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. 

Survey: Best National Parks In America

Above, Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Each year, Travel + Leisure posts readers survey results of different categories of top places to visit.

This year, they have added a new catergory: Best National Parks In America.

They have posted their survey results. Not surprisingly, Yellowstone National Park was ranked number one.

They begin their article with:

America's 63 national parks are beloved destinations for both citizens and visitors from around the world, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. This past year, the entire National Park System (which, in addition to the parks, includes places such as national forests, battlefields, and scenic byways) saw 237 million recreational visits. Some of the country's most famous landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, are contained within these federally protected places, so it's easy to see why so many people flock to experience what has been called "America's best idea." It's for these reasons that Travel + Leisure editors decided to add a category for the best U.S. national parks to the World's Best Awards for the first time in its 26-year history.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: 20 Best Hawaii Resorts

Above, a hilltop view of Diamond Head and Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is that time of the year again where Travel + Leisure posts its results of the "best" travel places, resorts, hotels and others as voted on by their readers.

They have posted their list of 20 best resorts in Hawaii. 

They start it off with:

After the Aloha State lifted COVID-19 restrictions, Travel + Leisure readers — particularly families and couples looking for a solid yet remote vacation destination — eagerly returned. The best resorts in Hawaii have kept pace with renovations and updates, making this famous archipelago in the Pacific more appealing than ever.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

To see which resorts in Hawaii are the best, according to readers, 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. 

Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards For Best World Cities

Above, the Shinjuku section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted their list of the "Best Cities In The World" for 2018 based on votes from their readers and three Japanese cities made the list.

You'll never guess which city is number one and what photo they used for it.

They begin with:

Condé Nast Traveler readers cast hundreds of thousands of votes for their favorite cities around the world in the 2018 Readers' Choice Awards survey—in fact, we got so much feedback, we had to divide our list into two. We begin with the 20 best small cites in the world, followed by the 20 best big ones, with enough inspiration and tips to take you hopping from Salzburg to San Miguel de Allende to Tokyo to Jerusalem. Counting down...

To read more, go here.

January 2019 Issue of Motorhome

Above, The Beast at the City Center KOA Kampground
in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Winnebago's Class Cs
voted top Class C motorhomes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The January 2019 issue of Motorhome magazine arrived in today's mail and a few things caught my attention.

First, the annual Readers' Choice Awards is in this issue and several categories are worth mentioning.

The best are:

• Class C Motorhome Manufacturer: Winnebago Industries, Inc. 

• Motorhome Tires: Michelin North America RV Tires. 

• Fuel Station: Pilot Flying J. 

• Holding Tank Chemical: Thetford. 

• RV Casino Resort: Seven Feathers Casino Resort of Canyonville, Oregon. (I almost stayed there but elected to go to Diamond Lake instead.) 

• Sit-Down Restaurant: Cracker Barrel.

Second, their October issue asked how people deal with making their RV beds. One of the biggest gripes of RVers is the design and placement of RV beds and how difficult they are to easily (and effectively) install the bottom sheet. My response (via email) made it in.

Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto In Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted their Readers' Choice awards and three Japanese cities made the top 20 in their "The Best Cities in the World: Best Big Cities" list.

PR Newswire reported:

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Condé Nast Traveler magazine today announced the results of its 31st annual Readers' Choice Awards, including "The Best Cities in the World: Best Big Cities" list, featuring the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka ranked at #1, #2 and #12, respectively. 

"This wonderful recognition of three of Japan's best cities demonstrates the continued interest in Japan as a top destination among US travelers," stated Naohito Ise, Executive Director of the New York Office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). "JNTO will continue to work to inspire travelers to visit all of our cities, as well as lesser-known regions." 

One of the most popular cities in the world, Japan's capital city of Tokyo is a thriving center of culture and innovation, which in June 2018 saw the opening of the world's first digital museum, the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM. Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, offers rich history throughout the city, alongside world-class restaurants and hotels, including the forthcoming openings of the Ace Hotel and the Park Hyatt Kyoto in 2019. The second largest metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka is home to Osaka Castle, a rich local food scene and abundant nightlife offerings.

To read more, go here. 

Graceland Named Best Tennessee Attraction

Above, the front entrance of Graceland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The votes are in and counted and Elvis Presley's Graceland was named "Best Attraction In Tennessee".

According to Graceland.com:

Elvis Presley’s Graceland was voted #1 “Best Attraction in Tennessee” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, it was announced today by 10Best.com.  Graceland was voted into the top spot by the general public and readers of USA Today’s popular 10Best online travel site, who were asked to cast their online ballot for their favorite attraction from a pool of 20 state attractions nominated by a panel of esteemed Tennessee travel writers and photographers.  Voting began on December 18, 2017 and ran through noon on January 15, 2018. 

This marks an impressive fourth USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award win for Elvis Presley’s legendary home, which was previously voted the world’s “Best Musical Attraction” and “Best Historic Southern Attraction” in 2015, and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction” in 2013 by USA Today 10Best readers.

To read more, go here. 

News From Graceland

Cast Your Vote to Make Elvis Presley’s Memphis #1 Graceland's new exhibit and entertainment complex, Elvis Presley's Memphis, is up for the Best New Attraction Award in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards! The competition is very competitive – so we need your help to ensure Elvis Presley’s Memphis is at the top of the list!  You can vote once per day, per device through January 1 – and encourage your family and friends to vote too!  Click here to vote now, and thank you, thank you very much!

MotorHome Magazine Annual Readers' Choice Awards

Above, Winnebago "takes the Gold" for their Class C RVs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The January 2018 issue of MotorHome magazine arrived in today's mailbox and it includes the results of the Annual Readers' Choice Awards.

I'll post the more interesting ones (at least to me anyway).

The winners (Gold) are as follows:

Class A Motorhome: Tiffin Motorhomes.

Class B Motorhome: Roadtrek.

Class C Motorhome: Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Dinghy Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler.

Fuel Station: Pilot Flying J.

Holding Chemicals: Thetford.

Motorhome Awnings: Dometic Corp.

RV Battery: Interstate Batteries.

RV Campground/Resort: Pala Casino RV Resort.

RV Casino/Resort: Pala Casino RV Resort.

RV Retailer: Camping World.

RV Tires: Michelin Tires.

RV Toilet: Dometic Corp.

Sit-Down Restaurant: Cracker Barrel.

Best State In Which To RV: Florida.


If you are a subscriber to MotorHome, your copy should be arriving any time now. If not, check with your favorite newsstand.

Japan ranked as having the Top Two Best Cities in Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards' Best Cities in the World

Above, a view of Tokyo from Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Source: Press Release

NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is pleased to share the news that the Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2016, announced on October 18, 2016, has nominated Tokyo as the top and Kyoto as the second best cities to visit in the World. Tokyo was ranked 15th and Kyoto 9th in the Readers' Choice Award 2015. This new top ranking is a great honor for the country of Japan.

Full content details can be found at:
https://www.cntraveler.com/travel-awards/readers-choice-awards
https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-20/top-25-cities-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014

This flattering award of Tokyo and Kyoto becoming the top two best cities in the world to visit is the result of various efforts from the support of the following:

1. The continued effort of the people of Japan in providing Omotenashi, the art of selfless hospitality, and the best customer service, to showcase the beauty of the country and their care for foreign visitors from all over the world.
2. JNTO's Visit Japan promotional efforts with the intend to make Japan an easier and more affordable destination for one's next international travel.

As of August 2016, the total number of visitors from the United States to Japan has been reaching the highest records per month for 29 months straight. From January 2016 to August 2016, the total number of travelers from the U.S. has now reached eight-hundred-seventeen-thousand (817,600 to be exact), this is a 19.9% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the total number of visitors from the U.S. in 2015, reached more than one million visitors (1,033,258 to be exact), with 15.9% increase from the year before. (Provided by JNTO)

JNTO will continue to serve to keep and expand Japan as one of the best international travel destinations in the world by enriching our effort to showcase and communicate the Japanese tradition, pop culture, food, architecture and multi-dimensional beauty of Japan.

Motorhome Magazine's 2015 Readers' Choice Awards For Motorhomes

Above, The Beast at the Beaver (Utah) KOA last June. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems like I just received the December issue of Motorhome magazine in the mail when, in the mailbox yesterday, the January issue arrived.

I was thumbing through it when I went to bed last night when an article caught my attention. It was the Motorhome 2015 Readers' Choice Awards.

There are many categories in the Readers' Choice Awards but the first category was what interested, and pleased, me.

In the category of motorhomes, it is divided three ways: Class A Motorhomes, Class B Motorhomes and Class C Motorhomes. The awards are like the Olympics, there's Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. In some categories, there are some ties.

For Class A Motorhomes, Tiffin Motorhomes won the Gold, Winnebago Industries won the Silver and Newmar Corp. won the Bronze.

For Class B Motorhomes, Winnebago Industries won the Gold, Pleasure-Way Industries won the Silver and Leisure Travel Vans/Triple E Recreational Vehicles won the Bronze.

For Class C Motorhomes, the one that pleases me the most since I bought a Class C this year, Winnebago Industries won the Gold (with a special emphasis on their Minnie Winnie line of motorhomes, which is what I bought), Jayco Inc. won the Silver and Forest River won the Bronze.

It looks like I bought The Beast during a banner year for Winnebago, at least as far as Motorhome magazine's readers are concerned.

Condé Nast Traveler's "Best Airlines In The World"

Above, Singapore Air's A380-800. Photo by Singapore Air.

The results are in with Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards for "The Best Airlines In The World."

They begin their post with:

The results are in: Singapore, Emirates, and Virgin America airlines are our readers' favorite airlines in the world this year. If there’s one theme that stands out in the Readers' Choice Survey, it’s that flat beds and fancy video systems may be nice, but it’s in the decidedly low-tech realm of customer service that make these perennial winners (with ratings above the 81.000 minimum).

I am not at all surprised that Singapore Air came out on top. We flew on Singapore Air for G-Tour in 2004 and their food and service were unsurpassed.

To read the article, go here.