Missouri, the birthplace of Route 66, offers exciting cities, unspoilt nature, and fantastic wines. Colonel Saab restaurant provides sublime Indian cuisine inspired by an Indian army officer's travels. The Umu Japanese gourmet experience offers a compelling learning curve beyond typical sushi outings. Dusseldorf's charming old town is highlighted, and the high-altitude Austrian gem, Ischgl, remains action-packed even when other places have packed up for the summer. Additionally, the article lists countries with varying passport validity requirements, ranging from one day to 180 days.

Rovos Rail, founded by Rohan Vos, is celebrated for its luxurious train journeys across Africa, particularly the Pride of Africa. The company, which started with just four passengers in 1989, now operates multiple journeys annually with a significant increase in passenger numbers and staff. A pivotal moment in its history was an advertisement in The Sunday Telegraph, which led to a surge in bookings and saved the company from financial ruin. The article highlights the family-run nature of the business, the luxurious amenities on board, and the challenges of train travel in Africa. Vos continues to innovate, with plans for a new trans-African train journey.

The article recounts the author's experience aboard the Shongololo Express, a luxury train operated by Rovos Rail, on a Southern Cross journey through Southern Africa. Despite a rainy start in the Kruger National Park, the trip is filled with wildlife sightings. The train, marketed as a more affordable three-star option compared to Rovos' usual five-star offerings, has been refurbished and offers comfortable accommodations and quality dining. The journey includes various day trips and highlights such as rhino tracking, visiting bushman rock paintings, and a sunset cruise at Victoria Falls. The author traveled with East Cape Tours and provides information on how to book similar experiences, with prices starting from £3,115 per person.

Carpet remains a popular choice for bedrooms and stairs due to its softness, noise reduction, and insulation properties. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality carpet underlay to enhance the carpet's performance and longevity. It provides a guide to the best carpet underlays available in 2023, including recommendations for different needs and budgets. The article also explains the significance of tog ratings, underlay thickness, and the materials used in carpet underlays, such as foam, sponge rubber, crumb rubber, wool felt, and combination felt and rubber.

Choosing the right carpet for stairs is crucial due to the high traffic and potential wear and tear. The article provides a buying guide and reviews the best carpets for stairs in 2023, including options from Carpetright, Flooring Superstore, Runrug, and MBIGM. It discusses the importance of material, durability, color, and professional fitting. The reviewed products include the Pentle Fine Boucle Sisal Carpet, Sevenoaks in Dawn Glow, Highlands Trent, Strike Black Stair Runners, and MBIGM Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads, each with specific benefits such as durability, comfort, and safety.

The article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best paint for skirting boards in 2023, emphasizing the importance of ease of application, durability, and maintaining color over time. It discusses various types of paint finishes, including gloss, satin, and eggshell, and the pros and cons of oil-based versus water-based paints. The Rust-Oleum Universal Paint is highlighted as the best quick-drying oil-based gloss paint, noted for its durability and smooth finish.

Olivia Greenway shares her journey into copywriting, emphasizing her background in journalism and her passion for helping startups. She discusses her disdain for certain client behaviors and website features, and offers career advice based on her experiences. Greenway values the support of like-minded groups like ProCopywriters and believes in the importance of being true to oneself and helping others in the industry.

The Children's Railway in Budapest, largely run by children aged 10 to 14, has been a beloved institution for generations. Originally established by the Hungarian Communist Party, it continues to operate due to the children's enthusiasm. The railway offers a nostalgic journey through the forest, with young staff members like Bence and Levi demonstrating dedication and professionalism. The article highlights the historical context, the children's training, and the unique experience of riding the railway.

The ITC Maurya in New Delhi, named after an ancient Indian dynasty, is a luxury hotel known for its environmentally friendly policies and high-end services. Located in the Diplomatic Enclave, it is a preferred choice for visiting dignitaries. The hotel features a large garden pool, a spa, and several restaurants, including the world-famous Bukhara. It was the first hotel to receive Platinum status from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design council. The hotel offers various amenities, including a ladies-only floor and family-friendly services.

The ITC Windsor in Bangalore, built in Palladian style around a 90-year-old rain tree, offers discreet luxury with a focus on eco-friendly practices. The hotel features a modern Tower Wing for business travelers and a traditional Manor Wing. Highlights include a charming musical lamp lighting ceremony, a pool with two restaurants, the Kaya Kalp spa, and five restaurants and bars, including the renowned Royal Afghan and award-winning Dakshin. The service is highly praised, and the hotel provides special amenities for lone female guests on the Eva Floor.

The Lalit New Delhi offers a diverse culinary experience with four restaurants, including Boulangerie for adventurous breakfasts, Baluchi for exceptional north Indian cuisine, Woks for pan Asian dishes, and The Grill Room for Italian and European specialties. The Bar provides 24-hour cocktail service, enhancing the hotel's appeal.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru, despite being somewhat distant from the international airport, benefits from proximity to the new Metro and offers luxurious amenities. The hotel features lush gardens, a large pool, a yoga pavilion, and a spa. Guest rooms are well-appointed with high-quality furnishings and exceptional housekeeping. The hotel's restaurants and bars, including the award-winning Jamavar and Zen, provide exemplary dining experiences. The service is highly praised, with staff anticipating guests' needs.

Shreyas Yoga Retreat in India offers a blend of simple luxury and tranquility, attracting solo travelers and those seeking peace. The retreat is well-maintained by a dedicated staff and features amenities such as yoga studios, a spa, an infinity pool, and an organic kitchen garden. Accommodations include garden and poolside cottages, all with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. The vegetarian gourmet food is freshly prepared, with a daily changing set menu, and guests often report weight loss without effort.

The Sheraton New Delhi offers excellent service and amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa, salon, and gym. The hotel is noted for its exceptional buffet breakfast at the Delhi Pavilion and its diverse Indian cuisine. The multi-award-winning Dakshin restaurant and the Pan Asian restaurant are highlighted for their superb offerings.

Hyatt Regency Delhi offers extensive business and social meeting spaces, a large pool, spa, and salon services. The hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities and international power points. Higher category rooms have access to the Regency Club lounge with exclusive benefits. Dining options include the 24/7 Café, award-winning China Garden, Italian restaurant La Piazza, and Asian cuisine at TK’s, each praised for their unique offerings and quality.

The JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity offers exceptional services including a 24/7 spa, a well-equipped gym, and a T-shaped outdoor pool. Rooms are spacious and well-designed with luxurious bathrooms. Dining options include the 24/7 K3 restaurant with Indian, Asian, and Italian cuisines, and the acclaimed Akira Back Japanese Korean fusion restaurant. The Delhi Baking Company coffee shop provides quality Lavazza coffee and homemade chocolates.

The Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, located in the Lutyens’ diplomatic quarter, offers a blend of colonial charm and modern luxury. The hotel features impressive interiors, exceptional housekeeping, and a variety of amenities including a large pool, spa, and six restaurants. Notable dining options include the award-winning Varq, House of Ming, and Wasabi by Morimoto. While the guest rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, they lack a distinctive wow factor. Overall, the hotel is highly praised for its services, amenities, and prime location.

Afternoon tea, a quintessentially British tradition, originated in the 17th century and became popular in the 19th century due to cheaper tea from India and Sri Lanka. Anna, Duchess of Bedford, popularized the practice in 1841 by serving tea with light finger food. Smart London hotels began serving afternoon tea in the 1850s, a tradition that continues today. The article provides detailed guidelines on how to properly enjoy afternoon tea, emphasizing the use of loose tea leaves, fine bone china, and traditional British cakes and scones. It also offers practical tips for enjoying afternoon tea, such as booking in advance and considering it as an alternative to an early supper before the theatre.

The article reviews five luxury hotels in London known for their afternoon tea offerings: The Goring, Brown's Hotel, The Savoy, The Lanesborough, and The Milestone. Each hotel is praised for its unique atmosphere, attentive service, and high-quality food and tea selections. The Goring is noted for its elegant and adult-only setting, Brown's Hotel for its cosy and refined ambiance, The Savoy for its lovely and busy environment, The Lanesborough for its design triumph and attentive service, and The Milestone for its friendly and relaxing vibe. All hotels cater to various dietary requirements upon request.

A self-drive trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland offers a luxurious experience with visits to various high-end hotels and castles. Starting in Dublin, the journey covers scenic routes and notable accommodations such as The Westbury, The Kildare Hotel, and Ashford Castle. Highlights include whiskey tasting, golf courses, and award-winning spas. The trip concludes in Belfast, showcasing the city's Victorian charm and modern amenities.

Switzerland, known for its beauty and high costs, offers some of the world's most luxurious ski hotels. Gstaad's The Alpina impresses with its design and amenities, while Zermatt's Mont Cervin Palace provides convenience and excellent facilities. Riffelalp Resort offers a unique, private experience, and St Moritz's Suvretta House and Kulm Hotel boast ski-in/ski-out access and rich histories. Arosa's Tschuggen Grand stands out with its picturesque setting and extensive spa. Each hotel offers unique features and high-end amenities, catering to discerning skiers seeking luxury.

French alpine skiing offers a combination of world-class skiing and fine dining. Courchevel 1850, Chamonix, Megeve, and Val Thorens are highlighted for their unique features and luxury accommodations. Le K2 Hotel in Courchevel 1850 stands out for its modern Asian styling and amenities, while Les Airelles offers a charming alpine chalet experience. Le Chabichou is noted for its friendly ambience and excellent dining options. Hotel Mont-Blanc in Chamonix provides a blend of belle époque style and modern amenities. Les Fermes de Marie in Megeve features sumptuous guest rooms and a superb spa. Altapura in Val Thorens appeals to serious skiers with its modern design and extensive amenities.

The article recounts the author's experience sailing in the British Virgin Islands as part of a Sunsail flotilla. Despite being a novice sailor, the author describes the challenges and joys of sailing from island to island, enjoying the scenery, and meeting fellow travelers. The narrative includes moments of difficulty, such as losing a boat hook, as well as highlights like enjoying local cuisine and cocktails. The author concludes that one does not need to be wealthy or an expert sailor to enjoy the British Virgin Islands, appreciating the balance of activity and relaxation the trip offers.