5 Must-Visit Ryokans for Your Next Trip to Japan

Above, inside an Atami ryokan room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tourists to Japan are missing out on experiencing something totally Japanese if they don't stay at a traditional Japanese inn, known as a ryokan. 

I have stayed at several ryokans over the years and found them more enjoyable than hotels. 

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on five "must-visit" ryokans.

They begin it with:

There are countless reasons to visit Japan, but warm hospitality, unmatched design, and rich culture are just a few topping the list. And where better to draw all these elements together than at one of the nation’s many ryokans? Roughly translating to “inn,” ryokans lie at the heart of Japanese culture, known for their home-cooked meals on cushioned floors and snug sleeps on tatami mats. Often built atop natural hot springs, called onsen, communal bathing is also common to these cozy establishments, while sliding paper walls, called shoji doors, are also fundamental to these intimate spaces, cleverly filtering through natural light while maintaining absolute privacy.

Ryokans are rooted in tradition, and there are plenty of historic places to choose from—but a flurry of new developments has reimagined their iconic Japanese customs for modern audiences. Mineral-rich waters in private bathrooms, low rather than floor beds, and entire ryokan rentals are just some adaptations that have entered the scene—but all share the same goal of immersing guests in the ultimate authentic experience. Whether you’re looking for a bolthole passed through generations or a refreshing take on the lodging style, we’ve rounded up some of the loveliest ryokans for your next trip to Japan. (Or, for a more familiar stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Japan.)

To read more, go here. 

Can Americans Travel To Cuba?

Above, 1950s U.S. vintage cars can still be seen in Havana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in April 2019, a friend and I took a cruise aboard the Majesty of the Seas of Royal Caribbean to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba.

It was a fun and interesting trip. The interesting part was our visit to Havana. Since I have never been in a communist country before, I thought a trip there would be educational. The Cuban people were friendly. One thing I found, Cuban cigars are overrated, the ones I bought were no better than the Olivas I normally buy. 

Then, two months later, President Donald Trump paused group and cruise ship travel. But, Americans can still travel to Cuba. It is "perfectly legal for US individuals to visit Cuba for one of twelve specific purposes defined by the United States Treasury Department, and to travel on one of the many daily commercial flights to Havana, which mostly depart from Miami," according to travel writer Tony Perrottet in Condé Nast Traveler. 

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article by Perrottlet on the current ins and outs of travel to Cuba.

It begins with:

Even in 2024, the question “can Americans travel to Cuba?” is still frequently asked among US travelers. Few destinations create such simultaneous longing and confusion as this crocodile-shaped island only 95 miles south of Key West. It has held a mythic status since the early 20th century for its vibrant mix of Latin and Caribbean cultures, its hundreds of miles of pristine beaches, its African-influenced music, and its vintage charm; today, Chevrolets and Buicks from the ’50s rattle down Spanish colonial streets in Old Havana that have hardly changed since Ernest Hemingway was knocking back mojitos there.

Yet Cuba has long been a metaphorical forbidden fruit due to political rifts. A web of travel restrictions imposed in the 1960s made it difficult for Americans to make the journey, an idea that still lingers today. And while the limits on tourism were largely lifted in 2016, many still find the prospect daunting.

For some insider knowledge, I spoke to Johnny Considine, founder of the travel agency Cuba Private Travel, a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, and a long-term resident of Havana. We discussed the steps American travelers need to take when visiting Cuba, as well as the best times to go, what to see, and more.

To read more, go here.

Japan Travel: 15 Unwritten Rules

Above, a food court at the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the world's most favored places to travel, many people are traveling there for the first time.

As this is the case, they should be mindful of proper etiquette while in Japan. There are 15 unwritten rules that all visitors should be aware of.

Condé Nast Traveller has them listed.

They begin with:

In Japan, the concept of “hairyo” – a profound embodiment of thoughtfulness and consideration – serves as a foundation for public interaction, reflecting a culture deeply rooted in mutual respect. This principle encourages individuals to be aware of their surroundings and anticipate the needs and feelings of others in order to cultivate a harmonious environment. However, navigating the many unwritten rules and social cues can be challenging for foreign travellers. As our readers named Japan the best country in the world in this year's Readers' Choice Awards, resident foodie and travel connoisseur Tokyo Halfie offers a snapshot of essential guidelines for your visit to help you avoid any faux pas. 

 To read more, go here.

Things To Know If Travelling To Japan This Year

Above, the Mitsukoshi department store at Ginza Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer

It is funny how Japan for years clamored for more foreign tourists. Now that foreigners have coming into the country in droves, Japan is deeply concerned with overtourism.

Much of this overtourism is due to the weak yen. This is drawing foreigners as Japan is seen as a huge bargain as a result. One the other side of the coin, the weak yen is keeping Japanese citizens to refrain from foreign travel (Hawaii is a good example).

Condé Nast Traveller has an article on what four things we should expect if one is planning to travel to Japan this year.

They begin with:

Japan is experiencing a serious boom in tourism since the pandemic. With visitor numbers crossing three million in March this year, parts of the country are taking several measures to fight overtourism. Tourists must pay a fee and reserve a spot to hike Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail. The alleys of the geisha district are also out of bounds. Here’s what you need to know if you travel to Japan this season.

To read more, go here. 

Condé Nast Traveler: 24 Reasons To Visit Japan

Above, nighttime shoppers at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many reasons to visit Japan.

I have been there eight times over the past 22 years. Each visit was an enjoyable one, even when I got stuck in a commuter train car overnight between Narita Airport and Tokyo due to a heavy snowstorm in 2014. I just saw it as an interesting adventure.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article giving 24 things to do in Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan was voted the best country in the world in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Here, resident foodie and travel connoisseur Tokyo Halfie explains 24 reasons why you should visit Japan in 2024.

With a rich cultural heritage that eloquently integrates tradition and innovation, Japan is full of juxtapositions. After a two-year entry restriction that was lifted earlier this year, international travelers are flocking back to explore the splendors the country has to offer.

The diverse landscape unveils its ever-changing tapestry of colors, from the delicate pink sakura cherry blossoms in the spring to the vibrant fiery gradation of koyo autumn foliage. The seasonal transitions are beautifully mirrored in its remarkable dining scene, featuring shun-no-shokuzai (seasonal ingredients).

From the vivacious festivals in cities to serene onsen hot springs in the countryside, there are boundless possibilities for discovery.

To read more, go here. 

The Best Time To Book A Flight

When I bought my plane tickets (Delta Airlines) to fly from Albuquerque to Los Angeles for our high school reunion, it was in April when gasoline prices were fast rising to sky-high levels. Before taxes and fees, the price for the round-trip was $221.40. 

That would have been roughly the same price for one fill-up of gasoline for my motorhome. I would have needed at least three fill-ups for the trip had I drove. The choice was obvious.

Since then, airline ticket prices have risen, so it was a good thing that I booked my flights when I did.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on the best times to book a flight according to travel experts.

They begin it with:

Every traveler has a theory on the best time to book a flight. We’ve heard it all: The lowest fares are on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Eastern. (No, Saturday at 6 a.m. is the best time to buy!) You need to book at least two months before you fly. (No, you should fly at the last minute to score a deal!) But even with all these recommendations, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll find cheap flights.

“The notion that there’s a single best day and time to buy tickets to get a good deal is a myth that simply refuses to die,” says Willis Orlando, senior product operations specialist at Scott’s Cheap Flights. The reason it’s so persistent, Orlando explains, is that this concept used to be true decades ago when airline employees would update prices every week, meaning that savvy passengers could snag deals by booking right after those updates. But “the fact of the matter is this is just not how things work anymore, and it hasn’t been for a long time,” Orlando says. “Airfare these days is highly complex, and constantly changing, sometimes by the hour.”

Considering that the pandemic has caused shifts in passengers’ buying patterns (flexibility is king) and how airlines have responded (no more cancellation fees), the best time to book a flight formula becomes even trickier.

Luckily, there are still some reliable strategies passengers can use to score the best deals. One rule of thumb: Aim to buy tickets during what’s known in industry terms as the “prime booking window” or “optimal booking window.” This is the sweet spot several weeks—or even months—ahead of departure when deals are most likely to be had, prices aren’t as likely to fluctuate, and passengers have plenty of choice.

To read more, go here.

Camping In Oregon

Above, at camp at Diamond Lake RV Park near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After leaving Lava Hot Springs, Idaho after the Great American Eclipse in 2017, I headed to Oregon, to pay a visit to Crater Lake National Park. I hadn't been there since the 1970s.

With the exception of wildfires in and around the park which left a layer of smoke in the Crater Lake caldera, I had an enjoyable time. I stayed at a private campground, Diamond Lake RV Park, just a few miles from the park.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on the 8 best camping sites in Oregon.

They start it with:

If you could create an ideal camping destination from scratch, chances are it’d look a lot like Oregon. Forests carpet nearly half the state. The landscapes range from rugged coastline to arid high desert. And winding highways give road-trippers plenty of weird Americana and scenic viewpoints worth pulling over for. Along the way, you’ll find no shortage of places to pitch a tent or park your RV. 

You’ll get closest to nature at the many beloved Oregon State Parks and forest service sites, while private campgrounds range from rustic dry camping along alpine rivers to posh glamping in the heart of wine country. Whatever your camping style, you’ll find a cool place to rest your head here in the Pacific Northwest. Here are eight destinations we love for camping in Oregon.

 To read more, go here.

Condé Nast Traveler Guide To Yellowstone National Park

Above, one of many geysers in Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have been to Yellowstone National Park three times. It is the second most visited national park in the U.S. and draws a lot of crowds.

Unless one gets lucky and manages to reserve a campsite within the park, the best bet is to book a site outside of the park in places such as West Yellowstone, Montana (we did this in 2015 and had a great time). To avoid fighting traffic within the park, we signed up for two tours with a tour company that picked us up at the KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone where we stayed.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted a guide that will help in "outsmarting the crowds" at Yellowstone.

They begin it with:

The second-most visited national park in the country has always drawn a crowd, but Yellowstone National Park recently set new records with its busiest summer on record, including the most recreational visitors ever at the park in one month—over one million in July—and more than 920,000 recreational visits in August. It’s a call for a change and more responsible visits to this massive, all-seasons park, where shaking the crowds can be as simple as a few strategic moves.

Read on for everything you need to know to plan an expert trip to Yellowstone National Park—whether it's your first time visiting, or your fiftieth. 

To see the guide, go here. 

Condé Nast Traveler: Alternative National Parks

Above, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California is one alternative. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

America has 63 national parks, some of which are almost always crowded with people.

Personally, I prefer visiting national parks during the off-season when there's fewer people. But not everyone has the luxury of being retired and able to go during the off-season. But they have some alternatives to the more popular parks and are equally worthy of a visit.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on the alternative national parks that seem to be off people's radar and are less crowded during vacation season.

They begin with:

National parks are having their moment. With many seeing record numbers this year and the amount of yearly visitors rising by over 53 million from 2013 to 2019, it can feel like a fool’s errand to attempt an off-grid adventure amid throngs of other visitors. Not only are campgrounds booking up months in advance—at some parks, popular trails feel as jammed as Friday traffic in Los Angeles.

The good news is that out of the country’s 63 national parks, only a dozen or so draw constant crowds. Many others remain off of many Americans' radars. We’ve selected a few of our favorite lesser-known national parks, and which destinations they make great alternatives to. That being said, every one of these parks is bucket list-worthy on its own merits. 

To read more, go here.

When To Book A National Park Camping Trip

Above, all of Grand Teton's campgrounds are now on a online reservation system. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're not quite into spring yet. That arrives March 20. But now is the time to think about summer vacations. The first day of summer arrives June 20.

If visiting and camping in a national park, now is the time to see about where one wants to go to and to make reservations. More national parks are now booking campsites through reservation-only systems. There are important dates to remember.

Condé Nast Traveler has listed several national parks with information on making reservations.

They start with:

With temperatures rising and the days getting longer, it’s hard not to daydream about summery nights under the stars—particularly at an epic national park, if you can swing it.

In any other year, it can be highly competitive to nab a campsite in the middle of popular parks like Yosemite. Yet with national park visitation numbers still hitting record highs in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and book early—especially as several parks have added new rules in the wake of the coronavirus: Grand Teton just moved its entire campground reservations system online for the first time ever; Yosemite and Rocky Mountain have had on-again-off-again requirements for day-use permits; and Acadia will be implementing a new permit for driving up to Cadillac Mountain this summer.

All to say, if you want to camp at a national park, you’ve got to be serious about tracking important dates, including when they open for the season, when booking begins, and when the most popular campgrounds tend to book up. As a general rule of thumb, most sites become available six months in advance on Recreation.gov, with camping at the most visited parks selling out four to six months ahead of time. Of course, many parks set their own schedules—and, at some, nabbing the spot you want may mean sitting in front of your computer the day summer reservations become available. 

Here are the dates to pay attention to this summer, for camping at the country's top parks. Remember to keep track of state travel restrictions and park guidelines, which are always subject to change, before heading out. 

To read more, go here.

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The 24-Hour Flight Cancellation Rule

Above, an All Nippon Airways jet at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have had my flights canceled on occasion. Usually, it they were weather-related (snow) or "maintenance". I haven't requested any refunds, just a re-booking on another flight. I have not had to cancel a flight while traveling.

There is a 24-hour flight cancellation rule that many travelers don't know about. Thanks to the good folks at Condé Nast Traveler, it is all spelled out in an article from May.

It begins with:

In the age of COVID-19, knowing the ins and outs of getting a refund for an airline ticket has never felt more important. Passengers who are navigating an ever-changing web of travel restrictions and personal risk factors need flexible change and cancellation policies. But even before airlines started waiving fees and issuing refunds during the coronavirus crisis, there was the 24-hour flight cancellation rule, which helped passengers get their money back no matter what type of ticket they booked.

The Department of Transportation’s 24-hour refund regulation states that all airlines flying in the U.S., even international carriers, must issue a full refund if the reservation is canceled within a one-day window. Here’s what to know about this helpful policy for when you want to cancel a flight within 24 hours. 

It’s a customer service standard set by the Department of Transportation that says airlines must let travelers hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment, or allow a purchased reservation to be canceled within 24 hours without penalty and with a full refund to the original form of payment. All airlines operating to, from, and within the U.S. must comply with the 24-hour rule. The clock starts ticking on the 24 hours once the ticket purchase has been made.

 There are some exceptions that people should be mindful of.

To read more, go here. 

Condé Nast: How To Renew Passports

As one gets older, time seems to go by faster.

It seems like only yesterday that I renewed my U.S. Passport, but it was only 2012. Mine expires in 2022. I've traveled to Japan and Cuba with my current passport.

Above, yours truly at Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, Japan.

For those of you who are reading this, yours may be due for renewal sooner. It currently costs $110 to renew adult passports.

Thank goodness that Condé Nast Traveler has an article on how to renew passports.

They start it with:

If you’ve previously applied for a U.S. passport, renewing one should be a breeze—or a strong gust. It takes some organization, planning, and yep, a bit of money. Discover how to renew your passport, whether in person or by mail.

When should you renew your passport?

Set a calendar announcement six months before your passport is set to expire, reminding you to get the process started. Does it take six months? No. But since many countries require at least three months’ validity left on your passport (and others six), it pays to give yourself some buffer time in case passport wait times are longer than usual. Most passports and passport cards are valid for ten years from the date of issue.

Above, yours truly at Havana Port in Cuba.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico Green Chile Road Trip

Above, yours truly and Larry Lucier at the El Rancho Hotel restaurant
 dining room with hanging chili peppers next to the wine rack.

If you happen to like hot and spicy Mexican food, then New Mexico is the place to go to.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on the most famous and popular food item that the state is known for; the chile pepper. It is titled "A Green Chile Road Trip Through New Mexico". 

One of the styles of New Mexico license plates the state offers is one that has a red and green chili pepper on it with the slogan, "Chile Capital of the World". I have one on my Mustang.

Above, one of the license plate styles offered by the state.

Personally, I prefer the red chile pepper to the green.

They begin it with:

Few states are as defined by a single food the way New Mexico is. Here, green chile is both the name of a plant and a prepared dish. It can be served as a salsa or in a stew. Spanish colonizers brought chile with them when they founded Santa Fe in 1610, and it has shaped the state’s cuisine for more than 400 years. As scholar Kelly Urig writes in her book, New Mexico Chiles: History, Legend and Lore, this is what gave New Mexico the time and space to develop foodways more distinct than its East Coast counterparts.

Today, chile in New Mexico is more than tourist trope. As Dave DeWitt, the Albuquerque-based historian and author of Chile Peppers: A Global History, explains, chile here is all things: condiment, spice, main meal, and even art—most notably in the form of ristras, the strings of dried red chiles that adorn doorways. In this road trip, we trace the history of chile through Santa Fe, Chimayó, Taos, and Albuquerque. And while Hatch Valley, in the southern part of the state, is famous for its green chile, there’s not much to do there outside of the Hatch Chile Festival, which takes place every Labor Day weekend and will hopefully resume post-pandemic.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Voted "Best Big City in the World"

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We must be getting close to the end of the year (in the case of 2020, that's a very good thing) and that means the Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards results are starting to be released.

During the past several years, Tokyo, Japan had been named the "Best Big City in the World" (even though we can't go there right now). This year, Kyoto replaced Tokyo at the top spot.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - There are plenty of exceptional places to travel in the world, but we’d like to think that Japan is one of the best. Beautiful landscapes, delicious food, friendly people, extensive history, and quirky culture make Japan an ideal travel destination not only for us, but for people across the world. In fact, Japanese cities have been voted as the world’s Best Big Cities by readers of the travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler for the past five years.

This year, as part of Condé Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Kyoto was chosen as the Best Big City in the World, replacing Tokyo, which had claimed the top spot for the last four years. Tokyo still remains a top choice, though it dropped to number six, beaten out by Lyon, Singapore, Sydney and Vienna.

But Kyoto has also been a popular travel destination for almost a decade. It was consistently ranked as the most or one of the most popular cities in Asia for almost 10 years, and in 2015, finally broke the top 10 in the world. After that it was quickly recognized as one of the best of the best, since it climbed to second place the next year, and since then it has been hovering just behind Tokyo in popularity among Condé Nast readers, claiming the second or third spot for the last four years, until finally reaching number one.

To read more, go here.

Condé Nast: How To Rent A RV

Above, a RV rental lot in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have never rented a RV, but my parents rented a 16' travel trailer back in 1975 and we took it to Mesa Verde National Park. So that's the extent of my "experience" in RV rentals.

However, since many people are now looking towards buying a RV or renting one, Condé Nast Traveler has an article how to rent a RV.

They begin it with:

The possibility of renting an RV this summer trip was never in Teena Garbus’s plans. But the mother of two from Tampa, Florida, says that, after the coronavirus pandemic caused her to cancel roughly nine trips this year—including three cruises, jaunts to Disney World, Las Vegas, and New York City for Mother’s Day—the idea of an RV vacation with her family is looking better than ever. 

“Having our own private space where we can can control what comes in and out [as] we do at home is the driving force,” says Garbus, who hopes to drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a week’s vacation with her gang. On the itinerary? “Hitting a bunch of parks along the way.” 

Hardly alone, Garbus is one in a tidal wave of travelers destined to try out RV vacationing for the first time this summer. According to peer-to-peer rental operator RVshare, bookings have more than doubled from this time last year, signifying a renewed confidence by travelers to hit the road. Cruise America—North America’s largest RV rental operator, with more than 120 outposts across the U.S. and Canada—also reports that domestic business is soaring, with first-time RV renters in particular causing phones to ring off the hook. And they have a lot of questions.

“Our normal call [to the reservations line] averages about five minutes,” says Michael Smalley, Cruise America's executive vice president. “Now we’re up to 10 or 12 minutes a call. It’s indicative of first-timers, they just need a little more hand holding.” 

To be sure, knowing how to rent an RV takes a tad more research than a rental car—but it’s less intimidating than most people think. To get you started, read on for everything a first-timer should know when considering an RV rental, and you'll be hitting the road in no time.

To "read on", go here. 

Condé Nast Names Meteor Crater A 7 Wonder of the World

Above, Meteor Crater in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

50,000 years ago, if Winslow, Arizona existed and one was "standing on a corner", they would have felt the impact of a meteor striking the earth.

The Barringer Meteor Crater near Winslow has been named number three of the "7 Wonders of the World For 2020" by Condé Nast Traveller. I visited Meteor Crater four years ago. It is an interesting place with a visitor center filled with exhibits.

About the 7 Wonders of the World For 2020, they wrote:

Wonder is nourishment for the soul. We are the only animal on earth, as far as we know, that can be moved to tears by a sunset, that marvels at the stars at night, that feels awe, and humility, at the achievements of our past. Wonder defines us as human beings. 

Of the original Seven Wonders of the World, only the Great Pyramids of Giza remain. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis, the Colossus of Rhodes have all faded to dust and memory. These, instead, are seven wonders for our time. They are the Acropolis of our day, the Stonehenge of now. Which also means they can be seen firsthand. And so they should. Because the real magic of wonder is not in the thing itself, but in the fact that the more you look for wonder in the world the more the wonder of the world becomes a part of you. 

Socrates said: 'Wisdom begins in wonder.' Studies show that the awe induces deeper levels of cognitive processing; it boosts empathy and helps us connect with the world around us in meaningful ways. Art and science are borne from it. Wonder is more than just a good feeling; it is a seed from which our greatest treasures grow. 

Explore, dream and feed your spirit well.

On Meteor Crater, they wrote (in part):

The Barringer Meteor Crater is the best-preserved meteor impact site on the planet and it’s an unsettling place. Some 50,000 years ago, a 300,000 tonne rock burned through the atmosphere, striking the Earth with a force 1,000 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb at Hiroshima. The ground melted instantly, leaving a hole 550-feet deep and almost a mile in diameter that can still be seen to this day.

Above, The Beast at Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are out vacationing in a RV, Meteor Crater RV Park is just at the Meteor Crater exit off of Interstate 40.

To read more, go here.

Condé Nast: "Best Cruise Lines in the World"

Above, the Majesty of the Seas docked at Key West, Florida. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year, I went on my second cruise ever to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba in April with Royal Caribbean. The previous cruise I ever went on was to Alaska in 2000 with Celebrity Cruises.

Even though the views in Alaska were breathtaking, I enjoyed the Key West/Cuba cruise as I didn't come down sick (well, I did get a little cold) as on the Alaska cruise.

Above, the Majesty of the Seas at Cuba's Havana Port. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted their Readers' Choice Awards survey results on the "Best Cruise Lines in the World".

They begin with:

Cruising has had an interesting evolution over the last century, from the luxurious expeditions to Antarctica to the proliferation of the mega-ship, with outrageous amenities like roller coasters and robot bartenders on the high seas. Today, there’s an entire range of sailings that span these two categories and many more, from intimate river ships exploring historic Europe, to adventurous expeditions to the Galápagos, to intimate, yacht-like experiences that are the ultimate in luxury—as well as their access to harder-to-reach destinations. For our 32nd annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey—yes, more than three decades—a record 600,000 registered voters weighed in. We’re ever curious about where you go, what you loved, and who you went with. As you continue to travel, we continue to listen: Here are the cruise lines you loved most this year—proving our theory that there’s a cruise out there for everyone.

To see the results of the Readers' Choice Awards, go here. 

Three Japanese Cities Make Top Ten List of Best Large Cities

Above, Asakusa and the Sumida River from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three Japanese cities have been named to the top ten list of the world's best large cities.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka rank among the world's best 10 large cities -- with the Japanese capital topping the list for a fourth successive year -- according to U.S. luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

It is the first time three Japanese cities have made the top 10, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. 

Kyoto ranked second for the second year in a row, while Osaka moved up to fifth from 12th, according to the magazine.

To read more, go here.

Why People Keep Trying To Pet Wild Animals?

Above, Yellowstone bison relaxing in a meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent weeks, I've posted about stupid things some people do while in a national park. One such thing is walking to the mouth of Old Faithful Geyser. Another post was on a Oregon man who went off-roading in a protected area in Crater Lake National Park, damaging rare plant life.

Then, there's stupid people who insist on trying to pet (touch) wild animals.

Condé Nast Travel has posted an article asking, "Who people keep trying to pet animals at Yellowstone National Park?"

Good question!

They start with:

In Yellowstone National Park, bull bison can weigh in at 2,000 pounds and run at 35 mph. Their hooves and horns are lethal, and the animal is so aggressive and dangerous that wolves will only hunt for bison—considered the most difficult prey to kill—in a large pack. 

The park service recommends that visitors stay at least 25 yards away from wild animals like bison and elk, and 100 yards from bears and other carnivores, at all times. Despite this, there have been multiple bison attacks this summer, in Yellowstone and North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

The dangers of human and wild animal contact are well-documented—as is our desire to physcrocically connect with wild animals and capture those encounters for posterity. But for the sake of the wildlife we claim to love, it’s up to humans to hold each other accountable in ending this destructive practice.

To read more, go here. 

America's Most Popular National Parks

Above, the Colorado River still is carving the Grand Canyon. Over
6 million tourists visited the park in 2018. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As we are only a month away from the summer vacation season, Condé Nast Traveler took a look at America's most popular national parks.

The most popular national park (you'll have to read the photo essay to see which one it is) had over 11 million visitors in 2018.

They begin their photo essay with:

Looks like 2018 wasn't too shabby for the National Park Service. America's park system welcomed more than 318 million visitors last year—the third-highest tally since 1904 (the top two years were 2016 and 2017). They trekked to all 418 sites across the continental United States, plus Caribbean and Pacific territories, including national recreation areas, monuments, memorials, and reserves. But it's the 61 iconic national parks that grabbed our attention…probably because we're simply obsessed with national parks. The NPS's official top 10 list this year looks pretty familiar to years past, most notably because the top two spots have remained the same since 1990. Check out the entire list below, and start planning those road trips ASAP.

To read more, go here.