TLCOhio

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up from Host Bonjour. YES, it is fun and interesting to do all of this research and planning in preparing for such an "adventure". The history, architecture, culture, food, etc., from this region are so totally different and completely amazing. Lots of consider!! Like in the United States, one trip cannot cover it "ALL". We wanted to be sure that we were able to do the "Golden Triangle", including Agra and the famed Taj Mahal. But in what Silversea originally offered, it did not include a pre-cruise option for Jaipur. We have been able to arrange a private tour option that makes the "logistics" easier and including colorful Jaipur. Below is a little added background for this "star" for this nation. From the Times of India by Precious Rongmei, they had this headline: “Reasons Why It's Impossible Not to Love Jaipur” with these highlights: “The city of Jaipur is a vibrant and culturally rich tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is one of the major tourist destinations in India. The city, also popularly known as the Pink City due to the distinctive colour of the pink sandstone monuments and buildings, is not only visually pleasant, it also offers a unique blend of ancient heritage. Jaipur has beautifully incorporated architecture, colourful bazaars, and the royal Rajasthani culture into one stunning travel experience for all visitors.” One of my key personal interests is for their "Grand Architecture", including this background cited in this profile: "Jaipur's pink sandstone structures have earned the city the nickname Pink City. These beautiful and iconic structures showcase a harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. Monuments like the iconic Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amer Fort, with their impressive architecture, are every photographer's delight." YES, excellent photo opportunities are a key objective for me on this trip. Full story at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/reasons-why-it-is-impossible-to-not-love-jaipur/photostory/101927621.cms THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

From MSN News and skilled travel guru/writer Gene Sloan earlier this past week, they had this headline: “5 reasons you might not want to book a brand-new cruise ship” with these highlights: “There’s nothing quite like the thrill of being on the maiden voyage of a new cruise ship. The crew is excited. Passengers are excited. It’s almost always a festive affair, often with lots of extra pizazz like fireworks over the ship and deck-top parties with free-flowing Champagne. Plus, you might spot a celebrity or two — or, at least, the top executives of the line. Among hardcore cruise fans, it also can bring the ultimate in bragging rights, even years later. Still, booking a maiden voyage (or any of the first few sailings of a brand-new ship) isn’t without risks.” Silversea has been bringing on many new ships in recent years. "New" can be exciting! BUT, there are potential down-sides, including: "sailing might be canceled", "not everything will work right", "some venues might not be open" and "some of the crew is still learning". One of his wise cautions is: "don’t tie the cruise into a bigger trip that includes lots of other travel arrangements with hotels, airlines, tours, car services and private guides. That way, if the cruise is canceled at the last minute, you won’t find yourself scrambling to unwind many other elements of your trip." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/5-reasons-you-might-not-want-to-book-a-brand-new-cruise-ship/ar-AA1dYPg5 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,531 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Is there a "War" happening against cruising? Is the "Ban Bandwagon" growing? From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “Amsterdam to Cruises: ‘Party Time Is Over’ " with this sub-headline: "The Dutch capital will stop cruise ships from docking in the city center as part of a campaign to curb pollution and reduce the flow of tourists.” Here are some of their reporting highlights by Isabella Kwai: “Amsterdam will bar cruise ships from docking in the city center as part of a broader effort to curb pollution and reduce the large numbers of tourists who visit the Dutch capital. The City Council passed a proposal on Thursday to close a terminal where more than a hundred cruise ships dock each year. 'The motivation of the proposal from the City Council was to reduce the number of tourists, but also for environmental reasons,' Amsterdam’s deputy mayor, Hester van Buren, said. The municipality has not yet determined when the change will take effect. The cruise ship measure was the latest attempt by Amsterdam to cap the number of visitors and crack down on bad behavior as the tourism industry has rebounded, addressing residents’ longstanding grievances linked to overcrowding and rowdy tourists.” For added background, here is more: " 'Amsterdam prides itself on being a very open and tolerant city,' said Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam. But residents felt that the open attitude was being abused by tourists. Covid showed residents how quiet the city could be, he said, adding that Amsterdam wanted to send a message: 'Party time is over.' " Could cruise lines face these limits or curbs in other popular cities and locations? Part of the "attack" against in Amsterdam is about "environment' opinions that cruise ships pollute too much and are not "green" enough. Reactions? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/world/europe/amsterdam-cruise-ships.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 55,153 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

From the London/UK Express last month, they had this headline: “Gorgeous Grenada - everything you need to know about the family friendly Caribbean island" with this sub-headline: "From paradise beaches and tranquil waterfalls, to flavourful food and an underwater sculpture park, stunning Grenada has it all. Here's why it's time to add the Spice Isle to your bucket list." Here is one of their reporting highlights by Hannah Britt: “The Belmont Estate is a plantation that dates back to the 17th century, around an hour’s drive north of the capital, St Georges, that welcomes guests into the world of tree-to-bar chocolate making. It’s a brilliant place to spend the day, inspecting cocoa pods, crushing them underfoot, peeking into the on-site factory, and sampling its wares. Locally made food, served buffet style, is served at its restaurant, too, and is delicious.” A wide variety of options, visuals, etc., are featured in this profile that brings back nice memories from this charming island. Full story at: https://www.express.co.uk/travel/beach/1776543/grenada-caribbean-everything-you-need-to-know THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Is the "Ban Bandwagon" spreading in Europe?? From the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “Amsterdam votes to ban cruise ships" with this sub-headline: "A political party cited pollution and crowding as reasons for relocating a cruise terminal away from the city.” Here are some of the reporting highlights: “Amsterdam has already warned rowdy tourists to stay away and cracked down on smoking weed in the streets of its famed Red Light District. Now, city leaders are targeting what they see as another scourge: giant cruise ships, which dock at a terminal near the center of the Dutch capital. Political party D66 Amsterdam said Thursday its proposal to relocate the terminal, effectively blocking cruise ships from the city, had been adopted by a large majority of the city council. An announcement said the proposal is meant to address concerns around air pollution emitted by ships and the crush of tourists during port visits. Anouk Panman, a spokesperson for deputy mayor Hester van Buren, confirmed in an email Friday the city council had adopted the motion. 'The municipality of Amsterdam is going to investigate how this proposal can be implemented,' she wrote.” Overall, here is some added background: "In 2021, Italy’s government said large cruise ships would no longer be allowed to sail directly into Venice. Dubrovnik, in Croatia, took steps several years ago to limit the number of cruise passengers visiting at once. The Cruise Lines International Association said the port and passenger terminal had already pledged to invest millions in infrastructure and shore-based electricity for future use. The trade group said about 1 percent of Amsterdam’s visitors arrive by cruise ship every year and noted that cruise tourism contributes about 105 million euros to the city every year." Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/07/21/amsterdam-cruise-ship-ban/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,154 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Agree on your follow-up. Will check out the bars, etc., nearby to our JW Marriott Hotel. Fun to research and plan ahead using the Google Maps features to explore and check out options. From Condé Nast Traveler magazine, they had this headline: “23 Best Things to Do in Singapore" with this sub-headline: "The cost of admission is high, but this is one place you'll never be bored.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “It may be the one of the most expensive cities in the world, but Singapore has racked up plenty of other superlatives: cleanest, best planned, and, quite possibly, most entertaining. The Lion City is home to the largest rooftop infinity pool, the world's first safari park for nocturnal animals, centuries-old temples and, of course, some of the best food on the planet. You'll also find extraordinary gardens, impressive architecture, world-class performance venues, and shopping streets. The city-state offers a fascinating melding of the old and new, the historic and the modern.” This is their summary for the high-rated Gardens By the Bay: "This is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Singapore, and rightly so. The breadth of plants and the creative ways in which they're displayed is awe-inspiring. In one part of the conservatory, the Cloud Forest mimics the cool-moist ecology of the tropical highlands. It has a treetop walk and an oft-photographed indoor 114-foot waterfall." Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-singapore THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 50,083 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are the charts for the past week. Late in the week, things moved upward nicely for Royal Caribbean. More of a mixed week for the other two major cruise lines?? A major earning report comes out next week. Predictions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 55,153 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 From the Wall Street Journal, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five trading days.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For the past month, here has been the up, upward performance with the overall S&P 500 Stock Index:

Appreciate these great follow-ups and the super helpful kindness from agape01. Wonderfully supportive. Lots going on in Singapore with the National Day upcoming. From CNN, the cable news network, earlier this past week, they had this headline: “Asia’s best bars for 2023” with these highlights: “The winningest city in Asia was Singapore, which had a whopping 11 bars in the top 50. The list is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, which is made up of members of the bar industry, media and mixology experts in the region.” From this Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 listing, here are the eleven ranked in order for Asia that are from Singapore: 2. Jigger & Pony (Singapore) 7. Nutmeg and Clove (Singapore) 10. Sago House (Singapore) 15. Analogue Initiative (Singapore) 16. Republic (Singapore) 21. Manhattan (Singapore) 24. 28 HongKong Street (Singapore) 27. Atlas (Singapore) 30. Employees Only (Singapore) 32. Stay Gold Flamingo (Singapore) 42. Native (Singapore) Personally, I am not that big of a "Bar Guy", but it is interesting that Singapore does this well. Anyone know these locations, have added details/insights to share, etc.? Full story at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/asia-best-bars-2023-intl-hnk/index.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 51,985 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

YES!!! Sad loss. Was fortunate to hear him twice, live in concert. Amazing performer, including just a few years ago at the late stages of his awesome career. Love his "Left My Heart In San Francisco" song. What could be better??? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/arts/music/tony-bennett-dead.html

From the Investor's Business Daily yesterday, they had this headline: “Cruise Line's Profit Expected To Sail Higher; Will It Blow Estimates Out Of The Water?” with these highlights: “Cruise line operator Royal Caribbean is Thursday's IBD Stocks To Watch pick. Travel stocks have outperformed with vacationers eager to hit the roads, skies and seas after the pandemic lockdowns. Royal Caribbean will report second-quarter earnings on July 27. The company has topped earnings estimates in the last several quarters. First-quarter EPS beat analysts' estimates by over 66%, following 16% and 31% upside surprises in the two quarters before that. Royal Caribbean produced only one profitable quarter in the last eight. But quarterly losses have been diminishing, and it posted a profit in Q3 of last year.” Here are more of their reporting details: "Royal Caribbean is now finding support at the 21-day exponential moving average. The growth stock has gained over 100% this year so far. Truist Securities raised its price target to 115 from 85 and maintained its hold rating on Tuesday. Barclays hiked its target to 113 from 100 and maintained its overweight rating Tuesday." Full story at: https://www.investors.com/research/cruise-line-profits-expected-to-sail-higher-will-this-growth-stock-blow-estimates-out-of-the-water/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 72,163 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yes, we have used them three times and things worked well. Definitely check and see what fits your interests, budget, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From this below-connected travel news website, they had this headline: “50 Must-See Singapore Attractions You Need To Bring Your Overseas Friend & Revisit Yourself” with these highlights: “Whether you’re the kind who strays off the beaten paths or hit the biggest tourist traps, you’ve got to admit there’s a lot of must-see attractions in Singapore. The pulsating streets, iconic monuments, historic landmarks, and sandy beaches – the list goes on.” There are a wide range of options in Singapore listed. At the top of their list is Gardens by the Bay – Seasonal flower displays & art installations where they note: "It’s almost illegal to not see Gardens by the Bay while in Singapore." Second they listed: Merlion Park – Singapore’s iconic “mascot” with this details: "The iconic half fish half lion creature spewing water into the waters of Marina Bay at Merlion Park deserves your time and attention." Here are a couple more items on their top list: Marina Bay Sands – Free water & light shows. "You won’t have to wait till Christmas to see dazzling light displays in the city. Outside Marina Bay Sands, there’s the free Spectra water and light show every night." Orchard Road – Mega shopping district of Singapore. "It’s not even fair to think of Orchard Road as just a road. It’s more like a giant maze that also happens to have thousands of stores and eateries attached." Full story at: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/best-singapore-attractions/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,531 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

I strongly vote for Cruise Critic (and cruise ships) being a "snake-free zone"!! Also, no need for those pesky spiders. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “8 destinations to escape extreme heat this summer” with these highlights for this Caribbean location: “Aruba is always the first destination a travel adviser recommends to clients looking for a vacation destination with consistent weather. 'The temperature is almost always in the 80s,' Elaine Esposito said. 'Aruba is an arid island with a dry climate where trade winds blow to lessen the heat.' Beyond selling points such as pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling, Aruba is south of the hurricane belt, making such disasters rare.” Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/extreme-heat-summer-cooler-destinations/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 248,033 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

How are cruises selling and reaching different markets, demographics, ages, interests? From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “Are Cruises ‘Corny’? Some First-Time Passengers Looking for a Deal Say Maybe Not" with this sub-headline: "Younger generations of passengers are venturing onto ships for the first time. And with sky-high airfares and expensive hotels on land, many are saving money.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “With airfares at a five-year high, limited accommodations in popular destinations and pent-up travel demand, many people are looking to cruising as a high-value alternative to land travel. Interest among younger generations who have never cruised is higher than ever, with 73 percent of millennials and Gen X travelers considering a cruise vacation, according to a survey conducted by Cruise Lines International Association. Out of the 4,500 respondents who took their first cruise, 88 percent of millennials and 86 percent of Gen X said they would do it again, according to CLIA. The association projects cruise tourism to reach 106 percent of 2019 passenger volume in 2023. Jonathon Fishman, a spokesman for the Royal Caribbean Group, said that guests on Royal Caribbean were younger than before the pandemic.” This added perspective might be of interest: "To attract more first-time passengers, cruise companies have been adapting their itineraries to offer more options to target a broader range of demographics like themed sailings, adult-only cruises and short trips for people to 'test the waters.' " Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/18/travel/first-time-cruise-passengers.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 105,155 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

What is new and best for Singapore? First time to be visiting Singapore and these other locations. Love to learn any smart tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic parts of the world. Our overall plan for early 2024 include doing private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, etc. Then fly to Mumbai/Bombay Feb. 11, a day there, then starting 18-day Silversea cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa) and Cochin. Then stops in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore. Three days in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. Previously, this cruise was going to offer two and a half days for Myanmar/Burma, but that has been scrubbed due to the military/government uncertainties in that challenged country. Below is my graphic for our general travel plan. Tips, ideas, insights? From CNN, the cable news network, they had this headline: “Destination Singapore” with these highlights: “A truly modern metropolis, the city state of Singapore is a jewel of Southeast Asia. Founded as a trading post for the British Empire, its rapid development and Western style are a counterpoint to the more visceral Asian cities of Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. While sipping on a Singapore Sling at the renowned Raffles hotel is a quintessential experience, there's still plenty of local color to be found, with hawker stalls serving up spicy noodle soup and fish dumplings, especially around Smith Street. Nowhere showcases the city's modern heart better than Marina Bay, where the spectacular vertical gardens of Supertree Grove nestle alongside the Marina Bay Sands resort, home to one of the world's best rooftop bars.” Everyone I have talked with has great things to say about Singapore. Clean, safe, etc.? What are your personal favorites, biggest surprises, don't miss ideas, etc., for Singapore?? We will be staying at the JW Marriott hotel next to the historic Raffles Hotel. Is the Raffles' classic Singapore Sling over-rated and over-priced? Or, worth it? Full CNN profile at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/destinations/singapore THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,373 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Nile is world’s longest river? Amazon would like a word.” with these highlights about two of the world's greatest rivers: “Guinness World Records, Britannica and the U.S. government agree: The longest river in the world is the mighty Nile — the 'father of African rivers,' Britannica says. But in Brazil, home to the powerful Amazon River, which cleaves South America more than slithers across it, the Nile’s standing is slightly lower.” Here is more: "What appears at first to be a basic geographic query, a matter of cold science and hard numbers, has instead morphed into a cartographical dispute that has divided the scientific and exploration communities. The Nile — or the Amazon? According to the U.S. Geological Survey and Britannica, the difference between their lengths is just 132 miles — less than the drive from Washington to Philadelphia. They have the Nile’s 4,132 miles barely edging out the Amazon’s 4,000." Clearly, the Amazon is much bigger in water volume. But, as rivers' paths change and evolve over decades and centuries, these interesting debates are discussed in this detailed profile. It is fun to have traveled a thousands miles up and back on the Amazon, but having also sailed, briefly, on the Nile while in Luxor. Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/12/amazon-nile-longest-river/?utm_campaign=wp_post_most&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_most&carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F3a56ade%2F648f26f9b83e300047e9f20f%2F596de289ade4e215b7d0544b%2F14%2F54%2F648f26f9b83e300047e9f20f THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 71,779 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

With our Mumbai to Singapore, February 2024, Silversea cruise scrubbing out from its three planned days in Myanmar/Burma (due to military/economic uncertainities there), they are adding two more days for Sri Lanka, plus more time in Phuket. We will still have our originally-scheduled two days for Colombo, Sri Lanka, Fri.-Sat., Feb. 16-17. But, then they are adding a full day each for port stops at Hambantota and Trincomalee, respectively, at the southern and northeast parts of Sri Lanka. What are the key suggestions, tips and ideas for in and around Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee?? Must-sees, best options for Sri Lanka?? We like history, culture, architecture, photography, nature, wildlife, food, etc. First time for visiting India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. Tell us more! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 243,992 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

What is new and best for India? First time to be visiting India and these other locations. Love to learn any smart tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic parts of the world. Our India plans for early 2024 include doing private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, etc. Then fly to Mumbai/Bombay Feb. 11, a day there, then starting 18-day Silversea cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa), New Mangalore and Cochin. Then stops in Sri Lanka, Myanmar/Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore. Added time in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. Below is my graphic for our general travel plan. Tips, ideas, insights? From CNN, the cable news network, earlier this week, they had this headline: “India is now the most populous country in the world. And it’s ready to become a tourism force” with these highlights: “Having recently become the world’s most populous nation, India has sparked much speculation about whether it will continue to surpass China in other arenas. All eyes now are on the South Asian superpower’s growing influence on the global stage. And the tourism industry is no exception. By 2024, Indians are expected to spend more than $42 billion per year on outbound travel. India is experiencing what Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of travel and bookings website Agoda, calls a tourism 'boom,' and is currently 'the biggest growing outbound destination.' ” Here is more from this story: "It isn’t just about the number of people traveling, either. The country is continuing to pour billions of dollars into growing its aviation industry and cementing its status as a travel hub." Full story at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/india-outbound-tourism-intl-hnk/index.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 243,992 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they will have this headline: “36 Hours Buenos Aires” with these highlights: “Buenos Aires can feel overwhelming. Main thoroughfares like Avenida Santa Fe are noisy and jammed with zooming taxis and groaning buses. The streets can get grimy. But elegance is everywhere and accessible to visitors. Beaux-Arts buildings along Avenida de Mayo recall the grandeur of old Europe. You can find affordable, handcrafted goods at artisan fairs that abound on weekends in neighborhoods like San Telmo, Recoleta and Mataderos. The afterglow of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory remains — a spiritual salve for many still suffering from the country’s yearslong inflation crisis. Visitors will find a city where people press on. It is that perseverance that keeps Buenos Aires vibrant and thrilling.” Many ideas and options for museums and attractions, restaurants and bars, shopping, where to stay and getting around are outlined. Brings back many memories from visiting there in the late 1980's Very interesting and fascinating city. Here is another highlight example from this detailed profile: "The Palermo neighborhood already had three sprawling gardens within walking distance of one another: Jardín Japones, Jardín Botánico and Parque El Rosedal. Add Ecoparque to that list. Once it was the site of a grand, and very sad, city zoo, where iron cages kept lions, tigers and chimpanzees in cruelly small spaces. The zoo closed in 2016, and since then, the new owners have been converting it into a peaceful nature preserve, where peacocks and Patagonian maras — native, fleet-footed rodents — roam free." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/18/travel/things-to-do-buenos-aires.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 71,505 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they will have this headline: “36 Hours Tokyo” by Motoko Rich, and images by Andrew Faulk, with these highlights: “For two-and-a-half years, pandemic border controls kept international travelers out of Tokyo, leaving its neon shopping precincts and most popular temples and shrines to the locals. Now, with foreign tourists welcomed back since October, those willing to explore beyond highly trafficked neighborhoods like Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku and wander down side streets in places like Setagaya or Koto will be richly rewarded with offbeat boutiques, cafes or surprising oases of natural beauty. Think of Tokyo as a warren of concealed gems, where you can drink at an artisanal bar tucked up in a small office or apartment building or taste exquisite sushi in a basement at the end of a dark street.” This detailed profile has a wide range of tips, options and potentials, including about eestaurants and bars, shopping and markets, outdoor activities and cultural attractions, where to stay and for getting around. Here is an example for one tip: "Head back into the urban fray of Ginza, Tokyo’s original luxury retail district, where you can gawk at the Issey Miyake showroom or peruse designer brands like Commes des Garcons, A Bathing Ape, Supreme and Kolor at the Dover Street Market. For far more affordable (and edible) designs, visit Ginza Akebono, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that dates back to 1948 when Tokyo was recovering from the devastation of the war." In February 2024, we are planning for a Mumbai to Singapore, 18-day cruise. In going back home from Singapore, our best flight options with American Airlines Frequent Flyer miles would involve going through Tokyo's HND airport. We are looking at spending a day or two in Tokyo. First time for India, Singapore, Japan, etc. What other tips, suggestions, etc., can experienced Tokyo visitors share in reaction to this NY Times story? Appreciate any and all ideas and insights!! Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/06/travel/things-to-do-tokyo.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 242,700 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the New York Times Travel Section in December, they had this headline: “36 Hours Rome” with these highlights: “Rome, usually a city on the verge of an urban breakdown, suddenly seems on the cusp of getting it together. A refreshing breeze of possibility, not just this summer’s burning garbage, is blowing through the city. The city is hoping to host World Expo 2030, a potentially transformative prize that could improve infrastructure and reimagine Rome’s rugged eastern neighborhoods — though even now they percolate with energy. Whether it be sumptuous palaces or new restaurants eager to break free of the carbonara yoke, Rome seems eager to stop resting on its wilted laurels.” This lengthy profile has a wide range of ideas and options for restaurants and bars, attractions, shopping and markets, getting around, where to stay, etc. Many interesting visuals are also included. Have visited Rome in 1970, 1999 and 2011. Might share later some of my visuals from our love of Rome, its history, character, style, people, architecture, etc. In this summary report, here is an example of one "hidden gem" they shared: "Rome is a city of secrets. Behind beat-up facades are sprawling gardens and sparkling palaces. Palazzo Colonna may be the most well-managed and jaw-dropping of them all. Rooms drip with art, and the private apartments of Princess Isabelle are packed with treasures. Polyglot staff members will tell you about the room Michelangelo hung out in; the bored princess who took the (visitable) secret passageway when she escaped dressed as a man; the rare ancient marbles; and the 18th-century insomnia clock." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/12/01/travel/things-to-do-rome.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 256,051 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ Here is the NY Times graphic for this detailed profile about Rome.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “36 Hours in New Orleans" with this sub-headline: "Soak up Mardi Gras season while dive-bar hopping, dancing to brass bands and exploring history in the French Quarter.” Here are a few of their profile highlights: “Nearly two decades after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans remains smaller in population, but arguably richer than ever in cultural treasures. Forced to justify its very existence, the city doubled down on venerating its charming and curious customs and neighborhood gems. Today, there are new ways to engage with the city’s history, arts scene and natural beauty.” Many different options and ideas are outlined for cafes and restaurants, live music and nightlife, shopping and where to stay in the "Big Easy". Plus, a variety of visuals. Here is an example for one good suggestions: "In the French Quarter, the city’s colonial heart, gimmicky ghost tours are as common as cockroaches. A better way to commune with the spirits is to visit the Historic New Orleans Collection’s museum on Royal Street (free), which opened in April 2019 after a $38 million restoration and expansion of an 1816 mansion. Artifacts like an advertisement for the 1859 opening of the French Opera House evoke ghost worlds (the Opera House burned down in 1919). Bourbon Street beckons, just one block away, with its river of whiskey-fuelled partying pedestrians." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/09/travel/things-to-do-new-orleans.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 256,026 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

From the New York Times Travel Section last weekend, they had this headline: “36 Hours Bangkok” with these highlights: “Bangkokians have been busy: Travelers returning to 'the City of Angels' after even a few years will notice changes. The impenetrably jammed streets of Chinatown and Old Town, with their glorious religious and royal enclaves, are finally accessible by mass transit with the extension of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit subway. And the long-neglected waterfront of the Chao Phraya River now has two massive, eye-popping developments on opposite banks. A new generation of chefs, designers and artisans has taken advantage of the pandemic lull to open businesses throughout Bangkok, bringing more flair and fun to an already flamboyant city.” There are a wide variety of ideas, options, visuals for dining, locations to visit, etc., being offered in this highly-detailed profile. Brings back many memories from our visit there for three days in early 2018. Fun!! Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/02/travel/things-to-do-bangkok.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 241,698 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Manaus is one their top world locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “In Manaus, where you can sip steamy gourds of tacacá from a stand in front of the Teatro Amazonas or wander past plastic bottles of tucupi, the juice squeezed from grated cassava, in Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, Amazonian ingredients are a fact of life. At the Indigenous-owned Biatüwi, a restaurant that pays homage to ancestral recipes and cooking techniques, drinks are made from fermented purple yams, and chiles are used to purify river fish in piquant stews like quinhampira. Then there’s the chef Felipe Schaedler, who has helped threatened Yanomami communities commercialize their native mushrooms and runs two restaurants of his own: Banzeiro and Moquém do Banzeiro.” We enjoyed Manaus when visiting there in early 2015 on a cruise up and down the Amazon as detailed below on my live/blog. Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 70,748 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696