100 Unexpectedly Amazing Journeys in the World of Cool Travel!

By TRAVELER Luxe

 

The most jaw-dropping travels that transcend all imaginable boundaries. This issue of Traveler Luxe will introduce 100 of the world’s most eye-opening itineraries and attractions, challenging the limits of luxury, quirkiness, and unique perspectives from land, sea, and air. The coolest attractions paired with the most professional guides, the most unexpected ways to explore, and the most soul-stirring emotional experiences—100 challenges, 100 unique formulas for seeing the world.

 

Visiting World Heritage Sites isn’t enough—something even cooler is about to happen!!! Please turn to the next page

 

Gaze up at a vast, clear night sky, where the mirror-like frozen surface reflects a hazy counterpart. Snow-covered mountain ridges stretch out to both sides, while a flowing ribbon of green light, like a rising mist, morphs into various beautiful forms—sometimes a soft, undulating halo; sometimes a radiant burst shooting toward the heavens; or even spiraling or fluttering like a three-dimensional skirt or a gentle curtain, adorning the deep blue sky with mesmerizing charm. All around is silence, while the dazzling colors before your eyes take your breath away, and the twinkling stars behind create a true canvas in the sky. This astronomical phenomenon, occurring near the Earth’s magnetic poles and caused by collisions between charged solar particles and atmospheric atoms, is a miraculous spectacle that attracts aurora enthusiasts from around the globe, all chasing this rare streak of light across the sky. Its unpredictability and ever-changing colors and forms often bring unexpected surprises, making the pursuit endlessly thrilling. In addition to the most commonly visible green, you might also catch a faint red hue—if you’re lucky. To experience an unforgettable aurora adventure, head to Tromsø, a major city in northern Norway located within the Arctic Circle, and join the daily non-stop aurora chase tours offered by Arctic Guide Service from mid-September to the end of March. Led by experts, the tour departs at 6:30 PM, taking you by shuttle bus to the most likely spots to see the aurora. The entire excursion lasts about six to seven hours. If one night isn’t enough, there are also two-night and three-night aurora chasing packages to ensure you fulfill your dream of witnessing the magnificent northern lights.

 

[Info] Arctic Guide Service: Northern Lights Chase

Address: Søndre Tollbodgate 3A, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

Phone: +47-(0)92-809-057

Hours: September 15 to March 31 each year, 18:30–01:30

Cost: NOK 950 for adults, NOK 475 for children (ages 4–12)

Website: www.arcticguideservice.com

At the July 2008 World Heritage Committee meeting, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) between Albula and Bernina in Switzerland and Italy, along with its surrounding landscape, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway were completed in 1903 and 1910, respectively. These railways are not only outstanding examples of innovative railway engineering technology, showcasing how Alpine highland landscapes have been made accessible to humans, but they are also among the most spectacular narrow-gauge railways in the world.

 

The Bernina train departs from Chur, and as it winds through the valley, castles dotting the woods offer an incredibly dreamy start to the journey. About an hour into the trip, the 20-minute section from Bergün to Preda climbs 416 meters in just a few minutes via five spiral tunnels, one regular tunnel, and nine bridges, reaching an altitude of 1,788 meters. Here, you can truly appreciate the well-deserved reputation of the Bernina Railway’s “spiral lines.”

 

Then, you officially enter the most astonishing glacier section of the Bernina line, where waterfalls and glaciers create a breathtaking icy wonderland—a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship that seems almost within arm’s reach.

 

The final section of the railway follows the riverside valley gently down into the plains, transforming the scenery from the icy glaciers of a half-hour ago to lush Mediterranean landscapes. The colorful houses of Italian style herald the arrival in the Tirano region. The train passes by Tirano Church before arriving at the station, completing this magical journey. Passengers can also exchange their ticket stubs for a journey certificate, preserving the most complete memories of this altitude-spanning railway adventure.

 

[Info]

RhB (Rhaetian Railway)

Website: www.rhb.ch

Note: RhB offers World Heritage package tours (available in German, French, and English on their website), with varying durations and prices adjusted seasonally.

June 22, 2013, was the proudest day for the Japanese. After decades of efforts, Mount Fuji was finally added to the list of World Heritage Sites. For Japan, where Mount Fuji is regarded as a sacred national symbol, this was truly a momentous century event. Mount Fuji, the last eruption of which occurred in the 18th century, is an active volcano with a summit elevation of 3,776 meters straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Alongside cherry blossoms and the Shinkansen, it has long been a symbol of Japan—and now with this additional accolade, its charm is even more boundless. To get close to Mount Fuji, hiking is one way to truly know its essence, but railways offer the best way to admire it from afar. Among them, the FujiKyuko Line, with its 500-meter elevation change, is definitely “the railway closest to Mount Fuji.”

 

The FujiKyuko Line, known for creating buzz, goes the extra mile with its rolling stock. There’s the Fuji Excursion train with a 180-degree panoramic view of Mount Fuji, the Thomas the Tank Engine train that charms kids at first glance, but the most popular is the Mount Fuji Climbing Train, which began operating in 2009. Designed by railway designer Eiji Mitooka, this retro-style train features a dark red exterior set against the blue sky and Mount Fuji. Eager railway fans must be wondering—where can you take those envy-inducing photos? The first spot is the level crossing between Mitsumata Station and Shimo-Yoshida Station, a classic photo location on the FujiKyuko Line, though mornings are ideal because Mount Fuji gets backlit in the afternoon. The terminal, Kawaguchiko Station, not only offers an awe-inspiring view of Mount Fuji right in front but also showcases a variety of trains on the platform. Coupled with seasonal light changes throughout the day, the scenery is so stunning that you’ll only wish your camera had a larger memory card!

 

[Info]

FujiKyuko Line

E-mail: traffic@fujikyu.co.jp

Website: www.fujikyu.co.jp

Michelin-starred restaurants always attract food enthusiasts, but even these starred eateries might pale in comparison to “Dinner in the Sky,” a restaurant suspended 50 meters in the air. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, “Dinner in the Sky” uses a crane to hoist the entire table, chairs, and diners high above the ground. This unique dining concept can be set up anywhere in the world — on golf courses, in vineyards, along racetracks, within castles, or at historic ruins — offering guests a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. If you’re looking to dine at new heights, “Dinner in the Sky” truly lives up to its name.

 

Don’t assume that being suspended mid-air means compromising on the taste of your meal. “Dinner in the Sky” brings chefs, waitstaff, and bartenders up in the air to prepare and serve delicious food right before your eyes. And if you find the dining environment a bit too quiet, “Dinner in the Sky” can deploy a second crane to bring in a pianist or rock band to liven up your dinner. Just like at any ground-level restaurant, when nature calls, you can ask the staff for directions to the restroom. “Dinner in the Sky” will then descend to the ground — it might be slightly inconvenient for other guests, but the process takes no more than a minute.

 

Besides Europe, destinations such as Turkey, Dubai, South Africa, the United States, and Canada are also on the list for “Dinner in the Sky.” Although the idea of having dinner 50 meters above the ground may sound a bit crazy, it’s bound to be an unforgettable dining experience for you and your 21 fellow diners.

 

【info】

Dinner in the Sky

Website: www.dinnerinthesky.com

Officially known as the State Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace houses over three million priceless artifacts from around the world, making it one of the most important museums globally. Aside from tight security, adorable cats also play a key role in protecting these artworks.

 

The first cat in Russia was brought over from the Netherlands by Peter the Great. It wasn’t until the reign of Empress Catherine the Great that a formal feline guard unit was established to protect the artworks. Their job is to hunt down pesky mice, as the museum's storage areas — often home to these rodents — contain many more items than what is on public display. These dark corners are a favorite hiding spot for mice, which can cause irreparable damage to the precious collections. For centuries, the cats have silently patrolled these shadowy areas, safeguarding countless important artworks.

 

To show their gratitude, museum staff began informally celebrating “The Day of the Hermitage Cat” in 1998. The event became hugely popular, and with media coverage, it expanded into an official public event starting in 2010. By tradition, the day features rarely seen artifacts normally kept in storage. This year, the museum displayed its only mummified cat.

 

The event takes place every spring in April, usually over a weekend. In 2013, it was held on April 6 and 7. During these two days, a variety of related activities are organized, including a special musical performance titled “The Hermitage Cats Saved the Day.” Based on a children’s book and adapted for the stage by Grammy-nominated composer Chris Brubeck, the story begins with the theft of an artwork, putting the Cat Day celebration at risk. Through teamwork between humans and cats, the problem is resolved.

 

Currently, about 50 cats reside permanently at the museum. Most are stray cats rescued from the streets, and volunteers take care of their daily needs.

 

【info】

The Day of the Hermitage Cat (Hermitage Museum)

Address: 2, Dvor tsovaya Ploshchad (Dvor t sov ay a Square), St. Petersburg, Russia

Phone: +7-812-710-9079

Hours: The Cat Day is held on a weekend in April each year. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30–18:00, with extended hours until 21:00 on Wednesdays.

Admission: General admission 400 Russian rubles; free for children and students (including international students with valid ID). The first Thursday of every month is free entry for all.

Website: www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/11/2013/hm11_6_187.html