A blog for the traveler who wants both luxury and a good deal.

Read our most recent posts about journeys…

Welcome to China, where you can’t speak, read or write

I love China. I was on one of my early trips there, and the task was pretty straightforward: walk from my hotel to the nearest subway and ride it to my company’s office. I already knew that I couldn’t take a taxi in Beijing without being able to speak Chinese, but I...

How to see Kyoto in a weekend

by Stephen Henson | Asia-Pacific

I am dealing with the urban sprawl and hectic pace of Tokyo, and I long for a more manageable Japanese cultural experience. Kyoto is just a couple of hours away by bullet train. Is it worth trying to see Kyoto with just a weekend to spare? The answer is yes! I often...

Choose both upscale and budget in Bangkok

by Stephen Henson | Asia-Pacific

Time to leave the beautiful city view from my suite, head down to the sumptuous breakfast buffet, then step onto the skytrain to be whisked across Bangkok, all without stepping outdoors. There are lots of reasons to choose both luxury and convenience when you stay in...

How to see Prague’s Old Town in a day

by Stephen Henson | Europe

It turns out “Good King Wenceslas” wasn’t a king or even named Wenceslas, but he was good! And subsequently made a saint. Today all roads seem to lead us to Wenceslas Square, the gathering place for the Czech people for nearly every significant event in their...

Myanmar in a magical time machine

by Stephen Henson | Asia-Pacific

Modern culture is creeping into this South East Asian jewel. There is now a KFC in downtown Yangon. Toyotas are gridlocked from the airport to downtown. The National League for Democracy wins in a free election. Yes, Myanmar is rushing into the 21st century, seemingly...

National Atomic Testing Museum is in Las Vegas?

by Stephen Henson | North America

In November 1956, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev told Western diplomats at a reception, “Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.” And you thought Putkin was a tough guy! What better place than Las Vegas to house a museum dedicated to...