100 Ways to Be Less of a Colonialist Jerk When You Travel

Repeat after me: It is never OK to take pictures with smiling, barefoot children. Even if it’s for your Tinder. Especially if it’s for your Tinder.

The Most Expensive Cities in the World

a large body of water with a city in the background

In the past few months, a number of rankings have appeared, determining everything from the best cities in the world for expats to the best country in the world. Yet another survey has recently been released: The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2019 Worldwide Cost of Living rankings, which proclaims Singapore, Hong Kong, and Paris the world’s most expensive cities—the first time that three places have shared top billing.

The annual report, which ranks 133 cities based on a twice-yearly survey, collects more than 400 individual prices across more than 160 products and services—including food and drink, clothing, rent, transportation, utility bills, private schools, domestic help, and recreational costs—to arrive at the overall cost of living. A glimpse at some of the intel: In Paris, a two-pound loaf of bread costs $5.66 on average; in Hong Kong, a two-piece business suit will run you an average of $1,874.65. In Singapore, which had topped the “most expensive city” list for five years in a row prior, a women’s haircut averages $96. (For comparison’s sake, in the world’s “cheapest” city, Caracas, Venezuela, that same haircut would cost $1.77.)

Though the list is dominated by Asian and European cities, New York and Los Angeles cracked the top ten after being jointly tied for 39th place a mere five years ago. The reason? Sharp currency appreciation, or a stronger U.S. dollar, which means that U.S. cities have become more expensive globally. In fact, all but two U.S. cities rose in the list’s greater rankings this year, with the highest climbers being San Francisco (25th up from 37th previously), Houston (30th from 41st), Seattle (38th from 46th), and Detroit and Cleveland (joint 67th from joint 75th).

Interestingly, the report notes that certain regions are typically more expensive for certain things: In the U.S., for instance, domestic help and utilities remain expensive. Asian cities, meanwhile, tend to be most expensive for groceries, while European cities are hit hardest by household, personal care, recreation, and entertainment costs.

A full list of the most expensive cities can be found below.

1. Singapore

1. Paris, France

1. Hong Kong

4. Zurich, Switzerland

5. Geneva, Switzerland

5. Osaka, Japan

7. Seoul, South Korea

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

7. New York, New York

10. Tel Aviv, Israel

10. Los Angeles, California

The Venetian’s $450K Package Includes a Private Jet and Diamonds

a large building: Venetian, las vegas, palazzo, resorts

The Venetian is giving “the world” to its luxury travelers with a four-night $450,000 package. The “Want The World” package pulls out all the luxury stops in some outrageous ways.

Travelers who book the package will arrive in Vegas by private jet, be picked up by a Maybach car and whisked away to the Venetian.

They’ll receive a VIP check-in experience and be taken to the hotel’s presidential suite which includes a private, personal butler on-hand at all times. The suite comes with its own workout room, cedar-wood sauna, game room and baby grand piano.

With the package, guests will be able to enjoy a crystal-encrusted magnum bottle of Moet Champagne and munch on a cake adorned in a 2.5 total carat ruby and diamond necklace and a matching 2.47 carat Burma ruby and diamond ring from Bellusso Jewelers all in their comfortable monogrammed red silk pajamas.

They may even want to pair the cake with a red velvet cake batter CrazyShake from Black Tap with a 5.5 carat diamond bracelet or with the Forbidden Love Cocktail, a 21-year-old Japanese blended Suntory Hibiki whiskey with gold flakes and served with caviar.

The package offers more pampering like an in-suite champagne pedicure and diamond massage, as well as a four-course custom dinner served in the suite and a two-hour salsa dancing lesson. And when brunch rolls around, guests will enjoy the “24K Brunch and Bubbles” by Yardbird which includes a 24k gold-dusted chicken n’ waffles and Cristal mimosas.

If all that wasn’t enough, guests will have a personal photographer to document the entire experience so they can show their friends just how glamorous their stay was with this luxury Venetian package.

Why Finland Is Consistently the Happiest Country on Earth

a boat is docked next to a body of water: Jetty on a sunny summer day neat Helsinki, Finland

If you’re feeling low, it may be time to book a trip to Finland.

The results of the seventh annual World Happpiness Report have revealed that residents of Finland are the happiest in the world — for the second year in a row. But it’s not something inherent in Finnish DNA, according to the researchers.

“It’s true that last year all Finns were happier than rest of the countries’ residents, but their immigrants were also happiest immigrants in the world,” John Helliwell, co-editor of the report and a professor of economics at the University of British Columbia, told CNN. “It’s not about Finnish DNA. It’s the way life is lived in those countries.”

And that same sentiment can be extended to countries geographically near Finland. Despite winters without much sunlight, Scandinavian residents are the happiest in the world, according to this report. The following most happy countries were Denmark, Norway, Iceland and The Netherlands.

The report, which is produced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks 156 countries around the globe based off of “how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.” Categories considered include wealth, life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life decisions and levels of government corruption.

While Scandinavia may have reason to celebrate, the rest of the world is not so happy. According to the report, world happiness has fallen in recent years, largely driven by a significant decrease in India. Emotions like worry, sadness and anger have increased throughout Asia and Africa in that same time.

The U.S.’s ranking in the survey slipped from 18 to 19, which researcher credit in large part to rampant “compulsive pursuit of substance abuse and addictive behaviors,” including consumption of digital media and gambling.

“We are living a moment of transition to a new age and this generates a sense of uncertainty,” Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè and Member of the Board of Fondazione Ernesto Illy, which co-sponsored the study, said in a statement. “Social happiness is therefore even more relevant, in order to give a positive perspective and outlook for the present and for the future.”

Get a glimpse of unspoiled Italy and explore the region of Puglia

Slide 1 of 12: Itria Valley, known also as Trulli Valley, is most famous for its peculiar architectural structures called trulli. These stone huts are characterized by their cone-shaped roofs and whitewashed walls. They were once the homes of peasants, but today they're a symbol of the whole Puglia region. Trulli can be found all over the valley, but some of the most popular places to find them are villages of Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca. The town of Alberobello has the most famous collection of trulli. In fact, the town consists entirely of trulli houses, 1,500 to be exact, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around trulli-lined streets and enjoy this unique place, unlike anything you've ever seen before. To get an authentic sense of what's it like living in these domed huts, you can even spend the night in a trulli.

Slide 3 of 12: At first glance, this magnificent city might remind you of Greece. Sitting on a hilltop, this charming town is famous for its whitewashed houses and maze-like alleys, hence the name the White City. Its shimmering architecture creates a dramatic contrast to the surrounding greenery. And just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, this town features astonishing views over the water. Get lost in the city's lovely, narrow streets and feel the dolce vita vibes everywhere you turn!
Slide 4 of 12: This spectacular network of caves stretches several kilometers underground, making you feel like you're on a journey to the center of the Earth. Considered to be the most important and largest karst complex in Italy, these caves are a truly spellbinding sight. Take a guided tour and admire the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, incredible underground landscapes, and canyons hiding inside. Also, a huge underground performance happens here all year round called Hell in the Cave. The show represents the first part of Dante's Divine Comedy and it's a truly extraordinary and one-of-a-kind experience.

Slide 6 of 12: Gargano is one of Puglia's most beautiful areas, renowned for its majestic cliffs, steep hills and beautiful coastline. Known as the "spur" of boot-shaped Italy, it's famous for its diverse landscape, with golden beaches and impressive coves on one side and the lush forests of Gargano National Park and Umbra Forest on the other. Its small towns feel like corners of paradise surrounded by crystal blue sea and bursting with old-world Italian charm. Slip away from the crowds, stroll around cobbled streets and feel the relaxed energy of the local culture. Also, the area is perfect for diving and hiking enthusiasts!

Slide 7 of 12: This unusual castle is characterized by its octagonal shape with towers supporting each corner. The geometrical design of the fortress makes it unique, so it's no surprise it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The masterpiece of medieval architecture sits on a green hill, dominating the surrounding low-lying countryside. Get a guided tour to find out more about the castle's rich history and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere!

Slide 8 of 12: Situated on Adriatic coast, the fishing port of Monopoli is lovely town with rich history. The city's name comes from the Greek word monos polis, which means singularly unique. Monopoli definitely stands up to its title, with glorious fortified sea-front walls, a 16th-cenury castle, a lovely harbor and a charming, historic city center full of white-washed churches and narrow alleys. The town is usually not crowded with tourists, allowing you to get a sense of the real Puglia. For a glimpse of local life, go to the city's port and watch fishermen coming in with their small boats or repairing nets as they sit along the seafront promenade.
Slide 9 of 12: Who needs to fly to the Maldives when you've got golden sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water in Puglia? The beach at Pescoluse is nicknamed the Maldives of Salento and as soon as you get here you'll realize why. Stretching for miles and surrounded by sand dunes, its Caribbean-like clear water is heaven for sunbathing, swimming and watersports.

Slide 10 of 12: The capital of Puglia is a true gem, often overlooked by tourists coming to the region. It might not have the attractive baroque architecture of Lecce or the stunning beaches of Gargano, but it doesn't lack impressive nature and historic attractions. Wander around medieval streets in the Old Town, known as Bari Vecchia, where you'll find great places to refresh yourself with a cup of Italian espresso and lots of historic monuments. One of the most famous landmarks in town is the Basilica di San Nicola where the remains of St Nicholas are being kept. To feel like a true local, get up early in the morning and visit the town's old port, known as Porto Vecchio, and buy a fresh catch of the day.

Slide 11 of 12: Translating to Cave of Poetry, this natural wonder is one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world. The 30-meter-wide sinkhole is surrounded by a stark, rocky landscape and the blue-green water of the Adriatic. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed here, but for a peaceful swim arrive early in the morning as it gets really crowded around noon. This amazing natural formation is also a major draw for adrenaline junkies who enjoy leaping from the high cliffs into the clear waters. It's also a hub for scuba divers from all around the globe who swim from the sinkhole through an underground cave to get back out to the sea.

Slide 12 of 12: This seaside town is the perfect place to get a glimpse of unspoiled Italy. When translated, the city's name means beautiful city, and it doesn't disappoint! Sitting on the Ionian Sea, the town features a beautiful beach and historic city center. Surrounded by water and ancient walls, this city will win your heart with its laid-back, easy-going atmosphere, fresh seafood and narrow paved streets. The town was once part of ancient Greece, so it's a must for history buffs. With its picturesque Old Town that can only be reached by a 16th century bridge, maze of alleys, majestic fortress and towers, Gallipoli will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time. Also, the town is famous for its fish market and excellent seafood in restaurants, delivered fresh by local fishermen every morning. Don't forget to try sea urchins here, because they're a specialty of Gallipoli.

A Look Inside Under, Norway’s Underwater Restaurant

a close up of a rock next to a body of water

 

When we first reported about Under, Europe’s first underwater restaurant, in 2017, we were wowed by the renderings: They showcased a periscope-like concrete structure submerged along Norway’s southern coast with diners sitting in front of a 36-foot-wide acrylic window with direct access to the sea life outside. But at that point, that was all they were—renderings. There was no menu, no news as to when Under would open, or even if it would come to fruition. But now, interested travelers can finally make reservations, and the underwater restaurant will officially start serving diners in April after a soft launch this month, Reuters reports.

The space, designed by Oslo- and New York-based architecture firm Snøhetta, takes diners on a physical journey underwater. First, you walk from the coast along a 40-foot bridge out the restaurant’s wood-paneled entrance. Then, you make a pit stop in the mezzanine bar for a glass of champagne before finally heading down a grand staircase to be seated 16 feet under sea level in the concrete-walled dining room. “Part of it is allowing people to have a deeper relationship with the ocean,” Snøhetta’s co-founder Craig Dykers told the Wall Street Journal. “Humans are mostly made up of water. We’re tremendously connected. Being in the restaurant will take us back to our ancient history.”

But the concrete tube isn’t just meant for the diners’ enjoyment: in an effort to attract sea creatures like mussels to settle into its nooks and crannies, the architects left the exterior in its raw form. It offers an opportunity to study the jellyfish, cod, and mackerel that make these Norwegian coastal waters their home. According to the Wall Street Journal, marine biologists will be studying fishes’ reaction to light from the ocean-floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room when the restaurant is not serving dinner. But the soon-to-form colonies on the restaurant’s exterior serve another purpose: they purify the water, making it more appealing for other fish to settle in and easier for diners to see out. Don’t worry—they’re not only relying on mollusks here to keep the water clear. The restaurant sends divers into the sea twice a week to clean that enormous panoramic window so you can actually see through it, it told WSJ.

If you’re intrigued by the architecture alone, be ready to fork over a bit of dough for your meal: the 18-course, seafood-heavy meal with wine pairings at Under will cost 3,700 krone (about $430), or 2,250 krone ($260) without wine. A sample menu hasn’t been released, but you’ll be in the capable hands of Nicolai Ellitsgaard, who previously worked at Traveler-fave Henne Kirkeby Kro in Denmark. The 40-seat restaurant has also already filled up all of its online reservations through mid-August, so be sure to book a table first and then start setting flight trackers to get a great deal. Since the restaurant is off the coast of Båly, about a five-hour drive south of Oslo, we’ve just got one thing to say: summer road trip, anyone?

 

 

Under, Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant, In Photos

Longtime Kingwood Travel owner sells business to Frosch Travel

From left, Diane Blanco from Lone Star College-Kingwood, Sharon Lewis from Kingwood Travel, Hazel Morrett with Trafalgar Tours and Ann Chamberlain with Kingwood Travel recently hosted a document party at Amedeoâ??s wine room for a group of prominent Kingwood citizens going to tour Italy over spring break.

After 41 years of serving the Kingwood community with world-class travel ventures, Kingwood Travel is now has new ownership and a new location.

Kingwood Travel, which is now owned by Frosch Travel, is now located in the Galleria area at 1 Greenway Plaza Ste. 800, Houston. All Kingwood Travel employees will work from the new location and clients will still receive the same services as before.

Kingwood Travel Owner Sharon Lewis said that after 41 years of serving the Kingwood community with various world adventures, it was a hard decision to sell the business to Frosch as part of a two year buyout program.

Hurricane Harvey created an incentive for Lewis to sell — she sustained flood damage to her home and her business.

One Lewis’s biggest accomplishments for Kingwood Travel was setting up Exxon Mobile’s annual retirement trip. Aside from her professional accomplishments, Lewis is been involved in several charities such as Mothers Against Cancer and organizations such as the Kingwood Rotary Club. She has also donated trips to several local causes.

“I’m still sad about it. I have a lot of close friends here and they’ve supported me all these years, and I appreciate that,” Lewis said. “We’ve (given) a lot of memories to people with nice trips.”

Kingwood Travel’s previous location on Kingwood Drive will be leased out to a new company.

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