It’s almost the summer … have you forgotten about one of Europe’s overnight rail services? The European Sleeper, chugs its way from Germany’s capital to Belgium’s capital, stopping at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp, as well as a few other cities along the route. It has three different classes: Sleepers – Deluxe, with three beds and […]
Japan Rail Pass Trip Report: Hokuriku Arch Pass
After a pair of trips north to Tohoku, it was time to revisit Kanazawa, the place that first piqued my interest in Japan 24 years ago. With Kanazawa being the center of the Hokuriku region, it was the best choice as a base for using the JR (Japan Rail) Hokuriku Arch Pass. First, let’s briefly […]
Plaza Premium to Debut Lounge in Downtown Osaka
Tourism to Japan is booming, so why not get creative? That’s where the Plaza Premium lounge downtown Osaka comes into play. Having only entered the Japanese market last year, at Nagoya’s Chubu International Airport (NGO), the Hong Kong-based airport lounge operator will be presenting its new urban lounge concept at some point this summer. The […]
Restaurant Review: Shang Palace, Shangri-La Dubai
Disclaimer: In exchange for lunch at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Dubai, I am writing this review. After a packed four days of networking, and moderating a panel on culinary tourism at the Arabian Travel Market event, Friday was the day to relax. As my flight was leaving in the evening, I had a few hours to […]
Hotel Review: Marriott Marquis Dubai
Disclaimer: In exchange for a stay, I am writing this review of the Marriott Marquis Dubai. Located in the brand-new Jewel of the Creek district close to downtown Deira and City Centre Deira shopping plaza, the 434-room Marriott Marquis Dubai just opened in late March 2024. Check-in I had a short walk to the hotel […]
Restaurant Review: Pin Yue Xuan @ The Venetian Sands, Macao
While traveling between Zhuhai, China’s border city with Macao, and Hong Kong International Airport, I was able to arrange to lunch at Pin Yue Xuan, a locally renowned Cantonese establishment at The Venetian Sands Macao. For those unfamiliar with Macao, a number of larger properties such as Sands Resorts offer free shuttles from its border […]
JR Tokyo Wide Pass
Are you a big fan of Tokyo, but want to get away from the unabashedly urban side of things? Then the JR Tokyo Wide Pass might have your name on it. Might.* Who Can Buy the Pass? Just like the JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido, and the JR East (Tohoku Area), rail passes, this one can only […]
JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Ever since my first trip to Tohoku last year, I’ve been yearning to visit more of that northern Japanese region. For a quick refresher on what constitutes the Tohoku region, here’s a map: In addition to including Tohoku, there’s a clear bonus for this rail pass: parts of Hokkaido are included! That’s right, Japan’s big […]
