Editor’s note: On my first trip to Japan, I didn’t like Kyoto. When I returned during my second Japan trip, I still didn’t like Kyoto. But it is, without question, home to some of the most stunning temples in all of Japan. TRT writer Sam, I’m thrilled to say, had a much better Kyoto experience…
Sometimes, a simple change of view can change an entire perspective. The backside of a building offers a new vantage from which to experience an architectural wonder. An observation deck opens up new panoramas on a cityscape. Or now, gazing at Victoria’s downtown waterfront, not from in it as on my last trip, but from…
Editor’s note: it gives me immense pleasure to introduce you all to our newest writer here at The Royal Tour, Deborah La Torre. I’ve known Deborah for years, a friendship built on love of travel and food as much as on anything else. So having her first article with us be all about discovering Italian…
I will be honest. India was never high on my travel wish list. But as my aunt and I started looking for our 2026 iteration of our annual trip together - always a guided tour through a company that doesn’t have a single supplement so we have some space from each other - this one…
Editor’s note: my own Balkans trip exists only in my head, but even if I hadn’t been planning on including Ljubljana in it before - I was - I would be now after reading this piece from Sam Spector. I mean, those bridges. Wow!! For more of Sam’s writing, click here to visit his index…
Back during the Covid lockdown, A and I began doing weekly travel themed date nights. I needed content to keep The Royal Tour going, and we needed something that would differentiate one day from another. So with my parents (our lockdown pod), we did these once a week. We did more than 30 of them.…
Earlier this year, LA Metro opened three new stations on its D Line. (If you’ve heard about this, chances are it is from the hilarious and successful “Ride the D” advertising campaign.) So I decided to make an effort to utilize this new transit boon to see some things that were now much more possible…
When I started traveling heavily after founding The Royal Tour, I made a promise to my nephews. (They are actually the children of my best friends, but have been family to me since they were born.) When they graduated high school, if they wanted to and if they were still nice to me - neither…
Editor’s note: While Sam Spector and I had different experiences in Seoul, we both agree on one thing: a visit to the DMZ is unique and not to be missed. You can read about mine here. For more of Sam’s writing, click here to visit his index page. I once went to one country because…
Walking back to my hotel in downtown Calgary after visiting Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, I reflect on the experience. Part museum, part music hall of fame (four of them, actually), part ode to the power of music in society, and part interactive music lesson, the place was larger and more varied…