Disclaimer: In exchange for one tasting menu with drinks, I am writing this review. As a former resident of/frequent visitor to Mexico, I generally don’t enjoy Mexican cuisine outside of that country. The climate zones, the variety, the ingredients, the chilies — to me, Mexico’s gastronomy has no equal. Then I received a surprising invitation […]
Chinese Visa-Free Access for Three More Countries
Since reopening to international tourism in March 2023, international arrivals numbers to China have been lower than anticipated by that country’s government. To encourage more foreign tourists to visit, Beijing has temporarily eliminated tourism visas for a number of countries, mostly in the EU. Starting 1 July of this year, there will now be Chinese […]
Inaugural Flight Review: Avelo Airlines New Haven to St. Louis
Disclaimer: In exchange for a one-way ticket, I am writing this review. As a former albeit brief resident of the St. Louis area, whenever the chance arises, I visit a couple of friends still living there. But STL is certainly not among the cheapest airports to fly to in the states. That’s why I was […]
Lounge Review: Turkish Airlines Lounge Bangkok (BKK)
If you’ve got Priority Pass, and you’re in the international departures area of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), you’ve got heaps of choices for so-so lounges. Yet only after a recent flight from there, I noticed that the Turkish Airlines Lounge BKK, formally known as the Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Gold Lounge, was also available to […]
Forgotten about Overnight Rail in Europe?
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 […]
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 […]
