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…
Editor’s note: this concludes TRT writer Sam Spector’s amazing look into Uzbekistan. To read the rest, click on the links in the first paragraph below, or click here to visit his index page. When visiting Uzbekistan, most people visit the three main Silk Road cities: Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, with maybe a day to fly…
Editor’s note: it is kind of fun to read someone else’s take on the exact same trip I took, which is exactly what you’ll get here from Jackie, my mom. While you can read my guides to Tokyo here, and the Kansai region here, I hope you’ll all enjoy her experience as well, especially what…
Editor’s note: with the third on a series of Uzbekistan, I can safely say that readers will add this Central Asian country to their bucket lists thanks solely to Sam Spector. You can click here to read about Bukhara and here to read about Tashkent. And for all of Sam’s amazing writing, click here to…
Since starting The Royal Tour, I’ve had the opportunity to visit more than 30 countries. Most of those, specifically in Europe, are very western in culture. Yes, there are some differences from life here in the U.S., but largely, Americans can navigate without too many issues. Japan, while a modern country with easily used infrastructure,…