Smart Business Travel

Over in Hong Kong, the luxury liner company Asia Star Cruises has launched an interesting service for business travelers. Companies can book their employees and/or clients for a night on a luxury cruise ship that combines meetings and presentations with a great dinner and some relaxation.

It sounds like quite an attractive idea: any time between midday and 7.30pm, you and your colleagues or clients can board the liner in Victoria Harbor, the main harbor of Hong Kong. When you board, you will be checked into a deluxe suite and receive a welcome cocktail.

Until the ship sails at 7:30pm, you can hold meetings and presentations in special conference rooms. They hold up to 80 people, but there is also a VIP conference room. Once the ship starts its turn around the harbor, you and your guests can enjoy a six-course meal while watching the night lights of Hong Kong float by. After the meal, you can choose from an evening in the casino or a visit to the spa and sauna.

In the morning, you’ll be served breakfast before docking back at Victoria Harbour at 9:15am, ready to head back to the office. It all sounds like rather a nice way to carry out an important meeting in a relaxed, neutral setting.

(Photo via flickr cc)

Large expos and conferences are typically held in the USA and a few main venues of Europe, like Frankfurt or London, but there are, of course, a number of other parts of the world who are keen to get a part in this big market sector.

South Africa might be at a disadvantage in terms of its distance from many key parts of the world, but as a unique venue with a lot of interesting side activities–just think safari, for a start–t’s not impossible to imagine that it could become a larger player in the business travel market.

Currently business tourism is just 5 percent of the tourist income for South Africa, so there is a lot of room for improvement, and the South African Tourism commission is keen to encourage more visitors for conferences, meetings and exhibitions. There have been substantial investments made in venues and infrastructure, and South Africa already has a total of 1,700 conference venues.

One advantage of South Africa for European-based business travelers is that the time zone difference is non-existent or minimal, so you can have a special experience with a conference in a unique place, but not have too much trouble contacting the office to monitor events back there.

Phoenix, Arizona is an increasingly popular destination for the business traveler. It is a large city with over one million residents which puts it in the top ten U.S. cities in terms of population. It is also a growing business center where conferences are regularly held. In recent years, the area has been flooded with business-friendly hotels and restaurants. And since we all know how much business gets done on the golf course, its year-round warm weather makes Phoenix a terrific destination for getting out on the green and sealing those deals.

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More and more business travelers are heading to China, as this enormous market opens up to the rest of the world. But dealing with the Chinese culture is not always so straightforward, and a recent BT article gave some useful tips on how to behave when in China.

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If your interests lie in the area of Aztec, Mayan and Incan ruins, you will surely find your heart’s content in Mexico City.

I traveled to Mexico City 2 years ago for this very reason. I have always had a desire to see with my own eyes, the mysterious beauty of civilizations past – in particular the Aztecs. Mexico City called to me and I answered its call. In my opinion the ruins offer a real insight into how the Aztecs must have lived.
I’d like to share my favorite Mexican ruin with you. In my opinion, the Teotihuacan ruins are simply the must-see ruin in Mexico City. The ruins of Teotihuacán are massive and fierce just like the Aztec civilization that lived amongst them.

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Tokyo is a contrast of new and old, home to glittering skyscrapers and traditional 18th century Shinto shrines. If your travels take you to this wonderful Japanese capital, make sure to set aside at least one day to see the major sights. Among these are: (more…)

If your travels take you to Sydney, along Australia’s southeast coast, try to set aside at least a half-day for sightseeing. The clean and friendly city offers beautiful vistas, a vibrant harborfront, and varied architecture, restaurants, and shopping. Among the most popular sights are: (more…)

One of the most popular tourist attractions in China is also quite possibly one of the most reverent. The Mogao Caves, often referred to as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, offer a unique look into Chinese Buddhist artwork that spans ten dynasties. According to legend, a monk had a vision of a thousand Buddhas being showered by golden rays. This monk was so moved by his vision that he began the desert art project that would inspire thousands of artists to continue his work in the more than 750 caves. This Chinese art form actually has its origins in India and knowledgeable art critics will see a touch of Indian influences in the earlier pieces of artwork. Sculptors carved caves and statues into the rock face and installed clay statues as sentinels to the cave entrances. Inside you’ll find intricate carved relief murals while the side walls and ceilings are elaborately painted. The artwork itself details the daily lives of Buddhists through the centuries. On the surface visitors will see the denizens involved in their daily activities or participating in special events of the day. If one looks deeper at the work they will glimpse the true spirit of the era, the amount of finances available for art funding and the amount of attention to detail that was considered appropriate for the period. There is also a great detailing of the history of trade and business between China and neighboring countries. The Magao Caves use art to reach viewers and educate them on more than one thousand years of Chinese history, an almost impossible feat that leaves a lasting impression.

(photo credit flickr cc)

Toronto offers a smorgasbord when it comes to delectable places to dine out. Here is a mixture of my favorite
Toronto restaurants. Keep in mind that most are considered fine dining establishments, and reservations are a must, so I’ve left contact information. Remember you’re not bound to eat like a king or queen for less than $40 per plate at some of these. However it’s the dining atmosphere and beautiful folks that join you as your fellow diners that are part of what makes these
Toronto restaurants A++.

Monsoon – I like to explain the food you get at Monsoon as an Asian blast to the taste buds. The analogy might sound a bit harsh, but it’s not. The food will awake your senses, but the laid back lounge atmosphere of Monsoon will have you sinking into the supple contemporary leather décor and wishing you never had to leave. Sample Monsoon’s seafood dishes with a complimentary wine (they’re right on the menu so you don’t need to be a wine connoisseur).

Monsoon is located at

(between King and Adelaide Streets),
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and (416) 979-7172.

Joso’s

If you don’t know if you want to try the
Mediterranean delicacies at Joso’s, just ask Robert Denier, who is just one of Joso’s famous diners. This restaurant draws the crème de la crème because it’s located smack in the midst of Yorkville,
Toronto’s most stylish and ritzy neighborhood. Dishes are kept light – infused simply with lemon, lime, olive oil, and the conversation is lively amongst huge murals dedicated to the sultry, voluptuous female form. The lush, intimate interior has wall murals celebrating the female form that are sure to incite conversation. Again, try the seafood dishes for a flavor sensation.

Joso’s is located at

, (416) 925-1903

Sassafraz

Located in gorgeous Yorkville,
Toronto’s fashion district, Sassafraz continues to draw back the celebrity likes of U2’s Bono and talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres. Sassafraz is open and wistful. Try their famous tuna carpaccio with a martini.

Sassafraz is located at

, (416) 964-2222.

What is a trip to the coast without a seafood dinner? A travesty, some would say, much as a trip to Seattle without a meal at Flying Fish would be.

Flying Fish is a 4-star restaurant located in Belltown and has a very trendy, hip Asian atmosphere. The Asian touch came with the birth of the idea. Flying Fish Chef and Owner, Christine Keff was in Thailand and was struck by the catch-of-the-day restaurants that littered the water’s edge. The idea seemed so simple and yet so perfect that she at once knew she would bring the concept home. (more…)

If you’re staying around the Financial District of San Francisco, there are a few interesting places to head for an evening meal; it just depends if you’re looking for views, atmosphere, the best foods or a place to relax as well.

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Miami, at the tip of south Florida, is always an exciting place to visit — even for business. The town’s mixture of Latin, Cuban, and Old Florida culture combines to create a unique and vibrant atmosphere.

One of the best parts about visiting Miami is her restaurants, which range from bayside “shacks” to chic streetside cafes to fine dining palaces. If you’re planning a trip to Miami in the near future, consider one of these “Hot Spots to Dine in Miami”:

Azul — Azul shows up regularly on most Best of Miami restaurant lists. This elegant eatery in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Bay, combines Mediterranean flavors with simple Asian style.

Azul, 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami FL

Joe’s Stone Crab — A traditional favorite, Joe’s has been serving Stone Crab for 95 years. If addition to crab, Joe’s is known for its potato dishes, cole slaw, and key lime pie. No reservations are taken, so be prepared to wait. Joe’s is closed each year from August until the end of October.

Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach FL

The Forge — Consistently ranked as one of the city’s favorite — and most expensive — restaurants, this elegant steakhouse is reputedly a favorite of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. The decor is regal, including a chandelier that once hung in James Madison’s home and the food classic. The wine cellar is said to have over 350,000 bottles.

The Forge, 432 Arthur Godfrey Rd., Miami Beach FLÂ

Porcao Churrascaria — Another restaurant overlooking Brickell Bay, this Brazilian steakhouse features traditional South American meats as well as attentive service and an extensive primarily South American wine list.

Porcao Churrascaria, Four Ambassadors Hotel, 801 Brickell Bay, Miami FL

(Photo credit: Flickr user: mrclean1982/cc license)

Las Vegas. It’s a city of glitz and glamour, excitement and adventure, and even the seedy and shady if that’s your thing. It’s a city that business travelers love because it so easily combines pleasure with work. And it’s a city that doesn’t sleep so you can get out of office meetings late and still partake of all that Vegas has to offer. But all of that busy activity makes you hungry.

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There are hundreds of Japanese restaurants in New York, but there’s good sushi and then there’s great sushi, and the difference is pretty important when you’re looking for a tasty and healthy meal. Sushi Zen at 108 W. 44th St (between 6th and Broadway) is right in town, has a great reputation and can match your food up with some good sake if you’re feeling in need of a drink.

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