Your Hotel Pick!

Quick! Name the last hotel you stayed in that made an impression.
My answer: L'hotel in Pietra (room #1004, to be exact), a former cave in Matera, Italy, named Europe's Capital of Culture 2019.

Photo by Cynthia Dial

#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia 

TripAdvisor: Travelers’ Choice Top 10 Destinations in the World

Here's the top 10 of TripAdvisor's list of 25:

Photo by Cynthia Dial

1. London, United Kingdom
2. Istanbul, Turkey
3. Marrakech, Morocco
4. Paris, France
5. Siem Reap, Cambodia
6. Prague, Czech Republic
7. Rome, Italy
8. Hanoi, Vietnam
9. New York City, US
10. Ubud, Indonesia

#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #tripadvisor #tripadvisorlist #topworldsdestinations

Getting to Know Cynthia Dial

Posted by Terri Marshall in travelwriters2.com 

Cynthia Dial is an award-winning journalist and admitted addict—a travel addict—because for her travel is like breathing, she can’t live without it. As a travel writer whose office is the world she’s visited all seven continents where she’s attempted Argentina’s tango, canoed in the Amazon and sat amongst penguins in Antarctica, all for a good story. Her career spans over two decades. She joins us this week to talk about her career and the changes she has seen over the years. She also offers advice to aspiring writers.

You have had a successful writing career spanning two decades, please share with us how you got started and what the journey has been like for you.

On the surface my entry into the travel writing arena appears to have been simple. During my stint as a travel agent, a new travel industry magazine crossed my desk. The magazine, Travel People (which has since ceased publication), showcased those working in the travel industry in non-traditional roles. Through my affiliation in the local San Diego travel community, I had become acquainted with Billy Riley, a colorful 70-year-old Southern belle who was general manager of the Horton Grand Hotel, which was comprised of two century-old hotels, disassembled brick by brick, reconstructed side by side and restored with loving care by a team including Miss Billy (as she was affectionately called). As I came to know her, I became as impressed with her past accomplishments as I was with her present endeavor. She was San Diego’s first female general manager of a major hotel, the first female president of the hotel/motel association and the first female recipient of the city’s annual Travel Industry Person of the Year award.

Seeing the potential of a story on Miss Billy, I wrote a query letter to the editor of Travel People and upon quickly receiving the go-ahead. I interviewed Miss Billy, photographed her and wrote a 1,000-word piece for which I received a check and a byline. My first query and my first draft resulted in my first payment and my first clip. For me, this career came easy. Right? Wrong.

The next month I was invited to Israel at a time when the country was considered extremely unsafe. Yet, my travel experience was a priceless visit during which I never felt danger. So, upon my return I sent a query letter to a variety of major US newspapers and continuing with my perceived good luck, I received the reply, ‘Yes, on spec,’ from The Dallas Morning News, The Los Angeles Times and The San Francisco Examiner. Already resting on my laurels, I assumed my previous luck would prevail. The resulting article was good; but even I knew it wasn’t great and I received three rejections.

This is when I learned that the roller coaster career of a travel writer is replete with ups and downs, and the only way to be a success is to present my best work – always.

As far as my journey, it has exceeded my dreams – allowing me to travel the world . . . for work. I simply love it!

I understand your book entitled Get your Travel Writing Published is in its third printing.  What was your inspiration for writing the book and how do you feel it helps other writers?

The purpose of my book was to simplify the process for aspiring travel writers, noting the essential steps to take and pointing out possible pitfalls. In short, my goal was to give readers the tools necessary to put their travel experiences on paper and sell them, which I have tried to do by sharing personal experience through travel anecdotes and professional guidance.

You have been a travel instructor for several learning institutions offering travel writing tips and travel advice.  What advice do you have for new writers or established writers who want to increase their visibility?

Adhere to the law of averages and submit, submit, submit. It’s like throwing pasta against the wall: some of it has to stick. When beginning, write for local outlets, regional outlets; and once established, push the envelope and approach high-profile publications or e-zines. And these days, maintain an active profile on social media.

You have managed to diversify your career with writing, photography, instructing and appearances – what tips can you offer to other writers who want to break into instructing and personal appearances?

Again, initially contact those institutions that are less intimidating, more approachable. An example might be your local library – a venue that would be more comfortable for a first- or second-time presentation. Then, go after television stations, writers’ conferences, etc. Lastly, practice, practice, practice (always aloud). Do NOT think you can wing it. To this day, I practice extensively before I speak publically or appear on television.

What organizations do you belong to in connection with your writing and how do you think they have helped you in your career?

Initially, the organizations of which I was a member were travel oriented and included San Diego Women in Travel, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) – all of which I served as a board member. My philosophy was that it was more advantageous to be the organization’s only travel writer, as opposed to one of many. I recently joined the San Diego Press Club (one of the nation’s largest), and received the 2015 First Place Excellence in Journalism Award for “Television Same Day News Feature.” And as this is a career measured by achievements and networking, I consider my membership a valuable one.

Having been in this business for over 20 years, what changes have you seen and how have you adjusted to those changes?

The biggest changes involve the Internet. Granted, research via the Internet is light years from those days when a day at the library was an integral part of writing a piece. And if I forget to ask a question of an Italian winemaker when in Tuscany, I simply email my request, as opposed to yesteryear’s necessity of a pricey (typically ill-timed) international phone call.

That said, the Internet and social media have modified this profession to one in which everyone who travels, has an iPhone and expresses an opinion is considered a travel journalist. It’s the only industry of which I am aware whose pay over the years has steadily decreased (many times to nothing)

You’ve been to all seven continents and to countless destinations, what are you three favorites and why?

Antarctica – It’s the continent most do not have the opportunity to visit, thus, the one I most wanted to see. And once there, you truly feel you are at the bottom of the world (which, of course, you are).

Burma (also known as Myanmar) – Because of its military presence, the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi (until a couple of months before my visit in 2011) and its virtual isolation from the rest of the world, it was an unblemished, authentic travel destination. The biggest perk was that in spite of the oppression, the people were warm, welcoming and genuine.

Anywhere in Europe – At heart, I’m a romantic. I love cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, quaint villages – everything that is Europe. And I especially love the diversity from country to country. I try not to go to a destination again and again because it means that there is a new destination to which I will never go; but my ‘forever’ exception is anywhere in Europe.

Cynthia Dial is a seasoned travel writer, author, presenter and teacher. Among her outlets are TIME magazine, Hemispheres, Costco Connection, Shape and the Toronto Star, for whom she wrote the column, Shopping Trips; as well as online outlets including JustLuxe.com and TravelSquire.com. She also authored the book, Get Your Travel Writing Published (McGraw-Hill is the US/Canada distributor), hosted the No Passport Required show on World Talk Radio and frequently appears on television as a travel specialist. To learn more about Cynthia, visit www.travelwritingbycynthiadial.com and follow her on Twitter.

#book publishing  #freelancewriting #travelauthors #travelwriters # travelwriting #TravelWriting2.0 #writerinterviews #writingadvice #writingteachers

Terri Marshall is a freelance travel writer, editor and blogger. Happiest when she's globetrotting, Terri has covered destinations all over the USA, Europe, into Central and South America and to Antarctica. Favorite adventures include crocodile tagging in Belize, reindeer driving in Norway, and hanging out with penguins in Antarctica. Keep up with her adventures on her website at www.trippingwithterri.com join her on Facebook and Twitter or email her at terri [at] trippingwithterri.com.

Message to Brussels, Belgium

To Belgium, with sadness and sympathy.

Photo by Cynthia Dial

#brussels #belgium #prayforbrussels #prayforbruxelles #solidarity

Travel Quote

"I only travel on days ending in 'y.'

#travel #travelquote #travelingcynthia

Where, oh where, in the world is this?

Photo by Cynthia Dial

The Desire to Travel is Genetic

Excerpted from Nomadic Matt

Last year, I read an interesting article that said the desire to travel is genetic. While there’s no actual travel gene, there is a risk gene that most travelers tend to have. That makes sense to me. I think we are risk takers. Instead of just saying “I wish...”, we say “I will...”. 

Cynthia Dial 

Another Gypsy Soul

Travel may not be for everyone but I think what separates us doers from dreamers is that we’re willing to risk it all to make our dream of travel happen. The desire to do so comes from deep within our soul. We want to see the world and nothing is going to get in our way.

 

I've always felt I was a wanderer. I have friends and family love to travel and take vacations but not like me. I have a gypsy soul.

 

And science proves it.

Sincerely,

Nomadic Matt

#travel #traveltips #travelgene #travelingcynthia

World's Top Quality-of-Life Cities

Excerpted from DailyMail.com

New York, Paris and London might dominate when it comes to fashion, nightlife and entertainment. But it is a more low-key city that has been crowned the best place in the world to live. 

The Austrian capital of Vienna beat 229 other cities to take the title in the 18th Mercer Quality of Life survey.

Vienna, Austria

Photo by Cynthia Dial

It was followed by Zurich, Switzerland in second place and the New Zealand capital of Auckland in third.

Access to healthcare, quality of education, housing and environmental factors are all taken into consideration by the team at Mercer, one of the world's largest HR consultancy firms.

The results of the study, the most comprehensive of its kind, are used by international corporations to assess how safe it is to send their employees to a given city. 

  

Seven of the top 10 places with the best quality of life were in Europe, and nearly half of them were in Germany. Munich, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt ranked at four, six and seven respectively. 

The Danish capital of Copenhagen, which was recently named one of the happiest places in the world to live, came in ninth place. 

Despite its high cost of living, Geneva, also made the list, coming in at number eight. Residents of the Swiss city, among the richest in the world, enjoy high standards of education and low crime rates. 

Sydney, Australia, was named the 10th most desirable place to live. Its stunning natural environment, beautiful weather and thriving cultural scene all work in its favor. 

Vancouver, Canada, one of the country’s most diverse cities, was came in fifth place. 

But British cities have failed to make an impact on the list this year, with London the highest place at 39. The only other English city to make the cut is Birmingham at number 53.

Scotland fares slightly better with three cities - Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen - ranked at 46, 55 and 59, respectively. Belfast was ranked in 64th place.

One place where safety has become a more pressing issue over the last year is Paris, where a string of high-profile terror strikes causing the French capital to fall 10 places to 37th. 

Crime and personal safety are also factors that keep many US cities out of the top spots, with none of them managing to break the top 20. 

San Francisco is the highest ranking at 28, followed by Boston at 34 and the Hawaiian city of Honolulu at 35. Chicago and New York City come in at 43 and 44 respectively. 

Bottom line: Vienna is the best city in the world to live in, while London, Paris and New York don't make top 35 as German-speaking cities dominate quality of life rankings.

COMPLETE LIST OF THE BEST (AND WORST) CITIES IN THE WORLD TO LIVE

1 Vienna, Austria

2 Zurich, Switzerland

3 Auckland, New Zealand

4 Munich, Germany

5 Vancouver, Canada

6 Dusseldorf, Germany

7 Frankfurt, Germany

8 Geneva, Switzerland

9 Copenhagen, Denmark

10 Sydney, Australia

11 Amsterdam, Netherlands

12 Wellington, New Zealand

13 Berlin, Germany

14 Bern, Switzerland

15 Toronto, Canada

16 Melbourne, Australia

17 Ottawa, Canada

18 Hamburg, Germany

19 Luxembourg, Luxembourg

20 Stockholm, Sweden

21 Brussels, Belgium

22 Perth, Australia

23 Montreal, Canada

24 Stuttgart, Germany

25 Nurnberg, Germany

26 Singapore, Singapore

27 Adelaide, Australia

28 San Francisco, United States

29 Canberra, Australia

30 Helsinki, Finland

31 Oslo, Norway

32 Calgary, Canada

33 Dublin, Ireland

34 Boston, United States

35 Honolulu, United States

36 Brisbane, Australia

37 Paris, France

38 Lyon, France

39 Barcelona, Spain

39 London, United Kingdom

41 Milan, Italy

42 Lisbon, Portugal

43 Chicago, United States

44 New York City, United States

44 Tokyo, Japan

46 Edinburgh, United Kingdom

46 Kobe, Japan

46 Seattle, United States

49 Los Angeles, United States

49 Yokohama, Japan

51 Washington, United States

52 Madrid, Spain

53 Birmingham, United Kingdom

53 Rome, Italy

55 Glasgow, United Kingdom

56 Pittsburgh, United States

57 Philadelphia, United States

58 Osaka, Japan

59 Aberdeen, United Kingdom

60 Leipzig, Germany

61 Minneapolis, United States

62 Nagoya, Japan

63 Dallas, United States

64 Belfast, United Kingdom

65 Houston, United States

66 Miami, United States

67 Atlanta, United States

68 St. Louis, United States

69 Prague, Czech Republic

70 Detroit, United States

70 Hong Kong

72 Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe

73 Seoul, South Korea

74 San Juan, Puerto Rico

75 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

76 Ljubljana, Slovenia

77 Budapest, Hungary

78 Montevideo, Uruguay

79 Vilnius, Lithuania

79 Warsaw, Poland

81 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

82 Bratislava, Slovakia

83 Port Louis, Mauritius

84 Taipei, Taiwan

85 Durban, South Africa

86 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

87 Athens, Greece

88 Limassol, Cyprus

89 Tallinn, Estonia

90 Riga, Latvia

91 Busan, South Korea

92 Cape Town, South Africa

93 Buenos Aires, Argentina

94 Santiago, Chile

95 Johannesburg, South Africa

96 Panama City, Panama

97 Victoria, Seychelles

98 Zagreb, Croatia

99 Wroclaw, Poland

100 Taichung, Taiwan

101 Shanghai, China

102 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

103 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

104 Tel Aviv, Israel

105 San Jose, Costa Rica

106 Brasilia, Brazil

107 Muscat, Oman

108 Monterrey, Mexico

109 Bucharest, Romania

110 Doha, Qatar

111 Noumea, New Caledonia

112 Nassau, Bahamas

113 Tunis, Tunisia

114 Asuncion, Paraguay

115 Sofia, Bulgaria 

116 Rabat, Morocco

117 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

118 Beijing, China

119 Guangzhou, China

120 Amman, Jordan

121 Sao Paulo, Brazil

122 Istanbul, Turkey

123 Lima, Peru

124 Kuwait City, Kuwait

125 Manaus, Brazil

126 Casablanca, Morocco

127 Mexico City, Mexico

128 Quito, Ecuador

129 Bangkok, Thailand

130 Bogota, Colombia

131 Windhoek, Namibia

132 Colombo, Sri Lanka

133 Manama, Bahrain

134 Chengdu, China

135 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

136 Manila, Philippines

137 Nanjing, China

137 Shenzhen, China

139 Hyderabad, India

139 Xi'an, China

141 Belgrade, Serbia

142 Jakarta, Indonesia

142 Gaborone, Botswana

144 Pune, India

145 Bangalore, India

146 Chongqing, China

147 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

147 Qingdao, China

149 Lusaka, Zambia

150 Chennai, India

151 Kingston, Jamaica

152 Guatemala City, Guatemala

152 Mumbai, India

152 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

155 Hanoi, Vietnam

156 La Paz, Bolivia

157 Shenyang, China

158 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

159 Skopje, Macedonia

160 Kolkata, India

161 New Delhi, India

162 Dakar, Senegal

163 Libreville, Gabon

164 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

165 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

166 Accra, Ghana

167 Moscow, Russia

168 Jilin, China

169 Kampala, Uganda

170 Vientiane, Laos

171 Cairo, Egypt

172 Managua, Nicaragua

173 San Salvador, El Salvador

174 Saint Petersburg, Russia

175 Blantyre, Malawi

176 Almaty, Kazakhstan

176 Kiev, Ukraine

 178 Maputo, Mozambique

179 Tirana, Albania

180 Beirut, Lebanon

181 Cotonou, Benin

182 Yerevan, Armenia

183 Banjul, Gambia

184 Nairobi, Kenya

185 Caracas, Venezuela

186 Tegucigalpa, Honduras

187 Algiers, Algeria

188 Tbilisi, Georgia

189 Djibouti, Djibouti

190 Minsk, Belarus

191 Kigali, Rwanda

191 Havana, Cuba

193 Islamabad, Pakistan

194 Yaounde, Cameroon

195 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

196 Douala, Cameroon

197 Baku, Azerbaijan

198 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

199 Lahore, Pakistan

199 Luanda, Angola

201 Yangon, Myanmar

202 Karachi, Pakistan

203 Tehran, Iran

204 Lome, Togo

205 Tashkent, Uzbekistan

206 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

207 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

208 Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan

209 Harare, Zimbabwe

210 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

211 Lagos, Nigeria

212 Abuja, Nigeria

212 Dushanbe, Tajikistan

214 Dhaka, Bangladesh

215 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

216 Tripoli, Libya

217 Niamey, Niger

218 Antananarivo, Madagascar

219 Bamako, Mali

220 Nouakchott, Mauritania

221 Conakry, Guinea

222 Kinshasa, Congo, Democratic Republic of

223 Brazzaville, Congo, Republic of

224 Damascus, Syria

225 N'Djamena, Chad

226 Khartoum, Sudan

227 Port-au-Prince, Haiti

228 Sana'a, Yemen

229 Bangui, Central African Republic

230 Baghdad, Iraq