As keen travelers we love to meet new people and experience other cultures, it is what travel is all about. Most cities around the world are welcoming to visitors, but some have earned an exceptional reputation for being incredibly friendly.

Here, at Luxury Gold, we’ve been doing some research and have highlighted some of the stand-out destinations on the friendliness scale – these cities are easy to navigate, offer amazing hospitality and a fun, jovial atmosphere. Now what could be considered more luxurious than a genuine warm welcome?

Dublin, Ireland

World renowned for its friendly people, Ireland is an enchanting country from its quaint villages and sublime landscapes to its vibrant towns and cities. To experience the very best of a warm Irish welcome, take a journey to its effervescent capital Dublin. A must for enthusiasts of history, literature, music and Guinness, Dublin is small but has it all. Experience the craic, a mixture of humor, intelligence, fun and entertainment for which Ireland is famous, and is guaranteed to make any visitor feel at home

The Custom House is a neoclassical 18th century building in Dublin, Ireland which houses the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Indulge in the very best of Dublin on our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tours. Both spend two nights in Dublin, staying in the gorgeous boutique Dylan Hotel. Choose to travel on a Chairman’s Collection departure and experience the ultimate in friendly invitations, as Patrick Guinness, historian, author and one of the heirs to the Guinness business dynasty joins you, after hours, at the Little Museum. Savor a a glass of sparkling, along with museum founder Trevor White, enjoy warm conversation and learn about Irish history and the origins of the Guinness’ brewing empire.

Vancouver, Canada

Majestic mountains, glistening oceans, rainforests, beaches and beautiful foliage make Vancouver an unmissable destination on any nature-lovers bucket list.  This coastal, seaport city is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, truly a city for everyone, and is known for its affable, approachable people. Enjoy extensive parks, theatres and galleries, and treat yourself with fantastic shopping.

Tourists in Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, Vancouver.

Arrive in Vancouver in style on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. Taking the sumptuous Gold Leaf Service, indulge in gourmet dining and glorious panoramic views from the glass domed coach as you travel from Jasper to Vancouver. With a full day to explore this friendly city, see the sights, soak up the views  and enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Salmon n’ Bannock, the only restaurant in the city owned and operated by members of Canada’s First Nations.

Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

In the country music capital of the world, expect a host of good-natured southerners who will flash you a smile and tip their cowboy hats to say hello. Nashville is a city eternally tapping its feet to the rhythm of life, where you will find good manners, intoxicating music and the very best of barbeque cuisine.

Nashville Tennessee

For music lovers, a visit to Nashville on The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace luxury guided tours is a truly unmissable VIP Experience, taking you deep into the heart of “Music City”. Tour historic Studio B with a professional sound engineer and take part in a choir-style recording session – you can even take home a copy of the recording as a one-of-a-kind souvenir to impress your friends and family! Join an esteemed singer/songwriter for an in-depth tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then to top off an unforgettable day, take in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, country’s most famous stage.

If you choose to travel on a The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace Chairman’s Collection departure, you will meet one of two music legends, either Country Hall of Fame musician Charlie McCoy or Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Brenda Lee, for a special introduction to the city’s impressive music history. Wow!

Tokyo, Japan

Japan is renowned as a friendly, welcoming country, with a culture that places great value on courteous and gracious behavior, and its magnificent capital, the huge metropolis of Tokyo, is no different. An intoxicating mix of the ultramodern and traditional, where neon-lit skyscrapers sit alongside historic temples, there a new surprise for visitors around every corner. Despite its size, the city is so clean it almost looks brand new and, if you ever find yourself a bit lost in all the bustle, even with the language barrier you are never short of a helpful local to show you the way.

Tokyo Sky Tree and cherry blossom during spring at Japan.

Explore this amazing city and country on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour, and get deep into the heart of the fascinating culture and delectable cuisine with the expert guidance of your Traveling Concierge. Stay at the 5-star Imperial Hotel which has welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities for over 120 years, and enjoy flawless Japanese hospitality and sumptuous rooms. For lovers of gastronomy, choose to join a cooking class and learn about the art of making sushi, using the highest quality fish. Test your artistic skills and discover why it takes ten years to become a Master Sushi Chef!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home to some of the world’s happiest people, cutting-edge architecture and radiating a laid-back lifestyle, Copenhagen is a colorful, welcoming city. Compact and easy to navigate, the danish capital is picturesque and surrounded by sea, with a center largely given over to pedestrians. Cafes and exceptional museums rule by day, with a vibrant music scene taking over the night. Famous landmarks include the Little Mermaid, the Rosenborg Castle and the Renaissance Stock Exchange.

Nyhavn with colorful facades of old houses and old ships in the Old Town of Copenhagen, capital of Denmark

Our Timeless Scandinavia luxury guided tour takes you on a magical 12-day voyage through friendly Nordic lands, starting in Copenhagen and finishing in Oslo, Norway.  A Luxury Gold highlight in Copenhagen, above and beyond the standard sights, is Tivoli, an amusement park founded in 1843 and considered a national treasure. Enjoy beautifully manicured gardens, let your hair down with thrilling rides and revel in the entertainment and enchanting atmosphere – a guaranteed a fun night out.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a sight to behold, spread out either side of the mighty Danube River, everywhere you look there is beautiful architecture and, when lit up at night, it is a truly unforgettable experience. Everywhere you turn, friendly residents are very keen to show off their customs, traditions and warm hospitality – expect music, smiles and lot of entertainment.

View of Budapest and the Danube river

Spend a blissful two nights in Budapest on our 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, which also takes in Prague, Vienna, Kraków and Warsaw. Visit the stunning, neo-Gothic Parliament Building and see the Holy Crown of Hungary. Admire St Stephen’s Basilica, explore the medieval Castle District and visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Indulge your senses at the Michelin-starred Borkonyha Winekitchen, with its innovative and creative gourmet cuisine that combines French bistro style and contemporary Hungarian influence.

Feeling Inspired by the friendliness?

Well, we hope you’re feeling warm and fuzzy from all this friendliness, and that it has got you thinking about where to travel next for your dream vacation.

Whenever you choose to travel, we invite you to make up for lost time and treat yourself with Luxury Gold. Enjoy 5-star hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences that will stay with you forever. From the moment you leave your home until you return, you don’t have to worry about a thing, with your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director ensuring a flawless and luxurious journey tailored for you.

For more information on the fabulous destinations and luxury guided tours mentioned here, and all the amazing destinations in our collection, take a look at our website and interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023.

The word city generally conjures up thoughts and images of hustle and bustle, flowing traffic, bright lights and busy night life. However, they can also serve as a peaceful retreat and the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones, with some of the calmest and most spellbinding cities to be found in Asia.

Renowned for its exceptional hospitality, fascinating culture, delicious food and the most exclusive hotels, Asia has so much to offer the discerning traveler. So, if you are searching for some of the most relaxing places in the world, we at Luxury Gold have uncovered some true gems of tranquility to be found in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan.

Each peaceful haven gives you the chance to step away from the hectic rhythm of modern life, enjoy beautiful surroundings and spend a little time with yourself. Explore serene destinations steeped in Buddhist history, discover temples and monasteries, and take a walk through the well-preserved past. Maybe take the extra time to realign your chakras, practice some yoga or try meditation – a chance to focus on your mental health while enjoying a fantastic cultural experience.

These fascinating destinations are also guaranteed to take you on a mouth-watering culinary adventure. Core to Asian culture, street food is freshly prepared and exceedingly tasty and there are infinite options to try in even the quietest city. For starters we suggest that you try Pad Thai in Thailand, Pho in Vietnam and Amok Trey (fish curry) in Cambodia.

Vietnam – Hoi An

Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hội An translates as “peaceful meeting place” and offers beautiful beaches, a laid-back attitude and an exquisitely preserved Old Town. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An was an important trading port from the 15th to the 19th Century and offers a step back in time for travelers, the perfect escape from the realities of modern life. The beautiful old town, closed to traffic and composed of small colonial style houses, is a bountiful canvas of color with architectural nods to its Japanese, Chinese, French and Vietnamese heritage. Though quiet and calm, Hoi An is a very tourist friendly city, and there is plenty to do. Admire the blanket of lanterns at the night markets and enjoy the local restaurants where you can soak up the unique ambiance of this charming city and savor tasty local cuisine.

Experience the very best of Hoi An on our Spirit of Vietnam luxury guided tour. With the help of a Local Expert, explore the former merchants’ homes, colorful communal halls, narrow lanes and traditional houses, as well as a top highlight, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. We’ll take you deep into the heart of this beautiful and tranquil city, and even introduce you to a special martial arts Master, to discover the art of healing through martial art, and to learn some steps.

Cambodia – Angkor Thom

Stepping into the captivating ancient city and temple complex of Angkor Thom is like stepping into a magical, mythical faraway land. Lose yourself among the endlessly fascinating myriad of temples, each one different from the next, and completely forget about the modern world.  Built around 1200 by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, a fortified city enclosing residences for the priest, officials of the palace and military, and the administrative buildings of the kingdom. The 360-acre site is built as a square, each side 3km long and surrounded by a 100m wide moat. Discover Angkor Thom, along with its famous neighbor Angkor Wat and other highlights of Cambodia on our Cambodia & Vietnam in Style and Inspiring Indochina luxury guided tours. You can’t fail to feel uplifted and peaceful when surrounded by such spellbinding architecture and natural beauty so, with its spiritual influence and so many perfect spots, why not take some time to practice a little meditation?

Laos – Luang Prabang

A traditional morning start in the charming city of Luang Prabang involves rising early and offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks, a living Buddhist tradition going back generations. Known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, this charming, serene city in northern Laos is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A particular highlight is Xiengthong, known as the Temple of the Golden City, and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art for the locals. The city is partly located on a peninsula between the rivers Mekong and Nam Khan with mountains surrounding it as far as you can see, and a short walk to the top of Mount Phousi offers spectacular views.

Experience the best of Laos and Luang Prabang on our Sensational Vietnam & Laos 14-Day luxury guided tour. Stay at an exclusive hotel, The Luang Say Residence, a 5-Star boutique paradise. Stroll in its tropical gardens and enjoy stunning views and enjoy a private sunset cruise along the beautiful Mekong River.

Kyoto. Japan-ease

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a freshening oasis of calm and peace in an often crowded and busy country. Famed for its geisha’s and well-preserved architectural delights, the city is home to numerous Buddhist temples, shrines, gardens and palaces. Travelers can soak up the calm and meander through the city enjoying the local teahouses, lantern-lit restaurants and bars, and absorb the zen energy and atmosphere.

Explore Kyoto on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour with the help of the boundless knowledge of your Travelling Concierge. One of the city’s most iconic sights is the tiered golden temple of Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Surrounded by a large pond and beautifully sculptured garden, the temple pavilion is coated in mesmerizing gold leaf that glistens in the sun. We’ll invite you to a special performance by a Maiko, an apprentice geisha. Central to Kyoto culture, geishas are highly skilled entertainers, specializing in classical music, dance, conversation and games, a fine art that has evolved over many centuries.

So, are all these good vibes inspiring you to take a journey to Asia? We certainly hope so. Or maybe we have awakened past dreams of visiting this vast and beautiful continent. Whatever your motivation, we at Luxury Gold guarantee you an unforgettable experience on our luxury guided tours, with magnificent hotels, VIP Experiences and truly exclusive travel with your every need taken care of throughout. Why not take a look through our new brochure for 2022 & 2023 for travel inspiration?

For more information on the stunning tours mentioned in the blog please follow the links:

• Sensational Vietnam & Laos
• Spirit of Vietnam
• Cambodia & Vietnam in Style
• Inspiring Indochina
• Majestic Japan

We don’t know about you but for the team at Luxury Gold breakfast is our favorite meal of the day. We’d even go one step further than that and say that nothing beats a luxury hotel breakfast. Imagine you wake up in your extraordinary room ready for a full day of sightseeing with your traveling concierge, you need a meal that will set you up for a day of touring. With Luxury Gold you can enjoy complimentary room service or go down to the hotel restaurant where your senses will be awakened with fresh juices and fruits. Follow that up with any number of local delicacies. Are you ready to go on a journey to find your golden breakfast?

English Breakfast on British Royale

Rubens at the Palace in London

Receive the full royal treatment at the Rubens At The Palace Hotel, located opposite London’s famous Buckingham Palace. Celebrate the very best of British culture in five-star luxury, from the red tail-coated doormen to themed bedrooms and a traditional English Breakfast.

At the Rubens At The Palace Hotel your English Breakfast is a sight to behold and a delicacy to savor. This substantial cooked breakfast comes with your choice of bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding and the quintessential tomatoes and mushrooms. There is some discussion within the team if baked beans should come as standard to dip the rest into but that is a blog post onto itself. Don’t forget to add a side of toast!

If you’re a vegetarian the Rubens caters for you too with a vegetarian option of the English Breakfast. Although we would recommend their avocado toast with a poached egg. Simply put, delicious!

American Breakfast on The Sumptuous Soul of America

American Breakfast. Photo by Chad Montano

You’ll need a good and filling breakfast before you explore Chicago with a 90-minute architectural river cruise to discover how the Great Fire of 1871 paved the way for the birth of the skyscraper. In the United States breakfast often consists or either a cereal or an egg-based dish. However, a stack of pancakes with copious amounts of butter and maple syrup are also a firm favorite. If pancakes don’t tickle your taste buds perhaps waffles with fruit? Cranberry juice is also an American staple at breakfast.

Biscuits and Gravy

When traveling in the South you’ll see biscuits and gravy on the menu in many restaurants. The biscuits are a type of small baked roll with a crumbly interior. The white gravy is often made using pork sausage crumbles and dairy-containing ingredients, such as butter and heavy cream. This creates a rich and hearty savory breakfast that has become a classic.

Japanese Breakfast Majestic Japan

Japanese Breakfast

With over 100 years of hospitality experience, the five-star Imperial Hotel Osaka places you along the Okawa River in the heart of vibrant Osaka. Stay in the midst of one of Japan’s best cherry-blossom-viewing locations and enjoy a traditional Japanese Breakfast.

Unlike many other kinds of breakfast you’ll experience, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists of foods that make up a complete meal. Usually savory, the breakfast could conceivably be enjoyed at lunch or dinner. Typically made up of steamed rice, miso soup and a protein such as grilled fish with side dishes that vary. Some favorites being tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nori (dried seasoned seaweed), natto (fermented soybeans), kobachi (small side dishes which usually consist of vegetables).

Although the above might seem like a lot of food, portion sizes are small and the meal is not intended to be heavy or overly filling.

Iberian Breakfast on Spain & Portugal in Style

Photo by Mateusz Feliksik

Both in Spain and Portugal breakfast tends to be small, though not of course for our guests in hotels as there’s a smorgasbord of choice. For locals however, a croissant or other sweet bread with cafe con leche (milk coffee Spain) or meia-de-leite (milk coffee Portugal). There could also be bread, cheese and cold-cut slices of meat. In Spain that meat would be cured ham otherwise known as jamon.

In Spain a popular ‘breakfast’ is actually elevenses or a midmorning snack. In Spain this may involve tostada con tomate: toasted bread with crushed fresh tomato and olive oil added to it. Some people even rub garlic on the bread. Simple but very tasty. And of course, with another coffee. Another favorite for this time is a big slice of tortilla, the Spanish omelet with potato and onion inside.

Another drink that’s often consumed at breakfast in both countries is fresh orange juice, as Spain and Portugal grow lots of oranges. In cafes, oranges are put through a juicing machine and the juice is served in a glass often with a sachet of sugar at the side so that it can be sweetened to taste.

South African Breakfast on Spectacular South Africa 

Photo by Melissa Walker Horn

In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of the Big Five. Led by professional trackers, this once in a lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa. You’ll definitely want to have had a good breakfast so you can be alert when seeking out the wildlife!

Situated in the Sabi Sands, which boasts one of the planet’s highest concentrations of animal species, the Lion Sands Lodges offer exquisite treehouse-style rooms, luxury suites with private decks and plunge pools, and an open-air lounge and dining area, overlooking the Sabie River.

Here you will be able to enjoy the South African twist on an English Breakfast with boerewors, a local sausage, replacing the traditional pork sausage in England. Or a more simple but just as satisfying bowl of porridge. South Africans use a malted sorghum grain which brings a rich flavor and high amount of energy to start your day.