New York Travel Writers Association

23/03/2025

Forest bathing -- no, it's not necessarily what you think. "When the world (the greater or your own) feels like it's spinning out, sometimes you need to take a beat, writes Allison Tibaldi in USA TODAY 10Best.

"Forest bathing is a wellness practice encouraging mindful observation of nature's sights, sounds, and scents. It's intentionally slow-paced and combines walking, meditation, stretching, and breath awareness outdoors, creating a profoundly peaceful experience."

Allison, did you say "peaceful?" Count us in.

https://10best.usatoday.com/travel/top-forest-bathing-hotels/
Traveling IQ Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North Mandarin Oriental, Boston Barbara Peterson Lake Austin Spa Resort AutoCamp Catskills Blackberry Mountain TheLodge AtWoodloch Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

Discover resorts and hotels in the U.S. where you can engage all your senses and experience serenity with forest bathing.

19/03/2025

"It’s a California county famous for lush vineyards, but Sonoma dazzles visitors with its array of other charms. The scenery starts with fertile valleys giving way to rolling hills and redwood forests. They’re linked by historic towns and creative restaurants showcasing the flavors from local farms, pastures and coastlines," writes former NYTW member Kelsy Chauvin at Lonely Planet.

"The county also proudly embraces inclusivity, marked by its recent “Wine Country for All of Us” campaign. It’s a way Sonoma can honor its diverse communities, from LGBTIQ+ pioneers and multi-generational immigrant families... to women’s-history activists whose efforts helped establish Women’s History Month.

"Here’s how to get to know people and places across the vast, versatile county of Sonoma during an ultimate weekend escape."
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/lgbtq-weekend-itinerary-sonoma
Traveling IQ Visit California Visit Sonoma Airstream AutoCamp Equality Vines Pat's International Francis Ford Coppola Winery Paradise Ridge Winery Ledson Winery & Vineyards the girl & the fig Fishetarian Sonoma Coast Vineyards Nimble & Finn's Ice Cream Rainbow Cattle Company The Barlow Iron Horse Vineyards The Spinster Sisters

Lush vineyards, redwoods, historic towns and creative restaurants.

18/03/2025

On March 11th Southwest Airlines announced that it is changing decades-long policies to begin charging for all checked bags (that starts May 28th) and downsizing its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, notes William J. McGee at MSNBC.

"Worse," he adds, "Southwest is also introducing its own version of Basic Economy class, the draconian effort by larger airlines to emulate low-fare competitors. Think tighter seats, no snacks, more restrictions, less overhead bin space, no mileage credit." And that's not all McGee has to say:
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/southwest-airlines-checked-bag-fee-greed-rcna195821
Traveling IQ Barbara Peterson

It’s not a lock that Wall Street’s preferred plan to increase revenues with new fees will work for the airline.

17/03/2025

"Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham each wrote a novel here. Charlie Chaplin honeymooned here. Ho Chi Minh held meetings here. And heads of state, business leaders, and movie stars often choose to stay here," writes Geri Bain Keroack. But there's more:

"With its own mini-history museum, a recently rediscovered and restored war-era bomb shelter to tour, and iconic local art and eateries, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is an attraction in its own right in Vietnam's capital." Here's why. https://www.everettpotter.com/2025/03/sofitel-legend-metropole-hanois-historic-grand-dame-hotel/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJE951leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbZD4gcuN9txeMVAfShHuFFzmchElcDQVXWW0biK0bdIpC5TY-OzT_Hygw_aem_JvHTRSnwymA28u3senK3oQ
(Below: Spring rolls from the Sofitel Legend Metropole's tasting menu. Photo by Geri Bain Keroack.)

Traveling IQ Everett Potter Barbara Peterson Harvey Chipkin

16/03/2025

"In the early part of the 20th century American designers looked towards French couture for inspiration," writes Jeryl Brunner in ForbesWomen. "But Claire McCardell was a pioneering outlier. From the 1930s to the 1950s this designer found freedom creating affordable, functional, comfortable clothing [that] liberated women from the confines of their clothing...McCardell was the creator of the 'American look,'" and you'll probably be surprised when you read which decidedly unFrench place inspired her:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jerylbrunner/2025/02/14/the-locale-that-inspired-designer-claire-mccardell-and-other-artists/
- Traveling IQ Barbara Peterson Maryland Tribute Hotels Harvey Chipkin MATPRA

A city rich with history, Frederick continues to nurture artists, chefs, designers and craftspeople.

11/03/2025

“You can’t help but love Fossil Daddy, the q***r paleontological father figure who has undoubtedly come up in your feed over the past few years,” writes member Jeffrey James Keyes aka Jeffrey James Patton.

For GayCities:, he interviews the marine biologist turned paleontologist, who’s become our favorite social media fossil guide. P.S. You'll find some unusual travel destinations on this social media phenom's go-to list.
https://www.gaycities.com/articles/95885/on-the-go-7/

Fossil Daddy ***rguide Traveling IQ Barbara Peterson

09/03/2025

“In difficult times, the best antidote is to connect with things that are beautiful and enduring—that predate this moment and will be here when it’s gone. From art and poetry to the splendor of nature, we need to remember that there is cause for joy,” writes member Deborah Gaines.

“I learned this lesson during the coldest days of winter when I joined a Walk Japan tour of the historic Kiso Road. For five days, our group followed in the footsteps of the 17th-century poets, merchants, and emperors who crossed the mountains between Tokyo and Kyoto.”
https://www.everettpotter.com/2025/03/finding-serenity-on-the-kiso-road/
Visit Japan Visit Kyoto Traveling IQ Barbara Peterson Everett Potter

By Deborah Gaines Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed by the craziness of the world. It doesn’t help that my circumstances are […]

05/03/2025

"A lifetime airline safety expert has a warning: The Trump Administration's attacks on the FAA will pose threats to all passengers," says the subhead to this article in Frommer's.

Should you be alarmed? Maybe so, because the writer issuing this warning, NYTW member William J. McGee, has been keeping a close watch on aviation for decades. In this piece, he tells you what can go wrong -- and why. https://www.frommers.com/tips/airfare/trump-putting-your-safety-on-airlines-under-fire/
- IQ Barbara Peterson Harvey Chipkin Half the Child

U.S. Aviation Safety is Under Fire

04/03/2025

Anyone who's over age 50 to Palm Springs: You've come a long way, Baby!

The Thompson Palm Springs brings a new level of mid-century modern luxury to the desert oasis.

03/03/2025

Pres. Trump's approval ratings in Europe may not be soaring these days, but you and your friends and family are not the president. Moreover, the Irish don't have that resentment of tourists that you might find in other countries.

"After a challenging year of European tourism entities looking for ways to curb post-pandemic overtourism, Ireland is bucking the trend," writes Felicity Long. "Rather than building firewalls, like entry fees and tourist taxes, the destination is unequivocally rolling out the welcome mat with a proactive marketing plan for 2025 that focuses squarely on visitors from the U.S."
https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Insights/Irelands-rolls-out-the-emerald-carpet-for-US-tourists
Traveling IQ Alison Metcalfe Tourism Ireland Barbara Peterson Aer Lingus Adare Manor Hotel IMEX GROUP Harvey Chipkin Travel Weekly

The focus is on attracting visitors who have "value-added tourism traits," that is, people who are likely to "see more, do more and therefore spend more when they visit."

01/03/2025

"We recently connected with celebrity and dedicated family man José Rolón," writes Jeffrey James Patton. "Blending his Latin heritage with a passion for inclusive celebrations, José has redefined event planning." And in J.J.'s exclusive interview, he shares insights on his travels, family life, and creative journey.
https://www.gaycities.com/articles/94096/on-the-go-6/
- Traveling IQ GayCities:, Royal Caribbean International GWKstrong Visit Miami Universal Studios Hollywood Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya Visit Miami LGBTQ Hyatt Regency Miami Barbara Peterson Harvey Chipkin

The event planner turned Tik Tok celebrity knows all about traveling with kids.And he's willing to share what he's learned.

28/02/2025

"In Providence...the Rhode Island School of Design... has a collection with over 100,000 works spanning eras from ancient times (think Egyptian funerary artifacts) to the 21st century (a 2008 glass chandelier by RISD alumnus , for example), writes Linda Cabasin. There's a lot to love -- the collection, of course, but also its "thought-provoking insights and context" and its aim to "make creativity accessible to all."
https://sideofculture.com/.../engaging-with-art-at.../
(Shown below: detail from a photograph by Cabasin of one of the Asian galleries.)
- Side of Culture Traveling IQ Tsugumi Maki BOLT Coffee Barbara Peterson Harvey Chipkin Rhode Island

27/02/2025

Jeffrey James Patton -- a playwright as well as a travel writer -- talks about writing with Wyatt O'Brien Evans, aka : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwObBb03rQ0
- Traveling IQ Barbara Peterson Harvey Chipkin

The WYATT! Podcast dives deep into timely and critical issues impacting Gay/SGL (Same-Gender-Loving) men with a diverse set of LGBTQ movers, shakers, and cha...

26/02/2025

Another day, another honor for Mark Orwoll, travel writer for every A-List magazine we can think of, author, veteran editor of Travel + Leisure, frequent guest on TV shows, etc. This time he's on the winners list of the North American Travel Journalists Association's 33rd annual Excellence In Travel Journalism awards. The article NATJA singled out is “Save the Rails: America’s Oldest Narrow-gauge Railroad Is Back from the Brink of Doom — for a Second Time” (The Saturday Evening Post).
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2024/03/save-the-rails/
- Traveling IQ MATPRA visitPA East Broad Top Railroad EBT Foundation Barbara Peterson Travel With Mark Orwoll Harvey Chipkin

America’s oldest narrow-gauge railroad is back from the brink of doom — for a second time.

25/02/2025

"While Tokyo may be Japan’s travel version of the Hope diamond—enormous and full of sparkle—Osaka is more like a captivating cluster ring. The prefecture, composed of 10 districts, offers something for every kind of traveler, from culinary finds and traditional ryokans to LGBTQ+ nightlife," writes Matthew Wexler in GayCities: Your Gay Travel and City Guide. But Osaka -- really? Yes, really, as you'll see in Wexler's terrific guide to the city. https://www.gaycities.com/articles/95724/essential-osaka-lgbtq-guide/
- Traveling IQ Visit Japan Barbara Peterson IGLTA RIHGA ROYAL IHG Hotels & Resorts Marriott Bonvoy Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts Toyotomi Hideyoshi ***rtravel Pinpoint Traveler JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL) Booking.com Harvey Chipkin

Landing on multiple must-visit lists for 2025, Osaka is also proving to be a hub for LGBTQ+ travelers thanks to its emerging q***r scene.

23/02/2025

Over the years Kelsy Chauvin has spent so much time in New Orleans that she knows the city intimately. That means you should bookmark this article; it's the best guide to The Big Easy we've seen anywhere. https://passportmagazine.com/new-orleans-louisiana-escape-plan/
- Passport Magazine Traveling IQ Visit New Orleans Explore Louisiana Barbara Peterson NOLA Poboys Café Du Monde Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Peychaud’s Aperitivo Corner Pocket Golden Lantern Bar GrrlSpot Southern Decadence New Orleans Museum of Art Ogden Museum of Southern Art Fritzel's European Jazz Club Tipitina's The Country Club Spotted Cat Music Club

New Orleans can burst into song at any moment. Music flows out of open-door clubs. Street-corner jazz bands stir up classics and impromptu dancing.