“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” — Martin Buber
#1 So Shanghai Disneyland is Already Trashed
Who: China tourists.
Where: The newly opened Shanghai Disneyland.
What: In just a week since its opening, the media has already slammed “uncivilised visitors” for bad behaviour. According to reports and social media, visitors were cutting in lines, littering and vandalising park property. One mum even let her kid to a very dirty deed in public (that’s all we’re saying). This news doesn’t really surprise everyone… remember when the Chinese government planned to ban rowdy airplane passengers?
#2 Work With Netflix, Travel and Eat
Who: Netflix; the folks that keep us up at night (yes, we’re still watching).
Where: Destinations like Brazil, Thailand and Mexico.
What: Fancy yourself an amateur food photographer? Then instead of paying to travel, feast and Instagram all about it, get yourself a new day job at Netflix. Season 2 of their show Chef’s Table is set to start production once they find the perfect Instagrammer to globetrot and take pictures of chefs at work. It’s not too good to be true at all — the job is only open to residents of Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India and the rest of Southeast Asia. You can apply by following @NetflixAsia and adding the hashtag #mychefstable to your best food shot. The deadline is 27 June!
#3 Walk on Water in Italy
Who: The artsy nomads.
Where: Lago d’Iseo in Northern Italy.
What: For two weeks the lake’s piers will feature a walkway so (very lucky) visitors can walk along some of the world’s best views. The installation is the work of artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude who confess that they’ve been planning it since the 70s. Some 220,000 high-density polyethylene cubes create what looks like a yellow brick road, but wrapped in yellow nylon, the piers glisten and sway with the sparkling blue waters. “There are no tickets, no openings, no reservations and no owners. The Floating Piers are an extension of the street and belong to everyone,” said Christo.
#4 Next Stop: The IKEA Museum!
Who: Interior design fans and anyone with a passion for (arguably) the world’s best meatballs.
Where: The IKEA Museum housed in the original store in Älmhult, Sweden.
What: Here’s a fun fact — IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just a teen. With catalogues of furniture we can’t pronounce, the displays will showcase all the brand’s most iconic makes and fun extras from Kamprad’s entrepreneurial start (he’s now a billionaire, by the way). And of course, no trip to IKEA is complete without its meatballs. But before you call it a day, stop by the kitchen display to shoot your own front cover.
#5 What’s New, Portugal?
Who: Global travellers looking for elegance, luxury, privacy and understatement.
Where: Six Senses Douro Valley in Lamego.
What: The manor is set high on a hill overlooking the vine covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the river below. or the ultimate in privacy and luxury, you’ll want to book out the specialty villas – an idyllic setting for romantic getaways or longer stays, featuring a loft bedroom, living room with integrated kitchen, a dining room plus a private pool and garden. Make a stop at the Wine Library before you check-out.
How’s the second half of your year looking?
