Category: Travel

Do you need a ip on where to travel? How to get there? When to go?  Check it out here because we have all the information to make that special place and bit more special.

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Travel

Travel 2019 Trends

AFRICA TOURISM

Overtourism 

After attending the ITB Travel Fair 2019, I learned the travel field continues to grow.  More want to get away, however,  questions are being asked of the effects.  “Overtourism” is becoming common. As a result, Many cities have become overwhelmed by holiday makers. Town centers have been abandoned for tourist.  Barcelona, Venice, and Prague are being hollowed out. Coping with the traveler influx has become political and economic topics. 

Apartments used for AirBnB, big hotel chains grabbing any available space. Public spaces flooded with visitors armed with selfie sticks. Locals started rebelling against tourists, weary of the temporary guests. The answers are not easy. Recently, a picturesque Parisian neighbourhood petitioned to place gates on the street to stop the weekend Influencer invasion searching for the the perfect gram.

Less Painful 

Qatar Airways Economy Class 

Can flying economy become human again? Perhaps flying in the back of the plane will improve. Airlines are upgrading their services with new seats offering more leg space. Can the budgets say, “AMEN!” Middle East carrier Qatar Airways ups the game.  I checked out their new Airbus livery. I give it top marks. A wide choice of in flight entertainment, bigger food portions, and even Godiva Chocolate for dessert. A good product for those looking for a better travel experience without breaking the wallet.

Africa Rising 

  • AFRICA TOURISM
  • The Gambia

Africa is rising. The continent offers destinations based on experience:  a trek to Victoria Falls or a Safari in Namibia. Many countries are developing tourism infrastructure, upgrading airlines while building hotels. Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone, two places not known as tourist friendly locations, are open for business. Asking adventure seekers to give their countries a try. 

Colombia 

Gay Cartagena 

Colombia continues to move forward on all tourism fronts. A place once known for drug cartels and civil wars has made great strides to become a travel destination. Blessed with an extensive beach coast, mountains, and an multicultural mix of people, the South American country is rolling out the carpet for every type of visitor. Brimming with a smile, the marketing head told me how his country wants to become a top LGBT holiday spot. Many cities have pride and other gay friendly festivals. The capital city Bogota, has a large gay population with many bars and clubs. Moreover,  Cartagena and Medellin have vibrant scenes worth exploring.  I placed Colombia on my travel list. Stay Tuned.

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Travel

Clipper Inspired from Marrakesh

Marrakesh. One of those places that excites the imagination of any traveller.      My travel to the city turned into a delightful adventure of walks in the medina absorbing the sights, smells, and sounds. Getting lost was part of the fun. 

  Listen to the podcast sponsored by Beyerdynamic. 

Clipper Inspired recommends:

Bahai Palace, Bab Agnaou Gate, Koutobid Mosque, and the market at sunset.

  • A dessert pastry from Al Fassia

For great food, try Al Fassia, make a reservation in advance.  It is very popular.  Or try La Grand Post.  Both located in the New City. 

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Travel

Champagne with A View

A bit of shopping, a view, a glass of Champagne all in one in Paris at Printemps. 

  • The Terrace Bistro
  • Enjoy the view 
  • Hello Gorgeous 
Click below to listen to the Clipper Inspired podcast sponsored by #Beyerdynamic 
  • Champagne is served
  • A wonderful view 
  • A view from the top
Categories
Travel

Inspired Travel

Clipper Inspired is a media project covering travel. I was inspired by two things: vintage travel posters to locations such as: Rio, Hong Kong, and Paris. Clippers were Pan Am flights to different destinations around the world, a feeling of adventure combined with the experience of getting there. The second inspiration came in the form an Aunt who packed up to travel to Africa in  the 1970’s. One day she announced, “I  am packing my bags, flying to the Ivory Coast to explore Western Africa.  See you in a year.”  Off she went, alone, traveled on Pan Am. 

The questions covered: Where to eat? Where to go? Where to shop? What to do? How to go? When to go? 

Clipper Inspired 

An original podcast and webcast featuring travel locations of all sizes. Stay Tuned. 

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Fashion Feature Travel

Can This Bag Survive?

I travel a lot. Sadly, most of my luggage does not make it. I was fond of a stylish brand, but after several broken zippers, including a trolley bag breaking at the Milan Airport. Done! Rearranging clothing in an airport is not a glamorous look! At that moment, I decided to look for a new travel bag label.  

My criterial: Durability, and of course it has to look nice. But I think I will place an emphasis on strength. Are the bag’s compements able to hold up during travel? Cheap, plastic components could mean trouble somewhere.

My first question to the Thule of Sweden team at Pitti Uomo in Florence, “What is the guarantee for a check in trolley?” When he said 4 years, the state of surprise on my face was noticeable. I scanned the brands website. Luggage is listed as “limited lifetime”. After a quick recovery, he showed me the new product line. (See Video) A number of details distinguish the luggage include,  contrasting interior and the minimal Scandinavian exterior design. The design leans more on the masculine side. The subterra bag duffel bag comes in an unique square but tubular shape.

Interior with Shirt Press feature 
Soft, Semi Hard, and Hard bags

The logo branding on the shell, was something I had to think about. I am not a fan of overt labels but if the quality is in the product, I can live with it.

Along with luggage, available are: Back packs and check in luggage.

I have not tested the Thule brand. I may try it. Can their bag survive flying around from one fashion week to another? Then a bus, then a train? Stay Tuned. 

Images and video sponsored by Canon Deutschland.

Categories
Travel

9.99 Or Bust!

Why do we suffer for a 9.99 ticket from an airline that treats people like more like cattle than customers?  We are cheap.  

I have traveled the low cast airline many times.  Now, I’m inspired to write about why I suffer but still find myself in the terminal waiting.  Stay Tuned. 

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Cinema Fashion Feature Travel

Coming Soon in 2019

The first part of 2019 is busy as busy can get for us.  There are so many events: First, Pitti Uomo in Florence, The great menswear show for mens style. Then, Milan Fashion Week Men, Paris Fashion Week Men in January are on the agenda. 

Hot Faces from Milan Fashion Week Men

February kicks off with show business glamour.  The 69th Berlinale starts the first week of the month. Ten days of cinema from the unusual to Hollywood fare screened until the 17th. 

  • George Clooney at the Berlinale 

Fashion starts up again in the middle of the month with women weeks from Milan and Paris, so many runways, so little time. 

Etihad Airline Crew  

Lastly, March is travel.  The world’s biggest travel event comes around, the ITB. All the global destinations spread over 27 halls.  A sandy beach to a high mountain top to a five star resort, we report on the latest trends. Stay Tuned.

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Feature Travel

Montmartre Stroll

Just walk, enjoy.

Montmartre is the romantic Parisian neighborhood on the hill with many local establishments, but what I like are the food stores. The display of goodies of all kinds are heavenly! For me, a casual stroll turns into a wonderland of food spotting, “gastronomic inspiration” through a window S’il vous plait? What is that? I want to try a bit. It looks delicious.

  • Cheese Store
  • Asian Food
  • A small cafe
  • Fish

Even with a throng of tourist making their way up or down the streets, a rewarding time is to be had for those who love gastronomy.

Making the experience more memorable, I stopped in front of a shop window admiring the prepared delights. I was about to walk away when a patron said, “This is the best bakery in the area. Give it try.” Judging by the line in the small space I had to suppose he was right. The problem. What did I want? Hot or cold? Sweet or savory? I decided on sweet for later with coffee, strawberry pastry with whip cream and of course, some macrons. I am not sure how it happened, but,, the pastry managed to make its way back to my hotel for coffee. The delight did not disappoint. The whipped cream had melted, taking away some aesthetic points, but I enjoyed every sweet bite.

  • Strawberry Delight 
  • Quiche
  • Berry, Berry Good

Sadly, I do not know the name of the bakery. If you are on a Rue Lepic, it is on the left side, going down, look for the Moulin Rouge at the bottom on Blvd Clichy. A flower shop and fish store are next door. There is no place to sit, as I said, it is a small, 25 meters, the establishment does not offer cafes, to my shock! Just go in and buy. If you use a credit card, the minimum is 10 euros.

Categories
Feature Travel

Christmas Season in Paris!

The Tree 

When I am in the Paris, I cannot help but go into the department store to see what the theme will be for the season.It is always a pleasure to sit at one of the cafes in Glaeries Lafayette to look up at the Christmas Decorations under the dome. I waited for the light show, every 30 minutes, to light up around the tree. It sounds a bit of pop sugar overdose, almost as bad a Marie Osmond, but I could not resist. It did not disappoint.  I was enchanted.

2019’s motif is centered around the experience of the aurora borealis. Partnering with Maison Piaget. The Christmas Tree is trimmed with gifts, watch and jewelry designs from the luxury brand.

Galeries Lafayette on Blvd Haussmann 

Categories
Travel

The Inspirational Seine

 No matter the perspective, when you troll on the Seine, it is inspirational.  Take a book,  a magazine, or a bottle of wine with a blanket, then find a spot.