IHG Sees Room for Improvement in Hotel Revenue Management

IHG Sees Room for Improvement in Hotel Revenue Management

Shown here is the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hefei Shi in Anhui Sheng, China. Parent company InterContinental Hotels has been changing its tech platform to offer more creative booking options. InterContinental Hotels Group



Skift Take: InterContinental Hotels Group aims to use its new reservations system from Amadeus to set and shift rates based on customer preferences and spending habits. But the move will eventually force the company to throw away its rulebook on how to maximize revenue.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/ihg-sees-room-for-improvement-in-hotel-revenue-management/

IHG Sees Room for Improvement in Hotel Revenue Management

IHG Sees Room for Improvement in Hotel Revenue Management

Shown here is the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hefei Shi in Anhui Sheng, China. Parent company InterContinental Hotels has been changing its tech platform to offer more creative booking options. InterContinental Hotels Group



Skift Take: InterContinental Hotels Group aims to use its new reservations system from Amadeus to set and shift rates based on customer preferences and spending habits. But the move will eventually force the company to throw away its rulebook on how to maximize revenue.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/ihg-sees-room-for-improvement-in-hotel-revenue-management/

Mountain biking in Andorra

Mountain biking in Andorra

With peaks topping 11,000 feet and many of Europe’s most challenging ski resorts and backcountry terrain, the Pyrenees mountains are already top of mind for many alpine enthusiasts. For mountain bikers, the Andorra formula is a simple one: Take the varied terrain of Moab and the steeps of the nearby Alps and blend them together. Leave the crowds behind, but add in duty-free shopping and culinary chops that pull from both neighboring Spain and France. It’s an incredible combination, and you need to experience it. Here’s how to plan a mountain bike trip to Andorra this summer.


Where the heck is Andorra, and when should I come?


Aerial view of Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Photo: Gurgen Bakhshetyan/Shutterstock


Andorra is tiny. The entire country — actually, although it’s a sovereign state, it’s technically called a principality — is only 180 square miles. It’s no wonder it flies under the radar of most travelers to western Europe. It’s located entirely within the Pyrenees mountain range that stretches across the border between France and Spain. It’s also surrounded on all sides by protected parkland that’s been explored by few other than some locals and hardcore adventurers from nearby big cities like Barcelona and Toulouse.


The capital city of Andorra La Vella is home to 25 percent of the country’s 80,000 residents and is where nearly all of the limited urban activity in Andorra takes place. Even in the capital, the nightlife and dining scene is more akin to what you’d find in high-end mountain towns like Chamonix or Aspen than in other European capitals. While you’ll have no trouble finding a glass of fine wine or a rowdy batch of local mountaineers recounting their most recent trek over a pint, it remains the type of place where most visitors and many locals are far more concerned with getting into the mountains than they are with what’s happening in the city. Hone up your Catalan skills if you can, as it is the official language of Andorra. Spanish, Portuguese, and French are widely spoken as well.


The country’s high altitude means lots of snow falls on this tiny country each winter. As such, biking season doesn’t start until the mud begins to harden in late spring — typically May — through the Autumn months. Late spring and fall offer an escape from even the moderate crowds that Andorra sees. No matter when you visit, the terrain is pure bliss for downhill riders. Many trails even outside the established bike parks offer steep descents without a lot of uphill work needed to get to them, provided you have a shuttle.


Where to stock up on gear


If it’s doable for you to fly your bike and gear from home, do it. Having the familiarity of your own gear is a plus, especially when riding terrain that is new to you. That said, dismantling your (potentially very expensive) bike setup and entrusting it to airline personnel isn’t always a comforting thought. Your hubs for the trip will likely be centered in three towns: Andorra La Vella, San Moritz in the country’s northwest, and Soldeau in the northeast. If you need to rent or buy bikes or gear, there are plenty of strong options to do so once you’ve touched down in-country. In Andorra La Vella, your first stop after collecting bags and checking in to a hotel should be Jormabike. Here you’ll find everything you could possibly need, including bikes, gear, maps, and perhaps most importantly, advice on where to go and when. Riders Boutique offers the same in Las Massana.


Head to the ski areas.


Mountain Bike Cup World Downhill Vallnord, Andorra

Photo: Martin Silva Cosentino/Shutterstock


As with North American ski areas, resorts here make the switch to mountain biking once the snow melts. There are two primary spots you need to hit. The first is Soldeu Bike Park in Grandvalira at the town of Soldeu in Canillo province. The park is about a 30-minute drive from the capital, so you can either stay in Soldeu or make the day-trip from Andorra La Vella. A one-day pass costs about $25 and offers access to steep but well-maintained downhill trails that are ideal for the freestyle rider. There’s a new Enduro route, a collection of features like jumps and berms, and a few trails for the more timid rider as well.


Also worth a visit is Vallnord Bike Park at the Pal-Arinsal ski area near La Massana. Vallnord is a bit easier to jump into with many intermediate and beginner trails. That said, you can get as extreme as you wish here as the tougher downhill trails attract many of Europe’s top riders each summer.


Route your backcountry trails.


Low angle, wide angle portrait against blue sky of mountain biker going downhill

Photo: anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock


Companies like Singletrack Safari offer guided mountain bike tours that include everything up to lodging and route planning. This can be a great option for backcountry trail riding because the trail system isn’t as extensively mapped as public lands are in the United States. If you choose to route your own rides, your best bet is to base yourself in La Massana. Many backcountry trails stretch out from near Vallnord Bike Park, and a few of them actually lead you right back into town. Hit the bike park for a day or two to get your bearings while mapping out the trails you want to hit on your own, and spend afternoons after your ride identifying trailheads and end points to ensure you don’t get lost. La Massana is full of mountain bikers during the summer months and a typical night out on the town can easily land you in conversation with riders who know the area and can offer advice on where to start and finish your rides, whether or not shuttling is necessary, and what to look out for on the trail.


Apps like Trailforks have established trailheads routed out and should be used in your planning process. Beyond La Massana, the southern portion of the country offers cross country trails requiring more uphill push than the downhill around La Massana. The Engolasters trail just outside Andorra La Vella is a short and easy warmup ride before taking to the steeps up north. East of town, the Encamp-ELS Cortals 1 and 2 are popular trails near the town of Encamp. Experienced riders seeking elevation gain and a solid workout should check out the La Rabassa — Pic Negre trail south of the capital.


Where to grab a post-ride beer


stone houses and church in Ordino, the most northerly parish in the Principality of Andorra

Photo: Jordi C/Shutterstock


Much like outdoors-centric cultures worldwide, Andorra has embraced the après culture with vigor. Cervesa Alpha in La Massana is a craft brew pub popular with bikers and hikers. The bar here fills up in the late afternoon with riders coming off the trail, and the crowd spills over to nearby Mon Bohemi, cheers bar, and the other pubs on streets lining Avenue de Sant Antoni and throughout the city center.


In Andorra La Vella, La Fada Ignorant is a go-to pub for a brew after a good ride, as is Paddy’s Irish Bar. For a vast selection of international brews to enjoy at your hotel, head to La Birreria. In terms of dining, Catalan cuisine dominates restaurant menus across the country, so be prepared to fuel up on esqueixada, a dish of salted cod, and escudella, a stew made of noodles, veggies, and a thick broth. They’re all about the grilled vegetables in Andorra, as well. After all your time on the trails, you’ll be ready to relax and refuel on the restaurant and bar patios.



The post How to plan a summer mountain bike trip to Andorra appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/mountain-biking-in-andorra/

Rules for Japanese emperor’s wife

Rules for Japanese emperor’s wife

On Wednesday, Japan’s incoming emperor, Naruhito, will ascend to the throne a day after his 85-year-old father abdicates. And for the first time in centuries, a woman will be present to witness the enthronement, though that woman won’t be the new emperor’s wife. Satsuki Katayama, the only woman in the prime minister’s cabinet, will be in attendance to watch the ceremony, but the emperor’s wife, Masako, is not allowed to attend. Under Imperial Household Law, women in the royal family aren’t allowed to be in the room when the emperor receives the regalia representing his ascension.


Unsurprisingly, the law also holds that women aren’t allowed to reign, either. Any woman born into the royal family must officially leave it when they marry, leaving the imperial family with very few heirs. Prime Minister Abe’s government has, however, championed women’s empowerment, and pledged to discuss the role of women in the imperial family following the new emperor’s ascension. There is, however, major conservative pushback to giving women more power in the imperial family.


Hidetsugu Yagi, professor of law and philosophy at Reitaku University in Kashiwa, Japan, said, “If a female or the child of a female royal succeeds to the throne, it would be a major challenge. The imperial family would lose its legitimacy.” Despite these beliefs, the rule stating that the throne must pass through the male line of succession only dates back to the 19th century. In fact, in 125 generations of monarchs, eight women ruled as empresses when no adult men were eligible.


According to a poll conducted by The Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s largest daily newspapers, the public is strongly in favor of allowing a woman to rule, with over three-quarters of respondents saying they would support a female emperor.


Even the new empress herself was forced to give up a career as a successful diplomat in Japan’s Foreign Ministry, in order to become a princess. Kumiko Nemoto, professor of sociology at Kyoto University School of Foreign Studies, says, “Her presence communicates with the Japanese public her sacrifice and reluctance an ambivalence at even being there.” Although many hoped Masako would come to represent a step forward for females in the imperial family, it appears progress is already being swallowed by tradition.

H/T: The New York Times




The post The wife of the new Japanese emperor won’t be allowed to watch his enthronement appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/rules-for-japanese-emperors-wife/

Mountain biking in Andorra

Mountain biking in Andorra

With peaks topping 11,000 feet and many of Europe’s most challenging ski resorts and backcountry terrain, the Pyrenees mountains are already top of mind for many alpine enthusiasts. For mountain bikers, the Andorra formula is a simple one: Take the varied terrain of Moab and the steeps of the nearby Alps and blend them together. Leave the crowds behind, but add in duty-free shopping and culinary chops that pull from both neighboring Spain and France. It’s an incredible combination, and you need to experience it. Here’s how to plan a mountain bike trip to Andorra this summer.


Where the heck is Andorra, and when should I come?


Aerial view of Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Photo: Gurgen Bakhshetyan/Shutterstock


Andorra is tiny. The entire country — actually, although it’s a sovereign state, it’s technically called a principality — is only 180 square miles. It’s no wonder it flies under the radar of most travelers to western Europe. It’s located entirely within the Pyrenees mountain range that stretches across the border between France and Spain. It’s also surrounded on all sides by protected parkland that’s been explored by few other than some locals and hardcore adventurers from nearby big cities like Barcelona and Toulouse.


The capital city of Andorra La Vella is home to 25 percent of the country’s 80,000 residents and is where nearly all of the limited urban activity in Andorra takes place. Even in the capital, the nightlife and dining scene is more akin to what you’d find in high-end mountain towns like Chamonix or Aspen than in other European capitals. While you’ll have no trouble finding a glass of fine wine or a rowdy batch of local mountaineers recounting their most recent trek over a pint, it remains the type of place where most visitors and many locals are far more concerned with getting into the mountains than they are with what’s happening in the city. Hone up your Catalan skills if you can, as it is the official language of Andorra. Spanish, Portuguese, and French are widely spoken as well.


The country’s high altitude means lots of snow falls on this tiny country each winter. As such, biking season doesn’t start until the mud begins to harden in late spring — typically May — through the Autumn months. Late spring and fall offer an escape from even the moderate crowds that Andorra sees. No matter when you visit, the terrain is pure bliss for downhill riders. Many trails even outside the established bike parks offer steep descents without a lot of uphill work needed to get to them, provided you have a shuttle.


Where to stock up on gear


If it’s doable for you to fly your bike and gear from home, do it. Having the familiarity of your own gear is a plus, especially when riding terrain that is new to you. That said, dismantling your (potentially very expensive) bike setup and entrusting it to airline personnel isn’t always a comforting thought. Your hubs for the trip will likely be centered in three towns: Andorra La Vella, San Moritz in the country’s northwest, and Soldeau in the northeast. If you need to rent or buy bikes or gear, there are plenty of strong options to do so once you’ve touched down in-country. In Andorra La Vella, your first stop after collecting bags and checking in to a hotel should be Jormabike. Here you’ll find everything you could possibly need, including bikes, gear, maps, and perhaps most importantly, advice on where to go and when. Riders Boutique offers the same in Las Massana.


Head to the ski areas.


Mountain Bike Cup World Downhill Vallnord, Andorra

Photo: Martin Silva Cosentino/Shutterstock


As with North American ski areas, resorts here make the switch to mountain biking once the snow melts. There are two primary spots you need to hit. The first is Soldeu Bike Park in Grandvalira at the town of Soldeu in Canillo province. The park is about a 30-minute drive from the capital, so you can either stay in Soldeu or make the day-trip from Andorra La Vella. A one-day pass costs about $25 and offers access to steep but well-maintained downhill trails that are ideal for the freestyle rider. There’s a new Enduro route, a collection of features like jumps and berms, and a few trails for the more timid rider as well.


Also worth a visit is Vallnord Bike Park at the Pal-Arinsal ski area near La Massana. Vallnord is a bit easier to jump into with many intermediate and beginner trails. That said, you can get as extreme as you wish here as the tougher downhill trails attract many of Europe’s top riders each summer.


Route your backcountry trails.


Low angle, wide angle portrait against blue sky of mountain biker going downhill

Photo: anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock


Companies like Singletrack Safari offer guided mountain bike tours that include everything up to lodging and route planning. This can be a great option for backcountry trail riding because the trail system isn’t as extensively mapped as public lands are in the United States. If you choose to route your own rides, your best bet is to base yourself in La Massana. Many backcountry trails stretch out from near Vallnord Bike Park, and a few of them actually lead you right back into town. Hit the bike park for a day or two to get your bearings while mapping out the trails you want to hit on your own, and spend afternoons after your ride identifying trailheads and end points to ensure you don’t get lost. La Massana is full of mountain bikers during the summer months and a typical night out on the town can easily land you in conversation with riders who know the area and can offer advice on where to start and finish your rides, whether or not shuttling is necessary, and what to look out for on the trail.


Apps like Trailforks have established trailheads routed out and should be used in your planning process. Beyond La Massana, the southern portion of the country offers cross country trails requiring more uphill push than the downhill around La Massana. The Engolasters trail just outside Andorra La Vella is a short and easy warmup ride before taking to the steeps up north. East of town, the Encamp-ELS Cortals 1 and 2 are popular trails near the town of Encamp. Experienced riders seeking elevation gain and a solid workout should check out the La Rabassa — Pic Negre trail south of the capital.


Where to grab a post-ride beer


stone houses and church in Ordino, the most northerly parish in the Principality of Andorra

Photo: Jordi C/Shutterstock


Much like outdoors-centric cultures worldwide, Andorra has embraced the après culture with vigor. Cervesa Alpha in La Massana is a craft brew pub popular with bikers and hikers. The bar here fills up in the late afternoon with riders coming off the trail, and the crowd spills over to nearby Mon Bohemi, cheers bar, and the other pubs on streets lining Avenue de Sant Antoni and throughout the city center.


In Andorra La Vella, La Fada Ignorant is a go-to pub for a brew after a good ride, as is Paddy’s Irish Bar. For a vast selection of international brews to enjoy at your hotel, head to La Birreria. In terms of dining, Catalan cuisine dominates restaurant menus across the country, so be prepared to fuel up on esqueixada, a dish of salted cod, and escudella, a stew made of noodles, veggies, and a thick broth. They’re all about the grilled vegetables in Andorra, as well. After all your time on the trails, you’ll be ready to relax and refuel on the restaurant and bar patios.



The post How to plan a summer mountain bike trip to Andorra appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/mountain-biking-in-andorra/

Rules for Japanese emperor’s wife

Rules for Japanese emperor’s wife

On Wednesday, Japan’s incoming emperor, Naruhito, will ascend to the throne a day after his 85-year-old father abdicates. And for the first time in centuries, a woman will be present to witness the enthronement, though that woman won’t be the new emperor’s wife. Satsuki Katayama, the only woman in the prime minister’s cabinet, will be in attendance to watch the ceremony, but the emperor’s wife, Masako, is not allowed to attend. Under Imperial Household Law, women in the royal family aren’t allowed to be in the room when the emperor receives the regalia representing his ascension.


Unsurprisingly, the law also holds that women aren’t allowed to reign, either. Any woman born into the royal family must officially leave it when they marry, leaving the imperial family with very few heirs. Prime Minister Abe’s government has, however, championed women’s empowerment, and pledged to discuss the role of women in the imperial family following the new emperor’s ascension. There is, however, major conservative pushback to giving women more power in the imperial family.


Hidetsugu Yagi, professor of law and philosophy at Reitaku University in Kashiwa, Japan, said, “If a female or the child of a female royal succeeds to the throne, it would be a major challenge. The imperial family would lose its legitimacy.” Despite these beliefs, the rule stating that the throne must pass through the male line of succession only dates back to the 19th century. In fact, in 125 generations of monarchs, eight women ruled as empresses when no adult men were eligible.


According to a poll conducted by The Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s largest daily newspapers, the public is strongly in favor of allowing a woman to rule, with over three-quarters of respondents saying they would support a female emperor.


Even the new empress herself was forced to give up a career as a successful diplomat in Japan’s Foreign Ministry, in order to become a princess. Kumiko Nemoto, professor of sociology at Kyoto University School of Foreign Studies, says, “Her presence communicates with the Japanese public her sacrifice and reluctance an ambivalence at even being there.” Although many hoped Masako would come to represent a step forward for females in the imperial family, it appears progress is already being swallowed by tradition.

H/T: The New York Times




The post The wife of the new Japanese emperor won’t be allowed to watch his enthronement appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/rules-for-japanese-emperors-wife/

Guide to Portugal's top wine routes

Guide to Portugal's top wine routes

Long eclipsed by French Burgundys and Italian Chiantis, Portuguese wine hasn’t always garnered the attention it deserves, despite the nation’s wealth of vineyards and praiseworthy vintages.


Its most iconic wine, port, is fortified with an unaged brandy. Then there’s vinho verde, or green wine, a lightly fizzy, lightly viridescent summer staple from northern Portugal. Add in the fortified wines moscatel and Madeira, sparkling wine, and rosé, and you’ve got your glass full before even considering the country’s vinho tinto and vinho branco, or red and white table wines.


That isn’t to say Portugal’s wine culture is inaccessible. Like everything Portuguese, the enotourism scene is easy and inviting, anchored by the terraced vineyards and quintas, or estates, of the country’s top-producing wine regions.


Grapes grow everywhere in Portugal: up in the hilly north, along the coast and interior border with Spain, down south in the beachy Algarve. There are over 250 native varieties total across 31 wine-producing regions. So, while most who wax on about their idyllic escapes to Portugal’s wine country are referencing the Douro Valley, dedicated connoisseurs and travelers can see more of the country than they might realize through rosé-colored glasses.


Here are the best of Portugal’s wine routes, a handy guide whether you drink chardonnay like it’s a part-time job or you’re just as happy DDing if it means a trip to Europe.


Douro Valley


Vineyards in the Valley of Douro River, Pinhao, Portugal

Photo: Agnieszka Skalska/Shutterstock


Vineyards tumble down hillsides throughout the Douro Valley, their trim, tidy grapevines embroidering the earth on both sides of the Douro River. Viticultural traditions have existed here for millennia though the Alto Douro wine region wasn’t officially demarcated until 1756. Among the oldest in the world, it was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2001.


Port wine was a coveted export in the 18th century, much as it is now, but travelers are increasingly keen on sampling the region’s famous fortified wine from the source. Many are surprised to find solid table wines that are improving by the season, as well. Plan a side trip from Porto in spring or early summer for milder temperatures and thinner crowds than July or August. To participate in the harvest, come between late September and early October.


Getting there and around


Road next to vineyards and small village near Peso da Regua, Portugal

Photo: PIXEL to the PEOPLE/Shutterstock


From Porto, you can tour the Douro Valley by car, train, or cruise.


If you rent a car, start by driving a little over an hour to Vila Real, home of the 18th-century Casa de Mateus palace made famous by Mateus rosé labels. Continue on to Alijó and neighboring Favaios, then hit Pinhão and Provesende. The stretch from Pinhão to Peso da Régua on the N222 is a highlight of the drive with Régua itself often called the gateway to the Douro. Time permitting, squeeze in the wineries around São João da Pesqueira, Trevões, and Barcos.


Make a final stop in Mesão Frio on the way back to Porto. As you drive, keep an eye out for miradouros, or scenic lookouts, like the Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura outside Régua.


Trains are an even more picturesque, albeit less comfortable, option. Board the Linha do Douro, or Douro Line, from the Campanhã or beautifully tiled São Bento train station in Porto. Debark in Régua or continue on to Pocinho via Pinhão for unbeatable river views.


Cruises depart from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, a city across the Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto filled with cellars where port is aged and tasting rooms where it’s enjoyed. Cruises can last a day, a week, or longer. More extensive itineraries generally include Douro staples and Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Coimbra, as well as outside trips to Madrid or Salamanca in Spain. Book with Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Emerald Waterways, or Riviera Travel.


Where to taste


Quinta do Bomfim

Photo: Quinta do Bomfim/Facebook


Quinta do Bomfim: Run by the Symington family for five generations, this estate in Pinhão famously makes Dow’s ports, which get rave reviews much like the winery’s tastings. Take a self-guided tour before sampling some port or call ahead to arrange a picnic.


Quinta das Carvalhas: An expansive quinta opposite Pinhão on the left bank of the Douro River. Guided and self-guided tours of the estate’s vineyards, garden, and farmland are possible, as are birdwatching and hiking to the hilltop Casa Redonda. When you’re ready for vinho, enjoy a private tasting of table wines capped off with vintage ports, then hit the wine shop.


Quinta da Pacheca: A grand, pristine property perfect not only for day trips but also weddings and other special events. Tastings include red and white table wines, as well as the estate’s better-known ports. Guests can enjoy bicycles, cooking classes, wine lunches, and more.


Where to stay


The Yeatman

Photo: The Yeatman/Facebook


The Yeatman Hotel: A Relais & Chateaux property in Vila Nova de Gaia with a two-Michelin-star restaurant and massive cellar. Wine-themed artwork graces the walls, books on wine line the bookshelves, and the spa incorporates grape extracts in its treatments. Rooms are equipped with private terraces or balconies with views over Porto and the Douro.


Six Senses Douro Valley: A stately, 19th-century manor greets guests of this eco-friendly hotel just outside of Lamego, the first Six Senses property in Europe. Expect farm-to-fork dining, spa treatments with locally sourced ingredients, and yoga sessions, plus nightly wine tastings.


Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo: An early wine hotel in the region, Quinta Nova is an excellent place to learn about farming and winemaking. The 100-acre estate is near several wineries, including Quinta do Crasto, but also houses vineyards of its own.


The Vinho Verde Route


Minho Medieval fortification at dusk, Portugal

Photo: FCG/Shutterstock


Tourists rarely travel farther north than Porto, leaving some of the prettiest, ruggedest, most traditional pockets of Portugal to locals. In the northwest, the Minho region rewards those who do visit with the Vinho Verde Route, a winery trail that loops around a quieter slice of wine country and brushes up against Spain’s Galicia wine region above.


Portugal’s most iconic wine after port, vinho verde can be red, white, or rosé. Although some white vinho verdes do appear greenish, the moniker refers to the grapes being picked early, producing young, or green, wines. White vinho verde is the most popular, especially to help quell the heat on summer days. Reds are tannic and fruit-forward; rosés are light and fruity.


Getting there and around
Main facade of Braga Cathedral, Braga, Portugal

Photo: Glen Berlin/Shutterstock


Rent a car in Porto and drive to Braga, the historic capital of the Minho region and a good base for winery visits. Stop in Guimarães, called the birthplace of Portugal, on the way. From Braga, visit romantic Ponte de Lima 30 minutes north. In another half hour, you’ll hit the rolling hills of Valença do Minho, one of which is topped with a historic fort. Then, hug the Spanish border through the Monção and Melgaço region, renowned for its alvarinho grapes.


To close the loop, head south on the N101 from Monção to Ponte de Barca. Detour at the fabulous Peneda-Gerês National Park for a hike or nearby Vieira do Minho for a meal if you have time, then return to Braga. On your way back to Porto, hit up Penafiel for a final tour, tasting, and toast to your Vinho Verde Route road trip.


Where to taste


Quinta do Ameal

Photo: Quinta do Ameal/Facebook


Quinta da Aveleda: Centuries-old estate in Penafiel and major name in vinho verde exports. Taste wines from Vinho Verde, Douro, and Bairrada with cheese and chocolate pairings; choose a more food-focused program with regional snacks like cod fritters and blood sausage; or stay for lunch and a stroll through the site’s parks and gardens.


Quinta de Soalheira: A family-run winery and pioneering Alvarinho brand in Melgaço. Tour the organic vineyard, sparkling wine cellar, and ageing rooms, followed by a tasting of fresh, acidic whites, rosés, and sparkling wines. Expect to be treated like family, too.


Quinta do Ameal: Specializing in white wine made from Loureiro grapes, this 30-hectare estate in Ponte de Lima dedicates 12 hectares to vineyards. It doubles as a hotel where guests can kayak down the Lima River or cycle through the countryside in their free time.


Where to stay


Hotel Minho

Photo: Hotel Minho/Facebook


Hotel Minho: Pair wine and wellness at Hotel Minho in Vila Nova de Cerveira, where you can unwind after a full day of drinking with spa treatments like a barrel bath, honey massage, and de-stressing grape-seed treatment that celebrate the local bounty.


Carmo’s Boutique Hotel: An intimate retreat in Ponte de Lima, Carmo’s has just 15 suites and three luxury tents, plus a long list of organized activities centered on food, wine, and nature.


Meliá Braga: Sleek, modern, and central, Meliá Braga offers great value at a reasonable rate if you plan on making Braga home base. Count on clean, spacious rooms and a long spa menu.


Alentejo


Vines in a vineyard in Alentejo region, Portugal

Photo: Magdalena Paluchowska/Shutterstock


Foodies sniffed out the Alentejo region years ago, discovering a cuisine that can be sopped up with fresh bread: silky olive oils and gooey cheeses, soups, stews, and delicacies like carne de porco à Alentejana, a juicy dish made with pork and clams. Locals wash it all down with wine, which outsiders are quickly learning to appreciate as more than just a mealtime complement.


The Alentejo region covers about a third of Portugal, starting northeast of Lisbon and running south until it meets the Algarve. Its capital, Évora, is a tourist hub and World Heritage site since 1986 that UNESCO calls a “museum city.” Much of the rest is countryside where indigenous grapes like Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional grow alongside non-native varieties like Syrah. Fans of full-bodied reds will adore the Alentejo’s wineries. Visit even if you prefer whites, which around here are mostly made from the Antão Vaz grape.


Getting there and around


Charming town of Estremoz, Portugal

Photo: Celli07/Shutterstock


Again, we recommend renting a car, only this time in Lisbon. Drive an hour and a half east to Évora to see the Roman temple, Gothic cathedral, and bone chapel. From there, head northeast to Redondo and Borbo, then swing by Estremoz, a marble town decked out in the material that made it famous with a few good lunch spots. Drive another 45 minutes to Portalegre, a subregion with a cooler climate centered on a sweet little town of the same name.


Southeast of Évora, Reguengos de Monsaraz deserves a lengthy visit. Outside of its wineries, there are dolmens and other megalithic relics nearby, as well as pottery hub São Pedro do Corval and the hilltop village of Monsaraz. From there, continue on to Granja-Amareleja, Moura, and Vidigueira. It’s only 45 minutes from Vidigueira back to Évora or two hours to Lisbon.


Where to taste


Herdade do Freixo

Photo: Herdade do Freixo/Facebook


Herdade do Freixo: An underground winery in Redondo, literally built beneath the vines, with a minimalist yet expansive feel. You’ll appreciate the spiral core, reminiscent of the winding walkway in NYC’s Guggenheim, and the winery’s focus on nurturing its grapes without sullying the 300-hectare landscape. Book your tour and tasting in advance.


Herdade do Esporão: A blocky, stark white estate poking out from swaths of vineyard near Reguengos de Monsaraz like a lego house. Founded in 1267, the winery grows more than 40 grape varieties over 700 hectares and makes olive oil, as well. Visit the cellar and onsite museum, book a barrel or blind tasting, or follow a heritage walk with lunch at the seasonally focused restaurant.


Quinta de Dona Maria: Tastings at this estate near Estremoz range from a basic rosé, red, and white sampler to special reserves and a nine-wine tasting. Regional cheese pairings are included. Visit the site’s 18th-century chapel and gardens before you go.


Where to stay


Convento Do Espinheiro

Photo: Convento Do Espinheiro/Facebook


Convento do Espinheiro: Nineteenth-century convent turned luxury hotel and spa outside Évora’s city center. Your choice of 90 rooms and suites split between the historic convent and a new addition. Enjoy an award-winning spa, tennis court, and nearly 20 acres of gardens. The restaurant, Divinus, serves upscale local fare like black pork tenderloin and octopus carpaccio.


L’AND Vineyards: Retractable roofs in the rooms of this 26-suite hotel in Montemor-o-Novo promise optimal views at all times. Indulge in regional and Mediterranean flavors at the two-Michelin-star restaurant or focus on wellness with yoga, meditation, massages, or a detox.


Torre de Palma Wine Hotel: A boutique hotel housed in a 14th-century structure in Monforte at the doorstep of Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. When they aren’t sipping wine from the hotel’s vineyard, guests can enjoy the spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and stables.



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Traditional Chilean food and dishes

Traditional Chilean food and dishes

Chile is undeniably beautiful. Patagonia, the lake district, the stunning Torres del Paine National Park — with all of these things to see, you’d be forgiven for looking over the country’s diverse food. However, for a real taste of Chile, you have to experience all of the eats on offer.


Chilean food is a mix of ingredients and dishes from the indigenous Mapuche and the Spanish. It’s heavily influenced by the country’s 2,600 miles of coastline and varied microclimates. Naturally, you can’t come to Chile without enjoying its wide variety of fresh seafood. There are, to name a few favorites, fresh machas a la parmesana (grilled razor clams baked in their shells with parmesan cheese and white wine), salmon, Chilean sea bass, and congrio (white eel usually served fried). And don’t forget about locos, or Chilean abalone, which are a species of large sea snails only found off the coast of Chile and Peru.


It’s not all seafood, though. In cities like Santiago, you’ll find a bounty of street food like sopapillas (deep-fried pastries) served with pebre (a salsa similar to pico de gallo). There’s mote con huesillo (a summertime drink of dried peaches, sugar, and husked wheat) and empanadas de pino (baked empanadas stuffed with Chilean ground beef). Not to be forgotten are well-stuffed sánguches (sandwiches). Leave for the countryside and you might find yourself lucky enough to partake in a traditional Chilean asado where a whole lamb is barbecued over an open flame.


The amount of good food in Chile feels endless. These nine dishes are a good start to understanding the country’s food.


1. Completo


Chilean Completo Italiano hot dog

Photo: Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock


If you’re looking for something hearty, then order a completo, or Chilean hotdog. It’s the perfect on-the-go-food and is the country’s favorite street snack. Try the completo Italiano, which comes loaded with avocado, tomatoes, and lots of mayo.


2. Chorrillana


french fries topped with sliced ​​beef, tipical sausages chorrisos, fried onion and eggs served in iron cast pan with sauces

Photo: Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock


If you’re going out for drinks looking for a dish to share with friends, the chorrillana is your best option. It’s a huge pile of french fries topped with sauteed onions, shredded beef, sausage, and two fried eggs slapped on top. Enjoy it with a nice cold beer and some live music and you’ve got yourself a good evening.


3. Pastel


Traditional Chilean corn pie

Photo: Pablo Rogat/Shutterstock


These savory corn pies will fill your heart and stomach at the same time. Depending on the time of year, you can find a wide variety of pastels in Chile. You’ll always find the traditional pastels baked in a clay bowl, which helps maintain the heat and is prepared in layers. During the summertime, make sure you try pastel de choclo, a corn pie filled with beef, onions, eggs, and chicken. If you’re looking for a seafood variety, pastel de jaiba is right up your alley. This crab pie is available almost all year round.


4. Chupes


Camarones skull, Peruvian shrimp chowder

Photo: bonchan/Shutterstock


A creamy and stew-like dish, chupes are almost always seafood based and have bread mixed in to brings all the ingredients together. They’re traditionally served in a clay bowl to help maintain the heat. Normally, you can find chupe de camarones (shrimp), centolla (king crab), or locos(Chilean abalone) year round.


5. Porotos granados


Traditional chilean dith poroto with choclo

Photo: Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock


A summertime favorite, this vegetarian dish is a classic for locals. Porotos granados is made with cranberry beans, corn, and squash that are mixed together into a wonderful stew that will make anyone feel at home. Meat lovers can throw chorizo on top. Ensalada Chilena (sliced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro) is regularly served on the side.


6. Humitas


Traditional Chilean humitas made corn like tamales

Photo: Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock


Similar to Mexico’s tamales, humitas are 100% vegetarian and packed with flavor. This simple dish is eaten during the summer months but can be frozen to enjoy year round. Wrapped in a corn husk, most people will eat two humitas in one sitting. There are two ways to eat them. You can add sugar and watch the crystals melt when they touch the hot humita, or you can eat it with an ensalada Chilena, which gives the dish a freshness to it on a hot day.


7. Cazuelas


Traditional chilean cazuela of cerdo with chuchoca

Photo: Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock


Almost every country in South America has its own version of this dish. Cazuelas are named after the clay pots they’re cooked in, and, while recipes vary, Chilean cazuelas typically have beef or chicken, squash, potatoes, corn, green beans, and rice. It’s a simple dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for when it’s a bit cooler outside.


8. Charquicán


Traditional Chilean stew

Photo: Fanfo/Shutterstock


Charquicán is a beef stew that’s slow-cooked with squash and potatoes. It’s traditionally prepared with dried beef though today most Chileans prepare it with beef roast. Charquicán is often served with a fried egg on top.


9. Cochayuyo


Chilean edible seaweed dish

Photo: Ildi Papp/Shutterstock


Cochayuyo is a variety of seaweed common in southern Chile’s coastal region that was a key traditional ingredient for indigenous peoples. There are several ways to prepare cochayuyo, but most people will eat charquicán de cochayuyo, which is the same as the traditional charquicán but without beef. You can also make burgers or salads from cochayuyo.



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Beyond Bookings: South Africa’s Travelstart Expands Into Media Space

Beyond Bookings: South Africa’s Travelstart Expands Into Media Space

Visitors play beach tennis and sit beneath parasols on Lagoon beach in Cape Town, South Africa, the kind of travelers Travelstart's new media hub aims to target. Kevin Sutherland / Bloomberg



Skift Take: Brands love an audience, and Travelstart boasts the best online travel booking numbers in Africa. Little wonder this leading online travel agency has expanded into the media space, offering brands and destination marketing organizations access to its audience. For a fee, of course.

— Richard Holmes

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/beyond-bookings-south-africas-travelstart-expands-into-media-space/

Travelport’s Plan to Build Market Share With U.S. Airlines and Agencies

Travelport’s Plan to Build Market Share With U.S. Airlines and Agencies

European travel management company BCD uses Travelport to power its TripSource itinerary management app. Travelport, based in the UK, has been expanding its presence in the U.S. BCD Travel



Skift Take: Travelport sees an opportunity to gain share with mid-market travel management companies in the U.S., which seems plausible. But it will need to keep up its pace of adopting new technologies and policies to pull that off.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/travelports-plan-to-build-market-share-with-u-s-airlines-and-agencies/

Literary-themed homes on Airbnb

Literary-themed homes on Airbnb

Stepping into your favorite novel used to be a feat of the imagination, but now you can actually stay in homes inspired by some of the world’s greatest literary works. Airbnb is renting several homes that look like they’re straight out of a piece of literature. In honor of World Book Day, the homes were being rented for just $17 — the average price of a book — per night for select dates throughout May, June, July, and on April 23. Unfortunately, given the popularity of the promotion, these dates are all booked up. The good news is that you can still reserve a stay for a future vacation — it’ll just cost you a bit more than $17. Here’s the full list of literary-inspired homes, along with Airbnb’s cheeky descriptions, in case you’re struggling to see the connection to the source material. You can book any of these houses on Airbnb’s website.


The Great Gatsby — Bridgehampton, New York


Great Gatsby Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“It’s a beautiful day for a dip, old sport. This Long Island estate with its heated salt water pool, manicured lawn and luxurious interiors will whisk you away to another time. Whether spending the weekend mulling over past loves or staring out at the ocean that’s less than a mile away, you will do so in the lap of luxury. Don’t spend too much time forlorn, as there’s plenty to do in this Bridgehampton neighborhood.”


Big Little Lies — Palm Beach, Australia


Big Little Lies Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“Things are not always what they seem. However in the case of this stunning home located in Palm Beach, Australia, what you see is what you get. With spectacular views of the beach and iconic Barrenjoey lighthouse, get a taste for how the other half lives without having to stress about school drop-offs or one-upmanship.”


Pippi Longstocking — Älmeshult, Sweden


Pippi Longstocking Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“Your own sunny home in Småland, the very same province that inspired these tales of adventure. There’s no room for serious adulting here. Lighthearted fun is on the menu, with a lake and pier nearby. If you’re not up for an imaginary journey on the high seas, you’re less than an hour away from extraordinary nature at the Astrid Lindgren Park.”


The Notebook — New Bern, North Carolina


The Notebook Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“Is a storybook weekend right by the river in North Carolina what you want? This Antebellum home is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a nearby dock that offers an easy jumping off point for a romantic boat ride for two. There’s no need to sit and wait, hoping and praying for your long lost vacation to show up; it’s here!”


Pride and Prejudice — Chawton, England


Pride and Prejudice Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“Fond of walking? You’ll have plenty of room to do so in the charming village of Chawton, the very birthplace of this novel. In fact, the author was a nearby neighbor and is said to have visited this home socially. Keep an open mind for any chance encounters, take some time to mingle with the locals, and don’t judge a book by its cover!”


Charlotte’s Web — Cherryfield, Maine


Charlotte's Web Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“Set on a picturesque orchard, this historic barn house turned summer guest house is the perfect spot for weekend life on the farm. Enjoy nearby apple picking, scenic hikes, or a swim in the lake. Befriend the local deer or wild turkey, or even the orchard critters — no friend is too small.”


Interview With the Vampire — New Orleans, Louisiana


Interview with the Vampire Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“This historic home, which has lived for more than 160 years, has been remarkably preserved in an elegant state of decay, featuring original fireplaces, a mahogany staircase and 14-foot ceilings with medallions. Should you wish to avoid daylight hours and roam the streets at night, it’s also conveniently located within walking distance of the French Quarter. No stranger to the limelight, this house has appeared on television and in magazines.”


The Handmaid’s Tale — Newton, Massachusetts


Handmaid's Tale Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“This classic New England home is fit for a commander. Take a stroll into town or ride the train into Boston to enjoy all the city has to offer – just watch out for the secret police. Lucky for you, you can enjoy this picturesque home on a gorgeous tree lined street without stressing about dystopian horrors.”


Outlander — Edinburgh, Scotland


Outlander-inspired Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb


“Get swept back in time as you enter this home located in Edinburgh. Famous for its turrets and spires, which overlook Water of Leith, the historic building features a romantic one-bedroom hideaway. Without skimping on some modern touches, the apartment is tastefully designed to evoke romance and adventure from days gone by so guests can live the ultimate dream during their stay in this picturesque town.”



The post These novel-inspired Airbnbs are perfect for your next vacation appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/literary-themed-homes-on-airbnb/

SAP Concur to Help Businesses Sync Meeting Planning With Travel Expense Management

The IAEA 1568th Board of Governors meeting at the Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria, in March 2021. Dean Calma / IAEA Skift Take: We...