Skift Global Forum 2019: How Mastercard Is Rethinking Loyalty and Innovating with Big Data

Skift Global Forum 2019: How Mastercard Is Rethinking Loyalty and Innovating with Big Data



Skift Take: Travel brands are using sophisticated data tools and novel customer acquisition strategies to boost revenues and foster deeper engagement with their consumers, according to the latest findings from Mastercard’s data services team.

— SkiftX

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/skift-global-forum-2019-how-mastercard-is-rethinking-loyalty-and-innovating-with-big-data/

Tea bags may release microplastics

Tea bags may release microplastics

Tea is often considered to be a healthy drink option, but you probably never considered that your tea may actually actually contain billions of harmful microplastics. According to a new study in Environmental Science & Technology, some premium tea brands are packaged in plastic pouches with a silky quality, and these bags can break down into the tea.


Nathalie Tufenkji, a professor of chemical engineering at McGill University, and her team purchased four types of commercial loose leaf teas packaged in plastic bags, emptied out the leaves, then dunked the bags in glass vials with water heated to 95 degrees. The team then used electron microscopy to analyze the water samples and determined that a single plastic tea bag released around 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics.


Tufenkji told New Scientist that this number is quite high compared to other foods that contain microplastics. “Table salt,” she said, “which has a relatively high microplastic content, has been reported to contain approximately 0.005 micrograms plastic per gram salt. A cup of tea contains thousands of times greater mass of plastic, at 16 micrograms per cup.”


After conducting several control experiments using cut tea bags with the leaves emptied out (so that any microplastics present in the tea leaves themselves didn’t affect the study), they found that particles are still released even when the tea bags remain uncut. While the 16 micrograms of plastics in one cup of tea don’t pose a dangerous risk to humans, long-term exposure could potentially be harmful. The study’s authors call for more research, and the need to further investigate the effect of microplastics on humans.



The post Your tea may contain billions of microplastics, according to new study appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/tea-bags-may-release-microplastics/

Christmas market tours in Europe

Christmas market tours in Europe

America’s version of “Christmas markets” seem to either be heavily decorated department stores or amusement parks that replace Santa with slightly sketchy carnies. That’s why to really get the mulled-wine and gingerbread feel of Christmas, you need to cross the pond and visit the centuries-old Christmas markets of Europe.


This, of course, is not exactly as easy as strolling down to the mall and enjoying the nativity scene outside Hot Topic, so if you’re making the big production to fly all that way, you should probably hit more than one. And fortunately, there is no shortage of scenic river cruises, romantic train rides, and adventurous tours waiting to take you there. Here are seven tours that will bring you through the best Christmas markets in Europe, as well as plenty of other world-class cultural locales.


1. AmaWaterways Christmas on the Danube


Traditional Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

Photo: S.Borisov/Shutterstock


River cruising might be the most stress-free way of seeing multiple Christmas markets in Central Europe. And a trip on the AmaMagna — double the width of most traditional river cruise ships — will have you doing it with more suite space than anyone else. Not that you’ll be spending a whole lot of time in your cabin anyway. This trip has stops in eight different ports, highlighted by the classic Christmas markets in Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg.


Beyond strolling the bright lights and cinnamon smells, you’ll also get to enjoy a private food tour of Bratislava, as well as bike tours in Passau, Melk, and Alte Danou near Vienna. You’ll also have the option to hike to the famous Bratislava Castle and attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen. Yes, it’s December, but when will you ever have another opportunity to hoist steins during the holidays and not be labeled as “that” relative?


2. Bavarian Christmas Markets by Rail


Photo: Perati Komson/Shutterstock


It doesn’t get much more classically winter than a five-day train trip through the snow-covered hills of Bavaria, stopping at some of the world’s most beautiful Christmas markets along the way. This Vacations by Rail tour begins with Germany’s most renowned market in Nuremberg, where your first night is at Christkindlmarkt in Old Town. You’ll spend a full day in Nurmberg, where you can also explore medieval structures like the Kaiserburg Fortress and the walls that once guarded the city.


Day three is a scenic train ride through the Bavarian countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Regensburg. Though the city has three Christmas markets, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in St. Peters’ Church, a gothic monument that took 600 years to build. Your fourth and final full day is in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, home to the legendary Christmas Shop, and its 30,000 Christmas decorations. Then it’s all aboard a glowing train back to Nuremberg and a farewell dinner at the Maritim Hotel.


3. Topdeck Bruges Christmas Markets

Photo: kavalenkava/Shutterstock


Colin Ferrell and Brenden Gleason probably wouldn’t have been so pained had they been stuck in Bruges during the holidays, when one of the more under-appreciated cities in Europe lights up with unparalleled Christmas market excitement. Most European tours somehow glance over this medieval city, but its markets are just as dazzling and fragrant as anywhere. This tour starts in London and makes the quick trip across the English channel to Bruges, where you’ll start off with a walking tour of the city. Then you’ll have two days to get your fill of mulled wine before venturing out to Brussels on day three.


Your day trip to the Belgian capital includes a walking tour of the city and ample chances to stuff yourself with fries and waffles. Then it’s back to Bruges for your final night in the markets before heading back to London the next day. Though the trip is brief, at $395 it’s the most affordable tour on the list and an ideal continental offshoot if you’re planning on London during the holidays.


4. Classic Journeys’ Special Edition Christmas Markets of Prague, Vienna and Budapest


Photo: emperorcosar/Shutterstock


Whereas many Christmas market tours play the hits and take you to the biggest and brightest markets on the continent, this trip from Classic Journeys delves a little deeper into the historic small villages of the Czech Republic. After an opening day in Prague, where you’ll stroll one of the grandest Christmas markets in the world, you’ll then venture to the tiny town of Cesky Krumlov. During your two days here you’ll be immersed in the immaculately preserved old world, visiting a local brewery and markets both here and in neighboring Ceske Budweiss.


After that, it’s off for two days in Vienna, including a private tour of Schonbrunn and the 22-room apartments occupied by Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Sisi. In front of the palace, you’ll find the sprawling Christmas market, with 60 stalls of crafts, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian food. Your final two days are spent in Budapestf, where you’ll arrive early in the morning and walk the Danube from the Royal Palace to the largest synagogue in Europe. The day concludes with a trip to the Christmas market, which you’re welcome to revisit on your final morning as well.


5. The Golden Eagle Danube Express — New Year in Vienna


Photo: Lerner Vadim/Shutterstock


Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean the markets have to be. And this nine-day trip through four countries and seven cities not only includes Europe’s finest Christmas markets, but it also has you ringing in the new year at one of the continent’s largest parties. Your journey begins with a couple of nights at the Four Seasons in Budapest, where you’ll get a city tour and a chance to explore the Christmas markets during their final days. Then you’ll step aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle Danube Express for a snow-dusted train ride through Balaton Uplands National Park.


The Golden Eagle rumbles through the Austrian alps among some spectacular mountain scenery, going through the picturesque village of Keszthely before arriving in Vienna on New Year’s Eve. You’ll ring in 2020 at a grand gala in City Hall, featuring a performance from Wiener Hofball Orchestra before fireworks from the hall’s balcony. After spending New Year’s Day in Vienna, the train makes a stop in the UNESCO historic site of Cesky Krumlov before continuing on to Prague and the seldom-visited Czech gem of Kosice, before finishing back in Budapest with one more night at the Four Seasons.


6. Go Ahead Tours’ Christmas markets of Northern Europe


Photo: nui7711/Shutterstock


With most of the Christmas market attention lavished on Central and Eastern Europe, people often forget the cities up north go just as big. This 11-day journey takes you from Amsterdam to Stockholm, allowing you the opportunity to visit these cities sans the summer crowds while checking out their spectacular Christmas displays.


The trip begins in Amsterdam, where you’ll hit Dam Square and the Van Gogh Museum before heading to the Winter Village in Amstelveen, one of the most impressive holiday installations in the world. After a free day in Amsterdam, you’ll head to Hamburg and visit the Christmas markets there before moving on to Copenhagen. There you’ll bask in the holiday lights of Tivoli Gardens, which might outdo Disneyland for amusement park Christmas decorations. From there it’s a short flight to Stockholm, where you’ll peruse the city’s multiple markets and make a trip to the Vasa Museum before heading home.


7. Uniworld Rhine Holiday Markets River Cruise


Photo: cge2010/Shutterstock


Though the Danube tends to be the big Christmas market river cruise destination, don’t sleep on the Rhine, which runs from Switzerland to the Netherlands through some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This eight-day adventure begins with the spectacular Christmas sights of Basel, where you’ll gaze in childlike amazement at the 100 trees lining Christmas Street. The next day has you floating into Strasbourg, home to a Rockefeller-worthy Christmas tree and the traditional Christmas cake buche de Noel.


Your fourth day stops in Mannheim, then on to the stately old city in Mainz. From there you can take a side trip to the Christmas markets in Wiesbaden before getting back on the ship for an evening in the lively alley in Rudesheim. Then it’s 40 miles cruising through the cliffside castles along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site marked by church spires and tiny villages. Your final stop is in Cologne, where you’ll tour the red-roofed stalls of its famous Christmas market on your last evening of vacation.



The post The 7 best ways to tour Europe’s sparkling Christmas markets appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/christmas-market-tours-in-europe/

Skift Global Forum 2019: How Mastercard Is Rethinking Loyalty and Innovating with Big Data

Skift Global Forum 2019: How Mastercard Is Rethinking Loyalty and Innovating with Big Data



Skift Take: Travel brands are using sophisticated data tools and novel customer acquisition strategies to boost revenues and foster deeper engagement with their consumers, according to the latest findings from Mastercard’s data services team.

— SkiftX

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/skift-global-forum-2019-how-mastercard-is-rethinking-loyalty-and-innovating-with-big-data/

American cheese wins world’s best

American cheese wins world’s best

The US isn’t traditionally considered a powerhouse when it comes to international cheeses, but maybe that’s about to change. At the 32nd annual World Cheese Awards, which took place last Friday in Bergamo, Italy, a cheese native to the US was officially declared the world’s best cheese. The Rogue River Blue Cheese, a product of Rogue Creamery in Oregon, beat out over 3,800 other cheeses from 42 countries around the world, and it’s the first time a cheese from the US has taken the top spot in the competition.


John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said in a press release, “This year’s top prize was almost too close to call and I would like to congratulate both Rogue Creamery and Nazionale del Parmigiano Reggiano Latteria Sociale Santo Stefano for going the distance and providing us with one of the most dramatic finales in World Cheese history.”


The Rogue River Blue is made with organic cow’s milk from Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, and the cheese is cave-aged for nine to 11 months and hand-wrapped in organic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear liqueur. It was lauded by judge Bruna Cabral for its “different sensations, balance, sweet and spicy notes.”


The Italian cheese referenced by Farrand took second place, a Spanish cheese took third, but only one French cheese landed in the top 15, prompting some indignation among the cheese-loving French.


According to Farrand, however, “We try to celebrate cheeses from around the world, especially those made by smaller artisan cheesemakers. Good cheese is made around the world, not just by the French.”



The post For the first time ever, an American cheese wins top cheese award appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/american-cheese-wins-worlds-best/

Best outdoors in North West Tasmania

Best outdoors in North West Tasmania

Tasmania is an island that sits below the continent of Australia — at the bottom of the world. Despite its far-south location, its reputation as one of the few clean, green populated places left on Earth has attracted an increasing number of travelers. Yet while much of the attention centers around the capital city of Hobart, North West Tasmania is far less visited.


Those who do go to North West Tasmania may visit Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. Most of them miss the region’s other wonders, like Leven Canyon, a magnificent place as isolated as it is wild yet close enough to civilization to make it a comfortable place to visit. With incredible hiking and mountain biking, as well as small towns and a budding food and drink scene, this corner of Australia’s southernmost state is worth the journey to get there.


Getting to Tasmania from mainland Australia


Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock


While it is close to civilization, Tasmania is far from the rest of the world. North West Tasmania is a smooth overnight sail on one of two twin vehicular ferries — Spirit of Tasmania 1 or 2 — across the Bass Strait from Melbourne, which is itself on the southeast corner of Australia. Bass Strait can be a wild stretch of water, but the boats are large ocean-going vessels, and generally, the crossing is comfortable. The ships have bars, restaurants, and a theater, making the trip over an experience in itself.


The Spirits ships are also a great option for getting to the island because you can bring your large or bulky equipment for mountain biking, kayaking, or surfing. You can also drive your own car — or a rental — onto the ferry, making it easy to travel around Tasmania with your gear once you arrive. It’s not entirely necessary to bring your own gear, however. If you need equipment, there are plenty of rental options and a myriad of guided tours.


If you can, book travel on a Sunday night crossing as traffic and parking will be light around Port Melbourne. If you are sailing from Tasmania, go on a Saturday night. Traffic will be very light around Port Melbourne and the city, allowing you to get out of the metro area quickly and easily once you arrive. If you are traveling from outside Melbourne, book at a caravan or RV park close to the ferry.


We recommend Discovery Parks Melbourne in Braybrook (formerly called Ashley Gardens). It’s not the cheapest option, as you will have to pay for a night you don’t use, but you’ll save on fuel and whatever you do to fill in time. You can sit around and relax on the day of departure, leave at 6:45 PM for a 7:00 PM boarding, and have a no-stress drive to the dock and drive straight on to the ferry. The caravan park will give you a set of very accurate and straightforward directions, which will get you there quickly, mostly on freeways.


Most importantly, read the conditions on your ticket to ensure you are not carrying anything prohibited such as fruit and vegetables. Tasmania has strict quarantine laws to protect the disease-free status of the horticulture and farming sectors. Fuel in jerry cans is also prohibited although diesel is allowed. We think traveling by ferry is the best option for outdoor pursuits, as Tasmanian distances are short, the roads are excellent, and the self-drive option means you are not limited in what equipment you can bring.


Nonetheless, should you opt to fly, both Qantas and Virgin Airways have multiple daily flights from the international airports in Melbourne and Sydney to Tasmania’s regional airport in Launceston, which is about a one hour drive southeast of Leven Canyon. There is also a smaller local airport at Devonport. Devonport is only about a 45-minute drive from Leven Canyon — so either the ferry or airplane will get you right into the heart of North West Tasmania, or “Tassie” as its fondly known by the locals.


Arriving on the island and getting to Leven Canyon


Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock


The thing about Leven Canyon is that hardly anyone — other than a small crop of in-the-know locals — goes there. For lodging, you can stay right in Ulverstone or in Devonport, where a decent hotel room at the Formby Hotel or Elimatta Hotel will run you less than $100 per night. The canyon is only about 30 miles from Ulverstone, an easy day trip for those preferring to crash in a hotel after a hard day on the trails. Camping in the canyon is available at the Pioneer Park or Leven Canyon Picnic Areas.


The campsites are free and have well-maintained toilets and bins, though it’s not that big of an area so there are only a limited number of spots. It’s a beautiful camping area surrounded by towering forests. Although the road is paved, large RVs would struggle to find a campsite. The spots are ideal for smaller vans (up to 18 feet), motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.


The first adventure to have once you arrive is the hike around the canyon, which takes about an hour. The views from Cruickshanks Lookout near the campground are spectacular and powerful: The cliffs plunge 275 meters, over 900 feet, to the Leven River. The walks and scenery are fantastic. The Leven River also flows through the canyon and is popular with whitewater kayakers at certain times of the year.


Hitting the world-class mountain bike trails around the canyon



You can’t ride your bike in the canyon, but the number of mountain bikes in the campground indicates that many campers use Leven as a base to access some of the world-class mountain-bike trails nearby.


Dial Range mountain bike park is about 25 miles from Leven Canyon near the magic little coastal town of Penguin. The park consists of a variety of tracks that cater to all riders, beginners and upwards. Intermediate to expert riders will get the most out of this park, as it has some very technical sections. The locals’ advice is to take your first lap gently until you have a feel for the layout. There used to be an annual ride called the Cranky Penguin Mountain Bike Marathon that covered about 43 miles of tracks through the area, including a stretch alongside the Leven River. You can recreate this ride with your crew during your trip. If that’s a bit much, opt for the “Not So Cranky” 25-mile version, a great name for a beautiful ride.


Wild Mersey is the newest of Tasmania’s growing network of mountain bike trails and the closest to Leven Canyon. Stage one and two are now open and offer 14 different tracks for varying skill levels, and stage three is under construction. Stage one starts near Latrobe and is an easy 60-minute drive from Leven Canyon. Eventually, stages one and two will link up with the planned third circuit near the town of Sheffield. Riding Wild Mersey is a solid option for day two, with easy access back to the campground or your hotel up on the northern coast.


The other major mountain bike parks are at Derby in the North East and Maydena in southern Tasmania. However, there are many tracks all over the state, which you can map out with an app such as Trailforks.


Tasmanians love to hike, and the scenery of the northwest is proof as to why.


Photo: Visual Collective/Shutterstock


Hiking, or “bushwalking” as we call it here, is part of the Tasmanian DNA. Millions of hectares of unspoiled wilderness make up most of Tassie, with plenty of gentle tracks through the bush — undeveloped, often forested areas — depending on your level of fitness. Bushwalking in Tasmania is serious business due to our rapidly changing weather conditions.


Beyond the walk at Leven Canyon noted above, the area holds a whole system of trails, and it’s possible to trek from nearby Penguin all the way to Cradle Mountain. Only hardened local bushwalkers with intimate local knowledge attempt this, as it requires excellent fitness and preparation, but all the sections are accessible for shorter walks:


  • Overland Track — There are hundreds of trails, none more renowned than the multi-day Overland Track. This 50-mile trail heads around Dove Lake and, in the right weather, offers spectacular views of snow-capped Cradle Mountain.

  • Cradle Mountain — Many people attempt to summit Cradle Mountain for its fantastic vista across Dove Lake, Barn Bluff, and Mount Ossa. This is a strenuous bushwalk requiring a high level of fitness as it reaches over 5,000 feet and takes about six and a half hours. You’ll need to be well prepared and ready for changing weather conditions.

  • Lake St Clair National Park — Leven Canyon is close to one of the world’s great national parks, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. It’s possible to trek to Cradle Mountain from Leven Canyon, but nearly everyone gets there by road. The park has an enormous amount of hiking options — including the Aboriginal Cultural Walk, which passes by Aboriginal sites in the southern part of the park. Plan to spend the bulk of your time in the park near Lake St. Clair, where you’ll see signs to many other trailheads around the lake. Even if you are not feeling energetic, the park is an unspoiled place to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear mountain streams, the unique wildlife, and the “cleanest air in the world.”

A word of warning here, all bushwalking in Tasmania is at the mercy of the weather. You should prepare correctly and have the appropriate equipment, including proper hiking boots, a rain jacket, and trekking poles. In case of emergency, keep an overnight bivvy tent and emergency aid kit with you as well. Bad weather can arrive quickly and without warning at any time of the year.


Research websites and literature that cover your planned walk, check the weather forecasts, and follow any advice you hear from guides or locals on the trail. Unfortunately, tragedies continue to occur in the Tasmanian bush, so play it safe. If you do, the reward will be a safe and genuinely unique experience of solitude and natural beauty.


Paradise exists in Tasmania, even beyond the outdoor excursions.


Photo: Rex Ellacott/Shutterstock


This part of Tassie is full of small country towns including one aptly called Paradise. It’s just a farming community and is most famous for the name and the fact that you pass through on your way to Cradle Mountain. There are, however, some larger and more charming towns, such as nearby Sheffield. Known as the “town of murals,” Sheffield is central to each of the trails and activities mentioned and has “Tasmania’s Outdoor Gallery,” a collection of public art painted on buildings throughout the town.


Tasmania is full of prize-winning food, wine, craft beer, and boutique spirit producers known for using natural ingredients. In the North West, surrounding you are small-scale producers, and you will drive past many of them on your travels. On self-drive routes like the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, which covers the region from Launceston through to Stanley in the far North West, you’ll find small artisan producers like Christmas Hills Strawberry Farm and Cafe, Ashgrove Farm Cheese, Devonport Cherry Shed, and Anvers Chocolate Factory. This part of Tasmania is unique, and if the upward trend in tourism in other parts of Tasmania is any indication, you should get here sooner rather than later.



The post This under-visited region of Tasmania is Australia’s most stunning secret appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/best-outdoors-in-north-west-tasmania/

American cheese wins world’s best

American cheese wins world’s best

The US isn’t traditionally considered a powerhouse when it comes to international cheeses, but maybe that’s about to change. At the 32nd annual World Cheese Awards, which took place last Friday in Bergamo, Italy, a cheese native to the US was officially declared the world’s best cheese. The Rogue River Blue Cheese, a product of Rogue Creamery in Oregon, beat out over 3,800 other cheeses from 42 countries around the world, and it’s the first time a cheese from the US has taken the top spot in the competition.


John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said in a press release, “This year’s top prize was almost too close to call and I would like to congratulate both Rogue Creamery and Nazionale del Parmigiano Reggiano Latteria Sociale Santo Stefano for going the distance and providing us with one of the most dramatic finales in World Cheese history.”


The Rogue River Blue is made with organic cow’s milk from Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, and the cheese is cave-aged for nine to 11 months and hand-wrapped in organic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear liqueur. It was lauded by judge Bruna Cabral for its “different sensations, balance, sweet and spicy notes.”


The Italian cheese referenced by Farrand took second place, a Spanish cheese took third, but only one French cheese landed in the top 15, prompting some indignation among the cheese-loving French.


According to Farrand, however, “We try to celebrate cheeses from around the world, especially those made by smaller artisan cheesemakers. Good cheese is made around the world, not just by the French.”



The post For the first time ever, an American cheese wins top cheese award appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/american-cheese-wins-worlds-best/

Best outdoors in North West Tasmania

Best outdoors in North West Tasmania

Tasmania is an island that sits below the continent of Australia — at the bottom of the world. Despite its far-south location, its reputation as one of the few clean, green populated places left on Earth has attracted an increasing number of travelers. Yet while much of the attention centers around the capital city of Hobart, North West Tasmania is far less visited.


Those who do go to North West Tasmania may visit Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. Most of them miss the region’s other wonders, like Leven Canyon, a magnificent place as isolated as it is wild yet close enough to civilization to make it a comfortable place to visit. With incredible hiking and mountain biking, as well as small towns and a budding food and drink scene, this corner of Australia’s southernmost state is worth the journey to get there.


Getting to Tasmania from mainland Australia


Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock


While it is close to civilization, Tasmania is far from the rest of the world. North West Tasmania is a smooth overnight sail on one of two twin vehicular ferries — Spirit of Tasmania 1 or 2 — across the Bass Strait from Melbourne, which is itself on the southeast corner of Australia. Bass Strait can be a wild stretch of water, but the boats are large ocean-going vessels, and generally, the crossing is comfortable. The ships have bars, restaurants, and a theater, making the trip over an experience in itself.


The Spirits ships are also a great option for getting to the island because you can bring your large or bulky equipment for mountain biking, kayaking, or surfing. You can also drive your own car — or a rental — onto the ferry, making it easy to travel around Tasmania with your gear once you arrive. It’s not entirely necessary to bring your own gear, however. If you need equipment, there are plenty of rental options and a myriad of guided tours.


If you can, book travel on a Sunday night crossing as traffic and parking will be light around Port Melbourne. If you are sailing from Tasmania, go on a Saturday night. Traffic will be very light around Port Melbourne and the city, allowing you to get out of the metro area quickly and easily once you arrive. If you are traveling from outside Melbourne, book at a caravan or RV park close to the ferry.


We recommend Discovery Parks Melbourne in Braybrook (formerly called Ashley Gardens). It’s not the cheapest option, as you will have to pay for a night you don’t use, but you’ll save on fuel and whatever you do to fill in time. You can sit around and relax on the day of departure, leave at 6:45 PM for a 7:00 PM boarding, and have a no-stress drive to the dock and drive straight on to the ferry. The caravan park will give you a set of very accurate and straightforward directions, which will get you there quickly, mostly on freeways.


Most importantly, read the conditions on your ticket to ensure you are not carrying anything prohibited such as fruit and vegetables. Tasmania has strict quarantine laws to protect the disease-free status of the horticulture and farming sectors. Fuel in jerry cans is also prohibited although diesel is allowed. We think traveling by ferry is the best option for outdoor pursuits, as Tasmanian distances are short, the roads are excellent, and the self-drive option means you are not limited in what equipment you can bring.


Nonetheless, should you opt to fly, both Qantas and Virgin Airways have multiple daily flights from the international airports in Melbourne and Sydney to Tasmania’s regional airport in Launceston, which is about a one hour drive southeast of Leven Canyon. There is also a smaller local airport at Devonport. Devonport is only about a 45-minute drive from Leven Canyon — so either the ferry or airplane will get you right into the heart of North West Tasmania, or “Tassie” as its fondly known by the locals.


Arriving on the island and getting to Leven Canyon


Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock


The thing about Leven Canyon is that hardly anyone — other than a small crop of in-the-know locals — goes there. For lodging, you can stay right in Ulverstone or in Devonport, where a decent hotel room at the Formby Hotel or Elimatta Hotel will run you less than $100 per night. The canyon is only about 30 miles from Ulverstone, an easy day trip for those preferring to crash in a hotel after a hard day on the trails. Camping in the canyon is available at the Pioneer Park or Leven Canyon Picnic Areas.


The campsites are free and have well-maintained toilets and bins, though it’s not that big of an area so there are only a limited number of spots. It’s a beautiful camping area surrounded by towering forests. Although the road is paved, large RVs would struggle to find a campsite. The spots are ideal for smaller vans (up to 18 feet), motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.


The first adventure to have once you arrive is the hike around the canyon, which takes about an hour. The views from Cruickshanks Lookout near the campground are spectacular and powerful: The cliffs plunge 275 meters, over 900 feet, to the Leven River. The walks and scenery are fantastic. The Leven River also flows through the canyon and is popular with whitewater kayakers at certain times of the year.


Hitting the world-class mountain bike trails around the canyon



You can’t ride your bike in the canyon, but the number of mountain bikes in the campground indicates that many campers use Leven as a base to access some of the world-class mountain-bike trails nearby.


Dial Range mountain bike park is about 25 miles from Leven Canyon near the magic little coastal town of Penguin. The park consists of a variety of tracks that cater to all riders, beginners and upwards. Intermediate to expert riders will get the most out of this park, as it has some very technical sections. The locals’ advice is to take your first lap gently until you have a feel for the layout. There used to be an annual ride called the Cranky Penguin Mountain Bike Marathon that covered about 43 miles of tracks through the area, including a stretch alongside the Leven River. You can recreate this ride with your crew during your trip. If that’s a bit much, opt for the “Not So Cranky” 25-mile version, a great name for a beautiful ride.


Wild Mersey is the newest of Tasmania’s growing network of mountain bike trails and the closest to Leven Canyon. Stage one and two are now open and offer 14 different tracks for varying skill levels, and stage three is under construction. Stage one starts near Latrobe and is an easy 60-minute drive from Leven Canyon. Eventually, stages one and two will link up with the planned third circuit near the town of Sheffield. Riding Wild Mersey is a solid option for day two, with easy access back to the campground or your hotel up on the northern coast.


The other major mountain bike parks are at Derby in the North East and Maydena in southern Tasmania. However, there are many tracks all over the state, which you can map out with an app such as Trailforks.


Tasmanians love to hike, and the scenery of the northwest is proof as to why.


Photo: Visual Collective/Shutterstock


Hiking, or “bushwalking” as we call it here, is part of the Tasmanian DNA. Millions of hectares of unspoiled wilderness make up most of Tassie, with plenty of gentle tracks through the bush — undeveloped, often forested areas — depending on your level of fitness. Bushwalking in Tasmania is serious business due to our rapidly changing weather conditions.


Beyond the walk at Leven Canyon noted above, the area holds a whole system of trails, and it’s possible to trek from nearby Penguin all the way to Cradle Mountain. Only hardened local bushwalkers with intimate local knowledge attempt this, as it requires excellent fitness and preparation, but all the sections are accessible for shorter walks:


  • Overland Track — There are hundreds of trails, none more renowned than the multi-day Overland Track. This 50-mile trail heads around Dove Lake and, in the right weather, offers spectacular views of snow-capped Cradle Mountain.

  • Cradle Mountain — Many people attempt to summit Cradle Mountain for its fantastic vista across Dove Lake, Barn Bluff, and Mount Ossa. This is a strenuous bushwalk requiring a high level of fitness as it reaches over 5,000 feet and takes about six and a half hours. You’ll need to be well prepared and ready for changing weather conditions.

  • Lake St Clair National Park — Leven Canyon is close to one of the world’s great national parks, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. It’s possible to trek to Cradle Mountain from Leven Canyon, but nearly everyone gets there by road. The park has an enormous amount of hiking options — including the Aboriginal Cultural Walk, which passes by Aboriginal sites in the southern part of the park. Plan to spend the bulk of your time in the park near Lake St. Clair, where you’ll see signs to many other trailheads around the lake. Even if you are not feeling energetic, the park is an unspoiled place to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear mountain streams, the unique wildlife, and the “cleanest air in the world.”

A word of warning here, all bushwalking in Tasmania is at the mercy of the weather. You should prepare correctly and have the appropriate equipment, including proper hiking boots, a rain jacket, and trekking poles. In case of emergency, keep an overnight bivvy tent and emergency aid kit with you as well. Bad weather can arrive quickly and without warning at any time of the year.


Research websites and literature that cover your planned walk, check the weather forecasts, and follow any advice you hear from guides or locals on the trail. Unfortunately, tragedies continue to occur in the Tasmanian bush, so play it safe. If you do, the reward will be a safe and genuinely unique experience of solitude and natural beauty.


Paradise exists in Tasmania, even beyond the outdoor excursions.


Photo: Rex Ellacott/Shutterstock


This part of Tassie is full of small country towns including one aptly called Paradise. It’s just a farming community and is most famous for the name and the fact that you pass through on your way to Cradle Mountain. There are, however, some larger and more charming towns, such as nearby Sheffield. Known as the “town of murals,” Sheffield is central to each of the trails and activities mentioned and has “Tasmania’s Outdoor Gallery,” a collection of public art painted on buildings throughout the town.


Tasmania is full of prize-winning food, wine, craft beer, and boutique spirit producers known for using natural ingredients. In the North West, surrounding you are small-scale producers, and you will drive past many of them on your travels. On self-drive routes like the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, which covers the region from Launceston through to Stanley in the far North West, you’ll find small artisan producers like Christmas Hills Strawberry Farm and Cafe, Ashgrove Farm Cheese, Devonport Cherry Shed, and Anvers Chocolate Factory. This part of Tasmania is unique, and if the upward trend in tourism in other parts of Tasmania is any indication, you should get here sooner rather than later.



The post This under-visited region of Tasmania is Australia’s most stunning secret appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/best-outdoors-in-north-west-tasmania/

Ryanair and Expedia Settle Lawsuit and 9 Other Top Digital Stories This Week

Ryanair and Expedia Settle Lawsuit and 9 Other Top Digital Stories This Week

It's clear skies ahead as Ryanair settled its two-year lawsuit against Expedia. Bloomberg



Skift Take: This week in digital news, Ryanair and Expedia have finally reached a settlement — two years after the Irish airline initially filed. Meanwhile, Marriott has no plans to make any changes to its Bonvoy program despite its ups and downs.

— Jasmine Ganaishlal

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/ryanair-and-expedia-settle-lawsuit-and-9-other-top-digital-stories-this-week/

San Diego Deploys Alipay to Boost Chinese Tourism

San Diego Deploys Alipay to Boost Chinese Tourism

The historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, known for its nightlife, is shown here. Brand USA is helping San Diego connect with Chinese tourists through a partnership with Chinese digital payment giant Alipay and Fliggy, an online travel agent platform owned by Alibaba. Bob Pinto / Flickr



Skift Take: China is California’s top long-haul market. So it's a smart move for Brand USA and San Diego to partner with Alibaba, given that Chinese travelers use Alipay and online travel platform Fliggy on a daily basis.

— Faye Chiu

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/san-diego-deploys-alipay-to-boost-chinese-tourism/

Do you tip in Japan?

Do you tip in Japan?

Different countries have different rules when it comes to tipping. Tipping can be customary, appreciated but not necessary, or lightly suggested. When it comes to tipping in Japan, however, there’s really just major one rule to remember: don’t.


“Tipping is generally not necessary in Japan,” says Hiroshi Kawaguchi, general manager at the travel company Oku Japan. “Unlike North America, restaurant staff do not rely on tips to get by. While service in Japan is typically exemplary, tipping can actually cause confusion and will likely be refused.”


Trying to tip can lead to an awkward situation all around — for you, for the staff, for the management, and for everyone else nearby. Even worse, tipping can be seen as an insult to the restaurant. Instead, Kawaguchi says, be patient and respectful with the staff and say arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) or gochisousama deshita (thank you for the meal) when you’re done. While it might feel strange to many Westerners, service industry workers are paid better than in countries with tipping cultures, and there’s no need for an incentive to be attentive.


“Good service is a given,” says Alex Bradshaw, an expert on Japanese business etiquette and traditional culture at the Kagoshima travel company Shimadzu Ltd. “The Japanese spirit of hospitality, omotenashi (hospitality), anticipates the needs of the customer in advance of making requests.”


When tipping is acceptable in Japan


If you’ve taken a guided tour, tipping around 10 percent is accepted. Rather than simply handing over cash, it’s placed in a shugi bukuro (money envelope). High-end European restaurants and hotels also may add a 10 to 15 percent service-ryo (gratuity) that’s clearly labeled on the bill, explains Tomoko Imade Dyen, culinary curator at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.


Though not technically a tip that you choose to give, some izakaya will charge for a small plate called an otoshi that’s brought to your table when you sit down, whether you order one or not.


“It’s sort of like a ‘pane e coperto’ charge you might see in Italy,” explains Nick Leighton of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves. “This is basically a service charge. In western Kansai, this is usually called tsukidashi, but it’s the same thing.”


Other restaurant etiquette rules you should know before dining in Japan


“While most faux pas will be forgiven based on the understanding that tourists are from another culture and will likely not know the ins and outs of Japanese etiquette,” Kawaguchi says, “there are a few things to keep in mind that can be offensive.”


Canceling a reservation or not showing up is considered extremely rude. Kawaguchi also says to avoid dumping soy sauce on sushi and rice, as it hides the natural flavor. Also, be sure to properly use the oshibori (moist towel) — it’s to clean your hands before the meal and nothing else. Lastly, when it comes to payment, make sure you put your money in the right place.


“Big tourist mistake: In Japan, you don’t hand money or credit cards to people directly,” Leighton says. Place your payment on the tray instead.




The post Why you should never tip in Japan appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/do-you-tip-in-japan/

Nonstop US flights to New Zealand

Nonstop US flights to New Zealand

Beautiful as New Zealand is, with all its fjords, wineries, and Middle Earth-y mountain scapes, is also, to put it bluntly, a pain to get to. At best you’d have to fly 11-14 hours across the Pacific Ocean to get to Auckland, and that’s after somehow finding your way to LA, Houston, or San Francisco. Live in a small city on the east coast, and you’re looking at two connections before you even get to the long haul.


And let’s not even talk about getting to the South Island — aka where all that cool Lord of the Rings stuff is.


But that’s all about the change next year when American Airlines will start nonstop service from Dallas-Ft. Worth to Auckland, expanding one-stop service to most of the eastern United States.


More importantly, American also announced it will begin nonstop service from Los Angeles to Christchurch — aka the gateway city to most of the South Island. Now, instead of having to connect in Auckland to visit the Southern Alps or Milford Sound, you can step right off the plane and get to adventuring.


“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture, and wildlife found nowhere else,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, via press release. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality.”


The seasonal service will begin in October of 2020 and run through March 2021. American will offer three flights a week for the first month, then ramp up to daily service starting in December. Remember, that’s summer in New Zealand.


The flights — aboard Boeing 787-8s and 9s — will leave later at night (10:30 PM from Dallas and 11:30 PM from LA) and get you into New Zealand mid-morning two days later. Coming back, you’ll leave around lunchtime and get in early in the morning the same day.


American is launching these new routes in response to the spiked interest in New Zealand, which saw an 8.6% jump in tourism last year. In 2020, the country will also welcome the brand new NZD Maori Cultural Centre in Christchurch, as well as a massive new wellness facility called The Welder.


“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” said Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “Thanks to the new non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”


So while it’ll still be a journey almost worthy of a hobbit, getting to New Zealand will get slightly easier next year. And maybe 2020 will finally be your chance to see Middle Earth, up close and personal.




The post American Airlines to start first nonstop flights to New Zealand’s South Island appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/nonstop-us-flights-to-new-zealand/

Do you tip in Japan?

Do you tip in Japan?

Different countries have different rules when it comes to tipping. Tipping can be customary, appreciated but not necessary, or lightly suggested. When it comes to tipping in Japan, however, there’s really just major one rule to remember: don’t.


“Tipping is generally not necessary in Japan,” says Hiroshi Kawaguchi, general manager at the travel company Oku Japan. “Unlike North America, restaurant staff do not rely on tips to get by. While service in Japan is typically exemplary, tipping can actually cause confusion and will likely be refused.”


Trying to tip can lead to an awkward situation all around — for you, for the staff, for the management, and for everyone else nearby. Even worse, tipping can be seen as an insult to the restaurant. Instead, Kawaguchi says, be patient and respectful with the staff and say arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) or gochisousama deshita (thank you for the meal) when you’re done. While it might feel strange to many Westerners, service industry workers are paid better than in countries with tipping cultures, and there’s no need for an incentive to be attentive.


“Good service is a given,” says Alex Bradshaw, an expert on Japanese business etiquette and traditional culture at the Kagoshima travel company Shimadzu Ltd. “The Japanese spirit of hospitality, omotenashi (hospitality), anticipates the needs of the customer in advance of making requests.”


When tipping is acceptable in Japan


If you’ve taken a guided tour, tipping around 10 percent is accepted. Rather than simply handing over cash, it’s placed in a shugi bukuro (money envelope). High-end European restaurants and hotels also may add a 10 to 15 percent service-ryo (gratuity) that’s clearly labeled on the bill, explains Tomoko Imade Dyen, culinary curator at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.


Though not technically a tip that you choose to give, some izakaya will charge for a small plate called an otoshi that’s brought to your table when you sit down, whether you order one or not.


“It’s sort of like a ‘pane e coperto’ charge you might see in Italy,” explains Nick Leighton of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves. “This is basically a service charge. In western Kansai, this is usually called tsukidashi, but it’s the same thing.”


Other restaurant etiquette rules you should know before dining in Japan


“While most faux pas will be forgiven based on the understanding that tourists are from another culture and will likely not know the ins and outs of Japanese etiquette,” Kawaguchi says, “there are a few things to keep in mind that can be offensive.”


Canceling a reservation or not showing up is considered extremely rude. Kawaguchi also says to avoid dumping soy sauce on sushi and rice, as it hides the natural flavor. Also, be sure to properly use the oshibori (moist towel) — it’s to clean your hands before the meal and nothing else. Lastly, when it comes to payment, make sure you put your money in the right place.


“Big tourist mistake: In Japan, you don’t hand money or credit cards to people directly,” Leighton says. Place your payment on the tray instead.




The post Why you should never tip in Japan appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/do-you-tip-in-japan/

Nonstop US flights to New Zealand

Nonstop US flights to New Zealand

Beautiful as New Zealand is, with all its fjords, wineries, and Middle Earth-y mountain scapes, is also, to put it bluntly, a pain to get to. At best you’d have to fly 11-14 hours across the Pacific Ocean to get to Auckland, and that’s after somehow finding your way to LA, Houston, or San Francisco. Live in a small city on the east coast, and you’re looking at two connections before you even get to the long haul.


And let’s not even talk about getting to the South Island — aka where all that cool Lord of the Rings stuff is.


But that’s all about the change next year when American Airlines will start nonstop service from Dallas-Ft. Worth to Auckland, expanding one-stop service to most of the eastern United States.


More importantly, American also announced it will begin nonstop service from Los Angeles to Christchurch — aka the gateway city to most of the South Island. Now, instead of having to connect in Auckland to visit the Southern Alps or Milford Sound, you can step right off the plane and get to adventuring.


“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture, and wildlife found nowhere else,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, via press release. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality.”


The seasonal service will begin in October of 2020 and run through March 2021. American will offer three flights a week for the first month, then ramp up to daily service starting in December. Remember, that’s summer in New Zealand.


The flights — aboard Boeing 787-8s and 9s — will leave later at night (10:30 PM from Dallas and 11:30 PM from LA) and get you into New Zealand mid-morning two days later. Coming back, you’ll leave around lunchtime and get in early in the morning the same day.


American is launching these new routes in response to the spiked interest in New Zealand, which saw an 8.6% jump in tourism last year. In 2020, the country will also welcome the brand new NZD Maori Cultural Centre in Christchurch, as well as a massive new wellness facility called The Welder.


“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” said Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “Thanks to the new non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”


So while it’ll still be a journey almost worthy of a hobbit, getting to New Zealand will get slightly easier next year. And maybe 2020 will finally be your chance to see Middle Earth, up close and personal.




The post American Airlines to start first nonstop flights to New Zealand’s South Island appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/nonstop-us-flights-to-new-zealand/

Duffel Joins Wave of Startups Accelerating Efforts to Reinvent Airline Distribution

Duffel Joins Wave of Startups Accelerating Efforts to Reinvent Airline Distribution

Passengers at a boarding gate at Frankfurt airport in a photo take in 2017. Lufthansa is one of the airlines distributing airfares via Duffel, a new travel technology distribution service. Duffel, a company that helps airlines sell their tickets, has quietly amassed more venture capital funding than all other next-generation airline distribution startups. Gregor Schlaeger / Lufthansa



Skift Take: Venture capitalists are turning their sights on airline distribution. Duffel's backing by VC firms Index and Benchmark bring hope to the sector. New ideas and technologies may help create more efficient and user-friendly ways for travel agencies to access airline data to sell tickets and other products.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/duffel-joins-wave-of-startups-accelerating-efforts-to-reinvent-airline-distribution/

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...