Editor’s note: First, a disclaimer. This is NOT an article about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This IS an article about a cool Palestinian city. I was in Ramallah when I was in Israel as a high schooler. The Oslo Accords had been signed and everyone in both countries was hopeful for lasting peace, so travel between…
Editor’s note: I’ve been lucky enough to spend a decent amount of time in Israel, and to have visited the Dead Sea on three different occasions. It is truly a remarkable place. In this piece, Sam does an incredible job narrating why this entire region is so special. For more of his writing, click here…
Editor’s note: I was in Bangkok for a day as part of a Southeast Asia cruise. While I found the sights to be incredible, the heat, humidity, and crowds got to me. It is a place I’d love to return to, but at a more leisurely pace so as to mitigate some of that. Sam’s…
Editor’s note: like Sam, visiting Nara was one of my favorite parts of both of my Japan trips. Also like Sam, both of my visits focused on Nara Park. You can read about my experience here. And for more of Sam’s adventures, click here to visit his index page. It is springtime, and when thinking…
Few places on Earth are more stark in their contrasts. East meets West. Europe intersects Asia. Islam and secularism coexist side by side. And for tourists, one of the most incredible and dynamic cities has to be taken in turn with a regime that is, here in 2024, not very democratic in tendency nor pro-American.…
Editor’s note: one of my canceled trips due to COVID (one of thirteen such cancelations) was to Taipei. Unlike some of the others, I have yet to reschedule this one, though Sam’s beautiful descriptions of the sights and the food make me want to do so as soon as possible. For more of Sam Spector’s…
Editor’s note: in a way, this is what I love about travel and about having different voices and perspectives here on The Royal Tour. I really enjoyed Seoul when I visited several years ago. Sam seems to have had a decent, but underwhelming experience. It is a reminder that love for travel destinations is totally…
Editor’s note: like so many American travelers, my only experience with South Korea was in Seoul. After reading this look at Busan from our resident traveling rabbi Sam, I know for sure I’ve missed out. For more of Sam’s amazing adventures, be sure to click here to visit his index page! In my journeys around…
Editor’s note: I’ve been to Tzfat twice, although not since I was much younger. My tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) is from here, and is one of my most valued possessions. For Jews, or for those who seek to learn more about Judaism, it is an amazing place to visit. For more of Rabbi Sam Spector’s…
Editor’s note: I’ve been to Japan twice, but have not made it down to Hiroshima. It is the single top place on my Japan bucket list for my next trip, and I’m grateful to writer Sam Spector for his brief but awesome guide to a visit. For more of Sam’s adventures, click here to visit…