Travelore Tips: Malta To Sell EU Passports

Philippe Wojazer/AFP/Getty

Want to quickly become a European Union citizen? In a move set to make millions of euros for the small nation, Malta plans to sell 1,800 passports for around $880,000 a pop to prospective citizens. Each applicant can also buy less expensive passports for children up to age 26, a spouse, and the couple's parents and grandparents. The new passport holders will be able to travel and work in all 28 EU states, a point that has caused concern in member countries. The European Union will hold a debate on the plan during the first plenary session this year

Travelore Tips: Where To Eat In Madrid

The dining scene in Madrid is often overshadowed by those found in the Catalonia and Basque regions, with their smattering of Michelin-starred restaurants. But the country's capital is finally starting to rack up its own culinary accolades. In addition to the ubiquitous tapas joints that we know and love, chefs in Madrid are busily crafting world-class dining experiences (including the city's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant), while food markets are emerging as the new late-night hot spots. Here are five foodie pilgrimage points to sniff out on your next Madrid vacation.

1. EL TIGRE

For the quintessential Madrid tapas experience, head straight for El Tigre, in the heart of the Chueca district. Beloved by both locals and tourist alike, the eatery combines super-cheap prices with abundant free tapas served alongside each beverage. Whether you order up a Coke, wine, or beer, you're ensured that a busy waiter will come bounding toward you, precariously balancing a tray of tapas on his shoulders, with treats like patatas bravas, croquetas, and Jamón ibérico.

2. LATERAL

When it comes to restaurants, sometimes it's simply location, location, location—and when the food also happens to be excellent, that's just a bonus! While the Lateral portfolio of restaurants includes six locations, the Santa Ana Lateral hovers above the rest thanks to its prime positioning on Plaza Santa Ana. In the summertime, the restaurant's terrace opens, and tables spill onto the plaza so that diners can enjoy the lively sights and sounds of downtown Madrid. Tapas at Lateral are refined yet approachable, and easy on the wallet, too. Try the pinchos degustación, a six-piece platter featuring some of the most requested tapas on the menu, like smoked salmon covered in melted brie, and chicken breast topped with sweet onion marmalade.

3. DIVERXO

No true foodie can leave Madrid without indulging at the city's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, DiverXo. After receiving the coveted honor on November 20, the waiting list for this unconventional fine-dining experience has jumped to a staggering six months—but we think it's worth the wait. Once a table is secured, diners can choose between a short (7 courses) and long (11 dishes) menu of Spanish-and-Asian fusion creations. Meals at DiverXo are an attack on the senses, where presentation, taste, and smell are literally changed mid-bite, as cooks run to and fro the kitchen to add ingredients to a diners' plates throughout their meal. Make your reservation now!

4. MERCADO SAN MIGUEL

Set just steps from Plaza Mayor and Restaurante Botín (the oldest restaurant in the world) is the city's culinary nerve center, Mercado San Miguel. Dating to 1916, the market was purchased by investors in 2003 and reopened in 2009 after a multiyear restoration. More than 30 specialty food and beverage vendors are set up under its vaulted roof, and during the day, the market is bustling with locals picking up salted cod from Casa del Bacalao or fresh pasta from Il Pastaio. In the evening, the mood shifts to reflect the storied nightlife of Madrid—impeccably dressed Spaniards enjoying smoked salmon tapas, oysters and champagne from Daniel Sorlut, and chocolate churros from Horno de San Onofre.

5. TABERNA TXAKOLINA

Calle Cava Baja in Madrid's La Latina neighborhood has become theplace for tapas among the young and fashionable crowd. For a taste of Basque country, try Taberna Txakolina, which specializes in the region's traditional pintxos, or, small, skewered snacks. You'll feel like you've just been dropped into Bilbao, as Taberna Txakolina features the typical quirks of a Basque bar—a walk-up-and-order counter, walls decorated with oars and pieces of wine crates, a large cowbell to signify when your order is up, and a menu of some 30 pintxos taunting you from behind glass shelves. We love the calabacin relleno de merluza, baked cod wrapped in thin, fried pieces of zucchini, skewered to sliced baguette.

Contributed by Shayla Martin

Marriott Opens New York City’s Tallest Hotel With A Courtyard And Residence Inn In One Building

Marriott International Inc., the owner of brands including Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance Hotels, is opening the tallest U.S. hotel building in New York as tourism in the city reaches a record.

The 68-story tower at the corner of Broadway and 54th Street houses a 378-room Courtyard hotel and a 261-room Residence Inn. The property reaches almost 753 feet (230 meters), making it the tallest hotel without accompanying offices or residential space in the U.S., said Kathleen Duffy, a spokeswoman for Marriott’s hotels in New York City. The two- tower Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, a mixed-use development with a Mandarin Oriental hotel, is 750 feet.

“I’m certain either one of them would have done fine on their own,” Marriott Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson said today at the opening of the two hotels. “But here you’ve got a great location, an A-plus location, with two distinct products that will appeal to two distinct kinds of stays.”

Marriott is opening the property as hotel demand in the city soars. New York had a record 54.3 million tourists last year, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Dec. 10. The city is likely to have 55 million visitors in 2014, said Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.

Marriott has about 100 hotels across the U.S. that offer as many as three Marriott brands within one property, and the company is looking for more opportunities to pursue such projects, Sorenson said.

Franchise Agreement

The New York hotel property, which began serving travelers on Dec. 29 and had its official opening today, cost $320 million to build. It’s operated under a franchise agreement between Marriott and builder Granite Broadway Development LLC, the property’s owner, and is managed by Arlington, Virginia-based Interstate Hotels & Resorts Inc.

Granite bought the land in 2001 for $32 million, when it had three “non-distinct buildings” with a restaurant, a pornography shop and a clothing store, CEO Harry Gross said at today’s event. New York-based Granite took several years to decide to build a hotel, after also considering a mixed-use project with a hotel at the bottom and residential condominiums in upper floors.

“But at the time, the condominium market went to pieces,” Gross said. “So therefore, seeing that, two hotels would make sense, especially if they catered to two different segments.”

Highest Occupancies

Hotel occupancies of 85 percent and average room rates of $254.32 last year through November in New York were the highest among the top 25 U.S. markets, according to data from Hendersonville, Tennessee-based STR. Occupancies were at a 13-year high in the city, according to the research company.

Occupancies at New York City hotels probably will decline slightly in the next two years as more hotels open, increasing competition, STR said. About 12,000 rooms will be added in 2014, bringing the city’s total to about 120,000 and causing occupancies to drop to 83 percent this year, the firm said.

Demand from events like the National Football League’s Super Bowl on Feb. 2 and an influx of business and leisure travelers throughout the year will help fill rooms, Duffy said.

“There is plenty of demand in this city for all of us,” she said.

Edition Sale

Marriott’s other properties in New York include an Edition hotel, part of a luxury boutique brand it’s been developing with hotelier Ian Schrager. The company in August announced the planned sale of the Manhattan development at Madison Square Park, expected to open in the first half of 2015, as well as an agreement to sell an Edition project in Miami Beach and a London location that opened in September. The company said today that it sold the London Edition, and the total purchase price for all three properties is expected to be about $815 million.

The Marriott property opening today will have a shared entrance and lobby on 54th Street for both its hotels. Courtyard rooms are on floors six through 33, and Residence Inn rooms are the 37th through 65th stories, with public areas on the levels in between the two hotels. The Courtyard hotel will target leisure and business travelers, while the Residence Inn rooms are geared toward longer-term customers, Duffy said.

Editors: Daniel Taub and Christine Maurus.

Contributed by : Nadja Brandt in Los Angeles at nbrandt@bloomberg.net; David M. Levitt in New York at dlevitt@bloomberg.net. To contact the editor responsible for this story: Kara Wetzel at kwetzel@bloomberg.net.

American Airlines And U.S. Airways Merge Loyalty Programs, Lounge Access, More

American Airlines and US Airways are wasting little time when it comes to coordinating their operations for customers. While the entire merger integration process, set to fall under the American Airlines name, will be a long one, the first benefits are rolling out less than a month after the merger formally closed. Starting today, passengers from each airline will see reciprocity with the other half of the company in many areas.

For frequent flyers looking to earn and redeem points, it's now possible to do so across both airlines, regardless of which loyalty account they're enrolled in. Members of the US Airways Dividend Miles program can earn and redeem on flights operated by American Airlines and American Eagle, while American's AAdvantage members can do the same for flights operated by US Airways and US Airways Express.

For frequent flyers that hold elite status in the programs, the benefits are even greater. Priority check-in, special security screening, and baggage handling services will now be offered to all elite members for both airlines. Some priority seating benefits will also be available, including access to the better seats in the economy-class cabin; upgrades to first class, however, will not be available for elites from the "other" program just yet. The two airlines handle such upgrades very differently and coordinating that integration will take more time.

Finally, for travelers who have paid memberships in the US Airways Club or the Admirals Club lounges, access to the other's facilities is now available. With 35 Admirals Club locations and 19 US Airways Club locations, the combined 54 lounges at 45 airports worldwide gives the merged operation the largest lounge footprint of any U.S.-based carrier in terms of unique airports served.

These initial changes are arguably the easiest for the new American Airlines to implement. They are also some of the most important changes in terms of keeping their frequent flyers, the travelers who make the most money for the company, happy as the merger progresses. There are more changes to come in the weeks and month to follow, but, at least for now, the new American is moving smoothly in the right direction.

Contributed by Seth Miller

Photo credits: American Airlines plane, Banol2007 | Dreamstime.com

Japan's Top 10 Culinary Locations

Contributed by Simon Richmond· 

Unesco recently added Japanese cuisine – known in Japan as washoku – to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This puts it equal to French cuisine, the only other national culinary tradition to be so honoured. A journey around Japan reveals the wisdom of Unesco’s decision: every corner of the country boasts something special to eat or drink. Join our tour of Japan’s top 10 gourmet destinations to discover the many flavours of washoku.

Tokyo

Tsukiji by Jonathan Lin. CC BY 2.0.

For at least a century before Japan’s capital snagged more Michelin restaurant guide stars than any other city in the world, Tokyo has been playing at the top of its food game. The dish that the world knows as sushi – tantalising cuts of raw fish draped across pads of vinegared rice – was invented here, where it's known as Edomae-zushi, after Edo, the old name for Tokyo. And where better to sample sushi than at the stalls within Tsukiji (www.tsukiji-market.or.jp). Hurry, though, as the famed fish market will move to a new location across Tokyo Bay in 2015.

Kyoto

Kaiseki-ryōri by Charlotte Marillet. CC BY 2.0.

A visit to Japan’s beguiling ancient capital isn’t complete until you’ve treated yourself to kaiseki-ryōri, a multi-course banquet of seasonal delicacies that’s a feast for the eyes; try it at the 400-year-old restaurant Nakamura-rō in Gion. You can also dig into a vegetarian version of the banquet, known as shojin-ryōri at Izusen (http://kyoto-izusen.com), which faces on to a serene garden in the temple Daiji-in. The subtle mixture of tastes and textures and the artistry of presentation will linger long after you’ve cleared the exquisite lacquerware and china bowls in which the food is served.

Ōsaka

Takoyaki by hirotomo t. CC BY 2.0.

Takoyaki - octopus balls - is probably not what Unesco had in mind when it honoured washoku. But these unpretentious globes of seafood and veggies bound in batter are as emblematic of Japanese cuisine as sushi and ramen, and Ōsaka is where the recipe hails from. The nation’s second largest city is also famed for okonomiyaki, a batter pancake topped with meat, squid, shredded vegetables and garnished with sweet brown sauce, mayonnaise, powdered seaweed and wafer thin flakes of dried tuna. Head to the Dōtombori area of this food-crazy city to try these dishes.

Hakodate

Heavy crab at Asa-ichi by Photocapy. CC BY 2.0.

Japan’s main northern island of Hokkaidō is a gourmet destination in its own right, famed for several different takes on the noodle dish ramen, as well as a lamb barbecue known as jingisukan (after Genghis Khan, a reference to the Mongolian-warrior-helmet-like shape of the convex table grill on which the meal is prepared). But it’s fish and seafood that is special here, particularly crab and salmon. At Hakodate’s atmospheric morning fish market, the Asa-ichi (www.hakodate-asaichi.com), spoil yourself with bowls of noodles or rice topped with cuts of super fresh seafood.

Nagoya

Hitsumabushi by hiratomo t. CC BY 2.0.

Unagi (grilled eel) is one of the most delicious of dishes in washoku’s repertoire, and Nagoya is the place to try it. Atsuta Hōraiken (www.houraiken.com) is the city’s most famous restaurant for hitsumabushi, in which savoury sauce-basted strips of eel are eaten in three different ways: first in the traditional style atop a bed of rice; second with a sprinkling of dried seaweed, spring onion and wasabi (horseradish) paste; and third mixed in with soup.

Matsumoto

Handmade soba noodles by t-mizo. CC BY 2.0.

Soba noodles made from buckwheat are the pride of Nagano prefecture. In the attractive castle town of Matsumoto there are several famed vendors, such as Nomugi, where the handmade noodles have such a reputation that customers line up early to make sure they get a serving before it shuts at 2pm or the shop sells out. More adventurous epicureans may want to sample basashi – thin slices of raw horsemeat – served at Kura (www.mcci.or.jp/www/kura), a restaurant in a replica of a traditional storehouse.

Takamatsu

Breakfast at Sumiyoshi ryokan by Andrea Schaffer. CC BY 2.0.

Another Central Japan destination favoured by foodies is this appealing town known for its sake breweries. Sansai-ryōri – dishes made from local mountain vegetables, ferns and wild plants – are among the meals to try along with hoba miso – vegetables or beef mixed with miso paste and roasted on a magnolia leaf above a small charcoal brazier. These dishes are served at the family-run Suzuya, which also specialises in the premium local beef Hida-gyū.

Fukuoka

Late-night street snack by Richard West. CC BY 2.0.

Fugu (blowfish) is one of the speciality foods of the main city of the southern island of Kyūshū – the potentially poisonous fish is best sampled during the winter. But great at any time of year is a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen, a rich pork broth noodle dish also known as Hakata ramen. The best places to slurp these nourishing noodles are atyatai; these street stalls are dotted all over Fukuoka, but the greatest concentration is at the intersection of Tenjin Nishi-dōri and Shōwa-dōri on Nakasu Island.

Takamatsu

Udon by Takuma Kimura. CC BY 2.0.

Sanuki udon – chunky white wheat noodles – are associated with this city on the north coast of Shikoku, Japan’s fourth main island. They are traditionally served plain to be dipped in a separate flask of stock that you can flavour with condiments such as wasabi. A great place to try them is Waraya, a restaurant set in a thatched-roof farmhouse, a short journey outside Takamatsu, next to Shikoku Mura, a park of traditional architecture.

Naha

Makishi Market, Naha, by Hideyuki Kamon. CC BY 2.0.

The far southern islands of Okinawa prefecture are home to Japan’s highest percentage of centenarians, testament in part to the health properties of the local Ryūkū-ryōri cuisine. All part of the pig are used in cooking here, from tibichi (trotters) to mimi (ears) and, as you’d expect, seafood is also key to culinary mix. Tuck into dishes made from these ingredients at the stalls above the lively food market Dai-Ichi Kōsetsu Makishi Ichiba in the Okinawan capital of Naha.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/asia/travel-tips-and-articles/japans-top-10-culinary-locations#ixzz2pe2sSB7v

Tokyo's Luckiest Shrine For 2014

Lucky Japanese symbols greet visitors at the shrine's entrance.

Japanese are in love with luck. Lucky charms, lucky days, lucky directions, lucky colors. Tokyo's colorful Asakusa district is just about the luckiest place in town, with shrines and temples to the Seven Gods of Good Fortune all within walking distance.

Otori Jinja Shinto Shrine on the outskirts of Askausa draws huge crowds of luck-seekers all year long. They come to pray to Jurojin, one of the lucky seven, and to touch the shrine's famous Nade Okame (mask you rub).

Tori gate at Otori Jinja.

Even before you walk through the bright red torii gates, the priests have gathered dozens of auspicious symbols displayed on a giant Kuma no De (bear paw rake). Every November, the large shrine hosts a famous festival for these traditional ornaments Japanese hang in homes and businesses to "rake in" all things bright and bountiful. 

Jurojin, God of Wisdom and Longevity.

Japanese love their seven lucky gods and they turn up everywhere, often gathered together on a takara bune, treasure ship, helping believers sail off into a brighter future. Preferably with hedge funds. They made their way individually from India and China along the Hindu/Buddhist trail with one Japanese Shinto kami (god/spirit) thrown in for good measure. The importance of praying to Jurojin, the God of Wisdom and Longevity, is to ensure you get a nice, long run to your luck!

The most famous symbol for Otori Jinja is the giant smiling maiden's face carved from a block of cedar. The Nade Okame (mask you rub) is a vital part of Otori Jinja's lucky reputation. She beams at all who make their way up the ramp to the offering box in front of the altar.

It's a two step process for getting Otori's good luck to rub off on you, so pay attention.

Drop some coins in the offering box and ring the bell. Clap your hands twice, bow twice, make your wish -- which flies on a heavenly flight path to Jurojin -- and bow once more.

Otori's lucky mask brings crowds of fortune seekers all year long.

Now, rub the Nade Okame mask's eyes to become more insightful, her forehead to become clever, her nose for money luck; her right cheek to find your soul mate, left cheek to become healthy, her mouth to protect from bad luck. Lastly, starting from her chin, run your hand around her face in a clockwise motion to make your life go smoothly!

As you look around the inner altar, you'll see many beautiful shrine treasures just beyond the maiden mask, but no statue of Jurojin. In fact, except for the 300 yen good luck charm on sale, his symbol is almost no where to be found.

"How will my prayers to Jurojin be heard when I can't see him?" I asked one of the priests.

"Have faith," he answered.

Oh. Right.

Access: Ten minutes from Iriya Station, Hibiya Metro line. Exit 4. At the top of the stairs, go straight ahead to the next traffic signal. Right at the intersection, then straight for two lights. Otori Jinja is at the big intersection in front of you. Wheelchair accessible. Coming from Asakusa Station? Take a taxi. English website. The Japanese website has lots of pictures, and is fun to scroll through.

Contributed by Gail Nakada.

River Cruising: What's New In 2014

The art of riving cruising has evolved in surprising ways over the past few years and 2014 promises to bring even more pivotal changes. Cruise companies like Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, and A-ROSA have launched and will continue to christen a new generation of river cruisers, while many ships have been purpose-built to ply more unusual rivers like the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and Africa's Chobe. Itineraries have received an exciting overhaul, too (read up on some of our favorites in 10 Best New Cruise Itineraries for 2014).

Perhaps most importantly, though, cruise lines have meticulously researched what travelers want these days and have implemented new technologies and levels of service aboard their ships. Free Internet? They've got it. All-inclusive cruise fares? Check. Waived single supplements? Of course. Riving cruising in 2014 will entice a new generation of travelers to explore the many mighty waterways of the world. Here's a look at what's especially new and noteworthy across the board.

NEW SHIPS AND ITINERARIES

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises' hallmark is its line of new Longships, 14 of which will launch in 2014. That means by the time 2014 comes to a close, Viking will have debuted a total of 30 riverboats over the last three years. That certainly speaks to the increasing popularity of this type of cruise vacation. Viking's 14 new Longships will sail the company's most popular European itineraries like the "Grand European Tour" (fromAmsterdam to Budapest), "Cities of Light" (Paris to Prague), and "Heart of Germany" (from Nuremberg to Frankfurt).

So, what's so special about Longships? To start, they offer spacious accommodations trimmed by an assortment of verandahs and balconies. The ships were also designed with "green" in mind: Hybrid engines, solar panels, and an organic herb garden on the sundeck are a few features green-minded travelers appreciate.

In terms of new itineraries, Viking River Cruises is adding two ships to sail Myanmar's Irrawaddy: Viking Mandalay and Viking Sagaing. Both will offer a 16-day Bangkok-to-Bangkok "Memories of Mandalay" itinerary.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways will also launch a trio of its signature suite ships next year: Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Illumination, and Avalon Impression. The ships—with staterooms offering unique open-air balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors—will sail a variety of European itineraries, including Paris to Prague, Paris to Budapest, an Amsterdam round-trip, Paris to Amsterdam, and Prague to Budapest.

AmaWaterways

The 164-passenger AmaSonata and AmaReina—sister ships to the popular AmaCerto—make their debut in Europe in April 2014. Both ships offer a variety of dining venues, a heated pool with a swim-up bar (not often seen on river ships), and unique staterooms with twin balconies and free in-room Internet. All AmaWaterways ships offer complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at both lunch and dinner. The vessels will sail popular European itineraries along the Danube and Rhine rivers. On the other side of the world, the 56-guest AmaPura will launch its itineraries along Myanmar's Irrawaddy River in November 2014.

A-ROSA

This relative newcomer to river cruising in Europe, A-ROSA's 186-passenger A-ROSA Flora will sail its inaugural season on the Rhine in 2014.

Uniworld

Finally, Uniworld's super-ship Catherine debuts in France and will sail the Rhone and Saone rivers through Burgundy and Provence. She'll accommodate 159 passengers across three decks.

In addition to a new ship, Uniworld is also rolling out all-inclusive cruise fares for its European fleet in 2014. The fare includes all gratuities, plus unlimited wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water.

In terms of new itineraries, Uniworld is featuring Bordeaux, France, with its 8-day "Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux" and 15-day "A Portrait of Majestic France" itineraries. Both journeys include passage along the three rivers of Aquitaine: the Garonne, the Gironde, and the Dordogne.

WAIVED SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS

Several river cruise companies are also waiving single supplements on select itineraries in Europe and Southeast Asia in 2014, includingAmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways. AmaWaterways also offers six ships in its European fleet with dedicated single berths.

Contributed by Andrea M. Rotondo. 

Photo credits: Courtesy of Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Uniworld