Notes From Afar - August 2026
Kareem George on the plaza near the National September 11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan.
Greetings, dear Travelers!
This summer we returned to New York for the Travel + Leisure World's Best Summit, where the future of travel is defined. Outside of the event we rediscovered favorite haunts and also made some new discoveries...
Enjoy this focus on the Big Apple as well as upcoming Fall and Winter travels. We are also relaunching our monthly mystery destination and prize!
Safe travels and warmest regards,
Kareem & Fritz
Destination Feature: New York City
A recent visit to my hometown, New York City, left me reflecting on five experiences that still capture the city's magic, even for someone who will always feel like a local:
1. An Opera Performance at The Met Opera
The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center is one of the world's great stages, known for its crystal chandeliers, its acoustics, and the scale of its productions. The season runs from fall through late spring, staging a rotating repertoire of classic and contemporary opera performed in their original language, with English translations available at each seat.
2. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The twin reflecting pools, officially known as Reflecting Absence, sit within the footprints of the original towers, their waters forming the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Bronze panels line the edges, bearing the names of nearly 3,000 lives lost. Below, the museum descends to bedrock, where the original slurry wall and the 36-foot "Last Column," covered in mementos from the recovery, still stand.
3. The Temple of Dendur at The Met Museum
Housed in its own glass-walled gallery at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Temple of Dendur dates back nearly two thousand years along the Nile and was gifted to the United States in the 1960s. It is the only complete ancient Egyptian temple on display in the Western Hemisphere. A granite reflecting pool mirrors the Nile, and a sloping glass wall evokes the cliffs of its original home.
4. The Strand Bookstore
New York City's largest and most famous independent bookstore, The Strand is renowned for its iconic slogan, "18 miles of books." Founded in 1927 by Benjamin Bass, it is the sole survivor of Fourth Avenue's historic Book Row and remains a beloved, family-owned literary landmark. Its flagship store at 828 Broadway spans four floors and holds over 2.5 million new, used, and rare books.
5. Riding the Staten Island Ferry
The Ferry provides an iconic 25-minute journey from Whitehall Terminal to St. George Terminal, fare free and running 24/7. For prime photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, sit on the right side of the boat when departing Manhattan, and stay on the left side on the return trip from Staten Island.
Distinguished Sanctuaries: Rediscovering the Plaza
Few addresses capture the spirit of New York quite like The Plaza. Since opening in 1907 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, this French Renaissance landmark has welcomed world leaders, artists, and generations of travelers seeking the city's most storied stay.
Its 282 guestrooms and suites, including the newly reimagined Legacy Suite collection, blend timeless architecture with modern comfort. Guests can savor afternoon tea in The Palm Court, sip champagne at The Champagne Bar, or follow in the footsteps of Eloise, the beloved fictional resident who has charmed visitors since 1955.
Discover the World by Water
A Timeless Crossing with Cunard, January 2-11, 2027
For 185 years, Cunard has defined the art of ocean travel with a fleet of four legendary Queens, each carrying forward a tradition of elegance found nowhere else at sea. Onboard, White Star Service anchors every voyage, complemented by fine dining, enriching Cunard Insights talks, and evenings of live music and theater. Guests can immerse themselves in hands-on classes, from fencing to wine tasting, then unwind with Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea programs and ocean-inspired spa moments. Each Queen also houses a fine art gallery, offering a rotating collection to admire and the chance to begin a collection of one's own. Aboard Queen Mary 2, guests will find Illuminations, the first and only full-scale planetarium at sea.
Fritz and I have long placed a Cunard transatlantic crossing on our travel wish list. There is something wonderfully timeless about crossing the Atlantic by sea. It is a journey steeped in history, elegance, and the romance of travel itself. We are especially looking forward to experiencing this iconic voyage in the company of like-minded travelers, while embracing the storied legacy of the ship and the remarkable array of experiences available on board.
From left to right: Cunard Fine Art Gallery, the Royal Court Theatre & Illuminations, the onboard Planetarium.
Journeys on the Horizon
Food & Wine Classic Charleston
November 13 - 15, 2026
From November 13–15, 2026, Charleston hosts one of the year's most anticipated culinary weekends, featuring more than 40 interactive seminars, cooking demonstrations, and panel discussions, alongside a Grand Tasting showcasing over 100 global wineries, distilleries, and local culinary masters.
Join Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor Kareem George for insider access to the event. As a Culture Traveler VIP and limited passholder, you'll receive exclusive access to special events and the opportunity to purchase tickets to additional experiences curated by the editors of Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living. Tickets are selling fast and Culture Traveler has access to a limited amount of discounted VIP passes. Book now to secure your spot.
Archipelago Adventure: Sydney to Singapore
18 Nights - Sydney to Singapore - March 16 - April 3, 2027
From March 16 to April 3, 2027, embark on an extraordinary voyage from the iconic shores of Sydney to the vibrant sophistication of Singapore aboard the incomparable Seven Seas Splendor. This remarkable journey blends Australia's breathtaking coastlines, remote natural wonders, and the cultural allure of Southeast Asia with Regent's unrivaled all-inclusive luxury, where every exquisite detail is thoughtfully curated. Joining you aboard will be Culture Traveler's own Kareem George and Fritz Morsches, adding a warm, personal touch to this exceptional experience. From spacious all-suite accommodations to world-class dining and immersive shoreside discoveries, it is an invitation to explore the world in extraordinary comfort and distinguished style. Availability is limited.
Our Top 4 New York Movies
Our Top Four New York Reads
A Final Reflection
Kareem & Fritz admiring Eloise at the Plaza.
I have always loved New York. It is a city that somehow feels both timeless and forever new. I look forward to returning in January to welcome 2027 with an iconic transatlantic crossing.
I hope this month’s newsletter has inspired you to rediscover New York, or perhaps experience its magic for the very first time. And I would love to hear from you: What makes New York unforgettable to you?
Bon voyage,
Kareem & Fritz
Culture Traveler