MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Holiday travel, Hotels & Resorts, Importance of Tourism, Uncategorized

Hotels Poised for Strong Holiday Season Powered by Uptick in Business Travel

November 16, 2023 MoralCompass

Hotels continue hiring spree to meet demand, ask Congress for help with more workers

New York City’s Hotel Peninsula decked out for the holidays. The business outlook for hotels remains strong for the remainder of 2023 thanks to an uptick in business travel and a healthy preference among business and leisure travelers to stay in hotels, the AHLA forecasts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2023) – The business outlook for hotels remains strong for the remainder of 2023 thanks to an uptick in business travel and a healthy preference among business and leisure travelers to stay in hotels.

According to a survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and conducted by Morning Consult, 68% of Americans whose jobs involve travel said they were likely to travel overnight for business during the last three months of 2023, up from 59% in 2022. Hotels are the top lodging choice for 81% of business travelers surveyed.

The survey found that 32% of Americans are likely to travel overnight for Thanksgiving, up from 28% a year earlier, while 34% are likely to travel overnight for Christmas, up from 31% last year. Meanwhile, 37% of Americans said they were likely to travel overnight for leisure during the last three months of 2023, down slightly from 39% in 2022.

The survey also found that travel attitudes have largely returned to pre-pandemic norms. 71% of Americans now say their likelihood of staying in hotels is the same as prior to the pandemic, and nearly 70% of business travelers say their employers have either returned to the pre-pandemic normal or increased amounts of business travel. This is good news for hoteliers, as business travel is one of hotels’ main sources of revenue.

The survey of 4,006 adults was conducted Sept. 18-23, 2023.

Other key findings:

45% of Americans said they are more likely to stay in a hotel this holiday season than they were last year.
44% of Americans said they are likely to take more leisure/vacation trips this holiday season than they did last year.
59% of those planning to travel overnight for Thanksgiving plan to stay with family or friends, while 30% plan to stay at a hotel.
62% of those planning to travel overnight for Christmas plan to stay with family or friends, while 26% plan to stay at a hotel.

“Hotels are going above and beyond to take excellent care of guests as travel approaches pre-COVID levels, and this survey underscores that fact,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “America’s nearly 62,500 hotels are a bright spot for the nation’s economy. To continue growing, they need to hire more people, but a nationwide shortage of workers is preventing hotels from regaining all the jobs we lost to the pandemic. There are a number of steps Congress can take to help address our industry’s workforce challenges. Those include establishing an H-2B returning worker exemption, passing the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, and passing the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act.”

More hotel industry facts:

According to Indeed, there are nearly 85,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation.

As of September, the United States had 9.6 million job openings, but only 6.4 million unemployed people to fill them, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As of September, national average hotel wages were $23.36/hour.

Since the pandemic, average hotel wages (+24.6%) have increased more than 30% faster than average wages throughout the general economy (+18.8%).

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attractions, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Cultural Travel

Governor Hochul Marks Milestone of 100,000 Low- and No-Cost Broadway, Off-Broadway Tickets Sold Under NYC Musical & Theatrical Production Tax Credit

November 11, 2023 MoralCompass

More than 100,000 low- or no-cost tickets have been made available by Broadway and Off-Broadway productions participating in the NYC Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit. The deeply discounted tickets, which can be as little as $20, were sold to members of the community who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience a Broadway or Off-Broadway show. There are over 90 plays and musicals participating in the program that represent at least $1.7 billion in spending and more than 11,000 hires.

“New York is hitting a blockbuster milestone, with top Broadway and Off-Broadway productions making more than 100,000 discounted tickets available to New Yorkers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Broadway is central to New York’s identity as a global hub for arts and culture, and my Administration will continue supporting this industry through the transformative New York City Musical & Theatrical Production Tax Credit.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The arts in New York State, especially our Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, are one of our biggest assets, and one that every New Yorker should be able to experience. Today, we give our regards to Broadway, and the partnerships that have allowed us to reach this exciting milestone.”

Under the NYC Musical & Theatrical Production Tax Credit, Broadway and Off-Broadway productions are required to create and implement a plan to ensure that their production is available and accessible for low-or no-cost to low-income New Yorkers. Productions may work directly with the State to identify community-based organizations or educational institutions serving low-income residents in the New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions to distribute tickets or work with a third-party partner, such as the Theatre Development Fund, which in turn provides low- or no-cost tickets to students, veterans, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and other groups.

In addition to making tickets more accessible, productions participating in the program are required to participate in a New York State-approved diversity and arts job training program. Productions may work with pre-approved formalized fellowship programs from The Theatre Leadership Project or the Black Theatre Coalition or create a self-operated fellowship program for individuals from diverse backgrounds to learn to work in the theater industry. Through this requirement, 75 fellows from underrepresented communities have been employed on productions.

As part of the FY 2024 New York State Budget, Governor Hochul secured a major expansion of the New York City Musical & Theatrical Tax Credit program to include Off-Broadway productions, which are major contributors to New York’s live entertainment economy.

Governor Hochul remains committed to supporting New York’s performing arts sector – a critical part of economic and cultural life in New York and a key driver of tourism across the state. Over the past year, Governor Hochul has awarded nearly $210 million in grants for non-profit cultural organizations through the New York State Council for the Arts thanks to unprecedented funding secured in the State budget. Since April, Governor Hochul has announced a total of $132 million in capital grants for New York arts organizations to fund critical projects that strengthen the State’s diverse creative sector, including over $90 million to support large-scale projects that prioritize community development and placemaking. Governor Hochul also awarded an additional $76 million in non-capital grants through the FY2023 Budget that provided flexible funding to nearly 3,000 cultural organizations and individual artists. NYSCA is currently accepting applications for its FY 2024 Capital Projects Fund, and will announce nearly $120 million in FY2024 grants over the next year.

Governor Hochul also maintains a strong commitment to building New York’s thriving tourism industry following her announcement that the state welcomed an historic 291.5 million visitors generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending in 2022. The Governor announced a $450 million “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” Recovery Package to support industries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic like the performing arts and revitalize tourism statewide. The package included: a $200 million Seed Funding Grant; a $100 million Tourism Worker Recovery Fund; a $100 million Tourism Return-to-Work Grant Program; a $25 Million Meet in New York Grant; and a $25 million I LOVE NY Global Marketing Campaign.

TDF’s Managing Director Michael Naumann said,“It has been an honor to develop the TDF Passport Series through the New York City Musical & Theatrical Production Tax Credit program with Governor Hochul and Empire State Development. It is TDF’s mission to make the theatre accessible to everyone and build new audiences. This program does just that – it allows New Yorkers, most of whom are first-time theatregoers who could not afford to attend Broadway and Off Broadway, to finally get the chance to enjoy live performance.”

“Governor Hochul is Broadway’s best partner in working to drive economic development while also diversifying our audiences and workforce,” The Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said. “As we continue to bring tourists back to Broadway, we are including more members of our community in the audience and working backstage. Governor Hochul’s efforts, in partnership with the Senate and Assembly, have resulted in in our shows providing more than 100,000 low- or no-cost tickets to New Yorkers while also creating 75 diverse fellowships on Broadway. We could not be prouder of this effective and balanced effort by our Governor.”

Arts and Entertainment

Iconic Lyricist Sheldon Harnick to be Honored Nov. 9th by Broadway Luminaries; Limited Seating for Public

November 6, 2023 MoralCompass

An array of Broadway luminarieswill gather on Thursday, Nov. 9^th at the Music Box Theater beginning at 2 pm to pay tribute to the iconic lyricist Sheldon Harnick. The event will allow limited seating open to the public on a first come, first serve basis (Photo: Margery Gray Harnick)

(New York, NY Nov. 6, 2023): An array of Broadway luminaries, including Danny Burstein, Robert Cuccioli, Jason Danieley, Harvey Fierstein, Rob Fisher, Jessica Hecht, Judy Kuhn, Nancy Opel, David Rockwell, Alan Schmuckler, Elena Shaddow, Alexandra Silber, Emily Skinner, Deborah Grace Winer, Sherman Yellen, and Karen Ziemba will gather on Thursday, Nov. 9^th at the Music Box Theater beginning at 2 pm to pay tribute to the iconic lyricist Sheldon Harnick. The event will allow limited seating open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.

Later that night, the Broadway League previously announced that the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of all 41 Broadway theaters in New York for one minute at exactly 6:45pm in Harnick’s honor.

One of our nation’s and world’s most beloved treasures, Sheldon Harnick passed away at 99 years old on June 23,2023. During his iconic career working on Broadway and spanning more than seventy years, Sheldon wrote many of Broadway’s greatest critically-acclaimed and timeless hit shows.

*A standing ovation for the cast of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, at Stage 42, off-Broadway in New York City in 2020* © *Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

His prodigious work earned him numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, 4 Tony’s and a Grammy. Sheldon, together with his longtime collaborator Jerry Bock, created some of the most important and influential pieces of theater in the world including but not limited to; Fiorello! (1959): Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award; Tenderloin (1960); She Loves Me (1963): Grammy Award; Fiddler on the Roof” (1964) Tony Award; The Apple Tree (1966) and The Rothschilds (1970). Other collaborations include A Christmas Carol with Michel Legrand (1981); Rex with Richard Rodgers (1976); A Wonderful Life with Joe Raposo (1986) and The Phantom Tollbooth with Arnold Black (1995). For Dragons and Malpractice Makes Perfect, he provided book lyrics and music, He has written songs for the films The Heartbreak Kid (1972) and Blame It On Rio (1984) both with music by Cy Coleman; and Aaron’s Magic Village (1995) with Michel Legrand.

Harnick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margery Gray, his two children Beth Dorn and Matthew Harnick and four grandchildren.

Economic Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Importance of Tourism, Uncategorized

Federal Government Shutdown Would Cost U.S. Travel Economy $140 Million Per Day

September 21, 2023 MoralCompass

Six in 10 Americans would cancel or avoid trips by air in the event of a government shutdown

National Parks like the Grand Canyon would be forced to close if Republicans force a federal government shutdown by failing to pass budget authorization. The USTA estimates the shutdown will cost the $1.2 trillion travel industry which employs 10 million people –one of the largest contributors to GDP and employers – $140 million a day © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WASHINGTON – A federal government shutdown is estimated to cost the U.S. travel economy as much as $140 million a day, according to new analysis for the U.S. Travel Association—underscoring the dire consequences of Congress failing to pass a short-term extension by September 30.

“Each day that passes will cost the travel economy $140 million, an unacceptable prospect that Congress must avoid before the clock runs out and the damages mount,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “The federal government is already failing the traveler—a shutdown would be further proof of Washington’s inability to find reasonable solutions to problems that affect Americans nationwide.”

Other government-related travel issues—such as lengthy visitor visa interview wait times and passport and Global Entry processing delays—further constrain travel growth and spending.

SURVEY: AMERICANS WILL CANCEL OR AVOID AIR TRAVEL IN FACE OF SHUTDOWN

During a government shutdown, the U.S. air travel system is hampered by more flight delays, longer screening lines and setbacks in air travel modernization.

A new survey from Ipsos and U.S. Travel further underscores these steep negative consequences: Six in 10 Americans (60%) would cancel or avoid trips by air in the event of a shutdown.

Further, a large majority of Americans—regardless of political party—are not in favor of a government shutdown, especially from a travel perspective. More than eight in 10 of all Americans agree government shutdowns hurt the economy (81%), inconvenience air travelers (86%), impact businesses that depend on air travelers (83%) as well as tourist attractions like national parks, museums and local businesses (83%).

CONGRESS MUST PASS SHORT-TERM FAA EXTENSION

Coinciding with the federal budget deadline, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authorization is set to expire on September 30. Congress has yet to pass a full FAA reauthorization bill, so they must pass a temporary extension of FAA programs. Inaction on an FAA renewal bill would further compound challenges for travelers.

U.S. Travel Association is calling on Congress to pass a short-term extension by September 30 and continues to call on the Senate to act quickly on a long-term FAA reauthorization bill.

“This completely avoidable situation threatens livelihoods and jobs across the U.S. economy,” said Freeman. “Ultimately, travelers, businesses and workers will pay the price if lawmakers fail to enact a stop-gap funding bill.”

The U.S. travel industry, on the rebound after the crushing pandemic, generates $1.9 trillion in economic output, accounts for 2.9% of U.S. GDP, and employs 15 million people.

View U.S. Travel’s federal government shutdown fact sheet.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.2 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.

Economic Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Importance of Tourism

Hawaii Governor: West Maui Communities to Reopen to Tourism on October 8

September 12, 2023 MoralCompass

*Tourists are urged to return to West Maui, Hawaii © Dave E Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

HONOLULU –The West Maui communities of Kā‘anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kapalua will fully reopen on Sunday, October 8, two months after the August 8 wildfires destroyed Lahaina, Governor Josh Green, M.D., declared in a statewide address.

Hawai‘i residents and visitors are encouraged to make travel plans to Maui and support the island’s businesses, restaurants, retail outlets, attractions, and accommodations. All previous restrictions for travel to West Maui communities north of Lahaina will be lifted October 8 and no one should be discouraged or reluctant to go and support the businesses and workers that rely on tourism in West Maui for their families’ livelihood.

“Beginning October 8, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui will be open to visitors again, so people from Hawaiʻi and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically,” Governor Green stated. “This difficult decision is meant to bring hope for recovery to the families and businesses on Maui that have been so deeply affected in every way by the disaster.”

Lahaina itself will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to identify victims and the missing, and conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires.

“No one in Hawai‘i will ever forget the tragedy that our friends, families, loved ones, and colleagues in Lahaina are enduring,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, Chief Administrative Officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. “The response from residents statewide and by people around the world to support Maui’s recovery has been incredible and inspiring. Now is the time for people everywhere to show their support for Maui by booking trips, making restaurant reservations, and frequenting Maui’s retail stores and attractions that support workers and their families.”

“Amidst the tragedy, the spirit of Maui remains strong. Beginning October 8th, all of Maui is open and welcoming visitors with the exception of Lahaina (see this map for reference). If you are considering visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands in the near future, including the accessible areas of Maui, please know that respectful travel is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever,” the Hawaii Visitors Bureau stated.

Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s economy and make a positive impact, especially when you are mindful:

• Visit with aloha and compassion.
• Support local businesses.
• Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.
• Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.

While relief efforts continue in West Maui, you can also make a donation to help communities and families recover through the Maui Strong Fund.

For the most updated information, visit Maui Travel Updates. “Mahalo for your support as we collectively mālama (care for) Maui.”

For the latest information on travel to the Hawaiian Islands, visit gohawaii.com.

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Adventure Travel, ecotourism, Nature & Wildlife, Outdoors Travel

12 Stellar Fall Adventures

September 10, 2023 MoralCompass

*Avoid the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and reach Antarctica faster by booking an early season fly-and-cruise expedition through Adventure Life.*

With cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, fewer crowds and, this year, a “ring of fire” eclipse, fall is a great time to travel. From desert hiking and biking to mountain, rainforest and island adventures and early Antarctica expeditions, here are 12 stellar trips this season.

Utah Eclipse Trek: Backpack the Boulder Mail Trail through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah with Wildland Trekking for an adventure among slickrock formations, ponderosa pine-covered plateaus and canyons with spring-fed creeks. A five-day departure in October will offer the opportunity to take in “ring of fire” views as an annular eclipse passes overhead. https://wildlandtrekking.com/trips/boulder-mail-trail/
Early Season Antarctica: Avoid the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and reach Antarctica faster by booking an early season fly-and-cruise expedition through Adventure Life. Begin the eight-day trip in Punta Arenas, Chile, then fly two hours to King George Island, board the Magellan Explorer and cruise among the icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales of the white continent. https://www.adventure-life.com/antarctica/cruises/13000/classic-antarctica-air-cruise
Autumn in Austria’s Alps: With a long fall season thanks to its lower elevation, Best of the Alps destination Kitzbühel, Austria, is the perfect getaway for a hiking, biking and culinary getaway as the leaves change color. Hike among grassy slopes, mountain summits, lakes and waterfalls, ride the roads, flowing singletrack and easy e-bike tours, and savor the flavors of a traditional farmers’ market, award-winning restaurants and food festivals. https://www.bestofthealps.com/en/d/kitzbuhel/
Death Valley Eclipse Bikepacking: Ride the heart of the Mojave Desert, from Death Valley National Park to Red Rock Canyon, during the Oct. 14th annular eclipse with Escape Adventures. On this five-day bikepacking tour, navigate the wide valley floor, sunbaked foothills and stacks of boulders, stopping to visit historic sites accessed by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps roads. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/death-valley-and-red-rock-mountain-bike-tour/
Amazon Autumn Adventure: Experience the astounding biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest during a stay at Ecuador’s Sacha Lodge. The 5,000-acre private ecological reserve surrounding the lodge is home to more than 600 bird species and other wildlife, providing guests an up-close opportunity to learn about the rainforest from naturalists and native Quechua guides. https://www.sachalodge.com/
Piedmont Culinary + Hiking: The wine region of Piedmont could very well be the ultimate destination for casual hikers who are also food and wine lovers. Accommodations during your journey include a UNESCO site, a wine estate, and a boutique hotel in the countryside. In early October, it might still be harvest time for the nebbiolo grapes and the colors make the hills and vineyards look like they are painted! https://www.tourissimo.travel/piedmont-barolo-hiking
Yellowstone Horseback Fly Fishing: Travel by horseback into Yellowstone National Park’s interior and cast for trout on seldom-fished streams guided by the experts at Flying Pig Adventures. Whether it’s for a few hours or a full day, a family or a group of friends, Flying Pig will handle all the details for a truly unique Yellowstone fishing excursion. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/flyfishing-montana
Cycle Across Japan: Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures’ 22-day Samurai Tour travels through three distinct parts of Japan and immerses cyclists in the country’s spectacular landscape, culture and history. Explore the enchanting Noto Peninsula and the Japanese Alps, follow the road less traveled across the smallest of Japan’s main islands and ride around Mount Fuji to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. https://rideandseek.com/tour/samurai-shikoku-island-japan/
National Parks by RV: National parks saw huge crowds over the summer, but fall is a great time to visit for less traffic and pleasant temperatures. Blacksford rents fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles from Winnebago with all-inclusive pricing that provides unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, Wi-Fi, a free annual pass to the national parks and 24-hour roadside assistance. https://www.blacksford.com/
Jackson Hole Glamping: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect place to stay for a fall getaway or winter ski trip. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
Fall Galapagos Adventure: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, particularly when it comes to wildlife and weather. The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined forces with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a new weeklong program that includes day trips aboard the yacht Sea Lion, glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island and visits to remote locations that highlight the incredible diversity of the archipelago. https://www.scalesialodge.com/
Fall in Big Sky: A visit to Big Sky, Montana, and stay at The Wilson Hotel offers the opportunity for fall adventures in Yellowstone country. With elk bugling and pockets of aspen trees turning golden amid the green forest, hike and mountain bike the trails surrounding town, fish the Gallatin River or take one last tour of Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders before roads close for the season. https://thewilsonhotel.com/

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Historic Places, New York State tourism, Uncategorized

Auburn, NY, Home to Harriet Tubman, Markets International Underground Railroad Month With App, Guided Tours

September 10, 2023 MoralCompass

Auburn, NY, invites you to celebrate International Underground Railroad Month this September by introducing an innovative app that offers two self-guided driving tours—a 24-stop exploration in Auburn and a 27-site adventure across Cayuga County. The app seamlessly blends technology and history, bringing the Underground Railroad to life.

Auburn, renowned as the chosen home of Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in the Underground Railroad, has a rich history of freedom-seeking efforts that predates her arrival.

The Underground Railroad in Cayuga County thrived as early as the 1830s, thanks to a diverse group of individuals dedicated to helping those seeking freedom. By the 1850s, Cayuga County was home to around 400 Black residents, with 200 in Auburn alone, many of whom were descendants of the region’s earliest settlers.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy an in-person guided experience led by Ted Freeman, a descendant of Harry and Kate Freeman, with deep ties to the Underground Railroad and the New Guinea Negro Settlement. Harry and Kate Freeman were the co-founders of the city of Auburn, New York. They were taken and made slaves from Guinea, Africa, later freed by the Mansfield Decree in England and came to the colonies as indentured servants who fought in the Revolutionary War, and created one of the most important stations and terminals during the Underground Railroad Movement.

“We believe this innovative technology and guided experience offer a fresh perspective on our past, empowering us to shape the future,” says Claire Dunlap, Director of Sales at Tour Cayuga.

This project, supported by extensive research, identifies historic sites that remain on Cayuga County’s landscape, serving as reminders of the people who committed their lives to freedom.

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cruises, Culinary Travel, Cultural Travel

Savoring Wine is Key Feature of European Waterways’ Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises

August 29, 2023 MoralCompass

*Experiencing the innovative wine-making techniques of the Lissner Winery on European Waterways’ Panache canal cruise through the Alsace-Lorraine, France © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

“Wine and friends are a great blend,” Ernest Hemingway once said. This philosophy is at the heart of European Waterways’ dedication to offering its guests exclusive, immersive wine experiences on their luxury hotel barges that cruise the canals.

Guests cruise with like-minded fellow travelers who are enjoy sharing the experience of learning about the history and traditions of winemaking, from grape growing to bottling, and the nuances of the different wines. Excursions feature tastings at family-owned vineyards and private tours of historic châteaux.

The cruises also include gastronomic meals paired with the finest regional wines, sometimes from the very vineyard visited. On board hosts explain the significance of each vintage and guide guests on how to best enjoy them.

“Wine and the company of fellow passengers are integral parts of the luxury hotel barge cruising experience,” said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. “Whether serious connoisseurs or just curious about wines, our guests are always sure to stay in good ‘spirit’ throughout the six-night, all-inclusive cruises.”

A Fine Wine Romance

Among European Waterways’ popular hotel barges is the eight-passenger Finesse, which cruises Southern Burgundy. Guests aboard Finesse visit Maison Champy – a winery located in the heart of Beaune, the Capital of Burgundy Wines. A UNESCO historical monument, the winery was designed by the famed architect, Gustave Eiffel, and is one of the oldest in France. Here they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and a tasting hosted by a wine expert. They’ll also be treated to a gourmet lunch at CUVE 17, a unique dining experience inside one of the winery’s huge historic wooden wine vats, known as ‘cuves’, where a four-course seasonal lunch with wine parings of Premier and Grand Crus is served.

Guests aboard European Waterways’ eight-passenger Renaissance, cruising France’s oldest canal, the Canal de Briare, enjoy a tour and private wine tasting at the Sancerre winery of La Perrière. The winery is famous for its vast natural cave, dating back millions of years, where its distillation vats are housed. Renaissance cruises include excursions to the studio home of artist Rosa Bonheur, the most celebrated female artist of the 19th century, with a private lunch in her salon. They also offer a cooking demonstration at the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, a former fortified castle dating back to the 12^th century.

Guests on the 12-passenger Panache visit the boutique Grand Cru champagne house of Frerejean Frères, located in the middle of the Champagne countryside. The tour is followed by lunch in the family Domaine, with ingredients harvested from its gardens. Champagne cruise passengers savor more bubbles with tastings at the world-renowned house of Moët & Chandon and the Maison Pannier winery with its labyrinth of medieval underground cellars.

The Panache also travels through the Alsace-Lorraine region.

Hotel Barging on European Waterways

Hotel Barging is a boutique experience that offers an immersive and all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery,” focusing upon the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of the cruise regions. With a 6-to-20-person capacity and 1:2 crew ratio, European Waterways is able to provide an impeccable level of on-board service and transport its guests on intimate inland waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels.

This fascinating network of smaller canals allows for flexibility, spontaneity, and ample opportunity to hop off and explore the beautiful surroundings via bicycle or on foot. In addition, there are daily, chauffeured excursions “off the beaten track” to a wide variety of enthralling locations and activities, from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes.

With over 40 years’ experience and a fleet that spans nine countries, European Waterways is one of the largest luxury hotel barging companies in Europe.

Most European Waterways hotel barges can also be chartered for a more immersive Wine Appreciation Cruise.

For more information, call 1-877-879-8808 in the U.S. and 1-877-574-3404 in Canada, or visit www.europeanwaterways.com.

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: DAY 1: ‘RANDOM BOILING EARTH’

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Hotels & Resorts, National Parks

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone Reopens

July 25, 2023 MoralCompass

*The spectacular Grand Prismatic at Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins are now open year-round © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Less than one year after historic monumental rains and flooding hit Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins have opened their doors to guests once again. The National Park Service announced that repairs to the Mammoth wastewater treatment plant had been successfully completed allowing the property to reopen on July 1. With this event, all the lodges, hotels and Xanterra-run campgrounds in the park are now open and ready to serve guests. In fact, there are still in-park rooms and campsites available at many locations this summer, particularly later in the season, a rather rare occurrence.

The Mammoth Hotel & Cabins are located in the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District that includes Fort Yellowstone, where 35 structures remain from the 1890s and early 1900s when the US Army administered the park. Significant conservation policies were developed here that led to the origin of the National Park Service. The hotel recently underwent major renovations of the public spaces and guest rooms. The hotel as it stands today was built in 1936, while retaining a wing of guest rooms originally built in 1911, and features its signature Map Room containing a large wooden map of the United States constructed of 15 different kinds of wood from nine countries. Guests enjoy a variety of in-park accommodations as well as the chance of spotting elk grazing outside the hotel.

Unknown to many, Yellowstone is open in the winter and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel—named after nearby springs—offers a warm welcome to winter visitors as well. During this special season, daily guided tours depart from Mammoth Hotel to popular in-park hot spots like Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and Old Faithful. The Bear Den ski shop, located in the gift shop, offers equipment, lessons, tips, and tours for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.

To search and book reservations visit www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com. Guests should check the National Park Service website for the latest on trip planning, weather, road conditions and construction. The NPS app is also available for download.

See:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: MOTHER NATURE GETS SURREAL

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