Sustainable Luxury Travel in Africa

By Sara Verk, Lion World Travel

Traveling is more than just visiting new places. It’s about the enriching experiences when we explore and learn about the history, culture and people of the places that we visit. We need to be aware of our environment, be ecologically responsible, travel lightly and not leave a large footprint on the land we’re exploring. We feel it is vital to protect the people, places and wildlife of Africa in order to be able to share it with travelers in the future. We are so happy that we’re not alone in this vision, as there are many safari lodges and hotels in Africa who are adopting eco-friendly and ethical business practices.

At Lion World Travel we are committed to supporting our partners in Africa who are serious about the environment. Here are five African lodges/hotels that have embraced the spirit of sustainable travel.

1. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Grootbos offers five-star luxury in the Western Cape and is a leading example of sustainable eco-tourism. The nature reserve is home to 791 plant species, including 100 endangered plant species, and 1000-year-old milkwood forests. The owners run an extensive conservation and horticulture programs to preserve the flora and have a true passion for the environment. They have even formed a Non-Profit Organization to help other hospitality businesses implement their own ‘green’ initiatives.

Grootbos Flower Safari

2. Mombo Camp, Botswana

Wilderness Safaris camp in the Moremi Game Reserve underwent a major renovation to bring the traditional camp up to modern design and environmental standards without disturbing the natural habitat. They even brought in an arborist to oversee the protection of trees and their roots. Mombo is 100% solar powered thereby reducing energy consumption and fuel, while a reverse osmosis water filtration system provides guests with high-quality drinking water. Grey water is treated in an above ground sewage plant, ensuring that the water is clean before being allowed to enter the natural environment. They only use approved eco-friendly detergents and chemicals.

Wilderness Safaris

3. Bushmans Kloof, South Africa

At Bushmans Kloof indigenous herbs and vegetables are picked daily from their organic garden and incorporated into dishes on the menu. All vegetable waste is composted, minimizing landfill contribution and reducing the need for chemicals to fertilize and enrich the soil in their garden.

There is a rich array of local indigenous wildlife here, including the rare Cape Leopard. Along with The TreadRight Foundation, Cheetah Outreach and The Cape Leopard Trust, they have purchased seven Anatolian Shepherd dogs to act as livestock guardian dogs to safeguard against these Cape Leopards.

Anatolian Shepherd dogs – Image: Bushmans Kloof

Bushmans Kloof is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, recognizing their dedication to preserving our planet’s natural and cultural heritage.  They serve as a steward for more than 130 cave sites painted by the indigenous San people. Preservation efforts have helped the Rock Art earn distinction as a South African National Heritage Site.

4. Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana

At Chobe Game Lodge, they are leading the way in responsible tourism with a variety of sustainable tourism initiatives including a fleet of electric safari vehicles and electric solar-powered safari boats – a clean and quiet way to enjoy a boat safari.

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge has embarked on a multitude of environmental and social projects to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lodge. They recycle 15,850 gallons of grey water every day which irrigates the lush green surroundings. Approximately 95% of Chobe Game Lodge’s waste is sorted and recycled! The 800 foot+ boardwalk and deck are built from recycled timber-plastic decking and the poles sourced from a sustainable forestry operation. The decking is maintenance free, removing the need for harsh cleaning chemicals.

5. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namibia

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp prides itself on being eco-friendly and conservation conscious. The camp is 100% solar-powered, using innovative eco-friendly systems to break down wastewater. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp supports the Namibia Desert Lion Conservation and assists with protecting a unique population of desert-adapted elephants. The Camp is also a center for research and conservation of the desert-adapted lion and brown hyena, plus they have partnered with the neighboring communities, so that ecotourism can benefit the people of the area.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

With so many great initiatives in Africa, why not choose a more sustainable safari option? Choose a travel company that is committed to reducing any negative impact a trip might have on the destinations you visit and consider an eco-friendly property.

Some final tips – pack a reusable water bottle and carry bag. Avoid using single-use shampoo bottles and avoid using plastic straws. Have a great (sustainable) safari!

Create your own custom safari, or sustainable Africa vacation package with Lion World Travel. For more than 55 years, Lion World Travel has been making safari dreams come true. We Love Africa and wish to share our passion with you! Our travelers have come to expect exceptional wildlife encounters, five-star service, and the best affordable luxury safari experiences. Visit www.lionworldtravel.com to start planning your journey to Africa.

How to Visit Japan as a VIP

Meet knowledgeable locals, see iconic sites, taste exotic flavors and wonder at Mother Nature in true luxury 

By Chelsea Todaro, Communications Specialist with The Travel Corporation

Himeji Castle photo credit: @danminsighttd

From laid-back Osaka with its eclectic food scene to traditional Kyoto with its lantern-lit cafes and captivating geisha district, Japan has something to thrill even the most seasoned traveler. When it comes to the finer things in life, Japan serves up slick design, bullet trains, Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels, all of which can be experienced on Luxury Gold’s 11-day Majestic Japan journey.

Since major cities in Japan are known to be densely populated, travelers may run into overcrowded areas that can negatively affect their vacation experience. But travelers with Luxury Gold don’t have to worry—because Luxury Gold goes above and beyond for their guests so they can experience this diverse country in luxurious comfort and style. With small groups, VIP experiences, exceptional dining, elegant hotels and a Traveling Concierge–who’s there to tailor everything to your desire—Luxury Gold truly creates a journey beyond the ordinary.

The Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-Ji Temple, in Kyoto, photo credit: @orslnsight

Part of the unique traits of a Luxury Gold journey are the special experiences crafted to put travelers into the heart of the destination. In Osaka, guests will discover why the city is known as the kitchen of Japan as they embark on a food-tasting exploration along Dotonbori Street with a passionate local foodie and their Traveling Concierge. Having locals be part of the travel experience is important because they bring authenticity and excitement to the journey.

Todaiji Temple in Nara, photo credit: @orslnsight

Guests will gain a local perspective in Hiroshima with a special VIP experience, by meeting a survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb, which destroyed most of the city during World War II and changed world history forever. Guests can also join in on paper crane making and learn about the meaning behind this symbol for peace.

Another special feature about Luxury Gold’s journey is that guests will ride the famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet train numerous times while traveling from city to city. This lets guests catch the everyday experience of traveling like a local—all while catching views of mountains and quaint Japanese towns between each city.

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, photo credit: @orslnsight

Nothing screams Japanese culture more than Geishas, Cherry Blossoms and sushi, all of which Luxury Gold guests will experience in VIP-style. While in Hachinohe, guests will learn about the meticulous care and nurturing of cherry blossom trees from a cherry blossom doctor who ensures all cherry blossoms, from saplings to mature trees are healthy and thriving during the beautiful cherry blossom season. In Tokyo, travelers will get to participate in a private sushi-making class in Tokyo and discover why it takes ten years to perfect this 2000-year-old Japanese art before sitting down to a freshly prepared lunch. While in Kyoto, guests will enjoy a performance by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, as they savor a lunch of traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine made of seasonal ingredients. They can also embark on a guided walking exploration of the vibrant Gion neighborhood, known as Kyoto’s primary geisha district.

Gion neighborhood in Kyoto, photo credit: @orslnsight

Japanese cuisine is of course a big highlight of this journey, and guests will experience this in five-star settings. In Tokyo, guests will enjoy a famous tea ceremony and watch as locals demonstrate the traditional art of making matcha green tea. Later, travelers can join in the exploration of Nakamise Street and Kappabashi–the local backstreet known as the city’s foodie hub. Guests also have a “Your Choice Evening” for a true local experience. They have the choice of two hand-picked restaurants, each specializing in local delicacies: the Shabu-shabu, which are hotpots of meat and vegetables, or Teppan-yaki, where rice, meats and vegetables are freshly cooked on a grill.

Last but certainly not least, guests will dine at the dazzling Michelin-Star Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, a famous restaurant with old-world charm and surrounded one of the most tranquil Japanese gardens in the heart of Tokyo. It specializes in tofu cuisine, but guests can savor a range of intricately prepared dishes including simmered eggplant and fried shrimp, fresh sashimi and deep-fried tofu coated with miso.

Overall, if travelers want a fully immersive experience of Japan with the fine luxuries attached, Luxury Gold will go beyond their expectations for a truly immersive and unforgettable journey.

About Luxury Gold
Luxury Gold sets an unmatched standard with its collection of award-winning journeys. Guided by a Traveling Concierge, Luxury Gold is a journey beyond the ordinary, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. As global leaders in luxury travel with expertise accumulated over nearly 100 years, Luxury Gold epitomizes extraordinary exploration to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. To find out more, visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

Heritage Travel in the UK and Ireland

By Europe Express 

Photo by Ingo Doerrie

The United States is home to a spectacular diversity of cultures—cultures that connect us to histories and communities and people across the globe. Every American has a heritage story that takes us beyond our country’s borders and into the wider world.

Fueled by television shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?” (wherein celebrities trace their ancestry overseas), our interest in our own genealogy has skyrocketed. We’re learning that our identities are strongly rooted in the identities of those who came before us, and that it’s important to know where we come from in order to know where we’re going.

What is Heritage Travel?

Heritage travel is a way for people to connect to their roots in their ancestors’ home country. Depending on how much you’d like to learn about your history, this type of travel can encompass a range of activities. Some people may choose to explore the archives of ancestry agencies, while others prefer to simply taste the foods their ancestors ate or walk the streets where their ancestors lived.

Heritage Travel Destinations

As part of the English, Irish, Scottish, or Welsh diasporas, many Americans can trace their genealogies to ancestors across the UK and Ireland. If you’re planning a heritage trip to one of these destinations, here are some ideas for your travels:

Ireland

Photo by Christian Bowen

Considering that one in every nine Americans can trace their ancestry back to Ireland, the Emerald Isle is among the most popular destinations for a heritage trip. You can access Catholic parish registries in towns like Adare and Shannon, comb through records at the National Archives, or consult with a professional genealogist at the Irish Family History Centre in Dublin. Another great resource is the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, which employs a resident genealogist to help you access over 1.5 million burial records dating back to 1828.

England

Photo by Lea Fabienne

In 1538, King Henry VIII’s chief advisor, Thomas Cromwell, decreed that every church in England maintain records of all baptisms, marriages, and burials. Today, these parish archives provide information about ancestors who lived as far back as the mid-1500s. The Society of Genealogists in London houses an extensive collection of published family histories, as well as census records for the whole of the UK. In Kew, the National Archives are an excellent resource for military and court records.

Scotland

Photo by Mitchell Luo

Nearly 50 million people around the world claim Scottish ancestry. If you head to Scotland on a heritage trip, you can visit the seat of your ancestor’s clan, get a taste of long-held cultural traditions at the Highland Games, or learn about your ancestor’s trade at museums dedicated to everything from fishing and farming to textiles and war. If you’re in Edinburgh, the ScotlandsPeople Centre at the National Records of Scotland houses a comprehensive collection of census records, marriage and death certificates, parish registries, coats of arms, wills, and more. At the National Library of Scotland, you can look through emigration lists and ship manifests, browse newspaper articles, or locate the graveyards where your ancestors are buried.

Wales

Photo by Benjamin Ranger

Whether you’re interested in a one-on-one session with a genealogist in Swansea or you’d like to search centuries’ worth of parish records at the Glamorgan Archives in Cardiff, Wales is home to a wealth of family research resources. In addition to its census records, civil registrations, and newspapers, the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth houses an impressive collection of tithe maps, which show the names of landowners and occupants in parishes across the country. If you don’t find what you’re looking for at the National Library, you may have better luck at a Record Office in the county where your ancestors lived. These can often provide you with photographs, sound recordings, or videos that help connect you to your roots.

Managing Expectations

It’s important to keep in mind that while it can be easy to get your hopes up about finding information that connects you to those who came before, you might not always find what you’re looking for. Remember that at its core, heritage travel is about making connections to your roots, whether that means hearing the languages, tasting the food, walking the streets, or learning the history of the places your ancestors called home.

Established in 1990, Europe Express provides high-quality custom travel to Europe, working exclusively with travel advisors to create unique vacations that fit the needs, interests, and budgets of each individual client. The company serves both group and FIT leisure markets and books everything from air and rail to hotels and sightseeing tours. With a well-traveled reservations team and buying offices in Europe, Europe Express provides seamless service before, during, and after each trip.

9 ways to preserve the polar regions for future generations

Aspiring polar explorers learn about sustainability and conservation on polar voyages with Quark Expeditions

By Doug O’Neill, Quark Expeditions 

It was one of those travel moments that was both Instagram-perfect—yet simultaneously soul-stirring. I stood on the deck of Ocean Adventurer as it sailed into Krossfjord, a 30-km long fjord on the west coast of Spitsbergen in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Most of my fellow passengers were at breakfast so I had the deck to myself, with my camera at the ready, my eyes peeled on the horizon for my first glimpse of Lilliehöök Glacier, and my ears alert for the signature thunder of glacier calving.

In the midst of all that anticipation of nature’s drama unfolding before me, I was suddenly overcome with a sense of quiet, a stillness that brought with it a razor-sharp clarity of my surroundings.  My mind began to run through an inventory of every stunning image I had experienced in the days leading up to this moment: the sculpted icebergs, the expansive glaciers, the snow-capped mountains, the long-abandoned historic sites, the polar bears prowling along the ice edge, the reindeers that cantered past me when I was on a shore landing, the walruses that gazed at me as I kayaked 30 metres away, of the whales spotted from the ship, and of cliff-tops covered in thousands of nesting Brunnich’s guillemots.

And in my private polar epiphany, I was overcome not only with an intense appreciation for this pristine polar wilderness before me but also with a desire to protect it for every future visitor who came after me.

This realization was by no means unique to me—it’s a moment shared by many who visit the Arctic or Antarctic. And this raised a fairly basic question: what can guests do to help preserve the pristine polar regions?

For this answer, I turned to my colleague, Lyndsey Lewis, Operations + Sustainability Manager at Quark Expeditions, a long-time sustainability advocate and one of the forces behind Polar Promise, Quark Expeditions’ holistic sustainability framework for protecting the polar regions.

9 ways to be kind to the planet on your next polar voyage 

By Lyndsey Lewis, Operations + Sustainability Manager 

1. Pack and use only reusable bottles (the only option when on a voyage with Quark Expeditions), coffee cups and reusable bags that you can take home with you.
2. Choose refillable toiletry containers or non-plastic packaging that are free of microbeads. Your Quark Expeditions cabin is equipped with refillable dispensers of body wash and shampoo.
3. Don’t introduce non-native species. Pack clean gear, including clothing, footwear, and bags. Decontaminate boots before leaving and upon returning to the ship by using the provided Virkon disinfectant bath.
4. Bring a reusable waterproof bag to protect your camera and/or phone from the elements. (Avoid single-use plastics at all times.)
5. Don’t dispose of waste during shore landings. Where waste is unavoidable, bring along a reusable bag and carry the waste back onto the ship to be disposed of properly.
6. Support local communities in the Arctic: Purchase goods from local artisans during community visits in the Arctic, but don’t purchase important goods like groceries and supplies as stock is limited and deliveries are rare.
7. Follow the environmental and conservation guidelines established by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), who outline strategies, policies and behaviors to protect the polar regions.
8. Place a bid during our onboard auctions: proceeds from our onboard auctions support polar research and conservation groups.
9. Become a Polar Ambassador. Talk to one of our Expeditions Team about becoming a Polar Ambassador.  This program teaches you how to make changes to reduce your carbon footprint every day. It’s also your way of educating your respective communities on the importance of protecting the majestic polar regions.

Quark Expeditions is the leader in polar travels. Quark Expeditions has been taking global travelers on immersive journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica for almost three decades.

10 Passport and Visa Tips For Hassle-Free International Travel  

By Fatemeh LeTellier, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Document Systems and co-founder of Pinnacle Travel Documents

1. Make sure you have at least six months validity on your US passport!  Most countries require six months validity because they don’t want any traveler to get stranded in their country and be burdened with their expenses.  Further, most airlines require the six-month passport validity.
2. If you travel a great deal, consider obtaining a second US passport valid for four years.  This will allow you to obtain visas on one passport while you travel on another. A second passport gives provides flexibility for the frequent traveler.
3. Make sure you understand which countries require a visa for US citizens to enter. This way you are not barred from boarding your flight and missing your vacation or business trip.
4. Make sure your name on your passport matches your name on your airline ticket/itinerary.  With heightened security measures at US airports and abroad you could be denied boarding.  If the name on your passport must be corrected, then you must renew your US passport as the US passport agency no longer amends names on US passports because of the new electronic chip passports.
5. There seems to be confusion regarding the Passport Card.  The Passport Card can only be used at border crossings when driving between the US to/from Mexico and Canada.  You cannot use the passport card for flying! The Passport Card can be issued when the Passport is renewed for an additional government fee of $50.00. It is best to do both at the same time needed to save money and time.
6. Many countries have gone to electronic visas which means the visas are e-mailed to the traveler. These visas are different than the traditional visas that are stamped in the actual passports.  E-visas can have a shorter validity and at times only valid for tourist travel and not for business travel. It is imperative that the traveler check to see that they apply for the correct type of visa based on their trip.  What we do at Pinnacle is assist the traveler in selecting the correct visa type for their specific travel needs. Some countries that issue electronic visas are India, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Oman.
7. Children under 16 years of age are issued passports that are only valid for five years. The reason being that children’s features change so the picture needs to be changed every five years. Once they become 16 the passport is issued for 10 years. Both parents must be present to get the child’s documents sealed and if one parent is not available then the absentee parent must provide the accompanying parent with a notarized consent letter to apply for their child’s passport. The Passport Agency is very strict because of child abductions cases so they want to make sure both parents have given permission for a child to be issued a passport.
8.  It is imperative that the signature on passport and visa applications match the exact signature on the US passport!  If the signature doesn’t match the application could be rejected which could delay the issuance of the US Passport or visa for international travel.
9. The Passport Office and countries that issue visas require the photographs submitted for processing to follow specific guidelines.  The Chinese do not want the applicant to wear any glasses, jewelry or smile in the photo.  The US passport office doesn’t want glasses or smiling in photos. Further, The Indians don’t want any glasses on the photo. There are specific photo requirements that must be fold for smooth passport and Visa processing!
10. Make sure you don’t apply too early for a Visa!  If you apply too early, then your Visa will not be valid for entry which could cause you to be denied entry to that country. For example, The Kenya E-visa is valid for 90 days from date of issue. The Visa for Laos is valid 60 days from date of issue and the visa for Rwanda is valid 30 days from date of issue.  We advise all our clients about visa validity requirements for business and tourist travel.

Pinnacle Travel Document Systems, one of the largest passport and visa service companies in the world, prides itself on providing exceptional customer service by taking the guess work out of travel documentation. Their experienced staff will streamline and simplify the process for any travel document, passport and Visas. Services include speedy, even 24 hour, passport renewal and second passport issuance, applications for minors, and passport cards, as well as precise visa application assistance to ensure the correct documentation is delivered accurately and in a timely fashion.

Top Destinations for Family Learning Journeys

By Carol Dimopoulos of Perillo’s Learning Journeys

As President of Perillo’s Learning Journeys and in my role as an adjunct professor for SUNY Empire State College, I believe that both travel and education are investments in a child’s future.  When my children were young I realized we could combine the two. Incorporating classes in the destinations we traveled to deepen their course work and bringing the learning to life. When planning family travel, I always consider an experience which moves beyond the realm of the traditional.

Perillo’s Learning Journeys offers a unique collection of customized family journeys designed to combine cultural immersions with hands-on education to ignite learners’ passions in a certain area of discipline or interest.  Meet with other students and their families to learn about life in their respective cultures, forming new relationships.  Participate in a community project as to learn about cultural responsibility.  The experience provides a platform for families to learn something new, which lasts far beyond the physical experience of the journey.

1. Italy

Family-friendly Italy invites you to explore its beautiful cities and soak up its regional culture, history and cuisine. The learning possibilities are endless!

Participate in a pizza and gelato course in Rome and a mask-making class in Venice. Immerse your family in Italian culture by learning some language skills and enjoy a hands-on studio art program that provides a better understanding of the masterpieces you’ll see. Participate in culinary sessions using regional techniques to make craft pasta, pizza, and ice cream. Visit a local farm to learn about the region’s food and wine production.  Visit the interactive Children’s Museums in Rome and Florence. Take an art or mosaic class to deepen art appreciation.

Italy is a land rich with festivals.  Plan your experience around a festival and you are sure to become immersed in the local life!

2. Greece

The land of mythology, Greece is the perfect destination for family learning travel.  Visit the mythological islands of Santorini and Crete, the seat of muses, gods and goddesses. Learn about the historical sites, visit a volcano, enjoy a Greek dance class, experience a scavenger hunt, cook with a local Greek Yia Yia (grandmother), and experience vibrant Greek community and culture.

3. Peru

Peru is a privileged land of endless opportunities: nature, adventure, culture, history, archaeology, handicrafts, native textiles, fabulous gastronomy, and trekking.  Experiencing an authentic adventure exposes travelers to the local customs and warm people who welcome your family into their homes and share their family’s traditions. From textile and music workshops where you learn how to play traditional instruments and even build your own zampoñ to bring home, to visiting the sacred Machu Picchu, and taking part in the Inca practice, Kusi Runa,  your family will be immersed in Peru’s history, nature, and living culture.

4. Iceland

Stir your family’s imagination for Viking lore and introduce them to fun aspects of geology in Iceland.  Learn about the first Parliament while visiting Thingvellir National Park. Experience the world of whales and seabirds during a whale-watching cruise near Reykjavik. Discover the wonder, beauty, and science behind major geological sites as you stand before powerful waterfalls such as Gulfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss; watch geysers spout 100 feet in the air; witness the site where two tectonic plates collided, and see the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara. Go inside of an Ice Cave, a virtual volcano and even bake Rye bread using geothermal methods.

5. London and Paris

London and Paris are the perfect destinations to bring your family’s learning to life with an immersion in history, arts, and culture. In London, explore British history at the Tower of London with a Beefeater and visit the tombs of monarchs and poets at Westminister Abbey. Learn stage fighting techniques at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, take a walking tour of Harry Potter’s “hometown,” and a cruise along the Thames, and view the city from the London Eye. In Paris, engage with art during special programs at the Louvre and the Musé d’Orsay. Ascend the Eifel Tower, take walking tours of the Latin Quarter and Montmartre, join a cooking class and learn how to blend your own perfume.

Learning Journeys offers cutting-edge travel experiences powered by Perillo Tours’ 74 years of travel planning expertise.  More than a traditional vacation, Learning Journeys’ itineraries focus on enhanced immersion in a specific interest or passion, such as yoga and wellness, cooking, photography, watercolor painting, bird watching, dance, language study, conservation, and much more. All journeys incorporate elements of culture, nature, culinary traditions, community service, and meeting with locals.  Programs to worldwide destinations include Italy, Bali, India, Malta, Peru and more. 

6 Cities for Art and Architecture Lovers

By Hayley Warner, Monograms Marketing Coordinator

Art and architecture, created long before us and preserved to last long after us, offer a glimpse of the past – of how people looked, how they lived, what they enjoyed. And these 6 cities gave rise to those creators, to the world’s most legendary architects, painters, sculptors and innovators. Their masterpieces continue to provide a portal through which we are able to better understand life long ago. If you travel to see the world’s greatest masterpieces or to marvel at intricate architecture, these 6 swoon-worthy cities are for you!

Madrid

From the surrealism of Salvador Dali to Pablo Picasso’s cubism, Spain gave rise to many 20th century legends. The capital city of Madrid claims many of these masterpieces as her own, housing the likes of Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez in three major art museums – the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen. Though much of Madrid’s infrastructure is modern and her sister city of Barcelona is a bigger hit with architecture enthusiasts, be sure not to miss Plaza Mayor and Parque del Buen Retiro.

Barcelona

Known for the abstract works of Gaudi, Barcelona is a city where art and architecture merge into one. Influenced by nature, Gaudi incorporated curves, color and mosaic patterns into his design in an unprecedented way. Barcelona is marked by his architectural statements – from La Sagrada Familia which took more than 140 years to complete, to Parque Guell. Barcelona is also widely considered to be the childhood home of Pablo Picasso. Although he spent most of his adult life in France, the city pays homage to his early upbringing by displaying thousands of his work in the aptly named Picasso Museum.

London

Though a buzzing metropolis, London’s art scene was slow to develop – Galleries were not a city staple until the late 1980s when the Young British Artists, a group of visual artists including Damien Hirst, decided to shake things up and add contemporary art to the city’s portfolio. London has since evolved into a dynamic and influential player in the art world with renowned museums dominating the city’s West End and emerging artists rising in ranks south of the Thames. Most notably, London has shaped the contemporary art scene, with museums like the Tate Modern, White Cube and the Royal Academy of Arts attracting visitors from around the globe. If you prefer to admire masters from the 17th century or before, check out the National Gallery.

Paris

The City of Light is home to some of the most celebrated single pieces of art in the world. Famous museums like The Louvre and Musee D’Orsay house works including the Mona Lisa, collections of Degas’ dancers, and Monet’s water lilies. France was also a prominent source of inspiration for Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso, and the Picasso Museum in Paris showcases much of his personal collection. Beyond an extensive art collection, Paris is loved for its opulent architecture. It gave birth to the Gothic style, characterized by flying buttresses and the extensive use of stained glass. Sainte-Chapelle is a perfect example of this style!

Rome

Following in the footsteps of their Greek predecessors, the Romans were architectural masterminds and unparalleled innovators, becoming the first to construct the arch and to create the first concrete-like building material by mixing volcanic ash and lime. No single city on earth possesses more architectural ruins or ancient wonders than Rome. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, each preserved ruin reveals something about the way Romans lived and what they valued.

Florence

Though the city itself is somewhat of an open-air museum, with piazzas displaying sculptures designed by Michelangelo, Florence is predominantly known as the city that gave rise to the Renaissance, and thus, some of the world’s most remarkable, forward-thinking artists. Masterpieces like Da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi, Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus were created here and still live on display at the Uffizi Gallery in the center of the city. Beyond master painters and sculptors, Florentine architects were equally advanced. At the time of its design, Brunelleschi’s Duomo was the largest dome in the world and a true architectural wonder – how was it going to stand without support structures? It took more than 140 years to complete the original design and the Duomo remains an engineering feat.

 There are different ways to travel. You can choose to go with a group… You can choose a do-it-yourself vacation… Or, you can choose something in-between. Something that’s better than going it alone. It’s called Monograms and there’s nothing else like it. Monograms invites you to travel the world independently, with expert help.