money on in 2020. They based this ranking on the number of bookings and performance; the latter was assessed by feedback, their expertise, and client inquiries.

Overall, billionaires are seeking out the unknown and the exclusive, from off-the-beaten path Kyrgyzstan to Nicaragua, newly removed from the FCO travel warning list. They're also looking to set sail, opting for intimate luxury cruises in far-flung destinations like the Maldives and Antarctica.

While they seem to have a taste for the exotic, they're also headed to the Middle East and Europe to visit a few more well-traveled countries.

Here are the destinations the ultra-wealthy will be checking off their bucket lists in the new decade.

Follow this link:

The 10 hottest destinations billionaires are traveling to in 2020 - Business Insider

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to ramp up its expansion across the Middle East, with the opening of two new hotels in Muscat, capital of Oman.

Marking the introduction of the Wyndham Garden and Ramada Encore by Wyndham brands to Oman, the openings underscore Wyndham Hotels & Resorts commitment to strengthening its presence in the market.

In a statement, the company said it would seek to support Omans ambitious Vision 2040 programme, which includes a focus on developing the countrys mid-market hotel sector and creating more job opportunities, in a bid to welcome 11 million visitors to the sultanate by 2040.

Over the past year, the destination has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers, witnessing an increase of more than 25 per cent in inbound visitors in the first six months of 2019 alone.

World Travel Awards also recently hosted its 2019 Grand Final at the Royal Opera House in Muscat.

The surge in visitor numbers follows the ministry of tourisms sustained efforts to promote Oman as a key travel destination and attract investment to the sector.

Panos Loupasis, vice president development, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: The anticipated openings of these two new hotels in Muscat mark a significant milestone as we seek to expand our presence in this important market.

We want to bring diverse accommodation choices to travellers across the Sultanate, and support Oman in its ambitious 2040 tourism plans, particularly on developing its mid-market hotel sector.

With their unrivalled locations in the heart of Muscats business and leisure district, these newest additions to the Wyndham Garden and Ramada Encore by Wyndham family are the perfect properties to complement our growing offering in the region, and guests can look forward to the same exceptional service they have come to expect from our brands around the world.

Set across eight floors and bringing 143 new rooms and suites to the city, Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair is expected to open later this month.

Located on Sultan Qaboos Street, just 20 minutes from Muscat International Airport, the new hotel boasts state-of-the art leisure facilities with two swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas, as well as three food and beverage outlets.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al Ghubra is expected to open in March and will be located in the heart of Muscat, next to the Al Ghubra roundabout on Sultan Qaboos Street, just minutes away from three of the citys major shopping malls.

With easy access to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and Muscats international airport, the hotel will also boast 163 rooms, a rooftop pool with sundeck and a fully equipped fitness centre and spa.

See more here:

Wyndham debuts two properties in Muscat, Oman | News - Breaking Travel News

Radisson Blu has welcomed the opening of a new beachfront resort on the shores of Vietnam.

The new Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh is nestled on Long Beach, a stunning 18-kilometre-long stretch of sand in Khanh Hoa province, on Vietnams south-central coast.

Located just ten minutes drive from Cam Ranh International Airport, which offers direct connections to and from major Asian cities including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai, this elegant seafront resort will provide an inspiring retreat for domestic and international travellers alike.

The resort features 292-rooms, suites and pool villas, which range from a generous 45 square meters to an expansive 140 square meters with panoramic ocean views.

The 36-villas also boast private pools, cabanas and alfresco dining areas.

Guests can relax on the beach along the resort or take part in water sports activities, enjoy the resorts spa facilities such as the Himalayan crystal salt chamber or Ice grotto, plunge into the outdoor infinity pool or work out in the fully equipped fitness centre.

Event planners can organize creative meetings and social functions in nine state-of-the-art facilities, including the versatile Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 385-persons for a gala dinner.

We are delighted to introduce guests to Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh, our new jewel on Vietnams golden coast.

With a beachfront setting, outstanding accommodation and world-class facilities, we are confident that this will become a sought-after destination for couples escapes, family vacations and memorable events, including weddings.

We look forward to welcoming the world to Cam Ranh Bay, said Peter Tichy, general manager, Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh.

Vietnam welcomed 11.3 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2019, up 8.7 percent year-on-year.

This puts the country firmly on track towards achieving another full-year arrivals record.

Read more:

Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh opens in Vietnam - Breaking Travel News

13 December 2019 08:17

Throw yourself into an analogue escape.

Press reset on your digitally dominated life and escape to one of our five favourite wellbeing retreats...

The name might suggest a venue with a pyramid stage, but this retreat is better suited to mastering the pyramid pose. Venues for this five-day retreat change every year. They're chosen for their remote locations that make living off grid easier and checking your Instagram feed almost impossible. More than a simple glamping experience with luxury spa treatments, this trip includes yoga and meditation classes to help you unplug.

This high-end spa in Vichy, south eastern France, has carefully crafted its own 'Digital Detox Cure'. Guests are invited to leave their phones in the hotel safe before a thorough digital detachment regime ensues. Expect a medical and nutritional consultation and psycho behavioural coaching to combat screen-based behaviour. Healthy meals fuel a programme of physical exercise held in the venue's picturesque grounds. Recommended retreats last a minimum of three days.

Those serious about exorcising their electronics can choose this three-day digital detox. Apple amnesty aside, your rooms are stripped of TVs, iPads and radios to encourage you to appreciate your surroundings. Luckily the New Forest and the hotel's enchanting tree houses are extremely easy on the eye. Yoga, meditation and Nordic walks are fuelled by a menu of alkaline foods aimed at redressing your pH levels.

Founded by Tanya Goodin, a digital entrepreneur who grew concerned at the damaging effects of technology, Time To Log Off's retreats place an emphasis on natural beauty and physical activity. Venues range from Somerset to Italy to Hawaii and specialised retreats are on offer for internet-addicted teenagers. Hand in your devices at the start of the retreat and leave with a plan for the boundaries you'll set yourself for screen time when it's back to 'real life'.

This Mexican hotel strips its eco-luxury rooms of telephones and TVs, encouraging guests to make the most of its calendar of activities. Morning yoga and regular meditation sessions see guests bond with each other over their enthusiasm for wellbeing and the opportunity to connect doesn't end there. Explore Juluchuca and the surrounding area by volunteering in a local turtle sanctuary or working with the community in specially organised workshops.

Remember your travel insurance before you disconnect. At World First, we provide last-minute travel insurance, so you can be covered when you discover a digital free lifestyle.

Go here to see the original:

5 of the best digital detox retreats - World First Travel Insurance