Trip Itinerary: India

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…

Visiting the DMZ

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…

A Quick Stop in Kuala Lumpur

Editor’s note: In between No Reservations and Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain (who is partially to blame for having inspired my life of travel) had a show called The Layover, where he took long layovers in some cool places and shared how to maximize the time. Here, TRT writer Sam Spector shares a similar take on…

Finding Meaning in the Kathmandu Valley

At The Royal Tour, we understand that travel is amazing and paradigm altering. But it isn’t life. Between Sam’s last article two weeks ago and now (both on Nepal), a devastating flood took place, with casualties being severe. So while we hope you enjoy this article, we also would encourage you to donate to organizations…

Kathmandu, Nepal

Editor’s note: Nepal is a place few have been able to visit, and we are so lucky that TRT writer Sam was one of those so fortunate, and that he’s sharing his experience here with us. Today we have part one, focusing on his time in Kathmandu, the capital and largest city. For more of…

Exploring India’s Holy City of Varanasi

Editor’s note: Sam’s last (for now) installment from India takes us to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges. It definitely makes me excited to visit in November! For more of Sam’s work, click here to visit his index page. “This is real India,” my guide proclaimed. “The country is big and diverse,…

A Day Trip to Agra from Delhi

Editor’s note: I don’t think a northern India itinerary is complete without a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Writer Sam Spector takes us on his day trip there from Delhi. Please note his recommendations at the bottom. These are NOT affiliate links and we receive nothing; he just wanted to share them with…

Delhi Part Two: New Delhi

Editor’s note: After an amazing review of Old Delhi, here Sam Spector provides us with a tremendous glimpse at the other part of the city: New Delhi. And don’t miss his recommendation for his favored meal in India! For more of Sam’s writing, click here to visit his index page. In my last article, I…

Delhi Part One: Old Delhi

Editor’s note: As we explore writer Sam Spector’s trip to India together over the coming weeks, you’ll hear me say this a lot: I am so grateful for Sam’s visit and writing since I am taking my own first trip to India in November. So you can bet that I’m eagerly writing down his recommendations!…