Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Vietnam: Acquiring a Taste for the Spice of Life
Under a balmy sky in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, women in traditional non la hats are watering immaculately tended parks, while buses and bikes with incomprehensible loads—from baths and live pigs to families of five—compete for pavement along leafy avenues lined with grand colonial buildings.
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In the center of town on the frenetic Pasteur Street, the smell of piquant spices and warm broth permeates the air, and an eager crowd is milling under a gold sign. Pho Hoa is arguably the best pho shop in town, and the bustling business churns out 400 bowls of the piping-hot soup a day. Herbs I have never encountered before, like sawgrass, are piled high onto a plate in the middle of our table and we are encouraged to fill our bowls as the owner explains that it is the mixture of beef bones, aloe vera and ginger that gives pho its distinct taste. The rich broth is balanced perfectly by the sharpness of the chili and fresh lime, and a restorative fragrance is added by the herbs. It is by far the best pho I've ever had.
This is the first stop on my culinary tour of Vietnam. From imperial Hue cuisine in the north to simple street food, the eight-day trip takes me through the gastronomic peaks and valleys of this country's diverse cuisine. Organized by London-based travel company Brown & Hudson, part of a new wave of upmarket companies offering bespoke culinary tours, it is an informative mixture of food exploration and history lesson. These tailor-made trips by firms like such as Tasting Places and Creative Escapes of the U.K. and U.S.-based Remote Lands give visitors an insider's perspective of the countries they are touring, with local experts guiding them through unique experiences, in-the-know restaurants and places not normally open to the public, such as private vineyards and kitchens. While the hotels are top-notch and transportation is comfortable, these holidays are for those seeking something more—the acquisition of knowledge and new skills.
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Photos: A Foodie Travels to Vietnam
Brown + Hudson
![[SB10001424053111903554904576460331760907942]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/EW-AL109_Gastro_D_20110720153556.jpg)
Preparations are laid out for the grilled chicken and banana-flower salad at the Red Bridge Cooking School in Hoi An.
This is the first stop on my culinary tour of Vietnam. From imperial Hue cuisine in the north to simple street food, the eight-day trip takes me through the gastronomic peaks and valleys of this country's diverse cuisine. Organized by London-based travel company Brown & Hudson, part of a new wave of upmarket companies offering bespoke culinary tours, it is an informative mixture of food exploration and history lesson. These tailor-made trips by firms like such as Tasting Places and Creative Escapes of the U.K. and U.S.-based Remote Lands give visitors an insider's perspective of the countries they are touring, with local experts guiding them through unique experiences, in-the-know restaurants and places not normally open to the public, such as private vineyards and kitchens. While the hotels are top-notch and transportation is comfortable, these holidays are for those seeking something more—the acquisition of knowledge and new skills.
Rebuilt Dresden Offers Guests History, Charm
What it's like: There are few German cities more pleasant to visit on business than Dresden on a warm summer's day. The city, formerly in East Germany, even has a beach—a man-made strip of sand on one bank of the River Elbe.
![[CGDRES_1A]](http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/EK-AG992A_CGDRE_DV_20110804190948.jpg)
It's all very different from a few years ago when rain drenched this part of Germany and the Elbe burst its banks. Few of the magnificent buildings in the historic Aldtstadt (Old Town) escaped water damage. For weeks, the magnificent Zwinger Museum and the Semper Opera House, the castle and the cathedral became virtually islands in a sea of devastation. Happily, everything is now back to normal.
Dresden is, of course, no stranger to disaster. Some of the older members of the population still remember the devastation caused by Allied fire bombing on Feb. 13, 1945, when thousands of people were killed. The city still bears grim reminders of that fateful night. But the long and often sad history of Dresden does nothing to alter the fact that this is a very pleasant city to visit on business. The dark days before Germany's reunification are well in the past and there is a new and exciting optimism.
All around the Altdstadt and across the Augustusbrucke—the bridge over the Elbe leading to Albert-Platz and the Neustadt (New Town)—people sit outside bars and restaurants enjoying the sunshine.
It is impossible not to be impressed with the architecture of grand old buildings such as the Royal Palace (Residenzschloss), built in 1530 for Duke George the Bearded, and the Katholische Hofkirche, or cathedral, which dominate the Dresden skyline; the Theaterplatz, designed in 1912 in the New Baroque style, and of course the Semper Opera House, reflecting Dresden's fame as a musical center frequented by famous composers throughout the years.
European Pressphoto Agency
Steamboats on the River Elbe with the Church of Our Lady in the background.
Dresden is, of course, no stranger to disaster. Some of the older members of the population still remember the devastation caused by Allied fire bombing on Feb. 13, 1945, when thousands of people were killed. The city still bears grim reminders of that fateful night. But the long and often sad history of Dresden does nothing to alter the fact that this is a very pleasant city to visit on business. The dark days before Germany's reunification are well in the past and there is a new and exciting optimism.
All around the Altdstadt and across the Augustusbrucke—the bridge over the Elbe leading to Albert-Platz and the Neustadt (New Town)—people sit outside bars and restaurants enjoying the sunshine.
It is impossible not to be impressed with the architecture of grand old buildings such as the Royal Palace (Residenzschloss), built in 1530 for Duke George the Bearded, and the Katholische Hofkirche, or cathedral, which dominate the Dresden skyline; the Theaterplatz, designed in 1912 in the New Baroque style, and of course the Semper Opera House, reflecting Dresden's fame as a musical center frequented by famous composers throughout the years.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tourism Rebound Falls Short
San Francisco's tourism-reliant businesses, one of the city's key industries, are enjoying a rebound but no longer believe that 2011 will bring sales back to prerecession levels.
Personality Hotels LLC, which runs Hotel Union Square, Hotel Diva and two boutique properties, has raised average daily room rates by 15% to 20% from a year ago, but occupancy has remained flat, said Chief Executive Yvonne Lembi-Detert.
"I thought it would have been better than it is," she said. Her outlook now: "I'm looking forward to 2012."
The city's tourism industry generally mirrors that of the national economy, and both are recovering ...
Personality Hotels LLC, which runs Hotel Union Square, Hotel Diva and two boutique properties, has raised average daily room rates by 15% to 20% from a year ago, but occupancy has remained flat, said Chief Executive Yvonne Lembi-Detert.
"I thought it would have been better than it is," she said. Her outlook now: "I'm looking forward to 2012."
The city's tourism industry generally mirrors that of the national economy, and both are recovering ...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
How to Buy Cheap Airline Tickets
How to Buy Cheap Airline Tickets
With a little forethought and some flexibility, you can reach your
favorite destinations without breaking the bank. If you don't know anybody who works in the airline industry that can give you a hook-up, follow the advice below.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Finding a Cheap International Airline Ticket Online
It is possible to find a cheap international airline ticket online, but before committing to this route, the alternatives should also be considered:
- Travel agents often know of bargains not advertised to the public. It is true that they make a commission for their services, but the discount that they receive from the airline may still make their price the winner. It is also convenient, as they take care of the paperwork, and handle all the arrangements.
- The airlines' own websites should be checked out. Sometimes, if sales are slow for a particular flight, they will sell off the remaining seats at a bargain fare. The regularly advertised rates also give a good standard for comparison when shopping around.
- Check newspaper ads. They provide a quick idea of what is available.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Whatever You Do, Don't Buy an Airline Ticket On …
Shoppers looking for the cheapest airfare can learn something from stand-up comedians: It's all about timing.
Ticket prices are highest on weekends, on average, according to online travel agencies, fare trackers and airline pricing executives.
When's the best time to buy? Travel experts have long said Tuesday is when sales are most often in place, which is true. An analysis of domestic fares shows that Wednesday also has good—and occasionally better—ticket prices.
Though prices fluctuate frequently and the ups and downs of airline prices can frustrate and anger consumers, airline pricing actually does follow a cycle during the week. Many sales, in which some seats are discounted by 15% to 25% typically, are launched Monday night. That was true again this week when AirTran Airways launched a sale to all its destinations. Competitors typically match the lower prices Tuesday morning. By Thursday or Friday, many sales have already expired.
Two weeks ago, a Chicago-Atlanta round-trip ticket for April travel dates cost $209 on Tuesday and Wednesday on American and Delta, but then $301 for the next four days. When Tuesday rolled around last week, the fare dropped to $219 at both airlines for the April 8-15 itinerary. By Friday it was up to $307 at both American and Delta. Come Tuesday this week, the fare was down to $229.
"Like bread, fares get sort of stale toward the end of the week," said Bob Harrell, a fare consultant who has tracked airline pricing for years.
For this analysis, Mr. Harrell studied all fares filed by airlines over the past 90 days and found Monday was the busiest day for fare changes, followed by Thursday.
When airlines want to push through a fare increase, marking up their basic prices across the board usually by $5 or $10, they often do that on Thursday night, then watch to see if competitors match and if the higher rates stick over the weekend. If competitors balk, prices can be rolled back by Monday morning.
Ticket prices are highest on weekends, on average, according to online travel agencies, fare trackers and airline pricing executives.
When's the best time to buy? Travel experts have long said Tuesday is when sales are most often in place, which is true. An analysis of domestic fares shows that Wednesday also has good—and occasionally better—ticket prices.
Though prices fluctuate frequently and the ups and downs of airline prices can frustrate and anger consumers, airline pricing actually does follow a cycle during the week. Many sales, in which some seats are discounted by 15% to 25% typically, are launched Monday night. That was true again this week when AirTran Airways launched a sale to all its destinations. Competitors typically match the lower prices Tuesday morning. By Thursday or Friday, many sales have already expired.
Two weeks ago, a Chicago-Atlanta round-trip ticket for April travel dates cost $209 on Tuesday and Wednesday on American and Delta, but then $301 for the next four days. When Tuesday rolled around last week, the fare dropped to $219 at both airlines for the April 8-15 itinerary. By Friday it was up to $307 at both American and Delta. Come Tuesday this week, the fare was down to $229.
"Like bread, fares get sort of stale toward the end of the week," said Bob Harrell, a fare consultant who has tracked airline pricing for years.
For this analysis, Mr. Harrell studied all fares filed by airlines over the past 90 days and found Monday was the busiest day for fare changes, followed by Thursday.
When airlines want to push through a fare increase, marking up their basic prices across the board usually by $5 or $10, they often do that on Thursday night, then watch to see if competitors match and if the higher rates stick over the weekend. If competitors balk, prices can be rolled back by Monday morning.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Snorkeling in Boracay
As soon as I lowered myself into Boracay’s balmy waters, hundreds of fish began swimming in the currents I had created. Just underneath the surface, coral — some of it resembling the heads of cauliflower, others looking more like the human brain — hid even more fish.
Crocodile Island is one of the Philippines’ finest snorkeling spots, featuring a wide variety of marine life and depths that are suitable to explorers of all levels of experience. Located about 200 miles south of Manila, it’s a 20-minute boat ride from the island of Boracay, a fast-growing tourist destination known for its White Beach.
Boracay used to be a near-empty oasis of white sand and pristine waters. Only dedicated beach lovers or those wanting an isolated escape would go. Today, there are two gateways ushering tourists to Boracay.
The first is via the Caticlan airport, about an hour’s flight from Manila. From the airport, you can walk 10 minutes to Caticlan’s Jetty Port, where a 15-minute boat ride will bring you to White Beach. (Most mid-range to high-end hotels will have designated boats waiting to pick you up.)
Crocodile Island is one of the Philippines’ finest snorkeling spots, featuring a wide variety of marine life and depths that are suitable to explorers of all levels of experience. Located about 200 miles south of Manila, it’s a 20-minute boat ride from the island of Boracay, a fast-growing tourist destination known for its White Beach.
Boracay used to be a near-empty oasis of white sand and pristine waters. Only dedicated beach lovers or those wanting an isolated escape would go. Today, there are two gateways ushering tourists to Boracay.
The first is via the Caticlan airport, about an hour’s flight from Manila. From the airport, you can walk 10 minutes to Caticlan’s Jetty Port, where a 15-minute boat ride will bring you to White Beach. (Most mid-range to high-end hotels will have designated boats waiting to pick you up.)