I've resisted writing this article for a long time. There is really no way to talk about this issue without pissing off someone, or even pissing off nearly everyone. It is one of the most contentious political issues facing our world - and even us as travelers. And yet, only last week, Michael Che of…
Editor's note: when I haven't left the state in about a year now, I am even more grateful than ever to have voices like Sam's here on The Royal Tour, adding his experiences and perspective to our community. If you like his writing - and I'm sure you will - click here to see an…
Konichiwa! Welcome to Japan! If you were to swim west across the Pacific Ocean from almost any point on the West Coast of the United States, Japan is the first place you'd hit. So in that sense it's kind of a neighbor, but one more than 6,000 miles away! Tonight we are going to explore…
Memphis holds a special place in my heart. It was the first place I visited after starting The Royal Tour, and my first attempt at writing about a destination. (I think I've come pretty far in that respect.) Likewise, Memphis BBQ holds a special spot in my soul. Growing up largely keeping Kosher - the…
California's central coast - basically the entirety from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz - is worth exploring. Beautiful rocky coastline nestles with sandy beaches, historic towns sit alongside stunning resorts, and mountains meet the blue of the Pacific in ways that are bound to capture both your heart and imagination. Sitting just north of San…
Editor's note: this is part one of a two-part series by Sam Spector on Peru. To read all of Sam's incredible pieces here on The Royal Tour, click here to visit his index. Peru has emerged as a leading travel destination in the world and there are plenty of reasons why. From stunning coastlines, to…
I'm blessed in my life to have a local Mexican restaurant that not only do I love, but is also owned by a close family friend. (Los Angeles folks, check out Joselito's, especially if you live in the San Fernando Valley or its environs.) So when Jose, the owner, auctioned off a zoom cooking class…
Editor's note: I met Mandy on my first full day in Marseille, and believe you me, she is an awesome tour guide. That's why I'm so excited she wrote up this walking tour of Marseille for all of us, complete with a Google maps link to keep track! For all of her articles on The…
Editor's note: Like Christian, I also love White Sands National Park, both for its unique white gypsum sand and the ability to run as fast as one can down a dune. It is worth a visit, and Christian's page (click here) is as well, especially if you like national parks. I’ve always made an effort…
As American tourists, we tend to think of Europe as the pinnacle for spectacular castles. However, while certainly there are some amazing castles all across the European continent, that perspective ignores one of feudalism's greatest homes: Japan. Japanese feudal society was every bit as complex as that in Europe, and with it came - as…