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February 4, 2011
Photo Diary: Welcome Spring
Yes, it is February, so why are we talking about spring’s arrival? It may be hard to imagine, but blossoming tulips and cherry blossoms are just around the corner in our favorite nonstop destinations, and Amsterdam and Tokyo are preparing for the colorful delights that spring brings. Tokyo’s cherry blossom festivals occur in April, but in Okinawa, the celebrations have already started. Unlike Tokyo, the cherry blossoms in Okinawa are a vibrant pink and blossom in late January to early February. Read more »
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January 21, 2011
Photo Diary: Pie
In recognition of National Pie Day on January 23, today’s feature is a dessert delight: pie. The Dutch are well known for their pastries, and local restaurant De Kas often take their sustainable practices to the sweets. If Tokyo seems like an unlikely place to find pie, you will be pleasantly surprised upon entering 140 year old bakery, Kimuraya in Ginza. Read more »
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January 20, 2011
Top 5 Karaoke Hotspots in Tokyo
No business trip to Tokyo would be complete without a company stop to a local karaoke bar (locally known as a “karaoke box”). The sing-along entertainment machine was made famous in Japan, and is considered to be more of an art form than just play. When choosing the right lounge for your group, take into consideration its proximity to your hotel, the atmosphere (some may be more comfortable with a private room vs. a public room), and the cost. Most bars have a flat usage fee, though there are others that charge an hourly rate.
The next time you are visiting Tokyo, warm up your vocal chords for an evening of team bonding at these venues: Read more »
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January 14, 2011
Cross the Word to Cross the World
A year ago, we asked our residents in Oregon and Southwest Washington to wax poetic for the chance to win a trip for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. This year, we’re stepping up the challenge and want to see your crossword skills in action! Starting today at 12pm noon, follow the clues to solve the puzzle for the chance to win a trip for two to the land of tulips, art and windmills or to sushi, designer fashion and shinto shrines. Enter the contest here.
Which destination would you choose?
Update 2/16/2011: Contestants will have to save their puzzle submissions and return each week to complete the four new clues. On February 18, the last four clues will be released and contestants will be able to select the “Submit entry” button. All completed puzzles must be submitted by 12pm Monday, February 21 to be eligible for the grand prize.
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January 7, 2011
Photo Diary: Rivers
While Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo have various cultural differences, a common geographical feature is their access to water. Amsterdam was named after the Amstel River, which runs through the heart of the city. Tokyo has multiple rivers, but the Meguro River is particularly famous as a destination to view the blossoming cherry trees during Hanami. The Willamette River divides Portland from east to west and has a double role as a commercial center and recreational outlet for water sport enthusiasts. Read more »
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January 3, 2011
To Tokyo, Amsterdam and back to PDX
Last January, the I Love to Fly Nonstop Haiku contest gave would-be poets the opportunity to profess their love for nonstop international flights for the chance to win a trip for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. Raquel Benito and Mike Donovan were selected as the Haiku winners, and kept I Fly Nonstop apprised of their vacation itineraries before and after their trips. Read more »
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December 23, 2010
Photo Diary: Christmas
Inspired by Christmas, we chose photos of each city decorated for the holiday. What are your seasonal decorating traditions? Read more »
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December 6, 2010
Delta: Keep Climbing
Wieden+Kennedy was honored to become the strategic and creative partner to Delta Air Lines in 2009. Delta is arguably the most iconic of all American airline brands, and, at that time, with the pending Northwest merger standing to make it the world’s largest airline, Delta also had quite a bit of global attention. Let’s also not forget that our allegiance, as business travelers working for a company with offices in seven countries but headquartered in Portland, was now to Delta. How could we not support the company that provides us nonstop access to our Tokyo and Amsterdam offices?
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December 3, 2010
Photo Diary: Winter
Snow falls, the wind blows and lights twinkle when winter comes to Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo. While all three cities have fairly mild winters, they each receive a makeover when snow makes an appearance. In Amsterdam, bikes find parking wherever they can (even if it means on top of each other); Portlanders leave the car at home and dust off their cross country skies, and in Tokyo, locals leave prayers for family and loved ones at shrines, like the Yushima Tenmangu. Read more »
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November 22, 2010
Green Your Travels
Carbon emissions can come from a variety of sources and helping to reduce these emissions is all of our responsibility in order to preserve and protect Mother Earth. While committing weekends to planting trees in your local forest is an ideal way to offset your carbon footprint, it does not always fit into a busy schedule. Below are a few ways that you can green your travels. Read more »