Memphis, TN

Memphis: For the Love of Music

Halfway between Columbus and Atlanta lies Memphis, Tennessee, home of the music fan’s dreams come true. Home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Grand Ol’ Opry, and some of the most fantastic food on the planet.

Anyone who has been to Memphis knows that Beale Street is the place to go. Echoes of New Orleans lines this downtown area with all the bright lights and authentic atmosphere. The streets are teeming with shops, food, and adventure. There are a ton of tours to explore. A trolley system offers cheap fare and a rest for your tired feet; as well as a plethora of amazing restaurants and street vendors that will feed your stomach and your soul. Beale Street is also the birthplace of the Blues. House of the Blues and BB King’s Blues Club offer the best in the heart of the blues unique musical flavor.

Venturing about town, you can run into the Sun Studio, where Elvis got his start. The famous studio still records new albums, so you never know what you might run into. Speaking of Elvis, one does not visit Memphis and skip the Graceland tour. The insane amount of memorabilia alone is worth the trip. The King’s huge estate sits in pristine condition and is open for business year round.

Keep exploring and you’ll run into the Memphis pyramid, a sports arena turned Bass Pro Shop megastore. The outdoorsman will be in awe of the vast number of fun things to do here. There’s even a bowling alley! You will also find The Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul, and the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, which all house the history of this iconic city.

Barbeque, Barbeque, Barbeque is the name of the game here. Memphis is teeming with just about every kind of BBQ joint. The possibilities are endless, so do look around and find what sparks your interest best. For a less advantageous pallet, try Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. This mom and pop shop has been voted the best fried chicken in the state. Must try.

This is the quintessential destination for the music lover. Everyone can find something fun to do and eat. The unique atmosphere is one that will revitalize your zest for culture, and entice you to try something new. The history, the charm and the ambience are not to be missed! 

San Jose, CA

San Jose: Take a Moment for Yourself

Business trips can be disheartening when you have no time for anything other than a meeting or conference. When a leisure trips seems out of reach, and you only seem to take business trips, why not try to mix the two? That’s what many business travelers are doing now. These so called “Bleisure” trips are becoming wildly popular and they are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

San Jose, California is a sort of boom town for the Bleisure traveler. The city is full of things to do and the folks who frequent the city know that. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is great for the hiking enthusiast; novice or expert. For the more daring adventurer (and those with a little more time), there are lots of shuttle trips to Yosemite National Park. Here, the Earth is truly alive. With Ol’ Faithful geyser, and Grizzly Giant, The Fallen Monarch and Yosemite Falls, there are all kinds of wonders to explore. Inspiration point gives you a breathtaking view of the entire valley and lives up to its name. Look down from the top of the world and witness the new directions your life will take.

Back in the city, there are plenty of fun things to see and do. At the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum you can step into the ancient world of the Pharaohs and look inside tombs, examine sarcophagi, and take in the splendor of the Egypt we see in the movies. For the technology lover, there is The Tech Museum of Innovation, which holds new and upcoming projects as well as old treasures.

For the shopper, Santana Row is the place to be. Shops, movie theaters, and a giant chess set; this shopping metropolis is perfect! Shake out the stiffness and get a new business suit or dress. The California Theater is nearby with a small, intimate setting, but beautiful décor and amazing acoustics. Take in a symphony or an opera and relax.

Making a business trip more leisurely is easy in San Jose. Try a drop-in Yoga class at Downtown Yoga Shala. Wind down and enter a state of bliss at Pairin Thai Massage, or if you need a more immersive experience, there is Burke Williams, which offers all day spa packages. Never pass up the chance for revitalization during a business trip.

The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is the best place to inspire your inner child (or your real children). Part Animalpalooza, part amusement park, this venue is great for getting a bit of adventure in for the shorter stay.

Whatever your flavor, San Jose has just about everything from soup to nuts. Make your next business trip a Bleisurely experience. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Yokohama

Yokohama: Japan’s “Second City”

No movie has ever quite been able to perfectly capture the magic of Japan covered in snow. This time of the year is not the vacation for the masses, but it makes for a wonderful trip as the temperature is usually around 50 Degrees Fahrenheit and makes for comfortable weather when running around a big city. The beauty of the temped streets cannot be captured by a camera, but rather must be observed in person.

Yokohama is a metropolis known as Japan’s “Second City,” quite like our Chicago. Inhabited by three million people, it is hardly small and offers a quaint and more relaxed version of the Tokyo hustle and bustle.

The Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an amusement park with aquariums, rides, and theaters. The aquariums are so spectacular, it is hard to match that experience with anything remotely close in the United States. The park is home to a multitude of creatures and does not skimp on the park rides. A Pirate Ship ride called The Viking swings you to and fro, higher than you can ever imagine, without inversion.

For the more science- minded tourist, there are lots of museums, including the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum. It holds forward thinking marvels of all shapes and sizes, along with some of the coolest gadgets in the 21^st century. This is fun for all ages too!

As far as appetite is concerned, there is no shortage of amazing dishes to try. One such dish is from the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, where they serve-you guessed it- Ramen Noodles! Far from our measly plastic packages, these noodles are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of mix-ins. The bowl is yours to fill as you please. Another wonderful dish you must try is called Nikuman. This is like a meat pie or pasty, but the dough is soft and fluffy and the insides are filled with meat and whatever else you may desire.

Yokohama is a destination for not only all ages, but for the timid and bold alike. There is something for everyone here and it would be a shame to miss out on traveling to a destination this amazing.

Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia; Not To Be Missed

Ever wondered about the exotic land of  Indonesia, in Southeast Asia. The country has a moderate climate that doesn’t drastically change. They have many amenities and adventures to embark on, as well as the exotic feel of one of the true hidden gems of the world. Based on the currency of Indonesian, the Rupiah, if you were to buy a  McDonald’s Big Mac, it would cost you roughly 31,000 Rupiah which is just $2.40 in the US Dollar. Cheap, fun, and a far superior spiritual experience than you expect.

The biggest tourist spot here is Jakarta. The heart of the cultural diversity that comes with any nation with more than 1,000 islands surrounding it. Remember how cheap it is there? Now consider the phenomenal shopping. A shopper’s paradise called Pantai Indah Kapuk, or PIK, avenue mall is similar to New York’s Fifth Avenue. The promenade has quite the diverse retail selection and tons of food.

Another draw to the area is the Yoga Retreat option. After shopping, visit an ashram and take an hour yoga class, or simply stay at one of these incredible resorts and come out of it renewed and ready for the next stage of your life.  You can also hike the natural wonders in a few of the nearby National Parks.

In Menteng, a name for the central part of Jakarta, lies a treasure trove of diners, bistros, cafés, and amazing street food. You can get anything you have a craving for. A few of the must hit spots are: Aneka Gorengan: Pasaraya Grande, where you can get Gorengan which actually means “fried things.” They are light, small snacks that are a quick grab or a sit down meal. There is also Bakpao Lombobattang: Jl where you can get Bakpao, which means “meat dumpling.” Sort of a cross between a pot sticker and a pasty, this small bun is filled with meat or vegetables. Amazing. While you are in Jl, you can go to Sate Khas Senayan: Jl where you can try the Jakarta specialty Sata. Their famous skewered meats have charmed tourists the world over.

 Finally, you have to try Roti Bakar which is available at a restaurant by the same name in Jl. Literally, it means “fried bread,” but it is much like a funnel cake that has died, gone to heaven, and skipped back down for a second run. Your taste buds will thank you.

Overall, Jakarta is not to be missed. It will change the way you look at Asia.

Nassau

Paradise Island: The Name Says It All

Just off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas sits a tourist’s haven. This tourist spot has perfected its welcoming persona. The island caters specifically to the wanderer spirit. There is no need to exchange currency as the US dollar is accepted everywhere. Perhaps better known of the exotic tropical vacation spots, is Paradise Island.

Paradise Island has so many different amenities that it is so hard to narrow down a few. The whole resort island is family friendly, and they have anything and everything you would want on a tropical locale. The hotels are budget friendly and some are all- inclusive, making this destination as worry free as possible. Take a dip in the sea with playful dolphins at Dolphin Cay, try your luck at the craps table at the Atlantis Casino, or experience a truly spiritual connection at sunrise at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Well Being Center. In grand fashion, there are boat tours, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skis, and so much natural wonder, you will never be bored.

One of the great tourist pulls is the gorgeous Aquaventure Water Park.  You may recognize the giant waterslide from any number of movies, but the true wonder is where the slide ends; you free-fall down into a tube that ushers you right through an aquarium of sharks and sea life. This is truly a unique island experience.

Eating in the tropics can be a true highlight of your trip, and Paradise Island has risen to this expectation. Arguably, the best place on the island is Café Matisse. They serve Italian food, but you must make a reservation, as it is very popular. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville serves American food and is revered for their excellent burgers.  If seafood fits your fancy, there are not many better places to eat it than on an island.

Paradise Island is a destination that proves island life is for everyone. The best food, dancing, and shopping anyone could ask for is wrapped up on one unique little island.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Rich With Culture

China is perhaps the most diverse and expansive country in the world, with a blend history and culture among its cities. One of these historical and cultural cities is Hong Kong; a culture-rich and unique experience that is on the “must-see in your lifetime” list.

Hong Kong is the perfect destination for people who want an authentic Chinese cultural experience, without the language barriers. Most of the locals speak Cantonese AND English. This is not only helpful, but it turns Hong Kong into a hot tourist destination.

There are always fun things to do. Hong Kong has it’s own theme park (that doubles as a zoo) and even Hong Kong Disney, if you’re a Disney-lover and wish to see the Magic Kingdom on another side of the world.  There is also the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Part of a worldwide effort to capture the natural wonders of the area these parks inhabit, the Geopark is home to some of China’s most beautiful natural surroundings, including giant volcanic rock formations. You can also visit the 208 foot statue of Buddha, hike the “Dragon’s Back,” visit some breathtaking and ancient temples, and end your day soaking your feet at one of the many lavish spas. 

Shopping is usually a tourist’s favorite activity, and there are plenty of wonderful places to collect treasures to take home. Tsim Sha Tsui in the Kowloon region of Hong Kong has something for every fancy. There are stores like Prada, places for antiques and even bargain spots. You can also go shopping for more expensive antiques and art, but it comes with a caution from locals and frequent travelers. You should find art auctions for these things, as believable replicas are all over the place.

Like any giant city, there is nothing more exciting than the array of food choices. The entirety of Hong Kong offers amazing chow mein, Mu gu gai pan, chop suey, and anything you can dream up from an American Chinese restaurant. However, never have you tasted rice and noodle dishes this amazing. The best thing to do is venture out, but for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience, you must get Dim Sum. It literally means “touch your heart” and boy does it. There are tons of places like this, but one of the best is Sun Tung Lok which is right in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Hong Kong isn’t just a place on the map; it’ll change the way you look at life.

London

London; A City With A Past

The Heartbeat of Europe is, without a doubt, none other than exciting London. Filled with history, this beautiful metropolis is a solid square mile, dubbing it The Square Mile by locals. You don’t have to spend much time here getting your sight-seeing done. On every corner of every street is a story, most much older than the United States. Many of the wonders of the city are in movies and television shows all the time, but the real majesty of the city gets absorbed through the cobblestone ground under your feet.

High above the busy streets of London soars the London Eye. The most unique Ferris wheel you will have the pleasure of riding, this tourist attraction takes you hundreds of feet over London in a room that looks out over the River Thames. The view is exquisite and the memories you take away last a lifetime.

You may have heard that the Queen’s Guard are very serious and all that, but did you know that they will shout at you if you get in their way? Quite the amusing experience if you happen to witness it. Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are close by and you can take a tour of them both. The Tower of London has a rather dark past, but you get to see the crown jewels and walk amongst some of Britain’s most thrilling history.

The food in London is sublime. With so many choices to choose from, it is quite difficult to pick a favorite, but the thought is that you must hit as many as you can before you leave. So eat up.

In every great city, there is a famous park. In London, this is Hyde Park. In this picturesque botanical wonder hides Speaker’s Corner. A place of freedom of speech without persecution, it is a must see. Go and soak up a bit of profanity, or get into a debate about Thatcher. All in good fun, of course. Also, there is a beautiful Memorial Fountain for Princess Diana at which you can pay your respects. If you like riding horses, there is also a horse riding area with trails around the park. There is truly something for everyone here.

In every nook and cranny in the city, someone famous (or infamous) has an homage (usually a sign) to their presence.  You walk down the streets on the shoulders of Dickens, Churchill, Shakespeare and King George VI. Their spirits guide you down pathways and share their history in ways no tour guide could express. Walk down Abbey Road with The Beatles. Smell the flowers of Kensington Garden with Peter Pan. Take this city and make it part of your soul. The memories the streets carry give London a truly unique experience for any traveler.