Editor's note: it is impossible to capture the magnitude of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a huge book, let alone in an article about visiting Bethlehem. Some aspects of the conflict are necessary to explain as they affect the day-to-day experiences a traveler, like our Sam Spector, would have. We at The Royal Tour recognize that…
The desert air is dry and warm, even on this late fall day. The heat of the summer has faded, but winter rains - rare even during the later months - have yet to quench the thirst of the earth. Blue skies, white clouds, brown dirt, gray rocks: the colors combine on the canvas of…
Let's start off this way: Turkey is an incredible place. It is amazing. I've been to both Istanbul and Izmir (as a gateway to Ephesus) and read Sam's recent piece about Cappadocia. There is so much history and culture there that one could dedicate an entire website just to Turkey. As a tourist, I have…
Today, I turn 40. (Well, today when you read this, not today when I write this, as it's a few days prior. Anyway.) The big 4-0. An age that, while it doesn't sound old, no longer really sounds young. It's as good a time as any to pause, to reflect, and to examine where things…
Editor's note: Timing is everything. Tomorrow is Turkish date night for A and me, and today we get treated to this incredible look into a cool country by Sam! Check out all his articles by visiting his index. And please, if you like what we do, consider becoming a sponsor through our Patreon page. Over…
If there are two things I am a sucker for when I travel, they are history and free activities. When you add Covid into the mix, outdoor, easily social distanced becomes a perk as well. So when I visited San Jose, I searched for a place that would accomplish all three. Lo and behold, such…
Editor's note: I had never heard of Big Thicket National Preserve before reading this take on it from Christian, our national parks expert here at The Royal Tour. This story made me laugh, smile, and shake my head at some people - yes, Christian, I'm looking at you - who will brave anything just to…
Let's face it, for those of us who write about travel, work in the travel industry, or simply enjoy traveling, 2020 has been a bit of a dumpster fire. Since leaving Spain in early March, I have yet to even cross state lines. And I am one of the lucky ones; my income isn't dependent…
Editor's note: I am delighted to introduce you all to Mandy Meehan, our newest writer at The Royal Tour. I met Mandy when I was preparing a trip to Marseille, France, since she was living there and had an Instagram full of incredible photos that I stumbled upon. We have been close friends ever since!…
Canada. The Great White North. For many Americans, it's the closest country to visit (Mexico for me living in Los Angeles), and yet, beyond a few large cities, few of us have seen much of what this amazing country has to offer. I've been to Canada at least eight times I can easily recall, but…