Note: another version of this story appeared in City Lifestyle Laguna Niguel magazine. Otto is only a few months old, but he is already bigger than many human adults. And yet, by elephant seal standards, Otto is still quite small. And that’s why he’s here, in an enclosure at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in…
This might be the most recognizable market in the world. Seattle’s venerable Pike Place Market opened in 1907, and has been continuously operating ever since. A mix of fruit stands, crafts, specialty treats, restaurants, and the famous seafood vendors who will throw a fish over your head, it is one of the most visited attractions…
Editor’s note: like Sam, I find myself wanting to choose destinations where my dollars make the most impact, hence my being in Puerto Rico currently. Unlike Sam, I have never been to Bali, so I am excited to be able to share his experience with all of you! For more of Sam’s adventures - and…
Willemstad, the capitol - and only true city - on the island of Curacao, is lovely. It is full of beautiful colonial architecture, cultural gems, great food, and wonderful people. But if you have more than just a couple of days in Curacao, leaving the city behind to see other parts of the island is…
Typical for a summer morning, the fog is thick - pea soup thick, London thick - as I drive down Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through Point Reyes National Seashore. The coastline isn’t visible, though small gaps in the fog give away where it should be. The only things I am truly able to see are…
Editor’s note: Thank you to Sam for another amazing story from his Utah home. For more tales of Sam’s travels, near and far, click here to visit his index page. The Great Salt Lake is the largest lake in the United States outside of the Great Lakes and it is from this lake that Utah’s…
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…
It's a beautiful morning at Pasadena's historic Rose Bowl stadium. It's hard to measure the excitement in the air, but here in my car, it is indeed palpable. I'm here to live out one of my childhood fantasies. For many who come to this storied place, such a fantasy would be scoring the winning touchdown…
Editor's note: I always look forward to Sam's articles. Normally about places I haven't seen yet - I've barely scratched the surface of Thailand on a cruise - he expertly describes the experiences he has had and the emotions evoked by them. For more of his writing, click here. Also, to help support what we…