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From the Pen
of Emily and Jenn
When I'm caught up in the excitement of travel to distant lands (like this winter's trip to Taipei), I often forget how much there is to explore close to home. Since moving from New York City down to a small city in North Carolina last summer, I have felt pleasantly out of my element more than once with everything from the local produce in the markets (yay turnip greens!) to the slower pace of life to the charming Southern drawl----not unlike how I feel when exploring another country. Being exposed to the new and unfamiliar is the essence of what I love about travel. After all, the familiar is comforting and safe, but we all need a little spice, right? It's just that sometimes, we overlook those undiscovered places right under our noses...
This spring, my leisurely travel will be less to cities around the world and a bit more tied to regional locales (don't you fret, The Purple Passport team has the international scene well covered!), and I'm looking forward to venturing from my home base here in North Carolina to explore all this state has to offer. From taking in the natural beauty of the Outer Banks to eating my way along the historic BBQ trail (I'm so lucky to be in Carolina----I love vinegar-based BBQ sauce!), I am very excited to tap into all this area has to offer.
So don't forget to stop and smell the roses in your own backyard, and if that happens to be Beijing, London, or Los Angeles, we can help you with that! (Don't forget to check out The Diary for more recommendations in over 40 destinations around the world!)
-- Emily
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Greetings!
Welcome to the February 2011 edition of The Purple Passport Newsletter! Read on to find out more about how you can Put Your Stamp on The World this month.
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The Groundhog Has Spoken - Spring Vacation Planning Begins
 It's been a harsh winter all around, from extreme shut-down-the-airport London freezes to unusual freeway-closing snows in the Los Angeles area, making things especially difficult for travelers this season. Which is why we couldn't been happier that spring is just around the corner----in fact, as forecast by America's favorite groundhog Punxsutawney Phil (he didn't see his shadow!), spring promises to settle in early this year.
 Time to start thinking about where you'll ring in the thaw. Perhaps a jaunt to London when the flowers start to bloom? Stop and smell the roses at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, or flex your muscles anew at the London Marathon in April. You can also get your run on at the Los Angeles Marathon in March or join in the fiesta spirit at Cinco de Mayo celebrations around town in May (don't miss the margaritas at El Carmen). Spring in Beijing brings the Beijing International Book Festival hosted by local lending library The Bookworm as well as May's "Golden Week"----one of the most popular times for tourist travel, so book early! No matter where you head, we're sure you'll welcome spring's brilliant blue skies, fragrant blooms, and warmer temperatures. Let our City Guides help you step out of your winter burrow in style. |
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Fave Feature - Getting Centered
 Whether you're in the midst of London April showers or Los Angeles traffic, sticking close to one neighborhood or area for the day's excursions often makes for the most pleasant and efficient visit. That's why we're so keen on our unique mapping tool, which helps you quickly and easily find the best spots in the same vicinity. Simply view the full screen map of your desired city or venue, type an address into the "Center on Address" field, then click the icons in the bottom left to see which recommended shops, restaurants, sights, etc. are in the immediate area. It's perfect for when you want to locate a dining spot close to the theater or a spa near your favorite boutique to rest your shopping-weary feet. Sure beats getting soaked or sitting in gridlock!
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More Purple! - Purple Picks
 Though we adore all the venues we recommend in each of our City Guides (we personally visit every one!), sometimes there's a pick so spectacular that we're moved to designate it as a "Purple Pick." It's sort of like choosing your favorites from a box of gourmet chocolates----of course you want to sample them all, but there are some that you absolutely cannot miss. We're pretty sweet on exceptional experiences like a martini at Los Angeles' Bar Marmont or an Imperial Treasures massage at Beijing's Ritz-Carlton Spa. To find these, look for the purple star beside chosen venues on each category page (for example, Los Angeles Hotels, London Restaurants, etc.) or click the "Purple Picks" option below the full screen city map to plot them out around town. We hope you savor these selections as much as we do! |
Venue of the Month - Mahiki
 The chill of winter always has us jonesing for something tropical, which is why this month London Tiki bar Mahiki is on our minds. Everything here from the enormous drinks to the kitschy décor to the humid-as-Honolulu dance floor is Polynesian to the nth degree. Celebs and royals alike have been known to get their hula on here amongst the throng, though the new private room set to open in March might put a damper on such tabloid-worthy mingling. No matter: you can be your own high roller when you order the Mahiki Treasure Chest (Mahiki grog topped with a bottle of champagne served in an actual chest that serves eight) and chill in the hookah lounge. But don't get too relaxed ----shaking your tail while sweating coconut rum is one of our favorite antidotes to the London gloom. Read more in The Diary of the Purple Passport. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons user Mirjoran
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About The Purple Passport
The Purple Passport was born out of a passion for travel, a love of the world's great cities, and a desire to spread the word. Our founders, best friends Emily and Jenn, have been traveling internationally together for over a decade----with purple-colored passport covers in tow. Now they've created this one-stop-shop, web-based city guide for all your urban travel needs, from researching a trip start to finish to creating an itinerary shared with your own favorite travel companions.
In keeping with our founding spirit, The Purple Passport personally visits every single spot that we review. And we always pay our own way, never taking compensation for covering a venue on the site or in our newsletter, which means you'll get the most honest, unbiased travel information for the world's most exciting cities. It's a portal to a world well-traveled, and we invite you to PUT YOUR STAMP ON THE WORLD!
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