Tag: adventure

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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.

Categories
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. 

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. 

Categories
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

Madeira Chase

On a sport holiday in Madeira, our scuba diving professional and creative colleague gave us an inspiring underwater video of living sea creatures.  Video by creative contributor Juergen Mundl.

Categories
Travel

Inspiring Marrakesh

Koutoubia Mosque

Black and Paper is in Marrakesh, Morocco  for the holiday season.  This exotic city in the Sahara is a wealth of sights, smells, and sounds.

I am preparing the features, stay tuned.

Categories
Travel

Black and Paper Christmas List 2016 Travel

It was not easy choosing a destination this Christmas Season.  There were so many factors regarding the decision, ranging from safety to geopolitics to experiencing the new and undiscovered or the adventure.

Tel Aviv, Israel and Colombia stood out because each one possesses so many unique qualities that reward a traveler.  I know, one is a city in the Middle and the other is a country in South America.   What they had in common is: Expectation.   What would a traveler find in these locations?  As a seasoned traveler when I think of these places I am not sure what to expect: A liberal oasis in the Middle East, the other a vast country  in the process of healing after years of multiple destructive conflicts.

A metropolis that offers so much, Tel Aviv seems to go by the beat of its own music.   Regardless of what happens around it, this is a city with vitality for life, I would describe it as vivacious.  Beach life, cultural, LBGT, and music festivals are only some of myriad of options.  An “enjoy today” confidence and attitude that radiates in all directions.

An exotic destination ready for those willing to be rewarded with an adventure of a lifetime, Colombia, after decades of civil war and the War on Drugs one would think this country is not ready to be explored; I think it is the opposite.  With peace at hand, this South American country has a lot offer: cultural diversity, miles and miles of tranquil coastal beaches, islands, and mountain and jungle terrains all authentic not spoiled by mass tourism.

For more information you can visit the following websites:

Tel Aviv

Colombia