Destinations

With diverse festivals, a layered history, and beckoning architecture, Istanbul has become a year-round destination for luxury leisure travel. As you plan your visit, consider the best time—or times—of year to experience the compelling convergence of the West and East that is Istanbul.

January: Navigating the Crowds

Keep in mind that Istanbul’s high cruise season runs from April through October. That means people. Lots of people. So January is a great time to visit must-see historical sites in the Sultanahmet district such as the gorgeous Blue Mosque (Pictured), Hagia Sophia (built by Constantinople), and the spectacular Byzantine Hippodrome. Note that the Blue Mosque (called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) allows for visits for non-worshippers only outside prayer times. Istanbul weather can be challenging in January, making these indoor activities even more appealing in winter.

February: Haggle Away

Ah, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Pictured). Again, crowds will diminish ...

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Although Montréal is a wonderful city to visit any time, consider planning an early Q4 trip to this remarkable city. After the peak of the summer tourist season, you still can enjoy Montréal’s many attractions but with an autumn twist: changing leaves, illuminated Old Montréal architecture, spectacular lights and lanterns at the Botanical Gardens.

First on any visitor’s must-do list is the food. Indeed, Montréal is an eclectic city for both veteran and newbie foodies. Several signature items stand out for any palate:

Poutine

Brace yourself. Poutine (pictured), a surreal convergence of French fries, fresh cheese curds, and brown gravy, takes you to the fatty underworld of culinary pleasures. Legend has it that this convenient mixture emerged in the 1950s to feed an on-the-go truck driver who simply needed a hot, hearty, and hasty meal. Today, you can embrace its origins as a diner staple, or you can go upscale with finely dressed poutine wherein you might discover duck ...

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A city-state known for its high rises, high tech, and high finance, Singapore is well more than a central hub for global business. If you look beyond the cityscape, you’ll discover pockets of natural enclaves that remind you that this thriving city is in fact a tropical island at the end of the Malay Peninsula.

Pause for a moment and think beaches, rainforest, and sultry humidity. Yes, it’s hot. After all, Singapore is just 85 miles (137km) north of the equator. But with so many spectacular attractions to capture your imagination, you’ll find there’s more than meets the eye at this global urban hot spot.

1. Early morning at the Botanic Gardens

Open from 5:00AM to midnight, the free Botanic Gardens top everyone’s “must-do” list. The main draw is the National Orchid Garden, which features a colorful world of 1,000 orchid species and another 2,000 hybrids. But the Garden offers “intangibles” as well: shade enabled by mature trees, wonderful floral fragrances, an...

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Brazil. As a ‘BRIC’ country, it has placed new economies on the global business radar. Although Brazil’s economy logged a bit of a downturn at the end of 2013, Brazil nevertheless remains the world’s seventh wealthiest economy, according to World Bank.

While São Paulo is recognized as the heart of Brazilian business, Brazil’s second largest city, Rio de Janeiro, now holds its own in this booming country. Rio has attracted oil, energy, consumer goods, finance, and other industries, making this ‘marvelous’ city almost as much of a business destination as it is a vacationer’s dream.

Both the FIFA World Cup™ and Olympics committees have taken note of the opportunities that abound in Rio as the city prepares to be on the global stage this June and again in 2016.

Cultivating business relationships

Conduct just one meeting in Rio, and you’ll know immediately that relationship building is the foundation of good, productive business, both in Rio and Brazil at la...

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When it comes to Geneva, the word “peace” definitely comes to mind. This inherent spirit goes well beyond Geneva’s role in numerous international peace talks and its identity as the European seat of the United Nations.

What breeds this serene feeling as you walk throughout this idyllic city with an Alpine backdrop?

1. Lake Geneva

Yes, you’ll catch the hum of touristy boats whizzing along Western Europe’s largest lake. But there’s a reason Lake Geneva (pictured above) is such an attraction for all: it’s gorgeous.

Whether spotting its expanse from atop the Cathedral of Saint Pierre’s 157-step bell tower from this landmark’s Old Town hilltop, or walking along the lakefront to see the 140-metre-high Jet d’Eau up close, you will appreciate Geneva’s signature lake. Even better, rent a bike at Bike Switzerland to ride along the lake or take part in an organized tour.

The lake brings France within easy reach, so if you want to take advantage of Geneva’s p...

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Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated areas in the word. With over 7 million inhabitants spread over 426sq miles, there is a good reason Hong Kong is known as the most vertical city in the world. Despite all the high-rises (there are http://www.aviewoncities.com/hongkong/manmotemple.htmover 1000 skyscrapers in HK) and the hectic city life, this international city also has a remarkably calm side. Our guide to Hong Kong is about taking time out, exploring nature and breathing in the many cultural delights this city has to offer.

The Victoria Harbor

Lets start at the water’s edge, as a trip to Hong Kong is not complete with out taking in the sights along the Victoria Harbor. There is much to see and enjoy along the harbor side but we suggest taking some time out to cruise onboard the Aqua Luna, the iconic red-sail junk (ancient Chinese sailing ship). Ok, it is not an original Junk but it has been created in the same way and offers a very authentic experience and...

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Whether you have a week, a day, or just a few spare hours in London, be sure to avoid the tourist sites and instead experience some of the city’s great past and delicious traditions.

Writing a guide to London sets itself up to writing a book with everything it has to offer! So to shorten things up a bit, Jetstream’s guide to London focuses on seeking out some of the unique traditions that can still be found in this royal city.

When you think of London, what is the first thing you think of? The red phone boxes? Black taxi cabs? Perhaps good old Fish ‘n’ Chips? Indeed these are some of the most recognized symbols of London that help to attract some of the 15m visitors to the city each year, so lets take a closer look at these and other London qualities.

Riding in Style

The best way to see the city is by jumping in the back of a Hackney Carriage, more commonly known as a Black Cab. But did you know that to become an official London Black Cab driver you have to complete...

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Moscow. It embodies the Russia of both yesterday, today, and tomorrow. As a bustling city of about 11 million, the city has cultivated the post-Communism capital spirit. Companies worldwide have taken notice. Just last year, for example, Morgan Stanley transacted the largest real estate deal at that time: the $1.2B purchase of the sprawling Metropolis Shopping and Entertainment Mall in Northwest Moscow.

Moscow now is an international financial center, and companies from other sectors have grown a strong branch presence there over the past two decades. It’s no wonder that Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport is the leading airport for international departures in Europe (according to Avinode Marketplace). Vnukovo is convenient to the city, and its runway capacity can handle 60 aircraft movements per hour—even in compromised, low-visibility weather.

The appeal of staying awhile

One of the world’s most expensive cities, Moscow nevertheless is well worth the visit—wheth...

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