City travelers, we are thrilled to introduce you to our new interview series with world’s leading travel bloggers. Throughout the year, selected travel experts will share their favorite city destination and travel experiences, offering plenty of inspiration for your next city trip.
In this first interview, meet Paul Johnson, editor of A Luxury Travel Blog. Up and running since 2005, A Luxury Travel Blog has become the place to go for information on high-end, premium travel experiences, and is one of the most popular and influential travel blogs worldwide.
Paul, your best city trip so far?
It’s hard to pick one favourite but one of my most recent that I enjoyed was Tokyo. It was my first time in Japan and there was a wonderful charm about the place – the politeness of the people and respect for one another, fascinating culture, superb food… my time there was brief but I enjoyed what I saw and would love to return before too long to explore more.
Your tips for city travelers heading the same way?
I would definitely recommend visiting the Tsukiji fish market – the largest fish market in the world. It’s due to be re-located soon, ahead of the 2020 Olympics, so be quick if you still want to see it still in its current location!
As a professional travel blogger, what makes a city worth visiting?
The same things as any other traveller, I’d imagine! For me personally – and as someone who is perhaps more at home in the countryside than in a big city – I like cities with plenty of green spaces. I recently returned from Singapore and one of the highlights of my time there was the Gardens by the Bay – a wonderful green space right next to the hub of the city. I like to have places that I can escape to when I’m in a city.
Your five ingredients for the perfect city trip?
- Character
- Plenty to see and do
- Great food and drink
- Comfortable accommodation
- Friendly atmosphere
Which apps are essential companions for a modern city traveller?
Google Maps is invariably a must for me, and Google Translate if I don’t know the language. I also like to seek out relevant city guides and public transport apps whenever I’m visiting somewhere unfamiliar.
Would you describe yourself as a responsible traveler? Why?
There are often misconceptions surrounding luxury and responsible travel. Luxury travel need not be environmentally unfriendly and, in fact, this commonly-perceived notion often couldn’t be further from the truth. I try to do my bit and am conscious of my impact when travelling. At the same time, I am aware that there is always more that can be done to minimise that impact.
Thanks, Paul.
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