Canadian World Traveller Spring 2020 Issue

14
Around The World
(in 22 pages)
Exploring India with Turban Adventures
by Olivia Balsinger
I usually pride myself on my ability to navigate foreign lands
solo, balancing practicality and creativity. But the first time my
partner and I visited India, we knew we needed to entrust
experts. After much research, we booked a six-day Golden
Triangle Tour with the Jaipur-based tour company, Turban
Adventures. I surrendered my pig-headed stubbornness in
logistical planning to the company and it was the best decision
we could have made.
We were picked up from the airport and brought to four-star
hotels in the comfort of our knowledgeable local driver, whose
been with Turban Adventures for ten years. Most importantly,
however, the curated and local experiences arranged by the
company brought the bright and colorful Indian culture alive
for us. We left the Taj Mahal not only with stunning photographs,
but with deep insight into the history of the marble
mausoleum. We experienced a cooking class in Jaipur with a
local family, learning invaluable lessons about each other’s
cultures. Our first foray through India was safe, clean, and,
most importantly, an authentic adventure thanks to the guidance
of Turban Adventures.
www.turbanadventures.com
China Tourism Introduces
New Brand Logo
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) has made
“Beautiful China” the tag line of its tourism and introduced a
new global brand logo. With an overall look as a stamp, the
new logo integrates modern messaging with the ancient
Chinese art form of calligraphy. The hieroglyph in the background
means “travel” in ancient Chinese language, which shows a flag guiding a couple around.
The blue color represents the sky, delivering China tourism’s concepts - vitality, harmony and
green travel. The red color gives tribute to the Chinese civilization that has been going on for
thousands of years. Illustrating an international vision, the “Beautiful China” logo represents
China’s promising and welcoming tourism industry.
Balcony Media
Showcases Authentic Vietnam
by Olivia Balsinger
The country of Vietnam is recognized for its generous hospitality, its
diverse and eclectic topography, its spicy and fresh gastronomy,
and, of course, its recent tragic war history. A tour with Balcony
brings all of these facets of this Southeast Asian country together.
Perhaps the most iconic hotel in the entire country is The Sofitel
Legend Metropole hotel in the capital of Hanoi, where a tour with
Balcony begins. The award-winning , storied colonial property sits
gracefully in the French Quarter and quietly yet defiantly has been
pivotal to the city’s history. A tour of the hotel’s recently rediscovered
and slightly claustrophobic tunnel and bunker system, still
standing from the 1960’s war, is the best way to briefly feel the
chaotic remnants of history. Order a “Charlie Chaplin '' at The
Metropole’s famed Bamboo Bar - legend has it this combination of
gin, apricot brandy and lime juice, was this comic actor’s go-to
when he honeymooned here in 1936.
Of course, Vietnam is also known for sunnier topics than war, quite
literally. A short flight from Hanoi, locals and foreigners alike have
long retreated from the hectic, cities saturated with smells and
motorbikes to explore the pristine and still coastlines. Balcony
brings you to two distinct properties in Cam Ranh, where relaxation
and cultural integration are at the forefront. The Anam Hotel,
opened in October 2019, seamlessly integrates Vietnamese hospitality
with family-friendly activities, including a splash waterpark
and twelve swimming pools, which cascade down to the ocean.
Another choice with Balcony is a luxury stay at one of Vietnam’s
quintessential Indochine-era inspired design hotels, which honors
the local area with activities such as local cooking classes and a
buffet where mothers of the staff cook Vietnamese classics for
guests.
www.balconymediagroup.com
Canadian World Traveller Spring 2020