New "Old" Formerly Dangerous Destinations Enter Travel Mix

Ondine Cohane has the story at the New York Times in On, Then Off, Then Back on the Map.

Healing Hotels of the World -- Ayurveda Parkschloesschen Hotel

Health resorts are on the upswing for all generations and all nations.

We note with interest that the 5-star Ayurveda Parkschlösschen Hotel in Bad Wildstein, Traben-Trarbach, Germany, where we are domiciled, is now a member of the Healing Hotels of the World, the HHOW, which writes at its website online:

"Our luxury spa resorts offer a blueprint to follow your individual path to health and wellness. Our award winning partner hotels are located on every continent with programs ranging from yoga and meditation retreats, detox, burn-out and stress-relief programs to sophisticated medical spas. It's all about you. Re-discover your deepest joy and passion for a life well lived."

Take a look.

Baltic Travel : Why Riga?, Latvia Superb Video

This is a fantastic video by VFS Films (see about) with great photography.

If you have never been to Riga, Jurmala and Latvia, or the Baltic in general, you are really missing something in terms of world travel. We have been there numerous times and find something of a timeless spirit in the Baltic that is lacking in much of the rest of the world. In the 19th century they once asked a high-ranking Russian general what he would want to be if he were born again -- he replied, "a Baltic baron". It is a fantastic place, in spite of some of its modern problems. There is something primordial and magical about the Baltic.





Why Riga? - YouTube

USA Travel and Discount Shopping

TripAdvisor has a useful page for travelers on discount shopping in the USA:

see United States: Discount Shopping

Top Destinations on the Rise at Tripadvisor.com led by the Baltic: Talinn first, Riga second, Vilnius seventh

Happy New Year! Where is 2012 to take us?
There is an unmistakable trend at Tripadvisor.com
in 15 destinations on the rise
but we have no idea what is behind it:

You've been there, right?

It is VERY UNLIKELY that you have traveled to ALL the fifteen places that TripAdvisor.com currently lists as "Destinations on the Rise":

1. Tallinn, Estonia
2. Riga, Latvia
3. Moscow, Russia
4. Zurich, Switzerland
5. Fethiye, Turkey
6. Seminyak, Indonesia
7. Vilnius, Lithuania
8. Austin, TX
9. Chania Town, Greece
10. Chaweng, Thailand
11. Bordeaux, France
12. San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain
13. Lyon, France
14. Essaouira, Morocco
15. Mendoza, Argentina

Modern Architecture in the United Kingdom: The Shard is a Building that will Tower over Tradition and Roman London

Is this the right thing architecturally for London?

See the Spiegel Online International in Ulrike Knöfel's article on
'The Shard': The Building That Will Change London Forever

Pitigliano,Tuscany, Italy, Tuff Jewel in the Tuscan Maremma

See the delightful article about Pitigliano, Tuscany, Italy,
by Carreen Conlan
at Synergise.com
in Travellers' Tale #85

Look Glamorous in 2012: From Glamming to Chilling at Spas

What's in a spa?

Glamming = to make yourself look glamorous.

Karlie Pouliot has the stroy for Fox News at

From Glam To Wow: Spa Trends For 2012.

Top Ten Spa Trends for 2012 from SpaFinder

What are the top trends for Spas in 2012?

See SpaFinder Announces Top Ten Spa Trends for 2012 (Full Report).

rome2rio: discover how to get anywhere

rome2rio: discover how to get anywhere: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA at New York Times Travel

Jennifer Conlin does 36 Hours in Ann Arbor, Michigan, "the ultimate college town each fall".

CordeValle: Luxury Golf Spa and Getaway in Calilfornia

We looked at this golf spa in California as the upcoming site of the Frys.com Open, at which Tiger Woods plans to play.

We definitely like this place.

See:

CordeValle, A Rosewood Resort | Wine Country Hotels where they write:

"SAN MARTIN, CALIFORNIA - Located in the foothills of Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains, CordeValle is a secluded luxury resort in an extraordinary setting south of San Jose and north of the Monterey Peninsula. Infused with country club charm and superb amenities including tennis, a luxury spa, Clos La Chance winery and vineyard, and a 7,169-yard championship golf course by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the 45-room resort is a sanctuary in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings."

Take a look at their website.

Sweet Dearms and the Leaders Club at The Leading Hotels of the World

"Sweet Dreams" and the "Leaders Club" at The Leading Hotels of the World.

Hotel Libertas, Dubrovnik: review - Telegraph

Hotel Libertas, Dubrovnik: review - Telegraph: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Traben-Trarbach: Bellevue Hotel Review by Reisender

See Germany's quaintest art nouveau hotel - Traben-Trarbach, Germany Travel Blog