Travel

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  • Riverboat Cruises Coming Back to the Pacific Northwest

    Shermans Travel Blog
    Amanda Black
    21 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    There’s something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it’s because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren’t just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they’ll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington! The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles,…

  • 6 US airport restaurants worth a long layover

    News and Views from Cheapflights.com
    Marissa Willman
    21 May 2013 | 11:39 am
    If there’s one thing that can make layovers worthwhile, it’s a memorable meal. Here are six airport restaurants worth a long layover. The Salt Lick, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport BBQ plate at The Salt Lick (Image: The Salt Lick) With a layover in Texas, it only makes sense to chow down on some Southern-style barbecue – and there’s no better place to grab a plate of pork ribs or brisket than The Salt Lick. Don’t forget to leave room for desserts like peach cobbler or pecan pie. One Flew South, Atlanta International Airport Escape the bustle of this busy…

  • Tips for Picking a Guided Trip

    Intelligent Travel
    Norie Quintos
    17 May 2013 | 11:49 am
    I recently took a guided tour of Morocco with the Vermont-based Country Walkers (Traveler named the company’s guided tour through Brazil as one of this year’s “Tours of a Lifetime“). Here are three lessons I learned along the way: 1. Seek a perfect match: There are many excellent outfitters as out there (our own National Geographic Expeditions is a great example.) The one you should go with, however, is not necessarily the one your roommate from college raved about on her Facebook page or even the one a travel expert recommends. The tour you want is the one that best…

  • 5 Summer Road Trips Inspired by Hollywood Movies

    AOL Travel Ideas
    AOL Travel Staff
    16 May 2013 | 1:00 am
    Filed under: Arts & Culture, Road TripsThe crazy, fun-loving buddies' road trip in The Hangover has inspired countless others to set out on their own memorable adventures. Two Hangover movies -- including the upcoming finale The Hangover Part III -- later, it's clear you don't have to head to Las Vegas to have the movie-inspired road trip of your life. From the stomach-dropping Grand Canyon scenery in Due Date to The Descendants journey along the lush roads of Hawaii, there's more than enough cinematic ground to be covered as you plan your next trip. Check out the video below for a look…

  • Old Destinations, New Eyes

    Kaleidoscopic Wandering
    JoAnna
    15 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    It’s old news that one of the reasons I most love Las Vegas is because of its proximity to so many national parks and outdoor spaces that let us hike, camp and explore. One of these is Grand Canyon National Park. Despite what many people believe, it isn’t the closest national park to Las Vegas, though it’s probably safe to say that it is the most popular of all the natural spaces within a few hours of our home. The first couple of times my husband and I visited the Grand Canyon, we did it for ourselves. We spent the Fourth of July enjoying the cool weather of the North Rim and we…
 
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    Intelligent Travel

  • Fun in the South African Sun: Durban

    Rainer Jenss
    21 May 2013 | 12:31 pm
    If you’re thinking about going to Africa for your next big family vacation, chances are you’re dreaming about seeing lions, elephants, and giraffes. Rightfully so. Going on a safari is undoubtedly one of the continent’s greatest draws, and countries like Kenya and Tanzania offer world-class tour packages for families. The Moses Mabhida Stadium hosted five group games during the 2010 World Cup. (Photograph by Ben Robinson, Flickr) But if you’re looking for an itinerary with a little more variety, few places can match South Africa for its mix of culture, beauty, and wildlife…

  • Exclamation-Point-Worthy? Buenos Aires!

    Annie Fitzsimmons
    21 May 2013 | 11:28 am
    I had been hearing about “the steak” for three years. My boyfriend, Andy, took a trip to Buenos Aires and has been raving about the Argentine beef he had at La Cabrera Norte ever since. So when I finally made it to the South American hotspot a few weeks back, I had to try this by now almost mythical meal — paired with a juicy, fruit-driven Malbec, naturally. Almost impossibly, the steak lived up to the hype, but best of all, sharing a common experience made me feel connected to Andy all the way back in New York City. That’s part of the reason I love to get personal…

  • Inside the Millennial Trains Project

    Leslie Trew Magraw
    20 May 2013 | 1:53 pm
    You’ve probably been hearing a lot about millennials these days — from an ultimately positive review in Time to whole books on the subject with titles ranging from Generation Me to Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation is Remaking America. (You can even take a quiz to find out “how Millennial” you are.) While critics and scholars may quibble over the birth range associated with the generation, there’s no doubt that 25-year-old Millennial Trains Project founder Patrick Dowd belongs to this controversial cohort. I sat down with Patrick to ask him about the…

  • Tips for Picking a Guided Trip

    Norie Quintos
    17 May 2013 | 11:49 am
    I recently took a guided tour of Morocco with the Vermont-based Country Walkers (Traveler named the company’s guided tour through Brazil as one of this year’s “Tours of a Lifetime“). Here are three lessons I learned along the way: 1. Seek a perfect match: There are many excellent outfitters as out there (our own National Geographic Expeditions is a great example.) The one you should go with, however, is not necessarily the one your roommate from college raved about on her Facebook page or even the one a travel expert recommends. The tour you want is the one that best…

  • Photo Tip: All About Exposure

    Dan Westergren
    17 May 2013 | 7:28 am
    Reader Question: Which exposure mode should I use with my camera? What’s the difference between “Auto” and “A”? My Answer: I’m going to start with a bit of background on the basics of camera settings. ”A” refers to Aperture Priority mode. The user chooses the aperture and the camera automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed. Similarly, “S” stands for Shutter Priority, where the photographer chooses the shutter speed and the camera automatically chooses the appropriate aperture. ”M” is for Manual, where the…
 
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    LA Times

  • Mexico: Hands-on kitchen and spa, for $300

    21 May 2013 | 8:15 am
    If you look — and feel — like you need a massage and a day at the spa, Rancho La Puerta has a deal for you.

  • Timely help for booking your flight

    21 May 2013 | 7:45 am
    A new tool from Danish travel site Momondo.com may help take away some of the stress of flight shopping by advising us when to buy an airline ticket.

  • Las Vegas: Paddleboarding in the middle of the desert

    21 May 2013 | 7:30 am
    It’s now possible to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the Mojave Desert only about half-an-hour from the Las Vegas Strip. Paddle to the Core  offers boarding experiences at all levels on the tranquil waters of Lake Las Vegas , located in an upscale (think Celine Dion) community adjacent to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area .

  • Thin snowpack, dry conditions bring early fire season to Yosemite

    20 May 2013 | 8:30 am
    Campers and visitors are urged to take extra care with campfires when visiting Yosemite National Park  because fire danger is higher than average for this time of year, according to a park announcement.

  • Daily Deal: Big Bear Lake flash sale for Memorial Day weekend

    20 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    If the pine trees, hiking trails and clear blue skies of the San Bernardino Mountains are calling to you, hop online fast or grab a phone. Big Bear Lake is kicking off the vacation season with a flash sale for Memorial Day weekend.   
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    Hawaii Vacation Blog

  • NBC’s Today Show Comes to Hawaii

    AlohaBruce
    21 May 2013 | 12:29 pm
    Lights, camera, action! A Hollywood extravaganza graced the beaches of Waikiki this past Sunday, as the cast and crew of NBC’s TODAY Show broadcasted live from the sand. With an array of sets, from sitting poolside to standing alongside Tahitian dancers to overlooking Diamond Head and the West Side, the backdrop for stop number 1 of 5 on The Great American Adventure was spectacular. While hosts like Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, and Ann Curry awed over the scenery, fans awed over them, and I awed over the entirety of the event. Staged with enough lights to power a neighborhood, the…

  • Buckle Up on Hawaii Roads

    AlohaBruce
    20 May 2013 | 3:00 pm
    If you're driving in Hawai‘i while on vacation, make sure to buckle up. That means passengers in the back seat, too.  The new law includes children and adults; previously, adults didn't have to wear seat belts when sitting in the back of a vehicle. I always thought that was a no brainer. Sitting in the back seat doesn't necessarily mean you're protected during motor vehicle accidents. Yet, there are still people who choose not don't buckle up. I guess it's with the mentality that there'll be no legal reprecutions. But accidental death? Think…

  • Hawaiian History Alive in Makua Valley

    AlohaBruce
    20 May 2013 | 12:40 pm
    You can just feel the mana, or power, when driving by Makua Valley. Even though it's inaccessible to the public today, the valley is still very much a visible part of O‘ahu's northwestern shore. It's also still very much alive with Hawaiian culture and history. Hawaiians believed it to be the site where man was first created; hence, the name makua, meaning "parent" in Hawaiian.They also considered the valley as a place where spirits entered the afterworld. If you look up along the rocky cliffs, you'll see a handful of memorials made in honor of those who have…

  • Turtle Bay Resort Gets a Facelift

    AlohaBruce
    19 May 2013 | 3:39 pm
    Only one resort adorns Oahu’s fabled north shore and it’s Turtle Bay. Situated on it’s own point along the north coastline, Turtle Bay consists of 375 luxury guest rooms, 26 suites, 42 beach cottages and luxury ocean villas with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by beautiful beachscapes, Turtle Bay offers guests privacy, seclusion, and the incredible sights of Oahu’s country counter parts. In the midst of renovation, this resort is undergoing some major upgrades set to complete this October. However, the first wing of new rooms will be available to guests…

  • Farewell, Kaneohe BayFest

    AlohaBruce
    19 May 2013 | 2:00 pm
    Those federal budget cuts are becoming a real kill joy. In addition to furloughs and shortened hours at major tourist attractions, like Pearl Harbor, the budget cuts also cut out Kane‘ohe's annual BayFest. The Fourth of July event at the Marine Corps Base has been happening for more than 20 years. And every year, it attracted 25,000 people for carnival rides, fireworks and music concerts. Growing up, I remember watching Train and Fergie from Black Eyed Peas perform at BayFest. My family and I would always watch the fireworks show from the nearby vista overlooking Kane‘ohe Bay.
 
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    Matador Network

  • How you can help Oklahoma

    Josh Heller
    21 May 2013 | 12:06 pm
    Photo via darkroom.baltimoresun.com Here are a few places you can donate to, to help the recovery efforts in Moore, Oklahoma. Red Cross: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10, or online at http://redcross.org. Use the Safe & Well website or the mobile version to check on friends and family. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma: Text FOOD to 32333 to give $10 to relief efforts, or online at http://www.regionalfoodbank.org. Donate by phone: (405) 604-7111. Salvation Army USA: Text STORM to 80888 to give $10, or online at http://SalvationArmyUSA.org. Donate by phone: (800) 725-2769. Feed the…

  • What it's like in grizzly jaws

    Carlo Alcos
    21 May 2013 | 11:46 am
    I LIVE IN bear country. Whenever I go hiking or biking, this is among my worst nightmares. This footage was caught while the filmmaker, Brad Josephs, was capturing video for the Great Bear Stakeout for BBC. As a testament to GoPro, no damage was done to the camera.

  • Fakuta and the state of Chilean pop

    Anne Hoffman
    21 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    Photo courtesy of Fakuta About a year ago, an album turned my life around. Its name: Al Vuelo, by the rising Chilean indie-pop star Fakuta. My uncle had just died, I’d lost my job, and the chance that I’d ever succeed as a journalist seemed increasingly remote. I found myself stuck in a symbol of regression: my parents’ minivan. On the way home from the funeral in the Midwest, past the endless cornfields and pro-life billboards, I could feel the familiar pangs of depression. The initial restlessness, then a twinge of unhappiness, and finally: the creeping sense of despair. And, as…

  • The Belize 'top 10'

    Andrea Cauthen
    21 May 2013 | 8:01 am
    Photo: Lily Girma Read the full interview with Lily Girma, in which she talks about the process of writing the Moon Belize guidebook. 1. Best beaches Tough question; Belize has some lovely beaches and offshore islands. My top two favorites are South Water Caye (on the Pelican Beach Resort side), and Hopkins Village’s beach. 2. Best food and drink Best drink is a cold Belikin beer. Best food: Another tough one. Fry jacks for breakfast, conch ceviche, and stew chicken with rice and beans. 3. Best place for an all-night party San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, followed by Caye Caulker and San…

  • How to be a guidebook author [q&a]

    Andrea Cauthen
    21 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    Lily Girma in Belize. Photo courtesy LILY LILY IMAGES LEBAWIT LILY GIRMA is a freelance travel writer and photographer — and MatadorU alum — who just returned from a seven-month stint in Belize, where she completed her first travel guidebook assignment and the 10th edition of Moon Belize for Moon Handbooks. Not only did she write the guidebook, but she also provided all the photos and even landed the prized cover shot over other candidates. Learn the skills you need to get published in the travel writing program at MatadorU. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Cote d’ Ivoire,…
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    Wanderlust and Lipstick

  • Win a Horny Toad Conversion Dress

    Beth Whitman
    3 May 2013 | 6:51 am
    It’s the perfect time to win yourself a Horny Toad Conversion Dress! Because if you haven’t already, it’s time to do the big closet swap. Packing up the sweaters, winter boots and long-sleeved tops and pulling out the spring and summer-wear. And this Conversion dress will be a lovely item to add. Here’s the cool thing about the Conversion Dress: Convertible straps in the back allow you to criss-cross them or wear them straight back The straps have 3 button holes so you can wear it high in the front or a little lower Or forget the buttons in the back and simply tie it…

  • Scarpa Caipirinha Shoes – WanderGear Wednesday

    Beth Whitman
    1 May 2013 | 6:44 am
    Unless it’s my imagination, it seems like a lot of outdoor shoe companies (those specializing in hiking boots, trail, and climbing shoes, etc.) are crossing over into the lifestyle market. I am not complaining. Because what’s coming out are shoes like the Scarpa Caipirinhas. These cross-over shoes can be worn hiking (they’ve got a nice grip sole and a toe cap) but have a distinctly European look. With Scarpa located in Northern Italy, it makes sense that they’ve developed a totally cute street shoe. But for me, having such a stylish shoe that means I’m more…

  • On Traveling: Unplugged

    Beth Whitman
    29 Apr 2013 | 7:53 am
    A couple of weeks ago, reports surfaced that Alec Zimmerman, a young woman from the Seattle area, disappeared while hitchhiking from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Peru. She hadn’t been heard from by her family and friends for a few days and her loved-ones started to get worried. The couchsurfer whom she had stayed with prior to leaving BA had been circulating fliers at the truck stop where she was last seen and by day six, the FBI had been contacted. But then Alec logged into her email and discovered that there was an international incident caused by her going off the grid for less than a…

  • Northern Thailand Tribal Women ~ Photo of the Day

    Beth Whitman
    26 Apr 2013 | 8:28 am
    On my visit to Northern Thailand last month, my guide brought me to a village north of Chiang Mai where different hill tribe groups live. Each tribe has a designated area where they have small businesses set up. There, they sell weavings, jewelry and other tourist-oriented items as well as some food items to the locals. Yes, there’s a slight feel that this has all been set up for tourists. But my guide, who was very sensitive to the plight of the hill tribe people, repeatedly reminded me that if these people didn’t have this village, they’d have nothing. It truly is a way…

  • Sherpani Prima LE ~ WanderGear Wednesday

    Beth Whitman
    24 Apr 2013 | 8:34 am
    I have finally trained myself to carry a small shoulder bag with me when I travel. Something that will hold just a few items that I might need for a night out or when I go for a meal. The Sherpani Prima LE is just such a cross body bag. There are a couple of reasons that make this bag stand out over some of the other small cross body bags that I’ve owned (and still own). First, it’s well crafted. I admit that many similar bags that I own are ones that I’ve purchased in India or Southeast Asia. They’re totally cool, but they only tend to last me about six months before…
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    CruiseSource

  • Norwegian Breakaway Haven Suite Videos

    Rich Tucker
    20 May 2013 | 8:41 am
    Here are quick Norwegian Breakaway Suite Videos captured during the Norwegian Breakaway inaugural. These suites are within the luxurious Haven complex requiring key-entry making it ultra-exclusive and private. These suites come with 24 hour butler service, optional in-suite white table cloth dining, reserved seating at all the broadway style shows, access to the private Haven lounge, restaurant and pool. Norwegian Breakaway Courtyard Penthouse Video Email Subscribers: Click here to view videos.    Norwegian Breakaway Deluxe Owner’s Suite Video Norwegian Breakaway Owner’s…

  • Cruise Deals: Exclusive Norwegian Offer + Breakaway Review

    Martha Allen
    16 May 2013 | 6:24 am
    Norwegian’s New Breakaway: Like Four Ships in One A review of the Norwegian Breakaway from CruiseDeals.com Vice President, Kevin Weisner. How to combine Luxury, Premium, Family and Solo Cruising without Compromise The new Norwegian Breakaway is a standout when it comes to accomplishing the near impossible—to make a large-scale vessel that can truly “work” in the family, premium, and luxury cruise markets, and then, do something special just for singles too. Usually a product that tries to satisfy a wide variety of needs ends up making so many compromises that none of the desires are…

  • Norwegian’s New Breakaway: Like Four Ships in One

    Kevin Weisner
    14 May 2013 | 2:59 pm
    How to combine Luxury, Premium, Family and Solo Cruising without Compromise The new Norwegian Breakaway is a standout when it comes to accomplishing the near impossible—to make a large-scale vessel that can truly “work” in the family, premium, and luxury cruise markets, and then, do something special just for singles too.  Usually a product that tries to satisfy a wide variety of needs ends up making so many compromises that none of the desires are well-served.  This is just not the case on Breakaway–Norwegian has proven that divergent cruise experiences can thrive comfortably…

  • Cruise Deals: Cruises from $34 per day!

    Martha Allen
    9 May 2013 | 9:25 am
    Cruise Deals on Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Cruise Line is debuting their newest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway in New York this week and CruiseDeals.com is excited to have a group from our staff onboard May 10th-12th to get a first-hand look. Follow the CruiseDeals.com team Live this Weekend from the Norwegian Breakaway: Cruise Deals Twitter Cruise Deals Facebook Cruise Deals on Instagram This Week’s Handpicked Deals Transatlantic, Repositioning & Panama Canal Cruises from $34 a day Experienced cruisers, especially those that love a bargain and truly enjoy the onboard experience, know…

  • Disney AquaDunk Water Slide Video

    Rich Tucker
    8 May 2013 | 1:12 pm
    Norwegian Breakaway Slides Photo by NaFang58 Instagram. Each week, it seems like a cruise line announces a new ship innovation that takes us to a whole new level of on board cruise entertainment. On Friday, I’ll be sliding down the fastest water slide at sea on the Norwegian Breakaway.  I have to admit, I’m pretty excited! Disney AquaDunk Water Slide Video But, it did not take Disney long to one up the Norwegian Breakaway’s slide with the AquaDunk water slide set to be added to the Disney Magic in October 2013.   Thinking about booking a Disney Cruise?  Receive up to…
 
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    Europe a la Carte Travel Blog

  • Breakwater at Playa de Bikini in Santander:Today’s Walk 21 May 2013

    Karen Bryan
    21 May 2013 | 6:39 am
    Today we walked around the Magdalena Peninsula in Santander. Pin It You may also enjoySardinero Beach: View from my Office 20 May 2013Painted House in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 18 May 2013Sculpture in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 19 May 2013 Breakwater at Playa de Bikini in Santander:Today’s Walk 21 May 2013 Tips on where to travel in [...]Breakwater at Playa de Bikini in Santander:Today’s Walk 21 May 2013 Tips on where to travel in Europe. Copyrighted content published on the Europe a la Carte Travel Blog.

  • Sardinero Beach: View from my Office 20 May 2013

    Karen Bryan
    20 May 2013 | 5:57 am
    A fantastic view of Sardinero Beach from the desk in our room at the Hotel Silken Rio in Santander, Spain. Pin It You may also enjoyBreakwater at Playa de Bikini in Santander:Today’s Walk 21 May 2013Barcelona Airport Toilet: View from my Office:16 May 2013The View from the Cami Ronda near Tarragona: Today’s Walk 17 May [...]Sardinero Beach: View from my Office 20 May 2013 Tips on where to travel in Europe. Copyrighted content published on the Europe a la Carte Travel Blog.

  • Photo Tour of the Wellcome Collection in London

    Karen Bryan
    20 May 2013 | 12:05 am
    I finally got around to visiting the Wellcome Collection in London in March 2013. It bills itself as ‘a free destination for the incurably curious’, which is a pretty accurate description. Henry Wellcome was an pharmaceutical entrepreneur who amassed many medical artifacts during his travels. For me, the most evocative piece in the museum was [...]Photo Tour of the Wellcome Collection in London Tips on where to travel in Europe. Copyrighted content published on the Europe a la Carte Travel Blog.

  • Sculpture in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 19 May 2013

    Karen Bryan
    19 May 2013 | 3:48 am
    I liked this sculpture of an older man sitting on a bench which I spotted on the way to the Gladiator Show at the Roman Amphitheatre. Pin It You may also enjoyPainted House in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 18 May 2013The View from the Cami Ronda near Tarragona: Today’s Walk 17 May 2013By the Gorse: Today’s [...]Sculpture in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 19 May 2013 Tips on where to travel in Europe. Copyrighted content published on the Europe a la Carte Travel Blog.

  • Painted House in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 18 May 2013

    Karen Bryan
    18 May 2013 | 9:35 am
    I loved this trompe l”oeil painted on a house in Placa dels Sedassos in Tarragona. Pin It You may also enjoySculpture in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 19 May 2013The View from the Cami Ronda near Tarragona: Today’s Walk 17 May 2013Edlingham Church Northumberland: Today’s Walk 7 May 2013 Painted House in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 18 May [...]Painted House in Tarragona: Today’s Walk 18 May 2013 Tips on where to travel in Europe. Copyrighted content published on the Europe a la Carte Travel Blog.
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    Shannon Hurst Lane

  • If I Live the Life I’m Given

    Shannon
    8 May 2013 | 8:54 am
    People come into our lives and sometimes it takes a long time to realize what the reason might be. It might be as simple as a smile. Or it could be a small kindness. But sometimes it’s part of a chain reaction that leads you down a path to make things right in your world, or at least help find closure. Thanks to social media, a few years ago I met a friend who was a producer at a local news station. He moved soon after to take a position in Cleveland, Ohio. We kept in touch. In my recent travels, I met a photographer who showed me a photo of his latest commission, a newly opened brain…

  • Fun Moments from #LivetheMLife Media Trip

    Shannon
    14 Apr 2013 | 1:14 pm
    Last week I participated in the MGM Resorts #LivetheMLife press trip. It was a fun group of bloggers and we had some amazing moments. Some of them were planned and some…..not planned at all! We ran into celebrities, we were treated like celebrities, and the most important thing? We learned all about MGM Resorts MLife loyalty program. Points for these MLife Moments can be earned by booking hotel stays, dining, attraction tickets, playing at the casino, and even playing their Facebook game MyVegas Slots. Check out the program and sign up at MLife.com. Here are some select moments from the…

  • Testing Windows Phone WordPress App

    Shannon
    30 Mar 2013 | 6:38 am
    I’m in the process of trying to simplify my life and my travels. I want to carry around less gear and be able to share more of my experiences without having to keep up with so much stuff. I really love my Nokia Lumia 920 phone and while I know it isn’t the complete answer to my issue, it has simplified life greatly. The only thing it’s missing is Instagram and a video editing app. Those are the two things I miss that were an integral part of my digital nomad lifestyle. I’m trying to be more productive while mobile, and hopefully these two things I miss will be remedied…

  • Louisiana Gumbo Seasoned with Travel and Good Friends

    Shannon
    19 Mar 2013 | 7:25 am
    A few weeks ago while in Ely, Cambridgeshire in the UK with friends, we took turns making one of our favorite dishes. Denise, Susan, and Bridget had always wanted to taste some of my gumbo, so I packed the non-perishable ingredients to bring along on our UK Retreat. Because we were in the UK, I knew the proper Andouille sausage would be hard to get my hands on. Fortunately the local Waitrose offered a nice chorizo that would be a perfect substitute. The gumbo turned out nice and was a warm and comforting meal on a cold night in that little cottage we were snuggled into. After seeing a photo…

  • Sharing Baton Rouge Family Fun with viewers of Lifetime Television #travel #GoBR

    Shannon
    10 Mar 2013 | 10:07 pm
    Last week was fun and somewhat unbelievable. I was on Lifetime TV’s show Designing Spaces, Kids Spaces highlighting some of the family friendly attractions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We filmed this episode last December and it was a fabulous experience. I’ve always wanted to be a travel show host and it really was so much fun to film. I was absolutely thrilled when Visit Baton Rouge approached me to represent the capital city of Baton Rouge on National US television. When I travel, I always love sharing my passion about Louisiana and my home city area of Baton Rouge. Louisiana is…
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    Art of Non-Conformity

  • A Short Note on Bridge Jumping

    Chris Guillebeau
    20 May 2013 | 6:02 am
    When you were a kid and wanted to do something your parents or teachers didn’t like, you may have heard the question, “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?” The idea is that it’s not good to do something stupid, even if everyone else does it. The logic is think for yourself instead of following the crowd. It’s not bad advice, even if it’s sometimes used to exert control more than to support independent thinking. Then, you grow up and suddenly the tables are turned. People start expecting you to behave exactly as they do. If you don’t conform to their expectations,…

  • The Essence of the Process Is Revision

    Chris Guillebeau
    16 May 2013 | 8:15 am
    I’ve said before that writing a book isn’t difficult when you break it down into 1,000 words a day. In fact, if you write 1,000 words a day fairly consistently, you can write more than one book a year. A few smart readers have pointed out that the writing is the easiest part. Truly crafting something worthwhile requires much more work in the editing or revision phase. It’s one thing to get 50,000 words on the page, and it’s another to turn them into something that other people want to read. I still maintain that it’s more important for most of us to focus on…

  • Changing the Default

    Chris Guillebeau
    13 May 2013 | 6:12 am
    Most productivity advice doesn’t help me. I work on a lot of projects at once. I read and reply to email throughout the day. I say yes more than I say no. But I’ve found a new habit that is helping a lot. The habit is changing my default behavior. Those of us who do knowledge work for much of the day have no shortage of choices. As I’ve written before, for me the ultimate superpower is to always know what to do next. I’ve noticed that my default behavior, whenever I’m not sure what to do next, is to consume. I read the news online or check out social media. When…

  • What To Do When the Unconventional Opinion Is Wrong

    Chris Guillebeau
    9 May 2013 | 9:00 pm
    When I’m not roaming the world, I live in Portland, Oregon, land of strong coffee and tall bikes. Portland is a fun little place, and it also happens to be one of the most progressive cities in America. You can buy marijuana at a food cart beginning at approximately age twelve. When George Bush (the first one) visited Portland, so many people turned out to protest that he dubbed the city “Little Beirut.” Walking down the street on any given day, you’ll be accosted by people who want you to save the rain forest or support homeless anarchists. For the most part, it feels like…

  • Lessons Learned from 11 Years of Travel

    Chris Guillebeau
    6 May 2013 | 8:24 am
    Last weekend I had the honor of speaking to 600 people at Frequent Traveler University, a conference devoted to the world of points and miles. A longtime friend, Gary Leff, asked me to share a few lessons from the 11-year journey to every country that just wrapped up a few weeks ago in Norway. What have I learned? Good question. I thought about it for a while and here are some of the highlights I came up with. Lesson #1: Miles are for spending! (Life, too.) I’ve been all over the world for free or almost free thanks to Frequent Flyer Miles, but they don’t do anyone any good if…
 
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    Hawaii Vacation Advice - GoVisitHawaii.com

  • 10 things you may not already know about the Hawaiian Hula dance

    Andy
    21 May 2013 | 9:39 am
    A trip to Hawaii is incomplete without enjoying at least one Hawaiian hula performance. The hula dance is one of Hawaii’s oldest traditions and is often accompanied by either Hawaiian music (mele) or a traditional Hawaiian chant. While the Hawaiian hula dance has become a popular source of entertainment for visitors to Hawaii, its role in Hawaiian culture is to visually portray the story of the chant or song. While you may already think you know about the Hawaiian hula dance, we wanted to share 10 facts that we hope will enlighten and educate you about this beautiful dance. 1.

  • Organic farm-to-table tour at O’o Farm on Maui

    Sheila Beal
    20 May 2013 | 9:40 am
    In the Waipoli (misting forest) area along the gentle slope of Haleakala, we found O’o Farm for a tour and al fresco luncheon. This 3.5 hour tour includes short walks around a few of the of the gardens nestled in 8.5 verdant acres. Along the way, guests are invited to help pick greens for the day’s truly fresh salad with lunch. Guests touring O’o Farm picking salad greens This diverse organic farm was created to supply fresh, locally grown produce for two Maui restaurants, Pacific’O and I’o, as well as the luau Feast at Lele — all located at 505 Front…

  • Aloha Friday Photo: A hui hou whales!

    Sheila Beal
    17 May 2013 | 9:46 am
    Mahalo nui loa to Norm Strole of Raleigh, North Carolina for sending in three photos for our Aloha Friday Photo series. I’ve chosen these three photos today as they symbolize the humpback whale season — from first sighting to finish. This first photo shows the whale emerging from the ocean into a breach: From this next photo, you can see the whale is rotating in this breach: The grand finale of the breach concludes with a big splash. Norm tells me that he snapped this series of photos of the same  breach when he visited Maui in February 2010. Here’s a bit more of what Norm…

  • Let’s talk Hawaii water safety, again.

    Sheila Beal
    16 May 2013 | 9:01 am
    Beach safety signs at Ke’e Beach, Kauai Before we jump into what prompted this post, let’s review some Hawaii water safety recommendations. Ocean/Beach Safety Never turn your back to the ocean. When you are swimming or simply standing or walking by the shoreline, you never know when a strong wave might sneak up on you. The waves could appear to be predictable for many minutes before  a rogue wave hits. If in doubt, don’t go out. If you aren’t sure of the conditions, don’t risk it. Where possible swim at lifeguarded beaches. Check posted safety signs. Avoid swimming at…

  • Back from Maui

    Sheila Beal
    14 May 2013 | 10:29 am
    North Kaanapali Beach Wow, how quickly a five-night visit passed! As I reflect back on the last week, I can hardly believe how much we did in such a short period of time, with thanks again to the Maui Visitors Bureau and their partners for hosting us. I want to give you a preview of posts to come with a brief summary of our visit. Where we stayed Our first three nights were in Wailea at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. This 22-acre, oceanfront resort is located on a peninsula between Ulua and Wailea beaches. The resort has five pools with my favorite being their serenity (infinity)…
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    Happy Hotelier

  • Yahoo – Tumblr – Flickr

    GJE
    21 May 2013 | 4:10 am
    Yahoo – Tumblr It is reported as a done deal: Yahoo made a 1.1 billion cash offer to acquire Tumblr and the offer has been accepted. I’ll copy and paste some web reactions to the deal: WSJ on the deal Yahoo promises not to screw it up David Karp on Tumblr Marco Arment on a personal note about working together with David Karp: One Person Product Marissa Mayer and David Karp on the ABC Morning Show Yahoo – Flickr May 20 had been planned to launch a major refit of the Flickr site by Yahoo prior to the news of Tumblr being acquired. Note: I’ve fallen in the same old trap…

  • Thoughts about Google+ Plus

    GJE
    21 May 2013 | 4:07 am
    Thoughts about Google+ Plus It is not easy I don’t understand the ease of use of Google+, because in my mind it is not simple to use. I’m jotting this down as a reminder that I want to find back a link to a video that explains the possible uses quite clearly. I’ve tweeted about it, but when was that. Then I red the following post on Mashable: Report: Google+ Visitors Spent an Average of About 7 Minutes on the Site in March. I was sort of glad I am not the only one. People tend to use FaceBook ten times more than they tend to use Google+ time wise. The users have spoken I…

  • Willem-Alexander now King of The Netherlands

    Happy Hotelier
    30 Apr 2013 | 5:10 am
    Willem -Alexander now King of The Netherlands By a simple signature from his mother, Queen Beatrix, under an abdication declaration, Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands in the Amsterdam Royal Dam Palace today at approximately 10.35 hr AM local time. Thereafter the new King will be inaugurated by swearing to be true and loyal to the Dutch Constitution before both Houses (Chambers) of Dutch Parliament. Thereafter the two houses of Dutch Parliament will swear their loyalty to the King. Even Big Brother Google blesses the new King and Queen with the above picture, albeit the Alt tag…

  • Brass Balls – Arthur Frommer

    GJE
    4 Apr 2013 | 5:03 am
    Brass Balls – Arthur Frommer I post this in my What are you Thinking About? category. Why? Read the intro for an explanation. I mean I don’t want to be disrespectful towards Mr Arthur Frommer. Not at all. It is the first thought when I learned today from the NY Times that he has bought back the publishing rights for the Frommer’s Travel guides from Google: “The man must have Brass Balls!” Mind you! The man is 83! He sold the brand eons ago (in 1977) to Simon & Schuster who sold it to the ones who sold it to Google. I really admire the move. About two week…

  • How to open your Wine without a Corkscrew

    GJE
    1 Apr 2013 | 8:33 am
    How to open your Wine without a Corkscrew Want to open a nice bottle of wine without a corckscrew? Watch this little video which shows your the trick that doesn’t make you push the cork into the bottle. It is in French, but easy enough to understand the trick How to open your Wine without a Corkscrew is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter? How to open your Wine without a Corkscrew is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter?
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    TravelingMamas.com

  • Luxury in Bermuda at The Fairmont Southampton

    MommyMusings
    30 Apr 2013 | 11:20 pm
    Bermuda — known for its pink sand beaches, sparkling cerulean waters and knee length shorts … oh and let’s not forget the infamous Bermuda triangle (dun, dun dun!) — is a group of islands located 640 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, NC. Though technically part of the Caribbean, Bermuda’s position in the mid-Atlantic, along with its subtropical climate, make it the perfect getaway for east coast families almost any time of year – Did you know that flights are less than 2 hours from both Boston and NYC, and only 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta!? I recently traveled to Bermuda, as an…

  • Budget Travel for Girlfriends – Traveling On the Cheap

    Guest Author
    29 Apr 2013 | 11:22 pm
    Guest post by Julia Rosien of GoGirlfriend.com I love to travel but I have a confession. I travel cheap. I want my travel experiences to be big and rich and fill my bucket list with memories rather than bills. Thankfully, travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. In fact, with a little research and some creativity you can start dipping into your bucket list without needing a defibrillator for your bank account. At GoGirlfriend we’ve dedicated a whole month to providing budget travel tips for our readers. And we’ll let you in on a dirty little secret, traveling on the cheap…

  • The Hook Up Restaurant on Biloxi’s Back Bay

    CajunMama
    28 Apr 2013 | 2:25 pm
    It was a gorgeous and sunny day along the Gulf Coast and my parents had been pestering me to go to lunch with them in Biloxi. There was a new restaurant called The Hook Up they wanted to try, so I finally gave in when I had a free afternoon. I looked up the reviews of the place online and I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting much. But then I thought of all the times I’ve read negative hotel reviews about a property, only to find that I personally enjoyed the experience. We had a nice drive from the Baton Rouge area and followed the GPS to the Biloxi Boardwalk and Marina, which is…

  • It’s National Princess Week: Cruise Ships, Ball Gowns, and a Modern Day Princess

    CajunMama
    22 Apr 2013 | 2:05 pm
    It’s National Princess Week here in the US and since I was a little girl, thanks to Disney, I’ve had this fascination with what the word “princess” represents. To me it was always the story of a girl, who was just herself, and then fell in love with a handsome guy that swept her off her feet and treated her like the bee’s knees. And princesses were elegant, beautiful, and always liked by everyone in those movies. We all know that’s not real life, but it sure is fun to dream! Sometimes life presents unbelievable opportunities that drop in my lap and I do…

  • Picasso in Chicago

    RollingMama
    20 Apr 2013 | 8:42 am
    One hundred years ago, the Art Institute of Chicago was the first US art museum to feature Picasso’s work. The endearing relationship between the Institute and the artist continues today. Now, until May 12, 2013, the museum is featuring a special exhibit, Picasso and Chicago. The collection includes more than 250 pieces of the artist’s creations representing nearly every media–paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints, and ceramics. Check the website for special presentations. Pablo Picasso was a preeminent 20th century artist known for co-founding the Cubist movement. The exhibit…
 
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    Vagabondish

  • The 10 Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned from 6 Years, 7 Months and 11 Days of Travel Blogging

    Mike Richard
    21 May 2013 | 12:18 pm
    I’ve been pulling the levers and switches behind the scenes at Vagabondish.com for more than six and a half years. Today – May 21, 2013 – marks my 2,418th day of travel blogging. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in that time. Like, a lot. (Bah … this Twitter thing’ll never catch on!) But thankfully it’s taught me a lot too. While I can’t tell you everything I’ve learned (because I’ve forgotten much of it), here are the ten most important things I think every travel blogger should know … Travel bloggings are hard © Mike Richard #1: This Ain’t No…

  • Barroom Bra Ban Overturned In Milwaukee

    Steph Spencer
    21 May 2013 | 9:09 am
    © chicagogeek Holler House gets to keep its collection of undergarments after a city inspector’s order was reversed. The Milwaukee institution is known for its tradition of encouraging intoxicated female customers to remove their bras and hang them from the ceiling. The tradition dates back almost half a century. When the bar and bowling alley underwent its latest city inspection, the inspector singled out the display of bras as a fire hazard. The bras were initially taken down in order to avoid a fine, but the owners waged a campaign through the media that eventually led to a…

  • Did Immaculate Conception Occur At Connecticut Zoo?

    Steph Spencer
    21 May 2013 | 7:05 am
    Anteaters © Clarissa Peterson Zookeepers are scratching their collective heads after an anteater gave birth without having come into contact with any males of the species. Female anteaters are strictly segregated from their male counterparts at the conservation center in Greenwich, Connecticut due to the males’ tendency to attack their young. So it is a mystery how Armani came to be pregnant while she was in an enclosure with only other female anteaters. The birth of little Archie was a surprise to staff at the facility. Theories abound over how this might have happened, including…

  • Photo of the Moment: Trees Cocooned in Spider Webs, Pakistan

    Mike Richard
    21 May 2013 | 3:35 am
    © Department for International Development

  • Join Us This Wednesday, May 22 for a Twitter Party with Bing!

    Mike Richard
    20 May 2013 | 11:28 am
    Love Is in the Air, Cartagena, Colombia © Luz Adriana Villa Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to hit the road! The season’s travel plans can be hard to book, with overbooked flights, steep prices and crowded hotels. Join me, Mike Richard, travel expert and founder of Vagabondish, for my top tips and tricks for booking summer travel without breaking the bank. Whether backpacking, camping, or luxury hotels is your style, I’ll share my best tips to make planning that much easier, so you can spend more time dreaming up your next vacation! To…
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    Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast

  • European Car Rentals: The American Traveler’s “Must Know” List

    Jesse Hughes
    21 May 2013 | 8:30 am
    Travelling abroad comes with a plethora of details to iron out before you are ready to pack your suitcase, but locking down a European car rental never seems to quite get the [...]The post European Car Rentals: The American Traveler’s “Must Know” List appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast.

  • “My Life Will Go On… and On” with Michael Hodson – This Week in Travel #139

    chris2x
    19 May 2013 | 10:01 am
    This Week in Travel – Travel News Podcast. Regular hosts Jen Leo and Chris Christensen are joined by this week’s guest: Michael Hodson of Go, See, Write and newly-elected president of Professional Travel Bloggers Association [...]The post “My Life Will Go On… and On” with Michael Hodson – This Week in Travel #139 appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast.

  • Old Town – Girona, Spain – Daily Photo

    chris2x
    18 May 2013 | 9:54 am
    I love wandering around the back streets, alleys, and in the case of Girona Spain, stains of the medieval old town. These are cities not meant to be explored by car (good [...]The post Old Town – Girona, Spain – Daily Photo appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast.

  • Travel to Stockholm, Sweden – Episode 372

    chris2x
    18 May 2013 | 9:14 am
    Hear about travel to Stockholm, Sweden as the Amateur Traveler talks to Malin from HauteCompass.com about Sweden’s beautiful capital city. “You really should go. I realize having lived there myself, for every [...]The post Travel to Stockholm, Sweden – Episode 372 appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast.

  • Crossroads Temple – Coba, Mexico – Daily Photo

    chris2x
    15 May 2013 | 5:18 pm
    Coba Crossroads Temple – Coba, Mexico – Daily Photo This temple pyramid is found in the ruined city of Coba in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Coba is large cite that used to be [...]The post Crossroads Temple – Coba, Mexico – Daily Photo appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast.
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    AOL Travel Ideas

  • 3 Great Cities to See on Foot

    MapQuest Discover
    17 May 2013 | 12:00 am
    Filed under: Adventure Travel Some of the coolest travel destinations around are best explored the old fashioned way: on your own two feet.Santa Fe (pictured) looks pretty sharp thanks to its artsy attractions -- and for travelers who love to walk, the New Mexican hub packs a big punch in a small stroll-friendly city center. Madison, Wisconsin, the provenance of Olympian Eric Heiden, has more than 120 miles of trails and more than 260 urban parks. Gastronomes, meanwhile, can counteract their calorie consumption as they eat and walk their way through Asheville, North Carolina's burgeoning…

  • 5 Summer Road Trips Inspired by Hollywood Movies

    AOL Travel Staff
    16 May 2013 | 1:00 am
    Filed under: Arts & Culture, Road TripsThe crazy, fun-loving buddies' road trip in The Hangover has inspired countless others to set out on their own memorable adventures. Two Hangover movies -- including the upcoming finale The Hangover Part III -- later, it's clear you don't have to head to Las Vegas to have the movie-inspired road trip of your life. From the stomach-dropping Grand Canyon scenery in Due Date to The Descendants journey along the lush roads of Hawaii, there's more than enough cinematic ground to be covered as you plan your next trip. Check out the video below for a look…

  • Paia and Dinner on the North Shore: Maui Upcountry Road Trip

    Chris Gray Faust
    15 May 2013 | 5:19 am
    Filed under: Food + Drink, Road Trips I left the dairy and continued heading toward the coast. While this technically ended my Upcountry tour, Maui's North Shore has its fair share of local flavor, albeit of the surfing variety. As you might expect from those who live wave to wave, the North Shore's main town, Paia, is geared toward those on a budget-well, as budget as Maui gets. Its few blocks of storefronts are full of bikini boutiques, crowded indie cafes and more than one head shop. To be honest, it seemed a little grungy to me, particularly when compared with the upscale galleries and…

  • Hanging 10 with the Goats: Maui Upcountry Road Trip

    Chris Gray Faust
    15 May 2013 | 5:16 am
    Filed under: Food + Drink, Road Trips From here Route 37 continues south before turning east into the Piilani Highway, an alternate route to Hana that skirts Haleakala National Park. It's a two-hour drive along rugged and rocky roads along the ocean that can be a little rough -- not all rental car companies allow you to bring your car there. Instead, I turned around and backtracked north on 37. Here, it's easy to suss out Upcountry's priorities: Every other business along Route 37 seemed to be a homeopathic shop and/or massage studio. Before I passed through Makawao, I turned on Omaopio, a…

  • Lavender and Lunch near Kula: Maui Upcountry Road Trip

    Chris Gray Faust
    15 May 2013 | 5:12 am
    Filed under: Food + Drink, Road Trips The road out of Makawao passes through sugar cane fields, where you can glimpse the ocean through the waving grasses. I turned my car onto state Route 37 and headed toward Kula, home of the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm. The Haleakala crater, the remnant of a once-active volcano, dominates Upcountry Maui, and the soil on the leeward side supports many farms, including this one, which looks like something you'd see in Provence. The sustainable farm sits at a 4,000-foot elevation, which offers perfect cool weather for the 55,000 lavender plants. It's a popular…
 
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    We Said Go Travel

  • Three Generations in Israel – Part 3

    Lori Tessel
    21 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    Day 7 – Today is about life in Israel through the eyes of people like me.  In celebration of Yom Haatzmaut, our hosts invite us to join them for their holiday celebrations. The first party is at a beautiful home and are immediately greeted by its owner, an American and her Israeli husband. They are so happy to have American guests and their friends are equally kind and welcoming. As I begin to meet the other guests (which are a mix of transplanted Americans and Israelis) I find connections through work and friendship. I am shocked by how easy it is to find connections. Jewish Geography…

  • Singapore: My Trip to the Zoo with My Parents

    Lisa Niver Rajna
    20 May 2013 | 6:24 pm
    Along Night Safari’s Leopard Trail, peer into the often hidden world of our Sri Lankan leopards in their forested habitat. Just before my nephew was born in December 2000, my parents came to visit me at work. I was living on a “Renaissance Cruises” ship amidst a fifty-day sailing from Athens, Greece to Bangkok, Thailand. Being the senior assistant cruise director, passengers had seen me on television, on stage, in the halls and in port various times. My parents’ arrival as new cruisers was akin to a royal sighting. Everyone wanted to meet them and inform them my antics. There were…

  • Utah: Deer Valley, the Beverly Hills of Park City

    Lisa Niver Rajna
    20 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    Thank you to Park City Vacation Rentals for inviting me to write about my memories of Park City Past! My first visit to Deer Valley stands out in my memory; everything was hunter green and gleaming gold. It was like leaving Sherman Oaks and traveling to Beverly Hills, all the cars and people and outfits just seemed sparklier. Spending the day at Deer Valley was more like an excursion than our normal ski day at Park City Resort where we just walked across the parking lot from Shadow Ridge Resort with our ski boots on and our skis and poles in hand. Everyone could ski for however long they…

  • Myanmar: Beat the Heat: Shan Secret Waterfall Hike (video)

    Lisa Niver Rajna
    19 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    WATCH: 15 Beat the Heat: Shan Secret Waterfall Hike, Hsipaw, Myanmar (Burma)  In order to beat the heat, we made a plan to be up by 7am, meet for breakfast around 7:30 am and be on the road to the waterfall by 8am. I ate the rice and beans with eggs but the Noodle soup also looked tasty. Armed with 2L of water each and some snacks, we set off on the trail to the waterfall. Following the train tracks, we arrived at the Golden Rock not as large as the one in the South near Bago but brightly colored and very photo worthy. The Standing Buddha was also large maybe 15 feet with corn drying at his…

  • Gracias Puerto Rico

    Katie Lee
    18 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    West Side Story made me want to be Puerto Rican. I discovered the show in my 7th grade musical theater class and listened to the soundtrack obsessively. My favorite character was Anita, the fiery Latina with short hair and frilly skirts that she shook around her knees when she danced. For our final class project, I performed the song “A Boy Like That” as Anita with a friend playing Maria. “A boy like that, he keel your brrrother,” I bellowed, trying to compensate for my white Long Island-ness with extra sass. Puerto Rico seemed exotic but in a comforting way, like mashed potatoes with…
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    Digg Top Stories

  • All Killer Tornadoes Since 1950 In One Map

    21 May 2013 | 1:47 pm
    If the death toll goes unchanged, the tornado will rank as the 37th most deadly since 1950, according to historical data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, mapped here.

  • Yes, There Are Tornado Truthers

    21 May 2013 | 1:30 pm
    If our planet's increasingly extreme weather isn't caused by man-made climate change, then it stands to reason that it's actually caused by man-made supervillains using government technology to take American Freedoms with superstorms like Monday's mile-wide monster tornadoes.

  • Iran’s Election Just Got Really Interesting

    21 May 2013 | 1:17 pm
    The Guardian Council has now barred the surprise candidacies of former president Rafsanjani and the Ahmadi-allied Mashaei.

  • In Dubai The Number Of Abandoned Luxury Cars Lying Around Is Kind Of A Problem

    21 May 2013 | 1:09 pm
    Some cities have a litter problem, some suffer from high crime rates. And then you have Dubai, which for the last several years has been facing the unusual problem of high end sports cars being abandoned and left to gather thick layers of dust at airport car parks and on the roadside across the city.

  • 'Star Trek' Writer Apologizes For Underwear Scene

    21 May 2013 | 1:00 pm
    Damon Lindelof, writer of Star Trek Into Darkness (and co-creator of Lost), has apologized on Twitter for what he called a “gratuitous” scene in the movie, in which the actor Alice Eve is shown in her bra and knickers as she attempts to pull on a torpedo-deactivating outfit.
 
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    Soul Travelers 3

  • Chinese Medicine in China

    Soul Travelers3
    20 May 2013 | 8:37 am
    Chinese Medicine in ChinaDid you know you can travel to China to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine? Did you know you can travel to China to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine? We were really pleased to  experience the unique wellness travel tours and medical tourism available in Beijing through China Medical Tourism International. If you travel when sick as I have done, perhaps you would be as fascinated by Traditonal Chinese Medicine in Asia as I have been. As many of you know I have been sharing my travel health secrets as I walk through my own healing journey…

  • OMG! An OVEN in Asia!!

    Soul Travelers3
    16 May 2013 | 10:27 am
     OMG! An OVEN in Asia!! I love my big kitchen in Asia and let me tell you that big kitchens are very rare in Asia I love my big kitchen in Asia and let me tell you that big kitchens are VERY rare in Asia and an oven is non existent in most apartments and homes. Most kitchens are tiny as street food is the name of the game here.Cooking in Asia is done outside mostly. Remember when we used the toaster oven to bake cookies our first Christmas in Asia...we were thrilled and lucky to have even a toaster oven. Most of you know we have been on an organic eating,super healthy kick for a bit,…

  • Learning Spanish in Spain

    Soul Travelers3
    13 May 2013 | 6:43 am
    Learning Spanish in SpainIs immersion the easiest way to learn a language? Raising a bilingual or trilingual kid with travel can Is immersion the easiest way to learn a language? Raising a bilingual or trilingual kid with travel can  greatly help the process. I've written a series on how to raise a biilingual or multilingual child ( something that is very rare in America with monolingual parents like us) with tips about language learning at home or abroad. ”One free lunch in the world is to learn another language in early childhood.” Pinker - MIT Linguist Growing up bilingual and…

  • The Importance of Play in Learning

    Soul Travelers3
    9 May 2013 | 8:04 am
    The Importance of Play in Learning “It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and “It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” -Leo F. BuscagliaI think that play and being in nature is so important in travel or any life. One of the advantages of worldschooling on our RTW trip is that we have LOTS of time for play.Out of the 65 videos we have on our Soultravelers3 Youtube Channel  ( with close to 4…

  • Malaysia Election

    Soul Travelers3
    6 May 2013 | 1:50 am
    Malaysia ElectionAs an outsider looking in, this Sunday's election in Malaysia seems to be colorful and full As an outsider looking in, this Sunday's election in Malaysia seems to be colorful and full of passion and conflict. I can't really say I know what is going on as there are as many different views to this election as there are in America, but it is interesting reading about it and talking to locals. Flags are every where you go...these photos don't really do justice to just how many, but gives you a taste. It is often fascinating to observe the politics in a new country ( and how…
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    The Cranky Flier

  • Battle: Los Angeles

    CF
    21 May 2013 | 3:45 am
    I’m feeling pretty lucky to be living in Southern California these days. Oh sure, it’s the beautiful sunshine and all that, but it’s also about to become a nice little hub of cheap flights. I say that because airlines are starting to get into an old-fashioned turf war here. That inevitably leads to stupid decisions pushing too much capacity into the market. And you know what that means… cheap fares to try to fill all those seats. While we really can’t forget about Virgin America’s decision to become the sixth nonstop carrier in both the LA to Vegas and San…

  • JetBlue Demonstrates the Right Way to Increase Your Change Fee

    CF
    20 May 2013 | 3:45 am
    Just last month, United increased its change fee on domestic flights from $150 to $200 and I bashed the move. That, of course, didn’t prevent US Airways, Delta, and then American from following like sheep. Those increases left a bigger gap between change fees at the legacy airlines and those at the low cost carriers. You can see where this is going right? Yes, JetBlue has now increased its change fee, but it didn’t just use a blunt instrument. It used a little finesse to make it easier to explain to travelers. Previously, JetBlue had a tiered change fee based on the price of the…

  • Cranky on the Web (May 13 – 17)

    CF
    18 May 2013 | 3:45 am
    In the Trenches: Setting Priorities – Intuit Small Business Blog There are a lot of projects I’d like to complete here at Cranky Concierge. But instead of trying to do them all, I need to pick one at a time and focus. United’s New Seats: the Good, the Bad, and the In-Between – Conde Nast Daily Traveler United is rolling out new seats on its A319s and A320s. Here’s the good and the bad of the move.

  • Topic of the Week: United’s Channel 9

    CF
    17 May 2013 | 3:45 am
    United announced it would pull inflight entertainment off its A319s and A320s when it puts new seats on the airplanes. That means that Channel 9, the channel that lets you listen to cockpit communications, will disappear until they can find a way to stream it to your own device. Will this impact your choice of flights if you’re a United flier? How important is it really?

  • Who the F*&@ is Lion Air?

    CF
    16 May 2013 | 3:45 am
    You may have heard the name Lion Air before, but chances are you’ve never flown the airline, a low cost carrier based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Lion has been known for a few things over its decade-long history; some good and some bad. The bad? Naturally, it’s safety-related. And the good? Well, it’s debatable if it’s good, but Lion Air is known for having the two largest aircraft orders in history. This is one interesting airline. Operating in Indonesia is no easy task. The frequent stormy tropical weather makes for some challenging flying, especially around the often…
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    Travel News You Can Use

  • How to Help the Oklahoma City Tornado Victims

    PeterGreenberg.com
    21 May 2013 | 3:42 pm
    In response to the EF4 tornado that ripped through the suburbs of Oklahoma City on May 20, leaving 24 dead–including nine children–and hundreds more injured, charitable organizations are asking for assistance in their relief efforts for victims. First responders are in a race against time searching for survivors in Moore, Oklahoma, the hardest-hit area, where two elementary schools were in the path of this terror storm.  Aside from the tragic loss of life felt there and across southern Oklahoma City, thousands of families have lost their homes and everything they owned. Many of…

  • Cruise Scandal: Did Disney Cover up Employee Sexual Misconduct?

    PeterGreenberg.com
    21 May 2013 | 2:00 pm
    Last night, CBS affiliate WKMG Local 6 broke the story of what appeared to be a cover up of sexual misconduct committed by a staff member toward a young girl on board the Disney Dream cruise ship. The incident occurred on August 5, 2012, when surveillance video captured an 11-year-old girl from Brazil being molested by a Disney employee in an elevator. The footage recorded the employee groping the child’s chest and forcibly kissing her. The incident is not in dispute, but the now WKMG has been investigating the cruise line’s handling of the incident and the timing in question. At issue is…

  • What to Do On Your Second (Or Third!) Trip to Paris

    PeterGreenberg.com
    21 May 2013 | 11:14 am
    Some of the world’s best cities are worth a second or third visit. If you’re headed over to Europe this summer, contributor Lilit Marcus shows how to escape the rookie crowds and find a more authentic side of Paris on your second (or third) trip. Congratulations! You’re lucky enough to visit Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world, not once but twice. Odds are pretty good that you already went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, gaped in awe at Notre Dame, and got a photo of yourself smiling next to the Mona Lisa. Good news, though – there’s still plenty more to see and…

  • Travel Tip: Why Airline Fees Are Rising This Summer

    PeterGreenberg.com
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    No big news here…airlines fees keep going up. And every time one airline raises a fee, others follow. United Airlines started the latest trend by raising the change fee for nonrefundable domestic tickets. It used to be $150, and now it’s $200. Planning to fly to South America? Better be sure because changing it will cost you $300. US Airways followed suit by upping its change fee on domestic flights by $50. The good news is the cost to change international flights is still the same. Other airlines are raising checked-bag fees, and Frontier Airlines will now charge $25 to $100 for…

  • Peter Greenberg Worldwide–Bluefields Bay, Jamaica–May 18, 2013

    PeterGreenberg.com
    20 May 2013 | 5:13 pm
    There are mom ‘n’ pop B&Bs, there are small, family-run hotels, and then there’s Bluefields Bay Villas.  Yes, it’s an amazing setting, with a caring and attentive staff and a marine sanctuary…but it’s also a great entryway to the real Jamaica away from the tourist crowds of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. Listen to Peter’s most recent show to hear from all the people who make Bluefields and Jamaica so special.  Check out the complete guest list, listen to the latest all-local podcast and stream the complete show below.
 
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    Nancy D Brown

  • The Ranch at Rock Creek, Luxury Montana Big Sky Getaway

    Nancy Brown
    17 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    TweetI’ll bet you didn’t know that deer, antelope and elk outnumber humans in Montana? In fact, a square mile of land in Montana might contain Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, mule and whitetail deer, with cows, horses, mountain lions, black bear, fox, coyote, wolf,  and bighorn sheep sprinkled throughout the state. Montana is a year-round, [...]

  • Parkersburg, West Virginia: Where history and two rivers meet

    Jamie Rhein
    16 May 2013 | 4:04 am
    Tweet  Parkersburg, West Virginia was not on my “Go To” list until recently when my husband and I headed there for a quick weekend away. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, Parkersburg is a pint-sized package of important aspects of American history. From pre-Civil War to the oil and gas boom to [...]

  • Golfing at Quail Lodge Golf Course, Carmel, California

    Nancy Brown
    14 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    TweetDesigned by Robert Muir Graves, Quail Lodge & Golf Club is a walk-able par-71 golf course that features 10 lakes, the scenic Carmel River and nearly year-round sunny skies.  The golf course offers challenges to all aspects of the game while not being the most difficult course on the peninsula.  I found the golf course [...]

  • America’s National Parks, Pop-Up Book Review

    MelanieConrad
    12 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Tweet  When you hear “pop up book,” you immediately think of children. However, adults can find just as much joy in America’s National Parks, a Pop-Up Book as their young counterparts. Innovative book design America’s National Parks, a Pop-Up Book is not your every day coffee table book. It takes readers on a tour of [...]

  • Quail Lodge and Golf Club, Value Hotel in Carmel, CA

    Nancy Brown
    10 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    TweetIt’s hard to believe that 26 years ago, my husband and I danced our first dance as husband and wife at Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel, California. Like any marriage, we’ve had our ups and downs; our hair has a little more gray in it and our bodies could use a little nip and [...]
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    Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast - Insider Tips On A Hawaii Vacation.

  • Behind the Scenes of NBC’s Today Show – Executive Producer Don Nash

    Bruce Fisher
    20 May 2013 | 3:08 pm
      Today I’m sharing the first of several behind the scene videos of my time spent on the set of the Today Show. As part of their Great American Adventure series,  Hawaii was the first stop in a 5 city tour around the country. I was fortunate enough to meet all the hosts to get a inside look at this amazing Live TV production. We caught up with the executive producer of NBC’s Today Show Don Nash who, for a long time  has been wanting to bring the show to Oahu. He discusses some of the challenges and preparation that goes into producing a broadcast of this nature 5000…

  • Experiencing Hawaii’s History through its Iconic Hotels

    Bruce Fisher
    17 May 2013 | 11:59 am
    Many travelers visit Hawaii for the beaches, tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes but few come for the history. Richly steeped in long standing culture and tradition, the islands of Hawaii have maintained timelessness while still leaving room for development. The first people settled on Hawaiian soil between 400 and 900 A.D., who are believed to have sailed from the Marquesas Islands. The 1800’s brought foreigners who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, bringing with them language, religion, and the influence of their European and American construction.  You can still witness the…

  • My Picks for Hawaii Vacation Island Combos

    Bruce Fisher
    10 May 2013 | 6:18 pm
    If you’re coming to Hawaii for vacation, consider expanding your trip by planning a multi island package. Traveling to two different islands is the best way to get the most out of Hawaii, especially because each island offers something so totally different from the next. The only problem is, how do you choose which islands to travel to? Especially if you’ve never been to Hawaii or are unfamiliar with the neighboring islands. So what’s the best way to figure out which two islands to visit during your vacation? We’re giving you a run down on a few of the best mix n match…

  • Enjoying your Hawaii Vacation like a Hollywood Celebrity

    Bruce Fisher
    3 May 2013 | 7:41 pm
    With top notch beaches, year round warm weather, and water front resorts, it’s no wonder Hawaii is a popular destination for celebrities to frequent. And despite Hawaii’s flood of tourism that keeps the beaches busy, celebrities still choose to vacation within the islands. While they may find a slice of seclusion at their resort or private rental, they still have to brave the outside world every now and again, and it’s quite common for vacationers to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood celebrity. While it may be tempting to rush up to an actor or singer for an autograph, keep in…

  • My top pics for Live Music on Oahu

    Bruce Fisher
    26 Apr 2013 | 7:13 pm
    When you’re on vacation, a bit of live music always helps add to the ambiance of a good time. Listening to some fun cover songs at a beach side restaurant during cocktails, some mellow jazz for dinner, or even a band or DJ for a night on the town can make your Hawaii vacation exciting and adventurous. Here are a list of the top spots you can find some live music around Oahu. Unwind and enjoy the musical quality of some live beats while relaxing in the islands! The Republik, Honolulu- A popular music hall and lounge, The Republik is notorious for its underground bands and party scene.
 
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    TravelPod.com TravelStream™ — Recent Entries at TravelPod.com

  • Fatima Portugal 2013 — Ourém Municipality, Portugal

    21 May 2013 | 4:30 pm
    Fatima Portugal 2013 - Ourém Municipality, Portugal Ourém Municipality, Portugal Where I stayed Hotel Estrela de Fatima FátimaRead my review -5/5 stars What I did Our Lady of Fatima Basilica FátimaRead my review -5/5 starsYesterday I arrived here with my Parents and two sisters. This place is special,having spent holidays here when I was in my early teens and staying at the same family run hotel after all these years is self explanatory. My parents first began visiting here in 1983 and have been every year since sometimes twice a year. So as you have gathered this year marks their…

  • Barkly Homestead To Somewhere Near Mount Isa — Tablelands, Australia

    21 May 2013 | 4:30 pm
    Barkly Homestead To Somewhere Near Mount Isa - Tablelands, Australia Tablelands, AustraliaDistance: 408 km Time: 4.46 Speed: 85.7 km/hr We left Barkly Homestead this morning after filling up with fuel. The idea was to drive until I was too tired to keep going. We stopped and too a photo of the last of the 130 km/hr speed limits before crossing into QLD. Strangely, the length of the Road Trains increased from 53 metres to 55 metres in QLD. We stopped at Camooweal and looked for the butcher shop we read about in Camp 6 book. We couldn't find it so I called into the BP for fuel and asked the…

  • Agincourt - Outer Reef — Port Douglas, Australien

    21 May 2013 | 4:29 pm
    Agincourt - Outer Reef - Port Douglas, Australien Port Douglas, AustralienAgincourt ist eine schwimmende Plattform ganz am äußeren Rand des Great Barrier Reef. Danach kommt nur noch Ozean. Und an diesem Rand werden wir schnorcheln.

  • Test — Ottawa, Canada

    21 May 2013 | 4:29 pm
    Test - Ottawa, Canada Ottawa, CanadaSeeing how this thing works

  • Westport, Ireland — Westport, Ireland

    21 May 2013 | 4:28 pm
    Westport, Ireland - Westport, Ireland Westport, Ireland Where I stayed Carlton Atlantic Coast Hotel Westport What I did Croagh Patrick County Mayo Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden ConnemaraOur stay in Westport was pretty much a laid back one. We checked into the hotel and then went across the street to eat at a restaurant called the Tower. I particularly loved my meal and I don't believe I left anything on my plate (that may have been because I was starving). We had asked our waiter if he was from Ireland because we didn't believe that he had an Irish accent. He stated that he was…
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    Featured Travel Blogs - Travellerspoint

  • A Brief Taste of Eastern Turkey

    16 May 2013 | 7:13 am
    Cathedral Church in AniThis was a bit of a challenge, as I completely ignored my usual rules of writing notes down as soon as possible. A necessary result of my increasingly decrepit memory! So much was packed into this 4 day, 3 night dash through the easternmost parts of Turkey, and nary a word did I type! Let’s see what I can actually remember. Thank goodness for my incessant clicking, it definitely helped me piece together our explorations.KarsAfter a wonderful long weekend in Cappadocia, Christa and I took off for our Eastern Explorations. I have to give a shout-out to Christa here. It…

  • Fast Food...au style Afrique!

    15 May 2013 | 9:04 am
    After passing through 10 countries and eating our way through each one a little bit at a time, here’s a quick recap of what each country had to offer. Don’t get me wrong, it may not be as exotic as you would hope but seriously this is some of the best and or more interesting tasting food we have experienced along the way.Lake Navaisha – Fried Tilapia topped with maranara-esque sauce, with wilted spinach and chipsThe fish was fried to almost tough but I’ve now realized that this is how most fish will be served from any vendor. Mind you I was surprised enough to see a vegetable included…

  • Finding Paradise

    15 May 2013 | 7:57 am
    After the brief delay at Manila airport, our flight to Palawan Island finally boarded. Palawan Island is in the southwestern part of the Philippines and famous for some of its beautiful beaches, some of which we were lucky enough to experience. It's been a while since I've boarded a flight from the runway, which is always a cool experience. We flew on a small prop plane, maybe 50 people or so, powered by propellers instead of the engines you see on larger flights, and the flying time was only about an hour or so. After the short flight, we touched down on Palawan Island at an airport that…

  • Pokhara

    14 May 2013 | 11:12 pm
    So on the road to Pokhara we saw some mighty impressive scenery and lovely mountainsides and villages. We stopped to take some pictures and also stopped on the side of the road for some super noodles at a local's house. We played 'hit the bicycle wheel with the stick to keep it moving'' with the kids and headed onto our hotel in Pokhara. This was to be myself and Lindsey's last stop with the G gang. Our hotel was named Middle path hotel - named after the Buddha's teachings. He was born into a very rich family and decided this was not going to help him reach enlightenment so he gave it all up…

  • Oh, well hello wall. How are you?

    14 May 2013 | 10:56 am
    We’ve hit a wall. Or at least, I know I have. I’m tired. My brain is tired. And I don’t have much desire to do or see anything. We’ve been to Fiji, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, Egypt and Israel – all in 8 weeks. And we visited Bali, Thailand, Egypt and Israel just in 3 weeks. It’s a lot of moving, a lot of thinking, a lot of decision making. You just get tired.Before we left home, I had so many people tell me, “Enjoy your vacation!” I didn’t care to explain this to these people. They meant well by their wishes. But this isn’t a vacation. It’s a 4-month lifestyle change.
 
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    View from the Wing

  • DC’s Taxi Commission Sends Me a Nastygram

    Gary
    21 May 2013 | 1:00 pm
    In response to my post the other day on Washington DC’s taxi protection racket cracking down on Uber again, I got a nastygram from the DC Taxicab Commission’s public information officer. Her argument is essentially that they aren’t forcing Uber to go out of business here, since they could always just comply with the new rules. But nowhere has she or anyone else explained the consumer harm that supposedly follows from Uber being allowed to run its business (which is why the much more likely explanation is that the taxi commission is backing entrenched interests, as…

  • National Car Rental Giveaway: iPod Touch, iTunes Gift Card, Amex Gift Card, and More!

    Gary
    21 May 2013 | 9:00 am
    There are only two real game changing innovations in rental cars that I can think of in my lifetime. One is keeping your information on file so that you can be pre-assigned a car and take off by showing just your driver’s license. The other is picking your own car. Avis recently has been experimenting with the pick your own car concept in some locations. The pioneer in the space, of course, is National with its Emerald Aisle. I love National’s “Go Like a Pro” slogan because their Emerald Aisle concept, to me, is the perfect frequent business renter feature. But there…

  • Supreme Court to Hear Case of the Rabbi Who Sought Too Much Airline Compensation

    Gary
    21 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    A couple of years ago the story went ’round about Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg, a Northwest Airlines Platinum elite who apparently complained too much and had his frequent flyer account shut down. He lost hundreds of thousands of miles (and his elite status) in the process. Ginsburg sued. His complaint was dismissed in federal district court on the basis that state law can’t be used to address airline price, route or service issues since those are pre-empted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act. A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling disagreed, and now the Supreme Court will hear the…

  • The Marriott Elite Weekend Fast is Over! Gold and Platinum Breakfast Benefit Being Extended

    Gary
    21 May 2013 | 2:30 am
    A year ago I broke down the deficiencies in the Marriott Rewards elite program. Some of those have since been corrected, at least a little bit. Marriott Gold status comes after 50 nights, which is average for top tier status with other chains. Platinum takes a whopping 75 nights. One would expect superior or at least industry average benefits at that level. And yet late checkout is on request only, day of departure (rather than guaranteed). Resorts are excluded — but since it isn’t guaranteed, why exclude resorts? Other chains exclude resorts from their guarantee, but will…

  • Bits ‘n Pieces for May 20, 2013

    Gary
    20 May 2013 | 5:01 pm
    News and Notes from Around the Interweb: Back in October I explained how to get free Marriott silver status. It still works. Travelocity is offering $50 off a hotel booking of $150 or more when you download their mobile app. Anyone with a valid American Express card can get a free one-year membership to Shoprunner (or an extension of a free membership). That gets you free two-day shipping with a variety of merchants, and is generally stackable with mileage mall earning. (HT: Dan’s Deals) In March I wrote that American Express’ Bluebird 100 paper checks tied to your account for…
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    Jet Set Life

  • Gia’s Dog Friendly Travel Guide: Boston

    kim
    29 Apr 2013 | 11:25 am
    Traveling with your dog can sound overwhelming, which is probably why most people don’t bring Fido on more trips. Personally, I would love to bring my malti-poo Gia everywhere I go. But, it’s not always that easy. This past weekend, I tested the waters, and brought her to Boston. I found that if you find the right hotel that doesn’t just allow dogs, but is truly ‘dog friendly’ and you plan activities that include your pooch – you and your pup will both have a great experience. And there’s no cooler city to test your pooch’s travel-ability than…

  • Top 5 Tips

    kim
    27 Mar 2013 | 10:20 am
    The Memorial Day Party If you’re looking for a place to party for Memorial Day weekend, The Mondrian Hotel is a great choice. Replace the hot dogs and hamburgers with margaritas, champagne and delicious food grilled poolside. The party is hot and the crowd is even hotter. During the Memorial day pool party, you must be a guest at the hotel or invited directly by the hotel to make it past the gate to one of the most exclusive parties in Scottsdale. During the rest of the weekend, local clubs hold huge parties and some bring in international DJ’s.

  • Day Trip to Sedona

    kim
    27 Mar 2013 | 9:54 am
    Arizona and specifically Sedona, is one of the most beautiful areas of the US. The red rocks are unique and the landscape is unspoiled. You should definitely plan a day trip to see the Red Rocks of Sedona. The drive from Scottsdale is about 1-2 hours depending on traffic. Once in Sedona, you can tour the area by yourself, or contact one of the following to assist you: Sedona Hiking Tours: www.sedonahikingadventures.com Custom created hikes based on your needs, wants and desires. Sedona Air Tours: www.sedonaairtours.com Tour by helicopter, biplane Evening Sky Tour: www.eveningskytours.com The…

  • A Great Stay is a Shore Thing at the Shore Club South Beach

    kim
    25 Mar 2013 | 10:49 am
    When we were thinking of where we wanted to park out suitcase during the party heavy week that spans the Winter Music Conference and the Ultra Music Festival we had three needs. We wanted (1) a boutique hotel, (2) great service (3) a killer pool party. The hotel that owns all three is easily ….The Shore Club. The Location: It used to be that “South Beach” referred to the famous Ocean Drive and hotels like the Delano and the Shore Club were a bit far for the average tourist. But now, with South Beach hotels popping up further and further down Collins the Shore Club‘s…

  • Finding My Inner Raver at Ultra Music Festival

    kim
    18 Mar 2013 | 10:33 am
    In 2006 when I was saying my vows to my this amazing man, on the Comune di Positano terrace in Italy, I should have included “To Love, Respect and follow your husband into any crazy adventure he dreams of including but not limited to: becoming a fitness model, marathon runner and international DJ.” Yep, with marriage, I committed to love and cherish this man for better or for worse. And honestly, there could be much worse than running around the globe chasing the sun, parties and music festivals. In fact, I really like the ‘Robert Murgatroyd Fountain of Youth…
 
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    Mapplr

  • Travel guide Avignon: best hotels, restaurants and shops

    Esme Vos
    20 May 2013 | 1:05 am
    Mapplr’s Travel Guide Avignon presents our editors’ selection of the best hotels and restaurants in Avignon, must-see attractions and shopping recommendations in the city. Travel Guide Avignon: best hotels If you are going to stay in Avignon during the annual festival in July, you must make reservations well in advance. Here is our list of favorite hotels in and around the city. The main disadvantage of staying within the walls is there is hardly any parking. This is cumbersome if you want to spend some of your time exploring Provence. You will have to park in one of the lots…

  • Hotel Edgar Paris: quirky boutique hotel with artsy rooms

    Esme Vos
    16 May 2013 | 12:25 am
    Hotel Edgar Paris is a trendy new 12-room boutique hotel that just opened in the 2nd arrondissement (Sentier area) close to the rue Montorgueil. It is only 1 kilometre from the Centre Pompidou and 750 metres from the Grands Boulevards. This means you have access to all the main sights of Paris either by walking or taking the nearby metro stations. It is also close to the most popular department stores, the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps (check out our guides to shopping for makeup and skin care products, perfume and scented candles, the top 10 shoe stores in Paris). But just in the…

  • L’Auberge Basque: great food, rustic hideaway near St. Jean de Luz

    Esme Vos
    14 May 2013 | 8:32 pm
    L’Auberge Basque is famous gastronomic restaurant and hotel 7 kilometres north of the coastal town of Saint Jean de Luz and 22 kilometres from Biarritz in France. If you are looking for a place to stay in and around Saint Jean de Luz, this is it. Five years ago, Cédric Béchade, chef and owner of Auberge Basque, bought what was a traditional bed and breakfast inn constructed in the late 1600s, renovated it and turned it into a temple of fine cuisine and relaxation in the French Basque country. The decor is a blend of traditional and contemporary with a neutral colour scheme. Each…

  • Buddha Bar Hotel Prague: Contemporary Asian in the Heart of the Old City

    Arnon Kohavi
    14 May 2013 | 12:14 am
    Buddha Bars are successful restaurant-bar-lounges located in many European and Middle Eastern Cities, the first created by Raymond Visan, owner of Barfly in Paris on rue Faubourg St Honoré. Since then the concept has been expanded to include Buddha Bar Hotels in Paris, Budapest and Prague.  The first luxury Buddha-Bar Hotel in the world is located in the vibrant heart of Prague, close to the Old Town Square and the fashionable Parizska shopping street. Buddha Bar Hotel Prague is a five-star boutique hotel with 36 luxury rooms and 3 exquisite suites. Highly personalized services, designer…

  • Sicily travel guide: best hotels, restaurants, itineraries and cuisine

    Esme Vos
    13 May 2013 | 1:33 am
    This Sicily travel guide tells you how to get the most out of your holiday in Sicily: the best hotels and restaurants, the most interesting places to see, and the culinary highlights of Sicilian food. Sicily has been inhabited since ancient times. The island’s position in the Mediterranean, the richness of its volcanic soil (thanks to Mount Etna, which is still erupts frequently) and its sheltered harbours attracted the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Ottoman Turks. Later, it attracted Norman knights, the French kings and the Spanish Crown. During the Baroque era, when the…
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    Tony Wheeler's Travels

  • Ruins of the Future

    Tony Wheeler
    21 May 2013 | 8:47 am
    The other night I had a look around the unusual Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.  Sir John (1753-1837) was a pioneering architect in his era who was responsible for the Bank of England building, although it’s subsequently been chopped around so much that little of his original intentions remain. Sir John had a deep interest in classical Roman architecture and in Roman and Greek ruins and the spring issue of The Soane, the museum’s magazine had an interesting article by starchitect Sir Norman Foster wondering if one day his City of London icon, which he refers to as 30 St Mary Axe, we…

  • Just 8 Countries Left?

    Tony Wheeler
    20 May 2013 | 1:37 am
    When you’ve been nearly everywhere which countries are likely to be left? Of course first you have to decide how many countries there are. Some of us count rather more than the 193 the UN can muster. It’s a topic I mused about last year in How Many Countries. There are a surprising number of people intent on going to every country on earth and every now and then I bump into one of them. A few years ago a ‘going everywhere’ friend commented that he had only 2 left to visit and I was pleased to hear I was ahead of him with at least one of them, I had already been to Pitcairn Island.

  • Stand or Walk?

    Tony Wheeler
    19 May 2013 | 4:26 am
    In New York recently I was musing how nobody seemed to walk on escalators and whether it was a cultural thing if you stand or walk? I’m an impatient person and also I reckon I could always do with some more exercise, so I will almost always walk. If there’s the option. In many places people thoughtless (my opinion!) block the escalator so we walkers can’t do our thing. ◄ Standing on New York escalators     I life part of the year in London where in fact not a very high proportion of people walk, but in the Underground (the subway system) you absolutely must not block the…

  • Kathmandu Bookshop Disaster

    Tony Wheeler
    18 May 2013 | 10:40 am
    ▲ The crowded streets of Thamel in Kathmandu Most visitors to Kathmandu, particularly if they’re staying in popular Thamel spots like the Kathmandu Guest House, will have dropped into Pilgrims Bookshop. It was probably the best bookshop in the Himalaya and certainly the best source of books on the Himalaya. If they’re lucky they will have bumped into the irrepressible Rama Tiwari, who came up from Varanasi in India 30 years ago and started his bookshop. Sadly it’s gone … on Thursday night a fire started from an exploding gas cylinder in a bar above the bookshop and destroyed not…

  • Copenhagen Wind Turbines

    Tony Wheeler
    17 May 2013 | 10:29 am
    I’ve flown into Copenhagen, Denmark a few times over the years and one thing I always like is the lineup of wind turbines paralleling the coast between the airport and the city. If you come in from the Sweden side, you usually do, there they are, off to your right.
 
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    Budget Travel Tips - EuroCheapo

  • London: How to score free and cheap classical music tickets

    Nina Derham
    21 May 2013 | 8:01 am
    There are more opportunities to get cultured on the cheap in London that you’d expect, and classical music is no exception. Whether you’re up for bagging a last-minute standing ticket or booking in at a special concert, London’s classical music scene has something for all pockets. Our “Cheapo Culture” series is exploring ways for budget travelers to experience the best of high-culture at low prices. We’ve also covered cheap theatre tickets in London, and free museums. Now, let’s talk about where to find free and cheap classic music concerts. Free…

  • Paris: What makes a budget hotel special?

    Ernesto Guiraldes
    20 May 2013 | 8:03 am
    As my regular readers will have caught on to by now, I’m a huge fan of budget hotels, and specifically those in Paris. I visit them, stay in them and follow their changes (and sadly for some, their transformation into boutique hotels). I see them as a force of good in travel, a way for so many to afford to travel and, in the best cases, experience a local culture up close. But what are these “best cases”? What characteristics do my favorite hotels share, aside from their relative affordability? Let’s look at what makes a regular old cheap hotel in Paris a great budget…

  • Barcelona: Four cheap hotels with personality

    Regina W Bryan
    16 May 2013 | 8:48 am
    Even in a city as vibrant as Barcelona, staying in a ho-hum hotel can make a grand vacation bland. Your stay will be much more enjoyable if you can find accommodation that feels as alive as the city itself. Truth be told, though, most of the hotels and hostals featured on EuroCheapo’s Barcelona page have “character.” These select few, however, go above and beyond, and stand out for their unique personality and quirky vibe. Galerias Malda Del Pi 5 1/1 Barri Gotic Doubles from €20 to €30 Taking the “Personality Prize” is definitely the Malda, if such a prize…

  • Congrats to Valerie, our Summer in Berlin Giveaway Winner!

    Tom Meyers
    16 May 2013 | 8:42 am
    Congratulations to Valerie, the winner of our “Summer in Berlin” giveaway! She’ll be flying with a guest on airberlin from the US, plus receiving five nights of accommodation at A&O Hostel and Hotel, and free sightseeing passes from visitBerlin! Valerie’s submission, a fabulously illustrated series of vignettes, tells of her trip to Berlin in the 1960s, and of her longing to revisit the city, witness the changes, the new additions, and see some old friends. The winning submission by Valerie O. of Washington State. Difficult decisions Valerie’s submission was…

  • A Trio of Irish Airlines: Aer Lingus, Aer Arann and CityJet

    hiddeneurope
    15 May 2013 | 8:01 am
    Mention that you have just snapped up a cheap fare with an Irish airline, and folks will generally assume that you have been tackling Ryanair. But the Republic of Ireland has a trinity of other air carriers offering scheduled passenger services. Each deserves a look. Flying the flag with Aer Lingus Aer Lingus is by far the oldest of the airlines that fly the Irish flag. Dating back to 1936, it has struggled to shake off its image as an old-style legacy flag carrier. And struggled even more to shake off predatory take-over bids from upstart Ryanair. Thrice has Ryanair sought to gobble up Aer…
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    Go Green Travel Green

  • Women’s Hydration Pack Pick: Osprey Verve

    Amy Whitley
    21 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    The true test of a great backpack is not in its performance upon first use, but in how often you reach for it afterward. As a travel gear reviewer who specializes in outdoor gear, I have a lot of backpacks sitting in wait of the next day hike or bike ride. The folks at Osprey [...]

  • Icebreaker Via Shorts Review: Best Shorts for Travel

    Elizabeth
    17 May 2013 | 4:34 am
    I recently heard about a shirt – made of wool – that you could wear for 100 days without washing because wool is such an amazing fabric. While I wouldn’t wear them for 100 days straight without washing, the Via shorts that Icebreaker sent me to review are also made of wool and are pretty [...]

  • The 17 Best Foods to Buy Organic

    Amy Whitley
    13 May 2013 | 4:30 am
    At Go Green Travel Green, we frequently recommend shopping local at farmer’s markets and fruit and vegetable stands for your produce, meat, and dairy. In fact, we’ve listed what we deem the best farmer’s markets in the US! However, we live in the real world, and in the real world are busy schedules and food [...]

  • KEEN Aliso Daypack Review

    Elizabeth
    10 May 2013 | 5:25 am
    I’m a big fan of small backpacks. Small backpacks allow you to pack light, which saves you money on luggage fees, but more importantly they give you increased flexibility and freedom because you can easily change plans at the last minute when you’re not weighed down by stuff. I’m also a huge fan of daypacks. What’s the difference between a daypack [...]

  • Complete Guide to Family Volunteer Vacations

    Amy Whitley
    9 May 2013 | 4:30 am
    Many travelers, myself included, attest to the fact that any sort of travel is eye-opening, fostering global understanding and reducing prejudices. Taking your kids out of their home environment, no matter how far, will undoubtedly broaden their minds. This said, should you consider booking a family vacation with a volunteer organization? What is a family [...]
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    Jaunted - The Pop Culture Travel Guide

  • Denver: Get Knocked Out by Denver's Hippest New Coffeeshop, Black Eye

    ASchechter
    21 May 2013 | 1:26 pm
    Last September, Denver coffee fiends rejoiced when Black Eye, a hip new coffeeshop housed in an old turn-of-the-century warehouse, opened in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Lower Highland (ocassioanly referred to, unfortunately, as LoHi). Built in 1901, the site was once a theater, which then became a barber shop which had an illegal bookie in the back, which then became a Mexican liquor store. All this industrial past is now proudly referenced with tables made out of salvaged barn doors, and daily menu specials scrawled onto a thick glass mirror plucked from a derelict nearby dive bar. In…

  • New York : How To Get Tickets To The New York City Wine & Food Festival

    cmb
    21 May 2013 | 1:13 pm
    The schedule for the 2013 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, scheduled to take place October 17- 20, has been announced and will include appearances by celebrity chefs Anne Burrell, Paula Deen, Guy Fieri, Robert Irvine, and Emeril Lagasse. The festival, presented by Food & Wine, will benefit Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. This year, several festival events will take place at the Hudson Hotel, including wine and pairing seminars, while Pier 94 will be the new home of the festival’s signature Southern Wine & Spirits of New…

  • Fontainebleau: Easy Day Trips from Paris: A Frolick at Fontainebleau

    Lilotchka
    21 May 2013 | 12:29 pm
    For most people, Paris is such a dream destination that the idea of leaving town sounds anticlimactic. However, even lifelong Parisiens know the value of occasionally getting out of the city. This week, we'll be looking at four daytrips—or even two-day trips—that you can take from the City of Light. Today's destination: Fontainebleau. While Fontainebleau is much less famous than its cousin, Versailles, this palace is an excellent daytrip from Paris, especially for the traveler who's "done everything already" in town. To get there, you’ll need to go to Gare de Lyon and take the…

  • The Best Tumblr Travel GIF Blog in the History of Tumblr GIF Blogs

    JetSetCD
    21 May 2013 | 10:57 am
    WHEN I’M FORCED TO PAY $9 FOR A SANDWICH IN ECONOMY Tumblr is good for two things: porn and GIF blogs. Oh, wait. This week we can add a third thing to that list; Tumblr is also very good at being worth over $1 billion (to Yahoo, who just purchased the microblogging platform). Since even mentioning porn twice in this post may get us blocked from your lunchtime reading, let's talk about GIF blogs. In particular we'd like to draw your attention to one, frequentflyerlife, started over a year ago by Star Alliance frequent flyer, @melissaiscool.

  • Put Down the Kindle and Pick Up a Qantas-Published Novel

    jetflyboy
    21 May 2013 | 10:28 am
    Put down your Kindle and stow your iPad, because Qantas wants you to actually turn the pages of a real book on your next flight. The Aussie airline's newest in-flight entertainment option will allow you to curl up at your seat with a series of published novels. The initiative, called "Stories for Every Journey", offers frequent flyers the opportunity to settle into engrossing tales specially written for the airline and tailored around all flight durations. Not only are reads perfectly suited for a 2-hour flight or a 23-hour multi-leg journey, but they'll look good in any seatback pocket with…
 
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    HotelChatter -

  • Will This Pop-Up Hotel Be Opening in an Office Space Near You?

    juliana
    21 May 2013 | 3:05 pm
    Last week at the Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas, it wasn't all about brightly colored chairs, interesting light fixtures and high-tech toilets. We actually got a glimpse of possible future hotels at the Radical Innovation in Hospitality Awards. The competition, now in its 7th year, aims to "discover, identify, and explore radically innovative hospitality concepts" either ones that are already in development or just in conceptual form. It's sponsored by Hospitality Design and The John Hardy Group, the developers behind the recently opened Anza Hotel in Calabasas as well as several big…

  • Wild Horses and High-Tech Toilets Can't Keep Us Away from These Hotel Deals

    juliana
    21 May 2013 | 11:54 am
    Deals: you want 'em, and surprisingly, everyone has 'em. Take a look at some of the latest hotel deals going around the internet today from booking sites, social media sites, flash sale sites and more. Don't forget to scroll down to see the HotelChatter-approved deal either. Who knows? You might just find what you're looking for. (But don't forget to tell us about your stay!) DEALS, DEALS, DEALS* · Flash Sale for the Orlando World Center Marriott: Starting tomorrow, May 22, the Disney World resort is offering 50 percent off peak season rates as part of a 48-hour flash sale. Rooms start…

  • Miami Beach: The Redbury South Beach is For Real and It's Opening This Fall Too

    juliana
    21 May 2013 | 10:48 am
    We had the news yesterday that the SBE company would be spinning off their Redbury Hotel in Miami but today, we've got the full lowdown from SBE themselves. And it's good, like really good. First off, The Redbury South Beach will open this fall. Wham, bam, thank you mam! As you can see from the Twitpic from @DeeTCL, work is already underway. (The hotel is opening out of the old Fairfax Hotel.) Word is the design will be inspired by its Hollywood roots but will also weave in the art deco vibe of South Beach. All in all, the hotel will have 69 rooms and suites. Restauranteurs Larry Levy and Bob

  • Budapest: Is The Casati Budapest's Coolest Hotel?

    ASchechter
    21 May 2013 | 8:31 am
    While researching hotels in the Hungarian capital this past January, we came across the usual brands (InterContinental, Four Seasons, Autograph Collection). But amidst all the grand palaces and five-star spas, there was one small boutique hotel we simply couldn't pass over: the Casati Budapest Hotel. The 25-room hotel is housed in an 18th century building in the center of the city, right near the Opera metro stop, making it perfect for tourists. In fact, the address is so central that, after arriving from the airport via taxi on our first night, we did most of our sightseeing on foot directly…

  • 3 Affordable European Hotels From $17 a Night

    Chanize
    21 May 2013 | 7:31 am
    It's the same song every spring and summer--people begin to make their travel plans to Europe, but international airfares can sometimes kill a budget. However, if there's any consolation, you can make up for that top-dollar ticket by staying at these new and affordable hotels. Generator Hostel, Barcelona Imagine bedding down in one of Spain's most intoxicating city's for less than the average dinner tab? That's what's up at the new Generator Hotel, which opened mid-March. Part of a popular, trendy chain, the rooms are located on the top floor of a building. Each unit has its own balcony with…
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    DeliciousBaby.com

  • Family Travel at Conde Nast Traveler

    21 May 2013 | 12:33 pm
    Inside Conde Nast Traveler's Family Travel Issue This month, in order to celebrate their second annual family travel issue, Conde Nast Traveler is featuring advice from a handful of top family travel bloggers (including me) each Wednesday. The first post, about Packing for a family vacation is already up. It's a fun and useful read, so I hope you'll check it out! While you're there, you can also check out all of my past articles on Conde Nast Traveler and some great advice from the newsstand issue. Want more? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter

  • Updated Sunscreen Recommendations for 2013

    20 May 2013 | 11:18 am
    Today, the Environmental Working Group releases its annual report on safe sunscreens. The report is well worth checking out, both for advice on using sunscreen properly and to find products that don't contain harmful chemicals but do provide adequate sun protection. You might be surprised to learn that some big brands, even in their "kids" formulations aren't as great as you assumed. The gentle waves at the zero-depth entry pool has Eilan a little concerned Here are a few tips I've learned over the years Sunscreens expire, and many have an expiration date stamped on the bottom. I write the…

  • Photo Friday: Sneaky

    16 May 2013 | 6:32 am
    The kids always seem so refreshed after a dip in the pool When we're staying at an upscale hotel, walking back from the pool to our room always feels to me like a minor bit of disorderly conduct. Not to the kids though, refreshed and recharged they can't wait to get back into their daytime clothes and see more of our destination. What is Photo Friday? Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated. The focus of the post should be on your photo. You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big…

  • Beach Safety with Kids

    15 May 2013 | 12:52 pm
    Summer is just around the corner, and with it the family trips to the beach that seem to define this season. I wanted to share a few safety tips to keep in mind before you hit the waves. 2 Year old Everest snacks on an ice cream cone at Seattle's Madison Park Beach Check Conditions In an ideal world, you'd only swim at beaches where there's a lifeguard. City websites are a great resource for finding local beaches with lifeguards and information about open hours. Surf reports, generally available in a local newspaper, will give you an idea of the size of waves that day, and that can help…

  • Photo Friday: Mile High Diaper Change

    9 May 2013 | 3:38 pm
    I'm not sure who is more uncomfortable, Eilan or me I'm not quite sure how I found a free hand to take this shot, but here's another first for the baby book - Eilan's first in-air diaper change. Yes, it was as awkward as it looks, but we both survived. What is Photo Friday? Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated. The focus of the post should be on your photo. You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well! It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but…
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    Viator Travel Blog

  • The Colca Canyon in Peru

    Britney Robinson
    21 May 2013 | 1:34 pm
    As an American who unabashedly likes to think we have the biggest and best of a lot of things — the Colca Canyon in Peru had a lot to live up to. Regardless of the fact that I’ve never actually seen the Grand Canyon, I know it’s called “Grand” for a reason and I’m pretty sure Colca doesn’t mean “ginormous” in Spanish. A two day tour of the Colca Canyon with Viator showed this American what’s up. Colca Canyon Our group of five was picked up at various hostels on the morning of departure. Soon after buckling our seat belts, five faces were glued to the windows as the…

  • Asha and Brock in Asia and Australia

    Viator Travel Team
    21 May 2013 | 8:43 am
    In 2012, Viator sent two teams of two travel videographers around Europe and North America with our Dream Travel Job project. For 60 days each, they traveled, took Viator tours, and filmed. This year we have Asha from our Europe team and Brock from the North America team back to do it all again in Asia and Australia! Read on to see where they are and what they’re doing on their adventure. But first… Meet Asha & Brock Fun Facts about Asha: - Toured Europe (Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland), Latin America (Chile) and Australia as a musician - Plays a 7-string electric violin…

  • Top Travel Deals of the Week

    Viator Travel Team
    21 May 2013 | 8:20 am
    Looking for something new and fun to do while traveling this week? Check out Viator’s best travel deals available around the globe this week and make the most of your travel budget! Member-Only Deals provide exclusive access to deeply discounted travel deals you won’t find on any other website, with savings ranging from 20% to 75%! Viator members can enjoy instant, on-the-spot availability – but remember, these travel discounts are date-specific and go quickly – so when they’re gone, they’re gone! Choose from a wide array of activities each week in destinations from San…

  • The World’s Cheapest Countries for Backpackers

    David Jennings
    20 May 2013 | 11:03 am
    Backpacking around the world can be surprisingly cheap if you don’t mind roughing it at times and are willing to arrange your trip independently. For those on the tightest budget, look towards the developing world when creating your itinerary: Here you’ll find the potency of your experience in relation to the amount you spend will be far greater than any trip through expensive Western countries. If you’re tight on cash, here are some of the world’s cheapest (and best!) countries to travel in. Note: The prices listed here are approximate and may fluctuate considerably during high…

  • Best Places to Take Kids in Guatemala

    Rachel Denning
    17 May 2013 | 1:59 pm
    Guatemala might not be what comes to mind when you think of ‘travel with kids’, but this small Central American country actually has a lot to offer when it comes to family friendly travel. Guatemala’s rich history and culture, not to mention their varied terrain and climate, make this a destination for children that’s not only fun, but educational as well. Inexpensive, ample public transportation, and lots to see, makes visiting Guatemala an ideal stopping place for families who want a little more out of their next family vacation. Here’s a few of the best places to take kids in…
 
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    World Hum

  • Grantland Goes to the Iditarod

    The World Hum Editors (eva.jt.holland@gmail.com)
    9 May 2013 | 4:09 am
    This past March, Grantland sent writer Brian Phillips to follow the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Alaska’s famous 1000-mile feat of endurance, by bush plane. The resulting story, Out in the Great Alone, comes with all sorts of online design bells and whistles—embedded audio and video, and a map that updates itself as you scroll through the narrative. But what I liked best about it was its emphasis on place, not so much on the ins and outs of the race itself but on the landscapes and communities it passes through. Here’s Phillips: I took a walk through the village. Couple of…

  • New Travel Book: ‘The Turk Who Loved Apples’

    The World Hum Editors (eva.jt.holland@gmail.com)
    8 May 2013 | 5:30 am
    Veteran travel writer Matt Gross has just released his first book: The Turk Who Loved Apples, a collection of never-before-published stories about his life as a traveler. Gross is a former Frugal Traveler columnist for the New York Times—he’s also an occasional contributor to World Hum. The Portland Book Review calls his book “part memoir, part travel odyssey and part growing-up story,” and National Geographic’s Intelligent Travel blog has named it one of the best travel books to land in stores this spring. You can read an excerpt over at the New York Times.

  • Chaos in Airworld? The 1981 PATCO Strike

    The World Hum Editors (eva.jt.holland@gmail.com)
    7 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    In the wake of last week’s sequester-driven air travel delays, Jalopnik looks back at a short-lived 1981 strike by the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, better known as PATCO. It’s a fascinating case study. Here’s writer Michael Ballaban: As soon as the strike began, airlines reported losing $30 million a day. PATCO predicted insanity, with planes crashing into each other, hundreds, perhaps thousands (millions? billions?) of flights cancelled, and women and children crying and men gnashing their teeth. The FAA began immediately to implement its contingency…

  • AFAR Goes to Coffeeland

    The World Hum Editors (eva.jt.holland@gmail.com)
    25 Apr 2013 | 5:58 am
    In the latest AFAR, longtime World Hum contributor David Farley goes to the world’s caffeine heartland: Ethiopia. Here’s Farley: Coffee is to Ethiopia what hops are to Bohemia or grapes to Bordeaux. That is, coffee is almost everything, from the cornerstone of the community’s economic fortunes to the lifeblood of its social relations. Java drinking is so deeply rooted here that Azeb was dumbstruck that I could have lived 40 years on the planet never having seen what coffee looks like before it’s plucked, peeled, dried, roasted, and ground. Which is exactly why I was in…

  • Consider the Hotel Breakfast Waffle

    The World Hum Editors (eva.jt.holland@gmail.com)
    24 Apr 2013 | 3:23 am
    In the Washington Post, veteran travel writer Tom Haines ponders the rise of the free hotel breakfast—specifically, the dominance of the DIY waffle maker—and what it means for travelers. “This is comfort without community,” he writes, “as the mood in these hotel breakfast rooms feels neither home nor away. There’s an isolation-among-the-crowd sense in the breakfast area that resembles that of an airline terminal: Everyone alone together while waiting to move on.” He goes on: It is worth considering the costs of this world of waffles all cooked from…
 
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    Free Range

  • Turkey, from Istanbul’s gardens to the mighty Bosphorus: How I cashed in on a layover, fell in love and planned a return

    Ricardo Baca
    15 May 2013 | 2:21 pm
    The majestic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul’s lovely Sultanahmet neighborhood. Photo by Ricardo Baca, The Denver Post Last fall, I faced one of those travel dilemmas a backpacker loves to solve. My objective: Getting from Tel Aviv to Cairo in 48 hours. The primary option: The only land border crossing between Israel and Egypt is at Taba. The primary road block: The U.S. State Department was asking Americans to steer clear of the Sinai Peninsula at the time, saying it was unsafe in a post-revolution Egypt. The secondary option: Flying, Tel Aviv-Cairo. The secondary road block: There were no…

  • Q&A: PCT hiker Gail D. Storey’s “I Promise Not to Suffer” a treat

    Kyle Wagner
    9 May 2013 | 1:21 pm
    Anyone who’s ever put a relationship through the great-outdoors meat grinder to see what’s left of it on the other side can relate to Gail D. Storey’s tale of long-distance hiking with her husband, Porter. Even the title, “I Promise Not to Suffer: A Fool for Love Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail” (Mountaineers Books, 2013), immediately evokes those trade-off moments required to get through such an ordeal. (Provided by Gail Storey) Gail and Porter Storey on the High Sierra Mountains portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The couple moved to Boulder from Houston in 2005, the year after they…

  • Lose weight, get fit: Get your VO2max tested to improve your results

    Kyle Wagner
    18 Apr 2013 | 8:06 am
    [media-credit id=75 align="alignright" width="224"][/media-credit] Stoney Eskew, right, has Cody DuFresne hooked up to the metabolic assessment machine at Ascent Fitness. Faster! Stronger! Leaner! Lighter! Stoney Eskew has heard it all. Elite athletes, people looking to lose weight or maintain weight loss, folks who can’t figure out why they’re working out like crazy but can’t seem to budge that last 5 pounds. Like some kind of wellness wizard, Eskew, a metabolic expert, personal trainer and weight loss specialist, lugs around a weird-looking machine that can actually help anybody…

  • If you love the Colorado outdoors (and even if you don’t), stop complaining about the snow

    Ricardo Baca
    17 Apr 2013 | 2:02 pm
    [media-credit name="RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post" align="alignnone" width="495"][/media-credit] If you’re hating on the mid-April snow, you’re basically hating on river rafting, fishing and more. Above, rafters on a trip with Clear Creek Rafting Company make their way down Clear Creek in May of 2011. If you’re on social media, you’ve surely seen the incessant complaining. If you’ve somehow missed it, you’re lucky. But if that’s the case, we’re here with the Cliff’s Notes: “There’s snow! In Colorado! In April! Snow! Isn’t…

  • Women’s Wellness Weekend at Broadmoor a choice experience

    Kyle Wagner
    15 Apr 2013 | 10:14 pm
    [media-credit id=75 align="alignright" width="224"][/media-credit] It would be hard to imagine a prettier, more relaxing setting than The Broadmoor for the Women’s Wellness Weekend. The message for the Women’s Wellness Weekend at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs April 12-14 seemed to be choices and how they affect our overall wellness, and it started being delivered with the welcome on Friday. James Hill is the executive director at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (which presented the weekend along with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus), and not only did he…
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    Perceptive Travel Blog

  • I Fondled a Bee Hive at the Waldorf

    Alison J. Stein
    21 May 2013 | 4:17 am
    If a bug lands on me, I’m just this side of hysterical at absolute best. I wrote that sentence last week in this space, and I thought of it a couple of days ago, when I was on the terrace of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in Manhattan. This outdoor space had previously been unused, and now

  • New Zealand’s weird and wacky festivals

    Liz Lewis
    20 May 2013 | 3:04 am
    From gumboot throwing in Taihape and the ‘running of the sheep’ in Te Kuiti to Wellington’s Wearable Arts, Queenstown’s Birdman competition, and Oamaru’s Steampunk festival, there’s no shortage weird and wacky festivals around New Zealand showcasing the country’s unique sense of humor, understated eccentricities, and the infamous Kiwi ingenuity. Here’s my top four favorite weird

  • Where I Like to Drink When I Go Out for a Drink in Singapore: JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar

    Brian Spencer
    17 May 2013 | 6:10 am
    By Brian Spencer I’ll give you 40+ reasons why JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar should anchor any Singapore booze crawl. Located at 313@Somerset mall’s open-air Discovery Walk, sandwiched between the Charlie Brown Café and Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant, JiBiru, as its name suggests, deals primarily in imported bottles and kegs from a fistful

  • Island merch: what you find at a Hawaii Target that you don’t see anywhere else

    Sheila Scarborough
    16 May 2013 | 9:15 am
    I was a fan of the Target stores even before my daughter Nancy started working there to pay for college. They have a clean, open layout that appeals to me, and their clothing, housewares and accessories are a particular favorite. Still, I did not expect to shop at a Hawaii Target while on vacation. I

  • Camino

    Kerry Dexter
    14 May 2013 | 11:02 pm
    El Camino de Santiago The Way of Saint James. People have been making the journey to Santiago de Compostela, in the northwest of Spain, for more than twelve centuries. For some, the walk — which can last days, weeks, and months depending on how you plan it and how you go — is physical challenge,
 
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    Travel news, travel guides and reviews | guardian.co.uk

  • Turkey hot air balloon crash filmed from above – video

    21 May 2013 | 8:30 am
    Video shows the moment a hot air balloon collides with another, sending it plummeting to the ground    

  • Venice Biennale needs Ai Weiwei – a man who makes art matter

    Jonathan Jones
    21 May 2013 | 7:28 am
    Like Beuys in the 70s or Duchamp in 1917, with Ai Weiwei we have the privilege of seeing a modern master in his momentWho will be the star of this year's Venice Biennale? Ai Weiwei. Not since Joseph Beuys created his sublime installation Tram Stop in the German Pavilion for the 1976 Biennale has Venice foregrounded an artist so much at the peak of his powers.Ai Weiwei will show work in the very German pavilion whose turbulent history Beuys illluminated, and also has a solo exhibition running as a "collateral" event of the Biennale. Since he matters so much more than any other living artist…

  • Top 10 hotels, B&Bs, hostels and campsites in Lochalsh

    20 May 2013 | 11:00 pm
    Lochalsh, a stunning corner of the Scottish Highglands overlooking Skye, offers stays in hotels, pubs with fabulous restaurants, cosy B&Bs and a remote campsiteTop 10 places to stay on the Isle of Skye• Know a great place to stay in Lochalsh? Add your recommendation in the comments belowThe Glenelg Inn, GlenelgSea bream stuffed with chorizo, langoustines from nearby Loch Hourn and wild venison from the hills … that's just some of the fare you can tuck into in the cosy, beamed bar of this traditional whitewashed inn. There's a roaring fire in the grate, seafaring memorabilia – old buoys…

  • Top 10 places to stay on Skye

    20 May 2013 | 11:00 pm
    Skye's amazing scenery deserves amazing places to stay. Here's our pick of the best hotels, B&Bs, campsites and hostelsTop 10 places to stay in Lochalsh• Know a great place to stay in the area? Add your recommendation in the comments belowNapier Cottage, IsleornsayThis purpose-built luxury B&B opened in 2011 and has panoramic views over the Sound of Sleat to Beinn Sgritheall and the Knoydart peninsula. Christine and Ian fell in love with the spot so bought the plot and employed local architects and builders to create their dream home. The three rooms are plush and contemporary with tartan…

  • Country diary: Coombs Dale, Derbyshire

    Ed Douglas
    20 May 2013 | 1:00 pm
    Coombs Dale, Derbyshire: The land is scarred and nicked, like the face of a veteran fighter, but the blackthorn is smothered in blossomThe high limestone country north of Longstone Edge has its own strange energy, a consequence perhaps of the quarrying there, both ancient and modern. The land is scarred and nicked, like the face of a veteran fighter, a blue-collar countryside.It's also rich with tales of horror, now recruited for the purposes of tourism. The notorious highwayman Black Harry, hanged at nearby Wardlow Mires, has lent his name to a network of bridleways for horse riders to…
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    LandLopers

  • Battling Misconceptions: Five Reasons Why I Love Cruises

    Matt Long
    20 May 2013 | 9:55 pm
    People can be so opinionated sometimes, and that’s absolutely true when it comes to travel. Everyone thinks that their unique travel style, their trips and adventures are the only way to get out there and have fun. I was recently somewhere and was told that backpacking solo is the only “real” way to see the world. Well that’s crap. It doesn’t matter how people enjoy their time traveling, as long as they get out there and do it. One of the most misunderstood forms of travel is also one of my favorites, the cruise. As soon as you say cruise people have images swirling through their…

  • Portrait of a Lion, Kruger Park South Africa

    Matt Long
    20 May 2013 | 9:50 pm
    The post Portrait of a Lion, Kruger Park South Africa appeared first on LandLopers.

  • Great Drives – Exploring The Villages and Inlets of Sweden’s West Coast

    Matt Long
    19 May 2013 | 9:55 pm
    It was my first time in Sweden and I had an admittedly unusual agenda for a first time visitor. I didn’t visit Stockholm or it famous neighborhoods, instead I was in West Sweden; a beautiful part of the country famous for its coastal getaways. Even better, I had a car giving me the best opportunity possible to explore and experience all on my own. A few people have asked about our driving route so I thought I’d provide a blow-by-blow account that anyone can replicate, including the photos to tempt you into doing it on your own. I was in Sweden as part of the Car Plus Vacation promotion,…

  • Beautiful Harborside Homes & Boats in Hamilton, Bermuda

    Matt Long
    19 May 2013 | 9:50 pm
    The post Beautiful Harborside Homes & Boats in Hamilton, Bermuda appeared first on LandLopers.

  • Photo Series: Journey of a Thousand Miles…

    Matt Long
    16 May 2013 | 9:55 pm
    This week the #FriFotos theme is STEPS, which had me stumped for a while. I wanted to do something more than just show pictures of staircases around the world, but I wasn’t sure what to do. Then finally I had an idea based around the quote “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So I decided to share with you the first photo I took in a variety of destinations. They’re not necessarily my best photos, but they are an interesting look at how I first met a variety of places. Venice, Italy   Hamilton, Bermuda Brussels, Belgium   South Africa…
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    Indie Travel Podcast

  • Best places to stay in Cornwall

    Craig Martin
    20 May 2013 | 10:00 am
    Cornwall is somewhere we’ve always wanted to visit, but never quite got to. With all the time we’ve spent in the UK, we always seem to hit London and head north, or just make it as far south as the Isle of Wight or Brighton. So we rounded up some local experts to share their favourite places to stay in Cornwall. St Ives Lowenna Pascoe, Marketing Manager, Late Lettings After travelling the world and visiting some of the most talked-about destinations, it’s safe to say that St Ives will always be my number one hot spot for relaxing with beautiful views, great people and some…

  • Travel diary: Brno and Olomouc

    Linda Martin
    19 May 2013 | 7:00 pm
    Our last-minute decision to spend extra time in the Czech Republic has certainly paid off — it’s a wonderful country and we’ve had a great week exploring it. Monday 13/5: Our last morning in Ceske Budejovice was mainly filled with work and errands; we had to visit the supermarket, buy some bus tickets, and get prepared for our next destination. After lunch, we said goodbye to our Couchsurfing host Jana and headed to the bus station, where we caught a bus to Brno. The journey took almost four hours, but it was comfortable enough, and we were met at the station by our next…

  • More recipes for travel

    Linda Martin
    15 May 2013 | 10:00 am
    A great way to save money and eat healthily when travelling is to prepare your own meals (like these). This can be a little difficult if you don’t have access to a kitchen or the right equipment, but many healthy dishes can be made with just a knife and something to cut on. Craig and I have a lightweight kitchen set, which consists of Orikaso plates, cups and bowls (well, one bowl — we lost the other one in Peru), two sporks, two small containers for salt and chili powder, and two bottles for oil and/or vinegar. Our kitchen.We used to carry a pocket knife but now tend to buy a…

  • Why you shouldn’t move to Spain

    Linda Martin
    13 May 2013 | 10:00 am
    Spain is a beautiful country, with an incredible history, fantastic food and wonderful people. It is a great place to go on holiday, but you shouldn’t plan to move there without being aware of the limitless amount of frustration that lies before you. 1. Bureaucracy The bureaucracy in Spain is second to none. It’s truly amazing how much time and effort needs to go into achieving quite simple tasks, and how many of these little tasks need to be done to be able to live and work in Spain legally. I decided to get a work and holiday visa, and when investigating the process I found an…

  • Travel diary: Family time in the Czech Republic

    Linda Martin
    12 May 2013 | 7:00 pm
    It’s been another great week — four days in Cesky Krumlov with my sister and her family, followed by three more days in the Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov is pretty.Monday 6/5: We didn’t really do too much on our first day in Cesky Krumlov apart from wandering around enjoying the town. Since Henry is only two and a half, he moves quite slowly, especially when going over bridges or passing fountains — he has a real fascination for water! The highlights of the day were lunch at the Two Marys and dinner at the Gypsy Bar, though sadly neither was quite as I’d…
 
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    nerd's eye view

  • A One Ring Circus

    Pam Mandel
    21 May 2013 | 2:50 pm
    “You’re not joking, are you? Please don’t be joking.” “Not at all. They put up the tent yesterday afternoon. There are animals in a corral by the lake. I think I saw goats. There’s a show tomorrow at 2.” “Can we go can we please can we please I REALLY want to go can we go please?! PLEASE?” My enthusiasm for this event was far out of scale to the actual event itself, but I had wanted for years to go to one of these small town traveling circuses that ply the country towns of Austria as the weather gets better. It’s not that I am a…

  • Graz, Afternoon

    Pam Mandel
    16 May 2013 | 12:35 am
    There were four of us, and it was nice to sit outside and eat ice cream and catch up. I sat with my back up against the building and it was hot in the sunshine. The coffee in my ice cream float froze and made crunchy little coffee ice crystals on the vanilla ice cream. Across from me, a bottle blonde sat alone. She wore a glittery t-shirt with Andy Warhol’s Marylin on it in sequins. And she smoked, one cigarette after another, for about an hour. Then, she checked her cell phone, put the red carton of cigarettes into her tiny handbag, and left the cafe.

  • Dachstein Glacier

    Pam Mandel
    14 May 2013 | 12:01 pm
    We had an absolute bluebird day driving around the Salzkammergut — a sort of lake district near the husband’s home turf. We bought gingerbread, stopped for coffee, had lunch lakeside, took the gondola up to about 4500 feet and then, hiked up higher, even, where I took this picture of the Dachstein Glacier. After, we went and ate cake, and then I played the ukulele in the car as we drove back home. Life is good.

  • Views from the Sky Deck

    Pam Mandel
    12 May 2013 | 12:38 am
    Cruising down the Rhine had not been on my list of Things I Wanted to Do. While certainly you can take me on a road trip anywhere and I will be giddy with joy, I’m squirrelly about boats and I’m not crazy about organized tours. Also, I have to totally shut up about that now because truly, gliding aross the surface of the Rhine surrounded by vinyards and castles while a waiter with a charming accent appears every 20 minutes or so to make sure you have enough champagne is, well… and if you should be lucky enough to have a breeze that just takes the edge out of the…

  • I’m On a Boat

    Pam Mandel
    9 May 2013 | 11:22 pm
    From the moment I step foot on board it is clear there will be no impartiality. We are berthed so the bow of the ship just clears the pedestrian bridge. At 7:00 pm, the bridge is covered in people, shoulder to shoulder, blowing soap bubbles in our direction. The mayor of Frankfurt has called for a flash mob to help send us off in style. Hundreds of rainbows float past us in the evening sky. It is nothing short of magical. Everything is spotless; this ship has been used once before for an investor sailing, so there is no wear and tear on… anything. The staff is genuinely charming and…
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    About.com France Travel

  • Champagne Day Trip from Paris

    20 May 2013 | 12:54 am
    Champagne and Art at Pommery in Reims One of the great pleasures of visiting the Champagne-Ardennes region is, of course, visiting different champagne houses and cellars. There are some great tours on offer at many of the great names, in and around Reims, Epernay and in the south, Troyes in the Aube. But while the tours of the cellars are interesting (and the champagne tasting at the end is very welcome), once you've seen one, on the whole you've pretty well got champagne making. Pommery, one of the most impressive and largest houses in Reims, goes a little further. Each year the vast…

  • Rail Europe Deal

    16 May 2013 | 11:43 pm
    If you act fast, you can get 30% off your First Class, High Speed Rail Europe train travel in France. The promotion will last through June 10th, so you need to get going now. The TGV express trains are impressive, wizzing you from London to Avignon in Provence in 5 hrs 30 mins, to Bordeaux on the Atlantic in 6 hrs 49 mins and Strasbourg in 5 hrs 12 mins. The trains are very comfortable, well equipped and travel up to 201 mph. TGV Premier train tickets also give you access to the Salons Grand Voyageur or lounges in stations such as Bordeaux St. Jean, Djon, Lille Flandres, Lyon Part-Dieu,…

  • The Stars Appear as the Cannes Film Festival Opens

    15 May 2013 | 7:14 am
    The 2013 Cannes Film Festival has just opened, with all the glitz, glamor, hope and expectations you could want - and a rain storm. The first film was The Great Gatsby, which has received mixed reviews in the U.S.A. and did not get rapturous applause at the screening in Cannes. Director Baz Luhrmann takes liberties with the book but the over-the-top parties are magnificent using contemporary artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce and Lana Del Ray. Leonardo DiCaprio might be older than the book's hero but he's superb. It's expected that Martin Scorsese will appear to talk about Silence, his next film…

  • Vintage Yachts Race in Antibes

    10 May 2013 | 10:55 pm
    May 29 to June 2 2013 Every year at the end of May, the sparkling blue Mediterranean in and around Antibes fills up with the glorious site of vintage yachts. Created in 1996, Les Voiles d'Antibes marks the opening of the Mediterranean circuit for Classic Yachts and Metric Classes and the first stage of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. The yachts are divided up into different classes. Spirit of Tradition yachts are those built since 1970 using modern techniques and materials but looking like traditional Vintage or Classic yachts.  Metric Class yachts were designed to race. Created in…

  • Cannes Film Festival 2013

    4 May 2013 | 12:25 am
    The most famous film festival in the world, Cannes, takes place this year from May 15th to 26th. It starts with what is the most eagerly awaited film at the moment, The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Lurhmann and starring Leonardo diCaprio and Carey Mulligan. It's appropriate; F. Scott Fitzgerald finished the book while he was staying on the French Riviera. Steven Spielberg is President of the Jury selecting the films in competition for the famous Palme d'Or. Films include the Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis with Oscar Isaacs, Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake; Steven Soderbergh's…
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    Cheapest Destinations Blog - Travel the World!

  • Travel Prices in Portugal

    Tim Leffel
    21 May 2013 | 10:29 am
    We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/feed/ Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Meanwhile, you can always see what's new by visiting www.CheapestDestinationsBlog.com!

  • What They’re Saying About The World’s Cheapest Destinations Book

    Tim Leffel
    17 May 2013 | 7:22 am
    We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/feed/ Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Meanwhile, you can always see what's new by visiting www.CheapestDestinationsBlog.com!

  • What I Pack in my Carry-on

    Tim Leffel
    14 May 2013 | 10:59 am
    We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/feed/ Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Meanwhile, you can always see what's new by visiting www.CheapestDestinationsBlog.com!

  • Portugal in the Spring (Or, the Thrill of Perfect Travel Timing)

    Tim Leffel
    10 May 2013 | 11:37 am
    We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/feed/ Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Meanwhile, you can always see what's new by visiting www.CheapestDestinationsBlog.com!

  • Cheap Travel in Mexico and Central America

    Tim Leffel
    7 May 2013 | 3:40 am
    We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: http://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/feed/ Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Meanwhile, you can always see what's new by visiting www.CheapestDestinationsBlog.com!
 
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    Travel the Home Exchange Way

  • Offering holiday/vacation homes for home exchange

    Home Base Holidays
    21 May 2013 | 6:26 am
    Q: Can I put our holiday home in the UK in the home exchange scheme? - Kim A: You can certainly list your holiday home for home exchange on Home Base Holidays! When completing a membership form there is an option that you can tick to show that you are offering a second home. There’s quite a large number of holiday or second homes listed on the site (when browsing listings look out for the little house icon with the number 2 – this shows that it is a second home). It really can be an advantage listing a holiday/second home as this often gives the user much more flexibility with their…

  • Hospitality exchange - an alternative to home exchange vacations

    Home Base Holidays
    16 May 2013 | 3:18 am
    Although home exchange (a direct swap of homes between two members, usually at the same time) is the most common choice of Home Base Holidays members, there are a number of other options (see details), including hospitality exchange. Hospitality exchange: offer hospitality in your home to an individual member, couple or family for agreed dates and, in turn, be hosted in their home at another time. What is included in a hospitality exchange is agreed between members but will, at a minimum, include bed and breakfast. Often additional meals will be part of the agreement. Many members who arrange…

  • Is there a limit to the length of a home swap?

    Home Base Holidays
    7 May 2013 | 1:32 am
    Q: Please could you let me know the maximum length of stay one could opt for on a home swap? Thank you. - Carol A: Although the majority of home swaps are for holiday periods of 1 – 4 weeks, there is no limit to the length of stay you can arrange as home exchange periods are agreed directly between the two members taking part. It can be more difficult finding exchanges for longer periods (especially when specific dates and location are needed as is often the case) but it can be done. It helps to join Home Base Holidays several months before the exchange dates you want (and actively contact…

  • The Home Exchange Newsletter - Home Swappers, May 2013

    Home Base Holidays
    5 May 2013 | 4:47 am
    The May issue of Home Swappers Newsletter is now available. Topics: Featured listing: located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico's outstanding colonial town Home swap tip: use good photos to make your offer stand out 'Cancel for any reason':  travel insurance for home swappers Featured long term swap offer: Vancouver to London for 8 months Exclusive offer: Join a second home exchange agency for free Read articles in this issue in full and previous issues of Home Swappers Newsletter, in the Newsletter Archive. Subscribe to receive the newsletter as published.

  • Home swap request: lovely English seaside for 2 weeks in Sydney

    Home Base Holidays
    29 Apr 2013 | 4:52 am
    Would you like to stay in this lovely English seaside town? Just 30mins from Canterbury! Do you live in Sydney? Then how about arranging an exchange with a stylish 3 bedroom apartment in the pretty coastal town of Westgate-on-Sea. This lovely seaside town is only one hour from central London and half an hour to historic city of Canterbury. Dover is also only half an hour away for daytrips to France. When: 2-3 weeks during March 2014 Where:  Sydney Click here to view full details of this exchange offer...
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    Twitter Travels

  • Travel Around the United States Many Attractions

    Leland
    13 May 2013 | 2:08 pm
    The United States is filled with an abundance of beautiful attractions. From stunning natural landmarks, beaches, and waterworks, to monuments, skyscrapers, buildings and beyond, the United States has so much to explore. Some people are fortunate enough to have these attractions in their backyards, while others may never see them unless they travel and traveling to a variety of popular attractions can become expensive. Luckily, some of the United States attractions are clustered together so if you take some time to do a little planning, you can tackle multiple attractions in one trip! Here…

  • Alert Bay: Culture and Nature Combined

    Katja
    9 Apr 2013 | 12:53 pm
      I’ve noticed in my travels that oftentimes, tourist destinations (particularly the very, very touristy ones) work far too hard to create an attraction at the expense of the local culture and environment. Sometimes, rather than embracing the unique features that would attract visitors, the local people and wildlife are exploited or suppressed in favor of making money. The best destinations, in my opinion, are the ones which integrate local culture and history with the natural environment to showcase what makes that place special. It is tough to do this, but some places manage to do it…

  • How to Bargain with Market Vendors

    Alfredo
    19 Mar 2013 | 8:33 am
    While pictures capture moments of your vacation, souvenirs are a way to bring a tangible piece of that vacation home with you. And, shops in tourist-dense areas know the desirability of certain trinkets, so they certainly don’t hesitate to mark up the prices accordingly. However, at most stores you can’t really haggle for a lower price, even in international countries…well, unless the item is damaged. Not only that, it’s also considered bad manners to try and get a vendor to sell you something for a lower price. So, take a second and think. If you were at home,…

  • Raw Fish, Huh? How to Find Savory Sushi

    Alfredo
    7 Feb 2013 | 12:09 pm
    I’m a sushi fan, so whenever I travel or even go out to eat during a normal week, I often look for quality Japanese restaurants. When I mention sushi to others, I usually get one of two replies: “Ew, raw fish!” or “Let’s go!” Occasionally someone will say they’ve never had it, but that’s usually followed by one of those two responses. I think most who give me the “Ew” response have never tried it because they’re afraid of the possible negative consequences of eating raw seafood. Yes, lots of sushi is made with raw fish, but…

  • Enjoy Your Cruise: Use the Ship’s Gym

    Alfredo
    16 Jan 2013 | 1:14 pm
    If there is one tip I can give to making your cruise vacation more enjoyable, it is to do a daily workout in the gym. Imagine you have just joined a luxury liner for a seven day cruise. All your meals are prepared and served for you, and there is usually a very tempting array to choose from. In no time at all, you over-indulge and become ‘bloated afloat’. You’ll find that you enjoy your holiday cruise much more if you take advantage of the on-board gym facilities. Work off a few calories before dinner, and you’ll have more room to accommodate a few more! Even if you…
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    Moms Minivan Blog

  • Distracted Driving

    Laurel Smith - Road Trip Mom
    9 May 2013 | 3:04 pm
    This infographic spells out just how dangerous it is to drive while otherwise occupied.  Stay safe! Many accidents are preventable! Presented By IFA Auto Insurance

  • Camper Van vs. Motor Home

    Laurel Smith - Road Trip Mom
    11 Apr 2013 | 6:40 am
    In a few weeks I’m heading to the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee with a group of girl friends. It will be my 5th year in a row. If you’re not familiar with this type of festival, imagine a huge farm swarming with 80 – 100,000 sweaty dirty people, all having a great time listening to dozens of different bands, and rouging it by camping in tents next to their cars with no water or electricity. Just imagine Woodstock, and you’ll understand. Most attendees are in their 20’s. They have stamina of youth. My gal pals and I trend toward a slightly older demographic. We have put up…

  • Teen Drivers

    Laurel Smith - Road Trip Mom
    16 Feb 2013 | 9:43 am
    If you smile and turn around in your minivan you will probably see your dear darlings smiling back at you while they are safely strapped to their car seats.  Now picture yourself a few years from now when you are no longer the one in the driver’s seat, and your dear darling is now grinning at you from behind the wheel.  You are now white-knuckled to the arm rests of the passenger seat while your teen age driver smashes the accelerator just a little too hard, or over-corrects every turn.  You instinctively reach for the brakes in front of you before you remember that you don’t…

  • Duct Tape Fixes Everything …Almost

    Laurel Smith - Road Trip Mom
    16 Feb 2013 | 9:15 am
    Ever have one of those road trips where you are at  your wits end, and you are actually considering the all-inclusive fix-it tool –  duct tape? Before resorting to this extreme parenting method, consider a couple of alternative car games instead: SWEET OR SOUR “Sweet or Sour” is an amusing game for all ages.  When you are stuck in traffic on the highway, this is a great time to play this game.   Wave to the people wave at one of the cars close to you, or do something else to get their attention.  If the person waves or honks back they are sweet.  If  you know they…

  • Turning 100,000

    Laurel Smith - Road Trip Mom
    18 Dec 2012 | 4:37 am
    Somewhere in the middle of a beautiful rural Kentucky byway,  while I was on my way to Kentucky Lake for my annual Pirate Adventure , my minivan had a birthday.  Or rather, a birth-mile.   Sylvia (my minivan, also known as “The Mother Ship”) turned 100,000 miles.  I took a picture. Why is that mile different from any other? When I posted the photo to my facebook, I had many friends comment on their locations when their own vehicles hit this milestone. They all remembered where they were when that odometer turned over  99,999 –> 100,000 .   I guess it’s just…
 
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    Rick Steves Travel Blog: Blog Gone Europe

  • Old Germans, a New Wall, and Tears

    Rick Steves
    21 May 2013 | 3:00 pm
    I was having dinner in Bethlehem with a Greek Orthodox Palestinian family and two older German women who were retired Lutheran pastors. The Muslim call to prayer interrupted our conversation. We went out on the third-floor balcony to hear the confused cacophony of sounds coming from minarets on all sides. Bethlehem’s skyline is decorated by silent steeples and singing minarets. The minarets crank up the volume and play five times a day. My Greek Orthodox friends said the volume for the call to prayer in Bethlehem is particularly loud — it’s a kind of resistance to annoy the Israelis.

  • Idea Butterflies: Random Thoughts from My Notes

    Rick Steves
    21 May 2013 | 9:00 am
    When I travel I collect ideas like butterflies as they flutter by. I jot them down, never knowing if they will find a place in something yet to be composed. Here are some random, thought-provoking “idea butterflies” I caught but didn’t know what to do with. I’m not saying they are right, so all you hair-trigger partisans should hold your fire for this one. These are just some ideas I found interesting and wanted to share: I was told that 400 years of Ottoman control — followed by European colonialism — destroyed the social fabric of the Middle East. In other words, much of…

  • Life in the Desert, Life in the Dead Sea

    Rick Steves
    20 May 2013 | 3:00 pm
    A big part of Palestine is desert, and much of it is below sea level. Nearly any tourist here will stop at the Wadi Qilt viewpoint for a look at the vast and awe-inspiring Judean Desert. Nomad communities fill dusty gullies with their ramshackle huts and tents. Children and sheep dogs follow their flocks of goats and sheep as the herds search for something to munch on. Modern water pumps are caged in and surrounded by barbed wire—a reminder of what is the most important natural resource around here. And desolate monasteries cling to remote cliffs as they have for 1,500 years. From this…

  • Ramallah and the Tomb of Mahmoud Darwish

    Rick Steves
    20 May 2013 | 9:00 am
    Growing up, the only Palestinian I was aware of was Yasser Arafat. But a thoughtful museum at the tomb of the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish introduced me to the author and poet who wrote the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Darwish, who died in 2008, worked with Arafat but used a pen rather than a gun as his weapon. If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube. Get a better browser!

  • Ramallah, Palestine’s De Facto Capital

    Rick Steves
    19 May 2013 | 3:00 pm
    Ramallah is the boom town of the West Bank. As, bit by bit (under the settlement policy of Israel), the likelihood of East Jerusalem being the capital of Palestine is fading, Ramallah is emerging as the de facto capital of the country. It feels secular and relatively sophisticated, and there’s no question that it’s Palestinian. The PLO headquarters is here. Yasser Arafat is buried here. And it’s busy with NGOs and international agencies working on Palestine’s problems. As many Palestinian Americans have moved back home and live here, there are lots of American accents. The city of…
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    Guidespot - Fresh Guides

  • Proctor Enterprises

    20 May 2013 | 11:30 pm
    Proctor Enterprises has been providing quality service to home owners in the Finger Lakes region and its surrounding areas for decades. Proctor Enterprises has a simple philosophy: do it right the first time. Proctor Enterprises offers a lifetime warranty along with never subcontracting the work you need done. The owner is on every job from start to finish, and most jobs are finished on the day they are started. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, offer financing, welcome insurance claims, and specialize in architectural shingles.

  • Frankford Health Associates

    20 May 2013 | 10:54 pm
    Feasterville, Brooks County, PA medical weight loss center. Medical weight loss Doctors who specialize in medically supervised weight loss including: appetite suppressant medications, vitamin B12 injection therapy and diet pills.

  • A+ Tree Service

    20 May 2013 | 10:22 pm
    We are specialized in tree removal,tree pruning, stump removal,stump removal and stump grinding

  • Windermere Real Estate: Janine Stevens

    20 May 2013 | 7:03 pm
    A recognized specialist in homes for sale in La Quinta CA, Janine Stevens has been successfully representing buyers & sellers of luxury residential real estate in La Quinta & Palm Springs since 1989.

  • Jim Causley Buick GMC Truck

    20 May 2013 | 4:27 pm
    As the premier Detroit Buick dealer and Detroit GMC dealer, Jim Causley Buick GMC welcomes you! Whether you're researching Buick cars, GMC trucks, or used cars in Detroit, we are here for you.
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    JourneyEtc

  • 5 of the Most Remote and Dangerous Islands in World

    Randy Colt
    10 May 2013 | 4:44 pm
    If you are thinking of white sand beaches, crazy parties, and kegs of beer to drink, then we are sorry to disappoint you. The islands that we are covering on this post will be some of the hard to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Food Travel: How to eat kaiten-zushi like locals do

    Randy Colt
    7 May 2013 | 6:25 pm
    While sushi is amazing to look at, a lot of people are intimidated with the tradition that comes in the creation and consumption of it. If you want to enjoy this Japanese cuisine in a laidback... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • 5 of the Most Wonderful World Heritage Sites

    Randy Colt
    2 May 2013 | 8:26 am
    If you have a bucket list of travel destinations, most likely you have a lot of world heritage sites on that list. These are the best travel destinations in the world, the must see destinations that... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Hilton launches DoubleTree in Capetown

    Randy Colt
    29 Apr 2013 | 6:35 am
    Hilton Worldwide recently opened the doors to the DoubleTree by Hilton, the brand’s first ever Capetown hotel. The DoubleTree has 183 rooms and offers another affordable option for those... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Dolled Up for Trouble: Mexico Barbie comes with Chihuahua and A Passport

    Randy Colt
    29 Apr 2013 | 6:05 am
    The Dolls of the World Barbie collection of toymaker Mattle comes with stamps, accessories, an pet, and passports. The world-renowned toy company has been getting some criticism for its Mexico... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
 
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    Daily Catch

  • Songs of Summer

    jenniferbonds
    17 May 2013 | 1:35 pm
    Photo: Lisa Romerein Whether your days are filled with surfin’ safaris or itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikinis, it feels good to sing along to your favorite hot-weather tunes. We’re celebrating beach songs by selecting our all-time faves — and asking you to to help us choose the ultimate summer anthem. Listen to all of our picks below, and join us on Facebook to vote for your favorites starting June 1.

  • Showhouse Q&A: Suzanne Stern

    jenniferbonds
    14 May 2013 | 2:53 pm
    Architectural designer Suzanne Stern of Our Town Plans discusses the design and historical inspiration behind Coastal Living‘s 2013 Showhouse on Daniel Island. What prompted you to start working in architectural design? SS: Architecture has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father is Jim Strickland, founding partner of the award-winning architectural design firm, Historical Concepts. I was young when he attended architecture school at Yale University, but I remember a lot from those days. Later, when he was a builder, my brother and I spent more time than we…

  • 3 Highlights from High Point Market

    Casey Campbell
    25 Apr 2013 | 7:30 am
    Trendsetters, design professionals and home enthusiasts gathered in High Point, North Carolina this past week for High Point Market. Over 75,000 people mingled in showrooms and mused over beautiful spring furnishings. It’s no wonder High Point Market is the largest furniture industry trade show in the world. Ginger Brewton, 2013 Showhouse Interior Designer, and our Coastal Living team have been looking forward to Spring Market for months! This year we wanted to bring you into the showroom and give our readers a glimpse into the inspiration behind our Showhouse selections. 1. Gorgeous…

  • Showhouse Construction Update: Porches

    Casey Campbell
    23 Apr 2013 | 11:23 am
    Our 2013 Showhouse is beginning to resemble our dream home more and more with each passing day, especially since our recent installment of AZEK decking for our porches. These last few weeks have flown by as our team has been working around the clock to make this year’s Showhouse unforgettable. We’ve made plenty of progress both inside and outside the Showhouse, and we can’t wait to open our doors for tours in almost two months! This month, AZEK’s decking was installed. As many of you know, porches are quintessential in Charleston and one of our favorite coastal…

  • Clean up the Coast!

    jenniferbonds
    18 Apr 2013 | 11:00 pm
    Earth Day is Monday, April 22. Celebrate by participating in a beach cleanup this weekend.  The state of Washington holds its biggest coastal cleanup this weekend. Visit any of several beaches from Benson to Hobuck to do your part, and stick around for a cookout afterward. Saturday, April 20. Visit coastsavers.org to find a beach near you. This year, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii has organized one of the largest beach cleanups in the state’s history. Do your daily dose of good on the island of Oahu and then treat yourself to some fun in the sun, with live bands, food, and Earth-friendly…
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    M Travel

  • Best foot forward: creating appeal in a multi-screen market

    kerryn
    21 May 2013 | 5:03 am
    The debate around how to handle content across three diverse distribution and marketing channels – desktop, mobile, tablet – continues to be lively. But even though agreement cannot be reached on which is the best way forward, the travel industry is witnessing new launches. As recently as the end of April, online travel agency ebookers introduced its all-in-one travel app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The app, ebookers Travel: Hotels, Flights, Car Hire, lets users search and book the three main components of travel: hotels, flights and car hire. ebookers is perfectly positioned to…

  • New advances in mobile payment solutions give phone users a confidence boost

    kerryn
    30 Apr 2013 | 5:22 am
    For those start-ups taking the plunge into the world of mobile commerce, each and every initial booking made is a story worth telling. After all, this all helps to generate buzz at a trade conference or through traditional media. Creating a buzz is one thing, but can prove futile if the initial mobile-user experience doesn’t go smoothly. The whole business model may be shaken and revenue generation jolted due customers abandoning a transaction. In this context, mobile-payment solutions can definitely have a telling impact on the mobile app’s performance. As specialists in the mobile…

  • Chasing payments and delivering new revenue streams require savvy solutions

    kerryn
    24 Apr 2013 | 5:00 am
    Putting the customer first is something all airlines must strive for. Part of this involves ensuring that customers can pay via their chosen method. EyeforTravel’s Ritesh Gupta takes a look at how airlines have reassessed their payment infrastructure in a mobile world. Airlines have been focusing on embracing new payment solutions to expand their product basket such as selling via mobile devices. The aim is to put the customer first but supporting this via applicable payment solutions has been a work in progress over the years.  In doing so, airlines have had to take a number of…

  • Best Western: the mobile web is “the backbone of our mobile strategy”

    kerryn
    15 Apr 2013 | 5:28 am
    What should travel brands be thinking about when developing a mobile website? Best Western International, which took home the prize for ‘best mobile website’ at EyeforTravel’s recent Social & Mobile Strategies for Travel 2013 conference in San Francisco should know. Best Western International’s user friendly site beat off five other contenders – Expedia, Hotels.com, Quebec City Tourism and Mandalay Bay Resorts & Casino – to win the EyeforTravel ‘best mobile website’ award which was judged on technology, usability, graphic design, strategy and results.

  • WorldMate: the ‘guardian angel’ app for the business traveller

    kerryn
    25 Mar 2013 | 4:37 am
    For a mobile app to get to 10 million-plus user mark requires a multipronged approach. Not only is it necessary to deliver a great user experience, it means choosing the right partners and, well, putting in dozens of “engineering man-years” and turning foes into allies. Pamela Whitby hears how business travel app WorldMate is staying ahead of the pack after over a decade in the business. You don’t have to be a newcomer to make waves in mobile. The WorldMate mobile travel app  – which recently won the EyeforTravel ‘Best Mobile Travel App’ award in San Francisco  – first saw…
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    HOTELMARKETING.COM

  • Now arriving: Big data in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector

    markus.busch@hotelmarketing.com
    21 May 2013 | 12:05 am
    We are the sum total of millions of small and not-so-small choices that define our individual experience. More so than ever before, that experience can be captured, aggregated and analyzed. Doing so stands to improve each transaction as it occurs - to improve the customer experience.

  • When big data meets flight meta-search it’s happy routing for passengers

    markus.busch@hotelmarketing.com
    21 May 2013 | 12:04 am
    Data is promising to be a real differentiator for new travel intermediaries. The meta-search site is one category that is trying to become more meaningful on the basis of data sources.

  • Google refines top city attractions search results, designed to kill competition?

    markus.busch@hotelmarketing.com
    21 May 2013 | 12:03 am
    A Google search for the top things to do in a city will serve up a new results page with the main points of interest lining horizontally on the top. Followed by the usual knowladge graph with listings from TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet and the likes - if you ever get to click on their results, that is.

  • Hotel deals are hot in Europe, but flying there is pricey

    markus.busch@hotelmarketing.com
    21 May 2013 | 12:02 am
    Travelers who want to take advantage of fantastic hotel deals in Europe that include luxury hotel stays for less than $100 a night first have to get there - and airfares are not as inexpensive.

  • Can Tumblr make Yahoo again cool?

    markus.busch@hotelmarketing.com
    21 May 2013 | 12:01 am
    Tumblr has one thing that Yahoo desperately needs - a huge audience of young people. The platform has more than 100 million blogs and 50 billion posts, and its user base skews toward millennials. In other words, Tumblr is cool.
 
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    The Gypsy's Guide

  • Help Reunite these People with their Vacation Photos

    Angela K. Nickerson
    15 May 2013 | 11:45 pm
    A friend of a friend found a memory card today (May 14) at O'Hare. It contains over 800 photos of these people and appears to be from a trip to the South Pacific. Help reunite these people with their memories via social media! How can you help? If you know them, put us in contact! If not, post this on Facebook or Twitter and help spread the word. I know firsthand how horrible it is to lose photos from a trip. Hopefully we can reunite these people with theirs!

  • The Best Obituary I've Ever Read

    Angela K. Nickerson
    7 May 2013 | 3:29 pm
    A few years ago I did a book signing at the Hancock County Library in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. I don't know if I met Ms. Larroux, who at one time sat on the board of their foundation, or any of her family, but her obituary takes me back to a lovely day spent in a charming town -- one clearly with some residents with a great sense of humor. Blessings to the family and friends of Ms. Larroux! Antonia Larroux Obituary: View Antonia Larroux's Obituary by New York Times: 'via Blog this'

  • Electing a Pope in the Sistine Chapel

    Angela K. Nickerson
    11 Mar 2013 | 5:14 pm
    Curious about what will happen when the conclave begins tomorrow? It is a fascinating and secret process all carried out beneath Michelangelo's frescos in the Sistine Chapel. I thought this article in the New York Times summed it up well (and shame on the Cardinal who leaked his journals! But it makes for good reading...): http://nyti.ms/14O9caq Enjoy!

  • Playmobil Security Check Point

    Angela K. Nickerson
    17 Jan 2013 | 6:00 am
    OMG. Read the comments -- but not while sipping your morning coffee. Amazon.com: Playmobil Security Check Point

  • A Note to My Readers

    Angela K. Nickerson
    2 Dec 2012 | 3:29 pm
    Dear friends, I just wanted to update you a bit. The last year and a half have been very busy in my home. I now have a very busy toddler who is simply energy embodied. My husband's job has changed significantly, and he is traveling every week now. And I still have a day job. All this leaves very little time for blogging. But I am still here. I often think, "I need to blog about this experience... or that experience..." and then my head hits the pillow, and I am unconscious.  So know that I still have lots to say, and hopefully in 2013 I'll have a little more time to share it with you.
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    Kathika Travel Website

  • 8 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation

    traveldesk
    25 Apr 2013 | 9:49 am
    Soon, your kids will be out of school and pestering you about that trip to Disney World you promised you’d take them on 4 years ago. Unfortunately, you probably don’t have enough money saved up to deliver this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take a decent vacation and still have money left over [...]This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.8 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation Related posts: Plan a Vacation without Breaking the Family Budget 5 Effective Tips for Traveling on a Budget Travel…

  • 22 Train Stations from Across the Globe

    Kori Ellis
    5 Apr 2013 | 4:54 pm
    In today’s modern world with airplanes jetting around the globe, sometimes we forget how travel got its big start. Cross country trains and railroads were one of the first big steps in making travel accessible to everyone. Major metropolises like New York City built enormous railway terminals like Grand Central Station and Pennsylvania Station to [...]This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.22 Train Stations from Across the Globe Related posts: Travel Photo of the Day Train in Rocky Mountains Antwerp Central Railway Station…

  • Buildings of Snow and Ice

    Cocles
    3 Apr 2013 | 10:33 pm
    Ice.  It is quite literally the greenest building material on Earth.  Pure solid water.  What other type of building dissolves harmlessly back into our rivers when it is no longer needed?  But it doesn’t stop there.  When one says “green” and “environmentally friendly”, all to often the word that hides just below the surface is [...]This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.Buildings of Snow and Ice Related posts: Ice Hotel Church – The Travel Photo of the Day Ice Hotels from Sweden, Quebec, and Finland…

  • “O Cannuni” Castle – Travel Photo of the Day

    traveldesk
    28 Mar 2013 | 8:24 pm
    The Travel Photo of the Day is of “O Cannuni” Castle O Cannuni, which means “the cannon” in English, is a castle located in the Italian city of Mazzarino. It was built in the twelfth century and it gets its name from the shape of the only tower that still exists from the castle. O [...]This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.“O Cannuni” Castle – Travel Photo of the Day Related posts: Matsumoto Castle – Travel Photo of the Day Travel Photo of the Day Castle of Monfort Corfe Castle…

  • Beautiful Islands of the South Pacific

    Kori Ellis
    28 Mar 2013 | 5:25 pm
    Whether it’s the rich clear waters, clean beaches, or vibrant coral reefs the islands of the south pacific are becoming a popular tourist destination for many of today’s modern travelers. Sit back as we take you on a pictorial visit to 12 of the areas most popular islands. Bora Bora is a tiny island located [...]This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.Beautiful Islands of the South Pacific Related posts: Book Review: The Shark God, in the South Pacific The Beautiful British Virgin Islands Beautiful Bermuda
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    Been-Seen

  • Postcards from Chic Nomads: Tokyo Farmer’s Market

    Maria
    21 May 2013 | 8:44 am
    Chic Nomads know all the best spots to go, stay, play, and hideaway. Sometimes they send us postcards from the road. Here is Marina Kappos, currently artist in residence in Japan, detailing her experience at a farmer's market in Tokyo. All words and photos are hers.   A small but wonderful farmers market sets up in front of the United Nations University in Tokyo every weekend. I walk through the market regularly, and it’s bursting with brightly colored fruits and vegetables. A favorite treat has become the homemade gingerale. It’s dry…

  • Places to Go: Costa Blanca, Spain

    Maria
    17 May 2013 | 4:12 pm
    Experience the life of a Spanish landholder with groves of almond, olive, fruit trees and magnificent seaviews while staying in this classic finca on the Costa Blanca. The extremely private Benissa Villa sits at the end of a long driveway with a fully automatic gate on 1.5 acres of land set between the mountains and green valleys of the Costa Blanca region.   The small village of Benissa is less than 10 minutes away by car. The village is typically Spanish, with fiestas held on an almost monthly basis.Sights include a beautiful cathedral. You’ll discover Benissa to be more native…

  • 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

    Maria
    17 May 2013 | 4:00 pm
    Lake Tahoe is an area known for all the good times it offers outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re traveling in the winter and ready for incredible skiing at one of the 18 world-class ski resorts, or in the summer and ready to hit the largest alpine lake in North America, there’s an unforgettable adventure to be had. Finding the right hotel is crucial in these parts, and every traveler should consider finding a hotel with a convenient location and all the extra amenities that cater to the season their traveling. 3 Peaks Resort and Beach club is the best hotel in South Lake Tahoe for…

  • MileNorth Hotel Chicago

    Maria
    8 May 2013 | 3:56 pm
    In Chicago, when travelers want luxury, convenience and drinks with a view, there’s no better place to spend a vacation than the MileNorth Hotel. In a city known for pizza, shopping and famous architecture, this hotel offers the best of the best right outside its doors. A luxury hotel in Downtown Chicago, MileNorth is just steps from the world-famous shopping, dining and nightlife on Magnificent Mile. Mag Mile is a Chicago destination throughout the year, and on top of the 460 stores, 275 restaurants and 5 unique museums, all the events, from shopping festivals in the summer to lights…

  • Floating Into the Future

    Maria
    8 May 2013 | 2:50 pm
    Is the future of eco-friendly home design the houseboat? Ever since writing our article on cool houseboats, we've been intrigued by this simple form of residence and what it can offer us in terms of great design and sustainability. Above you see a concept by SolarLab for a free-floating, solar powered habitat that will eventually be found on Germany's Lake Constance as an example of integrated, green living spaces for the future.   Compare SolarLab's project to this most basic of "houseboats"–really just an RV on a pontoon–and you'll get an idea of…
 
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    MiceChat

  • Communicore Weekly – Marceline, Midlife Mouse, 1901, John Hench

    Jeff Heimbuch
    21 May 2013 | 11:41 am
    Welcome to this week’s Communicore Weekly, where we talk about Marceline, Midlife Mouse, 1901, and John Hench! Download on iTunes here! | http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/communicore-weekly/id496333443 Direct download here! | http://www.bamferproductions.com/communicore/0071-CommunicoreWeekly.mp3 TRIP REPORT! – Jeff drove out to California, and…The post Communicore Weekly – Marceline, Midlife Mouse, 1901, John Hench appeared first on MiceChat.

  • MiceAge Update: Disneyland Scrooged At Last

    MiceAge
    21 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    With the last few days of the spring off-season slipping away before the summer crowds arrive, the Disneyland Resort is rushing to finalize details for the upcoming 24-hour party to try and prevent the night…The post MiceAge Update: Disneyland Scrooged At Last appeared first on MiceChat.

  • Star Wars Weekends: What’s all the Hoopla?

    Kevin Yee
    21 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    Star Wars Weekends are back, and the event feels much like it always does. There has been no major shake-up to the roster of panels, meets, shows, parades, and merchandise tents. For indeed, nothing is…The post Star Wars Weekends: What’s all the Hoopla? appeared first on MiceChat.

  • MiceChat SeaWorld Orlando Exclusive: The Birds of Antarctica

    Eric Davis
    21 May 2013 | 12:01 am
    SeaWorld Orlando will debut their largest expansion in park history this week.  We have the final construction update today, along with park updates, and a MiceChat exclusive interview with the Assistant Curator of Birds, Anita…The post MiceChat SeaWorld Orlando Exclusive: The Birds of Antarctica appeared first on MiceChat.

  • Opa!, All-Nighters and Magical Maps: Your Guide to a Monstrous Summer Memorial Day Weekend

    Andy Castro
    20 May 2013 | 5:05 am
    Disneyland is just about ready to kick off its big summer season with a variety of big events that will draw plenty of guests during the already-popular Memorial Day Weekend. The weekend will kick-off with…The post Opa!, All-Nighters and Magical Maps: Your Guide to a Monstrous Summer Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on MiceChat.
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    A Luxury Travel Blog

  • Interview with Lynn Crawford, Owner and Head Chef of Ruby Watchco

    Paul Johnson
    17 May 2013 | 5:49 am
    Celebrity chef Lynn Crawford has over 25 years of culinary experience, winning international awards as the Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto and New York City. She is one of the most high-profile chefs in Canada and has been invited to cook, speak, and mentor chefs and food lovers across North America. Lynn opened Ruby [...]Interview with Lynn Crawford, Owner and Head Chef of Ruby Watchco is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Interview with Lynn Crawford, Owner and Head Chef of Ruby Watchco appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

  • Boutique Hotel Summit 2013

    Paul Johnson
    17 May 2013 | 4:52 am
    The boutique hotel industry is an area which has shown considerable growth in recent years and seems to be going from strength to strength. If you happen to be involved in the industry and in London next week, then do get yourself along to the Boutique Hotel Summit. Sadly I can’t be there but A [...]Boutique Hotel Summit 2013 is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Boutique Hotel Summit 2013 appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

  • Recipe of the week: Home-made vanilla ice cream (Gelato alla vaniglia)

    Paul Johnson
    17 May 2013 | 1:53 am
    Nothing says summer more than ice cream, and no one makes ice cream like the Italians! This authentic Italian recipe for vanilla ice cream may not be the healthiest, but you can rest assured that with actual vanilla bean pods, full-fat milk and full-fat cream, your homemade ice cream will be second to none. Once [...]Recipe of the week: Home-made vanilla ice cream (Gelato alla vaniglia) is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Recipe of the week: Home-made vanilla ice cream (Gelato alla vaniglia) appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

  • The Exumas: 3 suggestions for a luxurious Bahamas getaway

    Jessica Festa
    17 May 2013 | 12:56 am
    For those wanting a luxurious Caribbean getaway, the Exumas Cays in the Bahamas have it all. Known for having some of the clearest blue waters in the Caribbean, the islands feature everything from grand resorts to yacht clubs to opulent yet intimate boutique properties. To help you plan a luxury getaway to the Exumas, here [...]The Exumas: 3 suggestions for a luxurious Bahamas getaway is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post The Exumas: 3 suggestions for a luxurious Bahamas getaway appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

  • One shameful top tip to beat the queues at Disney World

    Paul Johnson
    16 May 2013 | 4:39 am
    Oh dear. Words fail me with this one. If you are ever in Disney World and can’t bear to queue, there is a way around it – you can pay a premium and enjoy preferential treatment. Disney Tours offers a VIP guide and fast passes at rates ranging from $310 to $380 per hour. I [...]One shameful top tip to beat the queues at Disney World is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post One shameful top tip to beat the queues at Disney World appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
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    Discovering Puerto Rico

  • Big Picture: Cuartel de Ballajá, Old San Juan

    Brian
    9 May 2013 | 10:46 am
    Cuartel de Ballajá in Old San Juan Related posts:2013 San Sebastian Street Festival, Old San Juan Big Picture: San Juan Bay Big Picture: Fishing Pier, Old San Juan

  • Puerto Rico Events: May 2013

    Brian
    3 May 2013 | 9:19 am
    Plenty of events happening in Puerto Rico during May, with the highlights being, Puerto Rico Restaurant Week, ‘Puerto Rico Danza Week’ and ComicCon May 14-28, Puerto Rico Restaurant Week Simple concept; great restaurants serving a 3 course menu at an affordable fixed price. Numerous restaurants from San Juan and around the island will be taking part in this year’s Puerto Rico Restaurant Week. This is a great way to sample food from some of the islands top chefs and restaurants. More Info Puerto Rico Danza Celebrations The Puerto Rican musical style Danza is celebrated throughout the…

  • 9 Iconic Photography Locations In Puerto Rico

    Brian
    30 Apr 2013 | 10:38 am
    History, architecture, culture, and breathtaking scenery; Puerto Rico has them all and more. Here are my 9 Iconic Photography Locations In Puerto Rico; just to get you started El Morro Fort Old San Juan For me El Morro Fort in Old San Juan is the most iconic photography location in Puerto Rico. Its dramatic cliff top location, garitas and passageways make this an awesome photography location whether you are taking pictures from outside, inside, the air or from the sea. I visit El Morro on a regular basis and always find new and exciting ways to photograph this 16th century fortification. La…

  • Puerto Rico Restaurant Week 2013

    Brian
    24 Apr 2013 | 1:06 pm
    Puerto Rico Restaurant Week is back. After last year’s hugely successful inaugural event, this year’s Puerto Rico Restaurant Week takes place May 14 – 28, 2013. I know that’s actually 2 weeks, but that’s a bonus right? The restaurant and food scene in Puerto Rico is vibrant and energetic with new restaurants and chefs winning recognition from their pears worldwide for their amazing food. So if you want to know what the food buzz is all about; then Puerto Rico Restaurant Week is a great way to find out. Some of Puerto Rico’s top restaurants and chefs including: Chef Jose Enrique,…

  • Get to Know the Regions of Puerto Rico

    Brian
    19 Apr 2013 | 10:29 am
    The island of Puerto Rico packs a tremendous amount of diversification into its relative small land mass, making it a perfect holiday destination for folks looking for more than just a Caribbean beach getaway. In order to help promote the whole island of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Government and Puerto Rico Tourism Company divided the island into regions; with each region offering something different. So grab a rental car and let’s discover the regions of Puerto Rico Metro San Juan Not technically a region, but an area that most visitors to Puerto Rico will spend some time in. From the…
 
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    INKWATU

  • Morning walk: sound heals

    Hilton Kean Jones
    19 May 2013 | 5:57 pm
    Click here to listen to water’s sound Listening to this sound (recorded on a walk last week) as I walk in the predawn colors is a big part of what keeps me going back. I know now that the days I walk seem to last longer, are more productive, and my head’s in a better place. As a kid, on my grandfather’s old upright floor console radio, in my bedroom late at night, I’d listen to an AM radio broadcast from San Francisco. There was only AM and shortwave in those days; FM radio didn’t exist yet. I’d listen to shortwave symphony concerts from Europe sometimes.

  • Jumping fish

    Hilton Kean Jones
    9 May 2013 | 11:03 am
    As the sun rises earlier and earlier heading toward summer, I walk earlier. I’m not sure how the tides and sunrise figure into this but I’ve noticed that the fish are jumping out of the water a lot more at this earlier hour. The birds know it too. Some of the splashes aren’t fish, I know, because they have a different character wave action from the ones where I see fish jumping. I suspect they’re from manatee. There are signs everywhere warning the boaters about them. But, the water’s too murky to see them. Maybe later in the day when there’s lots of…

  • New motivational goal for my morning walks

    Hilton Kean Jones
    6 May 2013 | 4:11 am
    It may be that one of the reasons I’ve not been taking snapshots on my morning walks recently is that I’ve mistakenly thought I’ve taken a snapshot of everything there is to see at my favorite walking spots. Wrong! There’s always something new to see, isn’t there? As many times as I’ve walked past that topiary ship’s anchor, I’ve never seen it before. So, got myself a new goal to trick myself into taking a morning walk: spot sonething I’ve never seen before and take a picture of it. Most images link to larger images. click on larger image…

  • Morning walks: still at it

    Hilton Kean Jones
    10 Apr 2013 | 4:19 am
    I was able to help motivate myself to establish my habit of morning walks, earlier this year, by tricking myself, telling myself I was just going out to take snapshots. No attempt at “photography,” not even “street photography.” Just snapshots. It worked. I haven’t been posting many of those photos recently, simply because I haven’t needed to take snapshots to get my body in motion. The habit of walking seems pretty well established. Pretty well…not 100%! Lest I become a slacker, something I do with the greatest of ease, I’m going to make a…

  • Morning walk: inertia vrs. energy

    Hilton Kean Jones
    2 Apr 2013 | 4:36 am
    Back at it after an exhausting work weekend. There’s still a challenge overcoming mental inertia, but now–almost instantly upon setting foot on the path–the energy awakens and I’m so glad I struggled against the inertia. Most images link to larger images. click on larger image for closeup Copyright © 2013 INKWATU. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact legal@inkwatu.com so we can take legal action…
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    Hawaiimagazine.com | HAWAII Today

  • Lantern Floating Hawaii to launch 5,000 glowing memorials on Oahu’s south shore

    21 May 2013 | 5:20 am
    Lantern Floating Hawaii to launch 5,000 glowing memorials on Oahu’s south shore At sunset on Memorial Day, more than 5,000 glowing lanterns will illuminate the waters edging Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island on Oahu.Inscribed with messages to loved ones who have passed away and prayers for a peaceful future, the lanterns—perched atop miniature floating boards—will be launched during the 15th annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony before a large shoreline crowd. If you’ve never taken part in Honolulu's version of Toro Nagashi, a Japanese Buddhist tradition,…

  • Big Island Film Fest to honor “Mad Men” actor, “Saturday Night Live” cast member

    20 May 2013 | 6:52 am
    Big Island Film Fest to honor “Mad Men” actor, “Saturday Night Live” cast member This year’s Big Island Film Festival celebrity honorees are Vincent Kartheiser, “Pete Campbell” on the award-winning drama Mad Men, and Kate McKinnon, a featured player on the legendary Saturday Night Live, known for her impressions of Ann Romney, Ellen DeGeneres and Penelope Cruz. (Both honorees pictured above.)Now in its eighth year, the five-day fest is set to get under way on Thursday on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. The screenin...

  • “Generations” summer concert series slated for Waimea Valley on Oahu's North Shore

    16 May 2013 | 5:22 am
    “Generations” summer concert series slated for Waimea Valley on Oahu's North Shore Some of Hawaii’s top musicians are slated to take part in Waimea Valley’s Generations summer concert series, which is slated to get under way next month on Oahu's North Shore.The concerts are set for three Saturdays, June 22, July 27 and Aug. 31, with each event getting under way at 11 a.m. and wrapping up at 4 p.m. on Waimea Valley’s spacious Pikake Pavilion Lawn.The Generations series lineup of musical groups spans three generations of style and story. •…

  • And the winner of HAWAII Magazine’s Pan-Pacific Festival Flyaway sweepstakes is...

    14 May 2013 | 5:57 am
    And the winner of HAWAII Magazine’s Pan-Pacific Festival Flyaway sweepstakes is... Congratulations to Sarah Haney of Newport Beach, Calif. — winner of HAWAII Magazine’s Pan-Pacific Festival Flyaway sweepstakes. Sarah’s name was drawn at random from thousands of sweepstakes entries submitted between mid- and late-April. Her prize?• Complimentary Hawaiian Airlines round-trip coach airfare for two between Oahu and one of 11 gateway cities served by Hawaiian Airlines in North America.• Five-days/four-nights complimentary accommodations for two at the

  • Top 5 favorite Hawaii snacks: HAWAII Magazine Facebook poll results

    14 May 2013 | 3:58 am
    Top 5 favorite Hawaii snacks: HAWAII Magazine Facebook poll results We’ve counted all of the votes from our latest HAWAII Magazine Facebook Ohana poll question: What’s your favorite Hawaii snack? Your hundreds of responses ranged from healthful papaya, apple bananas, and fresh mango to deliciously decadent chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and haupia pie. Among the vote-getters on the salty and savory side: assorted manapuas, musubis, taro-and-sweet potato chips as well as Maui onion chips. Yum!The top five vote-getters are on the pages ahead. Mahalo for sharing your picks!If…
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    Uncornered Market

  • Building a Story-Filled Life: What is your “What if?” (Our TEDx Talk)

    Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
    21 May 2013 | 7:35 am
    Some say our story is written for us when in fact it is ours to write. What is your “What if?” that will lead you to write your next chapter? This was the message we recently brought to TEDxWarsaw, the 4th largest TEDx in the world. It was both an honor and a thrill to be on stage in front of 800 people. Although our talk may appear to be about travel and wanderlust on the surface, it’s more about an approach to life. We hope you enjoy it! We Need Your Help If you enjoyed the video and its message, please help it reach more people. In order for our talk to be selected for…

  • Bunny Chow Serendipity

    Audrey Scott
    19 May 2013 | 11:25 am
    This is a story about an afternoon in Durban, South Africa where everything seemed to go wrong, but somehow ended up right. It’s also everything you ever wanted to know about bunny chow but were afraid to ask. As our chow-master drizzled the final layer spoonful of gram dal atop an already generous mountain, each of our senses aligned themselves in appreciation of something approaching culinary perfection. The aroma of fresh spices, the tinkling of ladles, the din of restoration, the scene of satisfaction, and the heaviness of kitchen air that lands just so on the surface of the skin. This…

  • Cape Town Road Trip: Chapman’s Peak Drive [360-Degree Panorama]

    Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
    16 May 2013 | 11:53 am
    There are certain parts of the world that simply cry out: Road Trip! You know the requisite ingredients: rugged cliffs dropping into blue ocean waters, waves crashing against rocky outcroppings, and pockets of white foam shooting into the air. Roads wind, barely two lanes wide, cars hug mountain turns. Drivers and passengers crane their necks to catch a glimpse — the glimpse — over the next cliff, wanting to pull off for the perfect photo. The whole thing sounds cliché, perhaps, but maybe that’s just because that’s the way it really is. There are a few drives in this…

  • South Africa: From in the Books to on the Ground

    Daniel Noll
    9 May 2013 | 1:32 pm
    This is a slice of backstory regarding our current visit to South Africa. It’s about a man named Tutu, a book entitled Invictus and a musician called Rodriguez. It’s about South Africa and about our relationship to places before we’ve ever visited them. Finally, it’s about our journey from Cape Town to South Africa’s Northern Cape. In 2000, just after Audrey and I married, her stepfather gave to me for Christmas a copy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s then newly published book No Future Without Forgiveness. (It was her stepfather’s Christmas tradition to give everyone in…

  • Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand [360-Degree Panorama]

    Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
    29 Apr 2013 | 3:31 am
    Our trek to the Tongariro Crossing on New Zealand’s North Island was the trek that almost wasn’t. Winds were fierce, rains continued to pour down and visibility only seemed to get worse right up to the day before we were set to hike. As night fell, winds began to subside and the rain slowed, but it still didn’t look good. We prepared ourselves for the worst. The next morning, however, a shift. Timed for our late start, winds died further, clouds burned off and blue skies emerged. This was our Tongariro Crossing. Open up the panorama to full screen to see what we found: the…
 
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    Travel Savvy Mom: Family Vacations, Hotels, Destinations, and Gear » blog

  • Vacation Deals in Asia for Families

    Jamie Pearson
    16 May 2013 | 3:29 pm
    Great family vacation deals to Thailand, Japan, China, Vietnam and more Last summer I booked a custom private guided tour to Thailand with Kensington Tours.  It was everything a family vacation should be: fun, exciting, safe, and –yes!– modestly priced. The highlight of the trip was Chiang Mai, but we saw a fair bit of [...]The post Vacation Deals in Asia for Families appeared first on Travel Savvy Mom: Family Vacations, Hotels, Destinations, and Gear.

  • So You Think You Can Pack?

    Jamie Pearson
    16 May 2013 | 12:18 pm
    How to pack for a family vacation.  Or any vacation. When Condé Nast Traveler asked me to join their Family Travel Bloggers Panel as an expert, I didn’t hesitate.  After all, it’s a subject I know inside and out.  Along with a handful of other family travel writers, I hopped on board. The first topic [...]The post So You Think You Can Pack? appeared first on Travel Savvy Mom: Family Vacations, Hotels, Destinations, and Gear.

  • A Family Vacation in Scotland with Adventures by Disney

    Jamie Pearson
    14 May 2013 | 11:59 am
    Expert answers to family travel questions about Adventures by Disney and Scotland: A Brave Adventure Last month, my kids and I were invited to sample Adventures by Disney’s newest itinerary, Scotland: A Brave Adventure – a 9-day ramble around Edinburgh, Loch Ness, a couple of islands, and the Highlands. When planning a family vacation, I [...]The post A Family Vacation in Scotland with Adventures by Disney appeared first on Travel Savvy Mom: Family Vacations, Hotels, Destinations, and Gear.

  • Adventures by Disney

    Jamie Pearson
    30 Apr 2013 | 1:34 pm
    A lot more luxury that you’d expect, and way less… mouse “So, what do you think so far?” whispered my fellow travel writer. It was a perfect spring day with Adventures by Disney and the two of us were exploring Dunnottar Castle, a ruined medieval fortress on Scotland’s Aberdeenshire coast.   Our children were playing a [...]The post Adventures by Disney appeared first on Travel Savvy Mom: Family Vacations, Hotels, Destinations, and Gear.

  • Ziplining in Costa Rica

    Jenny Jensen
    23 Apr 2013 | 8:41 am
    Vacation in Costa Rica and scream your head off A few years ago when families started emailing me for the best place to take their 8, 5, 3 (!) year-old kids ziplining in Costa Rica, I thought they were crazy and surely it was a fad that would soon pass.  I couldn’t imagine wanting to [...]The post Ziplining in Costa Rica appeared first on Travel Savvy Mom: Family Vacations, Hotels, Destinations, and Gear.
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    Cleared for Takeoff - The Triporati Blog

  • Hardcore Handball and Strudel

    Darya Mead
    14 May 2013 | 2:47 pm
    I just spent seven jam-packed days of nostalgia and appreciation of the ever-evolving city of New York. The weather was perfect, the spring blooms at their peak and that dazzling mix of old world and high tech chic on display everywhere. I try to make it back to New York at least once a year, usually for events, this time my epic High School reunion. I often travel solo but this time my companion was my nine-year-old. There was so much I wanted to share with him and narrowing down our plans was painful…and true to how I roll, the best things happened serendipitously. We walked by the…

  • On Everest: Thin Air, Thin Hair, Thin Skin?

    Larry Habegger
    2 May 2013 | 3:56 pm
    It’s climbing season again on Mount Everest, and like most years, it looks to be a busy time at high altitude. The peak period for reaching the summit is a few short weeks in late April and early May, and reports say at least 32 expeditions are planned from the Nepal side. That makes for quite a crowd trying to inchworm its way up the mountain. Tempers, no doubt, will flare. Just a few days ago, in a widely reported story, things did get out of hand when a crowd of Sherpas fought with three foreign climbers in a dispute over fixing ropes on the route high up the mountain. In a story for…

  • Ottawa’s Canal Skammute

    Darya Mead
    5 Apr 2013 | 4:37 pm
    As daffodils blossom and birds once again sing in the trees, spring has sprung in many parts of North America. Many folks have weathered a long snowy winter and crave warmth, sunshine on their bare arms and all the outdoor activities that forced hibernation kept from them over the last few months. I, for one, can never get enough of winter fun. Living in San Francisco, a trip to the mountains is easy but requires some planning and often ice skating indoors has to satisfy my cravings. In Ottawa, Ontario, workers and students can ice-skate commute (skammute?) on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The…

  • Nyet to Smoking in Russia

    Darya Mead
    5 Mar 2013 | 12:03 pm
    I remember being a student in Paris and having to wash my hair after a night out because of the ever-present smell of cigarette smoke. I got used to the constant odor and began to associate the particular smell of French tobacco with my splendid time as a student abroad. That has changed, as France has reduced smoking and banned it from many public spaces. There is something quintessentially French, however, about lighting up in a cafe, and even though I haven’t smoked in years, I have to admit I’m tempted the minute I land in the country. Part of the reason smoking is mildly…

  • Marseille Re-brand

    Darya Mead
    8 Feb 2013 | 3:53 pm
    Marseille is France’s biggest port, second largest city and the European Capital of Culture for 2013. This distinction is up there with being named Olympic host, and the rough and ready city on the Mediterranean is taking it seriously. The town known for shipping, crime, immigrant unrest and poverty is taking the opportunity to re-brand itself as an appealing seaside tourist spot. Marseille is building on it’s southern ties to North Africa and is remaking  the harbor area into a car-free and pedestrian-friendly promenade. In classic French fashion, the city has designated ten new…
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    The World Wide Will

  • Hitting the Rail On the Head – Letter from the President

    World Wide Will
    14 May 2013 | 7:49 am
    By: Roy Berger, MedjetAssist President/CEO You let me down, old friend. I was counting on you for a different and pleasant experience. Much different than the one you ultimately gave me. If I wanted to fly, I know the routine all too well: lines, confusion, TSA, jostling, then a little more jostling, baggage lying everywhere [...]

  • Getting My Brazilian Visa

    World Wide Will
    14 May 2013 | 4:42 am
    I am heading to South America and one of my stops will be Rio de Janeiro. I am very excited about the trip. I have wanted to go to Brazil ever since my parents went there when I was nine years old. However, unlike my parents’ trip many (many) years ago, I must have a [...]

  • Medjet Update: Tips for a Safe & Healthy Trip

    World Wide Will
    13 May 2013 | 5:49 am
    By: John Gobbels MedjetAssist VP/COO You’ve planned and packed and you’re all ready for your trip, but you may have overlooked one of the key ingredients for a great vacation: taking the necessary steps to make sure you and your family have a safe and healthy trip. COMMON TRAVEL AILMENTS Motion Sickness Motion sickness is [...]

  • Andrew Harper’s Free Download: Summer Escapes Hideaway Report

    World Wide Will
    13 May 2013 | 5:47 am
    Andrew Harper’s Free Download Dear MedjetAssist Members, Please enjoy a complimentary issue of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report focusing on two classic summer destinations: Maine and the French Alps. When the snowfields have been replaced by flower-strewn meadows, the Haute-Savoie region of France is one of my favorite destinations, with enchanting small hotels and an increasing [...]

  • Peter Greenberg Travel Safety Tip

    World Wide Will
    30 Apr 2013 | 1:16 pm
    Unfriendliest Countries Medjet Travel Assistance Tip – It is often argued that travel and tourism is a powerful force to knock down barriers, build trust and promote peace and understanding. But first, it might be useful to know which countries are the most challenging when it comes to the “welcoming” factor. The World Economic Forum [...]
 
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    Galavanting Women's Travel Magazine & Web Series

  • Five reasons to travel to Europe in June

    15 May 2013 | 7:19 am
      June is what you call, in European travel talk, the ‘shoulder season’. Just short of the peak season months of July, August and September, up until about the third week of June, travellers are blessed with mild, sunny weather and a more relaxed vibe.  Peak season in any country is never the best time to travel as crowds swarm and prices soar. And while July and August are the most popular months for international tourists to travel around Europe, just a few weeks earlier makes an ideal time for holidaymakers from the UK to travel over the Channel and into the heart of…

  • Valentine's Day Warmth: Aruba's Times Square pop-up beach - 563

    13 Feb 2013 | 8:06 am
    Aruban Fofoti tree photo by Greg Lord Sloshing through New York City’s leftovers from last week’s snow dump and dreaming of a warmer place? Well, so is Aruba Tourism. This Valentine’s Day, Aruba will host visitors at their heated pop-up beach in Times Square, where they’ll enjoy hourly trip giveaways to the One happy island and photo opportunities under the destination’s signature Fofoti tree. From noon to 5:30 p.m. passersby can also stroll through the Situ Studio’s Heartwalk, a wooden, heart-shaped enclosure made of materials collected in areas ravaged by…

  • Planning Your Easter Holidays To Spain

    8 Feb 2013 | 4:46 pm

  • What to do After Punxsutawney Phil Doesn't See His Shadow - 562

    2 Feb 2013 | 9:37 am

  • Is Birmingham the Best Shopping City in the UK?

    16 Jan 2013 | 10:54 am
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    Vagablond

  • Fiamma Trattoria & Bar – MGM Grand, Las Vegas

    Ava Stochinsky
    1 May 2013 | 10:05 pm
    You have heard me gush before about a meal that resonates. You also know there are a zillion places to choose from when it is time to pull yourself away from the pool or the slot machines. I strongly urge you to make a point of adding Fiamma to your MUST SEE places to eat when you roll into Las Vegas next time. We thought two hours was plenty before our show to thoroughly enjoy our meal. The courses kept coming and each dish was better than the next. My only regret was we did not have longer to savor every morsel. Great atmosphere and delicious flavors. I had the Paglia e Fieno, which is a…

  • Electric Guitar Auctioned Off at Millions To Help Asia Program

    Chris
    23 Apr 2013 | 10:05 pm
    “Blackie,” Eric Clapton’s favorite mid-career modified Strat was previously the most expensive guitar that dethroned by the latest most expensive electric guitar in the world. At an auction in Doha, Qatar, a guitar that was signed by several rock musicians to benefit a tsunami charity, ‘Reach out to Asia’ was sold. A year ago, the royal family of Qatar was purchased this guitar spending millions of dollars. They donated back this expensive guitar to help the Asia program. The auction brought in almost $2.7 million USD at this recent auction. Technically, the guitar has generated a…

  • Marble Soda Can by Robin Antar

    Erin Silverman
    14 Apr 2013 | 9:06 am
    Robin Antar’s work under the name of Antar Studios inc. has made known her work as “Realism in Stone.” Antar’s work comprises mostly of commonplace objects such as denim jackets, potato chip bags, tubes of toothpaste and even M&Ms bags rendered in stone. Antar’s “Soda Can” appears to be the most expensive soda can in the world. However, you cannot drink from it. These simply awesome stone carvings will certainly catch anyone’s imagination and appear like the original one. This pricey can is carved from a single piece of marble, finely polished and capped with a sculpted,…

  • Luxurious Holiday in Superyacht Lauren

    Ava Stochinsky
    17 Feb 2013 | 9:07 pm
    Liveras Yachts have been the proud owners and charterers of super luxury yachts for over past two decades. They operate the plush Superyacht Lauren L at 90 meters (296ft) accommodating up to 40 guests. As the guests land the helicopter on the sun deck of the yacht, the captain of the yacht greets the guests and reports that your guests have arrived safely. They have been offered a tour around the yacht: through the remarkable marble lobby on the main deck, the guest staterooms, the dining room and spacious saloon, onto the sunbathing areas, sofas and bar of the top deck, and are now enjoying…

  • The Library Hotel – NYC

    Ava Stochinsky
    23 Jan 2013 | 11:26 am
    Maybe it is just me growing older (and somewhat wise), but I have really come to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. The overall experience I had at the Library Hotel was one of the most pleasurable stays in New York. When I mention the simplicity, it should not be confused with lack of elegance. The decor in unassuming with an impressive collection of books. Situated on Madison between 41st and 42nd, it could not more convenient to Grand Central/Midtown. The staff made me feel at home the second I hopped out of the taxi. They put on a fabulous wine and cheese every night from 5-8 pm for…
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    Travels with Children by minnemom

  • Minnesota Highway 61 Road Trip: Red Wing, Wabasha, Kellogg

    minnemom
    20 May 2013 | 7:26 am
    Perusing Facebook on a Friday evening recently, I noticed a friend’s status:  “4-H field trip to Red Wing/Wabasha tomorrow; we still have room for 4-6 people. Anyone interested?”  With an open Saturday on the calendar and a husband busy planting corn, my kids and I were quick to respond, “Yes!” I had done a similar trip thirteen years ago with a Home Extension group of women, all my elders by 20+ years, and enjoyed it then.  I was interested to see if our stops would be as interesting for kids. Red Wing Pottery Store and Museum, Red Wing, MN Our first stop was…

  • Finding More Fun: Family Travel Links, “It’s March Already?” edition

    minnemom
    4 Mar 2013 | 11:42 am
    Time flies when you’re having fun, whether or not you’re traveling.  If you’re beginning to plan your summer travels, consider some of these locations.  Some are famous, some off the beaten path, and some may be right in your backyard.  I hope you find something that your family will enjoy. Alcatraz (San Francisco, CA) at Family Travels on a Budget. (Good, detailed info for families in this post.) The Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids at Ciao Bambino. Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan, WI, at Road Trips for Families. Broken Down Dam, Fergus Falls, MN, at Highway…

  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Philip, South Dakota

    minnemom
    4 Mar 2013 | 6:56 am
    When driving across South Dakota on I-90 en route from more eastern states to the Black Hills, there are a number of attractions and tourist traps that can provide a break from the ribbon of highway.  Wall Drug, Mitchell’s Corn Palace, 1880 Town, and a roadside sculpture park are all worthwhile stops along this stretch of road, but if you want to visit a real piece of history, find your way to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Growing up in North Dakota in the 1970s and 80s, missile sites were commonplace.  We passed one underground missile silo on the way to school each…

  • Snowcoach Tour of Yellowstone National Park from Big Sky Resort

    minnemom
    30 Jan 2013 | 9:06 am
    When we were considering a trip to Big Sky Resort, one of the activities that intrigued me most was a snowcoach tour of Yellowstone National Park.  While three million or so people visit America’s first National Park each year, only a fraction do so during the winter months when access to most of the park is only allowed by guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours.  The idea of seeing Yellowstone’s geysers amidst a cover of snow, and without throngs of people, was something I wanted our family to experience. There are several snowcoach companies that operate tours into the park…

  • Big Sky Resort: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

    minnemom
    10 Jan 2013 | 8:41 am
    “Live Big,” says the Big Sky Resort website, and that we did.  While we were at Big Sky, we had the opportunity to check out many of the activities the resort offers.  If you’re planning your first trip to Big Sky Resort, I hope this will help you to decide what your family will enjoy while you’re there. Equipment Rental at Big Sky The rental area at the base of the mountain is well-marked and well-organized, but if you’re skiing for the first time, as we were, it can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. First:  plan 30-45…
 
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    Information About Alaska (IAA)

  • Successful Salmon Fishing with Plug Cut Herring

    Alan Sorum
    21 May 2013 | 3:44 pm
    Proper use of plug cut herring is a fishing technique will improve your salmon angling success, especially compared to use of whole baits. A technique available for successful salmon fishing in the Northwest United States and Alaska is the use of plug cut herring as bait. Plug cut herring consistently fish better than whole baits, [...]The post Successful Salmon Fishing with Plug Cut Herring appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

  • Efforts Taken to Deal with Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

    Alan Sorum
    21 May 2013 | 3:40 pm
    In a world of acronyms, IUU should be of interest to many Alaskans. The letters that stand for Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated and IUU fishing represents a grave concern to those working to maintain sustainable fisheries in Alaska. Fish taken by vessels engaged in IUU undermine stocks available for properly regulated fishermen. Every two years [...]The post Efforts Taken to Deal with Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

  • Diagnosis Mercury – Money, Politics, and Poison

    Alan Sorum
    21 May 2013 | 3:33 pm
    Living in the North has its benefits and for the most part it’s a healthy place to live. One unique health factor is our overwhelming consumption of seafood, enjoying the highest per capita consumption of fish and shellfish of any state in the union. Seafood provides incredible nutritional value, with its high protein content, heart [...]The post Diagnosis Mercury – Money, Politics, and Poison appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

  • Mercury and Guidelines for Fish Consumption

    Alan Sorum
    21 May 2013 | 3:24 pm
    Alaskan’s have become increasingly aware of the relationship of mercury and guidelines for fish consumption. Much of this awareness is the result of efforts made by activists like Dr. Jane Hightower MD, who recently had her book Diagnosis Mercury: Money, Politics, and Poison published. State public health officials continue to emphasize how important the benefits [...]The post Mercury and Guidelines for Fish Consumption appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

  • Alaska Chinook Salmon Research Initiative

    Alan Sorum
    21 May 2013 | 2:45 pm
    On the heels of a two-day Chinook (King) salmon symposium held in Anchorage during October of 2012, Alaska’s Governor Sean Parnell announced his intention to fund a five-year, $30 million comprehensive Chinook salmon research effort. The Governor’s fiscal year 2014 budget will include $10 million to start the initiative based on work undertaken by participants [...]The post Alaska Chinook Salmon Research Initiative appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).
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    Smith Travel Blog

  • Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma County: hotel of the week

    Kate Weir
    17 May 2013 | 9:35 am
    It’s peak road-trip season and sun and scenic routes are on our minds, so this week we’ve been California scheming. Take the infamous Highway 1 for its vertiginous coastal views, then hotfoot it inland to wine country. Luxury boutique hotel the Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma County (Napa Valley’s chilled-out contender) awaits with its sip-worthy wining and Michelin-starred dining. Style Romantic ranch Setting Rolling Russian River Valley Why this week? With a wealth of wineries hidden in the surrounding hills and plenty of laid-back lounging to be done in the rustic-chic rooms, the…

  • L Hotel Seminyak, Bali: hotel of the week

    Madevi Dailly
    10 May 2013 | 6:51 am
    Bali’s nicknamed the island of love, and this week we’re setting the scene with L Hotel Seminyak. When the sunset views on the rooftop terrace and waterfall table for two get a bit too much, step out the door to sample Petitenget’s divine boutiques and lychee martinis. Style: Luxe, lively, lovely Setting: Seminyak’s style strip Why this week? Blessed with a quiet surfing beach and the best strip of restaurants on the island, Seminyak is the sleek and savvy alternative to neighbouring Kuta’s frenzy. Now’s the time to visit: the summer hordes are yet to arrive and, though the…

  • New for May: Smith hotels from Amsterdam to Vietnam, via Hampshire, Hawaii and Hong Kong…

    Rachel Juarez-Carr
    7 May 2013 | 9:59 am
    This month, the intrepid Smith team of style-seeking hotel hunters began its global trek in canal-crossed Amsterdam, home to a trio of reinvented Dutch stunners: a modern aristocrat named Sir Albert (originally a diamond factory), the fantastical Andaz Amsterdam (formerly a library) and modernist masterpiece Conservatorium (the one-time Sweelinck Conservatory of Music). Then, we headed south to Sicily to eco-friendly Monaci delle Terre Nere, a 19th-century villa on the sea-facing slopes below Mount Etna. Up in the UK, we added three quite different hotels to our hand-picked collection. The…

  • Riad Siwan: hotel of the week

    Madevi Dailly
    3 May 2013 | 9:23 am
    Luscious lodgings? Check. Rooftop plunge pool? Check. Glorious views stretching to the Atlas Mountains? Check check check. Riad Siwan is the quintessential bolthole in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. Style: Regal and rooftop-enhanced Setting: Just by Djemaa El Fna Why this week? Marrakech needn’t be all about wafting about in kaftans and indulging in tagines, dahling. Riad Siwan grows its own organic produce so it’s the perfect place to kick off your summer detox. It also supports Education For All, a project to help rural schoolgirls get access to education. They’re raising…

  • Urbanologie reveals spring’s most exciting London restaurant launches

    Juliet Kinsman
    1 May 2013 | 5:26 am
    London, please don’t talk with your mouth full. But it’s hard not to when there are so many exciting restaurant openings. Sign up for weekly corkers from Urbanologie and keep your fingers on the pulse of all restaurant, bar and hotel openings. Here is the latest on where is hot to eat in the capital… This month is an exciting time for new restaurant openings including John DeLucie’s (pictured) bistro The Red House which brings a bit of New York to Chelsea, and also, over in Southwark The Shard we will see the Shangri-La hotel open its doors to Arjun Warney and…
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    davidlansing.com

  • The heart has its reasons

    David
    17 May 2013 | 12:36 am
    Today is my last day in Perugia. I’m at a loss as to why the thought of leaving makes me feel so melancholy. I tried to talk Maura into spending the day with me but she’d already booked her services to some group from Spain. So I have just slowly tried to enjoy the day, beginning with my breakfast at the hotel, brought to me by Luisa who, since the first morning, has brought out a large cappuccino from the kitchen and placed it in front of me without me ever having to ask. I hadn’t realized I’d grown so fond of Luisa. I will miss her. Luisa brings me a cappuccino at the Locanda della…

  • The Golden Age: When nuns were prostitutes

    David
    17 May 2013 | 12:05 am
    Professore Corrado Fratini and I are sitting outside a café in Castiglione de Lago waiting for Maura. As usual, she is late. Maura has invited the professore to join us in looking at the frescoes in the Palazzo della Corgna because he teaches medieval art and Maura has coyly suggested I might learn something interesting from him. While we are waiting, two nuns walk by; the professore smiles and nods at them in greeting. “In the Middle Ages,” he says, following the nuns with his eyes as they walk up the cobblestone street, “prostitutes started very young—maybe before 13. So they aged…

  • Chocolate and a beautiful woman

    David
    16 May 2013 | 12:05 am
    “It’s difficult to explain about chocolate,” says a beautiful woman standing next to me at the Sandri Pasticceria bar in Perugia. She is drinking an espresso and nibbling on little chocolate treats from a white plate. I have asked her why women are so crazy about chocolate. “It’s so…personal,” she says, putting a hand to her chest. Photo by David Lansing.     The pasticceri, Piero, nods in agreement and then leans forward as if to reveal a secret. “You see this woman?” he says, nodding clandestinely towards a 20-something girl in a short denim skirt and fluffy…

  • Priest-stranglers and a sensual Eve

    David
    15 May 2013 | 12:46 am
    If, when I was a child, Maura had been one of the nuns who taught at my parochial school, I’m quite certain I would have ended up a priest. She makes religion so damn sexy. Yesterday, after lunch at the Enoteca L’Alchimista (The Alchemist) in Montefalco, where we had the local specialty, strozzapreti—a type of pasta shaped like a leather cord called “priest-stranglers”—with bright green nubs of wild asparagus, we visited a little church just so Maura could show me a medieval fresco of the “Coronation of the Virgin.” So I look at it and what I see is sort of the usual religious…

  • To find Il Gufo, first get lost

    David
    14 May 2013 | 12:22 am
    Last night I asked the concierge at the Locanda Della Posta for a restaurant recommendation within walking distance of the hotel and he went on and on about a little osteria called Il Gufo—The Owl. Small, not fancy, but molto, molto buon, he said. Then he shrugged. “But you no can find,” he said. Show me on a map, I told him. He took out a map and circled an area the size of Manhattan. “Here,” he said. What street is it on? I asked. “A little vicolo,” he said. “Not on map.” So I went off in search of Il Gufo, having only a rough idea of where to search. But how hard could it…
 
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    Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

  • A Guide to Traveling with Technology

    NomadicMatt
    20 May 2013 | 1:16 pm
    This is a guest post by travel tech guru Dave Dean of Too Many Adapters, a site devoted to technology for travelers. Wondering what to take on the road when it comes to electronics?  You’re not the only one.  Long gone are the days where a cassette player and film camera were the height of travel gadgetry.  Walking into a hostel common room now you’d be forgiven for thinking you had accidentally stumbled into the local electronics store. You’re likely to be surrounded by laptops and tablets, smartphones and DSLRs, and more softly-glowing Apple logos than you can shake a stick at.

  • My Favorite Cheesy and Overrated Tourist Activities (And Why I Love Them)

    NomadicMatt
    15 May 2013 | 4:24 am
    Here’s a secret: I love being a cheesy tourist. As much as I love getting off the beaten path and learning about local cultures, sometimes I love the artificial world the mainstream travel industry has created. I think a lot of people think too deeply about travel, as if every moment on the road has to have profound impact and meaning. They are too quick to write off mass tourism. I’ve always found travelers who shun anything “cheesy” to be some of my least favorite. By thinking of their travels as one long romantic novel, they tend to become snobs and can’t just enjoy…

  • Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

    NomadicMatt
    9 May 2013 | 7:02 am
    There are some places you never leave. You may not be there physically, but a piece of you stays behind forever to be with the place that stole so much of your heart. It lives there, reliving those initial memories and waiting for new ones to be made. Last year, I visited Lisbon for the first time and though the visit was short, thoughts of it never left me. I fell madly in love and the city claimed a hold on me that I could never shake. Last week, I returned to the city and it was as though I never left. Lisbon and I just fit. I walked new streets with that feeling I had been there before. I…

  • Interview with Tim Leffel

    NomadicMatt
    6 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    A few months ago, you might have noticed a newly-released book on traveling the world on the cheap. Recently, Tim Leffel, one of the original budget travel gurus and a travel writer I admire greatly (who also read through drafts of my own book), updated his cheapest destination book, The World’s Cheapest Destinations. As someone greatly interested in value for money, I interviewed him about his new book, budget travel, travel gear, and saving money on family travel. Nomadic Matt: You’ve been in the travel writing industry for a while. How has travel changed over the years? Tim…

  • Announcing My First Reader (UN)Tour: My Highlights of Europe

    NomadicMatt
    1 May 2013 | 8:31 am
    I’ve been toying with the idea of running tours for a couple of years now but have never been able to really sit down and organize one. There’s a lot that goes into a tour and I wanted to really make the first one great. Over the last few months as I’ve been settling down in NYC, I’ve had time to plan and I’m happy to announce my first tour (with many more to come) will take place this September in Europe! Nomadic Matt’s Crazy European Adventure The basics: When? September 15th-28th Where? Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm Why? I want to show you some…
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    The Word From The Timeshare Crusader

  • A "Lost" Italian Timeshare Vacation-What's Up RCI?

    Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader
    20 May 2013 | 6:18 am
    Last week, I publically lauded RCI for responding quickly to consumer issues via Twitter.In the "no good deed goes unpunished" book of karma, I received a tweet from an RCI member who had his confirmed RCI exchange cancelled by RCI and was in danger of losing his entire vacation.I'm reprinting his e-mail here, without any personal information, in the hopes that:a)  Someone in charge at RCI will step in and assistb)  I hear from anyone else who has encountered a similar situation Many thanks for your interest regarding RCI’s cancellation of my timeshare week in Italy which I…

  • Does The Timeshare Industry Love Ignorant Consumers? Chris Elliott's Newest Article

    Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader
    13 May 2013 | 6:41 am
    While there are things in here that are the classic example of "if it sounds too good to be true, it is", the story does bring up issues that I founded Timeshare Insights on.Read the comments...lots of under educated people out there.  Help spread the word about Timeshare Insights and this blog in particular...we can change the industry...as a matter of fact, we're the only ones who can...http://elliott.org/what/fine-print-lessons-the-timeshare-industry-hopes-youll-never-learn/Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader

  • Timeshare Needs To Focus On Timeshare

    Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader
    10 May 2013 | 6:05 am
    You wouldn't think this would be necessary to say, but the timeshare industry needs to regain their focus on timeshare and stop wasting time and energy on other things.What other things?  Travel/vacation clubs for one.It always struck me (in my overly simplistic thinking) that the very notion of travel/vacation clubs flew squarely in the face of timeshares.  For years, timeshare developers, salespeople and organizations touted themain benefit of timeshare was ownership.  And that does continue to hold a great deal of interest for many people.But lately, I've noticed a…

  • New Interview Published

    Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader
    9 May 2013 | 8:20 am
    Thought I'd take brief respite from reporting on the world of timeshare issues to reporting on the newest interview I've been featured in.  Enjoy!http://www.mo.com/timeshare-insights-lisa-ann-schreierLisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader

  • The Benefits Of Buying A Timeshare Over A Vacation Home-By Guest Blogger Carmen Guzlas

    Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader
    25 Apr 2013 | 9:03 am
    The Benefits of Buying a Timeshare Over a Vacation HomeThere are a number of benefits to buying a timeshare, including having a place to call your own when you travel so you can opt out of paying for expensive hotels, being able to build equity, and being able to claim special tax advantages. You can get many of those benefits from owning a vacation home, as well. However, there are many benefits you can get from owning a timeshare that you can't get from owning a vacation home.Here are a few benefits that buying a timeshare has over buying a vacation home:Timeshares are More AffordableA…
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    Dawn on the Amazon Captains Blog

  • The Chariots of Death

    Captain Bill
    14 May 2013 | 1:50 pm
    The Chariots of Death, Motorcars A guest post by Adrian Walker, “The Snake Whisperer” The Motorkar is Iquitos most popular method of travel for tourists and locals alike. They’re cheap, get you between points A and B fairly efficiently and generally the drivers know where they’re going, whether a popular cafe or Belen whorehouse. There are however pitfalls and dangers in Motorkar travel and the passenger should always take care to obey the following 5 basic rules of Motorkar travel…. Unless it’s pouring with rain wear sunglasses or better still, welding…

  • The Road Goes Ever On

    Captain Bill
    3 May 2013 | 11:31 am
    Love And Lodgement In Iquitos A guest post by Adrian Walker, The Snake Whisperer 6 Months in Iquitos passes not without drama but without the lodge I came for. A relationship collapses, health problems such as a serious dose of dengue and deep vein thrombosis intervene as do false leads. Lodges for sale that are absurdly overpriced and partnership offers that crumble quickly when financial arrangements are discussed, nights in company of bedbugs and mornings of trudging through swamps as I inspect these unsuitable options become the norm. The city birdlife maintains my sanity as amidst the…

  • Iquitos Peru, A Really Dirty Story

    Captain Bill
    17 Apr 2013 | 9:29 am
    Iquitos Peru, A Really Dirty Story A guest post by Dag Walker We got 30,000 pounds of stink on wheels and we are rolling through the night like drunken pirate kings of the slum seas as we grind and jerk our way through the most desperate poverty known to man in the Amazon jungle city of Iquitos, Peru. This is a voyage through the Belen district of Loreto Region, where life can end with a flick of a knife and no one would notice the body silently submerged in the creamy dark ever-flowing river on its way to the ocean. Quick and quiet and lost to life never to be found. So it makes good sense…

  • Iquitos, Peru: Black Days, Red Nights: Riot ’98

    Captain Bill
    1 Apr 2013 | 6:02 pm
    A guest post by Dag Walker Rumours of war became the realities of battle one late afternoon in Oct. 1998 as thousands rampaged across Iquitos, fires raging, smoke and flame covering the city as bodies laid in the street amid pools of blood and broken glass. Fury reigned for days. In these later years those who were there say, “Yes, I was there, but I can’t remember it.” The dead were buried in the acid soil, the blood was washed away by the heavy Amazon rains, and the thick grey ash blew away years ago on hot winds. Life is now, not then; and the city today is at peace. Days and…

  • Tales of Iquitos, Richard’s Story

    Captain Bill
    13 Mar 2013 | 11:42 am
    Tales of Iquitos, Richard’s Story A work of fiction A guest post by David Peterson Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, the jumping off point for “the jungle”.   Where everyone has a story.  This is one of them.  This is Richard’s story.  The names have been changed to protect the blameless. Richard used to be almost normal.  He had a life, friends, and more than enough money to support his new bachelorhood.  What was love?  He had married his high school sweetheart right after high school.  A year later he regretted it, when the lover turned into Mom, complete…
 
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    Common Sense and Whiskey

  • The Golden Horn, Istanbul, Turkey - Wednesday HDR

    Bill
    15 May 2013 | 1:27 pm
    Shot at sunrise from the lower level of the Galata Bridge toward Beyoglu as nine exposures, processed as an HDR in Photomatix, finished in Photoshop. Texture and a spin through Pixel Bender to make it like an oil painting. Click to see it bigger. And there are currently 357 more photos from Turkey here.

  • Funny Place Names

    Bill
    14 May 2013 | 10:13 am
    These two maps are really entertaining. Just click through and go see: Map of Orkney, Map of Shetland

  • Photo Quiz #178 - Where in the World?

    Bill
    3 May 2013 | 7:38 am
    Not an easy quiz this week, so here are three photo clues. Can you name the country? Extra credit for naming the capital city, which is shown in the middle photo. Place your bets and click through for the answer. And a good weekend to all from CS&W and EarthPhotos.com. And the answer is ............................................ it's Madagascar, and the capital city is Antananarivo. That's the Zoma, the Friday market in Antananarivo pictured in the middle. See more photos from Madagascar in the at Madagascar Gallery at Earthphotos.com.And take all the CS&W photo quizzes.

  • It's Ukraine. Ukraine, I tell you.

    Bill
    1 May 2013 | 2:02 pm

  • Chernobyl 27 years ago

    Bill
    28 Apr 2013 | 4:46 pm
    “There has been an accident at our nuclear power station. We ask you to be calm. Gather up your necessary things, what you need for three days: food and clothing. At 1400 hours a bus will be sent to your home, and you are to take a seat on it.” - Nina Melnick, local radio news reader, 26 April, 1986.
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    Spot Cool Stuff: Travel

  • Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    21 May 2013 | 2:37 pm
    You are with a group of friends hiking in the tropics, or fishing in a swamp, or doing pretty much anything in the state of Floria, and at the end of your day you discover that some members of your group are covered with mosquito bites while others have none. Sound familiar? That bite disparity is not a product of your imagination and it’s not the result of luck. Mosquitoes genuinely prefer some people over others. Here’s a look at the types of people most at risk — and ways anyone can help prevent themselves from being bitten: Who Mosquitoes Like: Those with type-O blood. If…

  • Use Your Klout to Access American Airlines’ Lounges

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    11 May 2013 | 6:58 am
    American Airlines is very much not on our list of the world’s coolest airlines. But with more promotions like this (and a better in-air product) they could certainly work themselves there: For a limited time, American Airlines is giving away — for free, no strings attached — a pass to their Admirals Club business class lounge to anyone who is influential on Twitter. How do they know who on Twitter is influential? who might ask. For that, American Airlines partnered Klout. Klout is a website that uses a complicated, semi-secrete (and, in our opinion, semi-accurate) formula to score…

  • The Beach in the Middle of the Meadow

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    8 May 2013 | 1:05 pm
    In Spain, it isn’t surprising to find a crystal-clear waters lapping up against a golden sand beach. Yet it is completely surprising when you come across Spain’s Playa del Gulpiyuri. That’s because this unusual beach isn’t on the Atlantic Ocean. And it isn’t on the Mediterranean sea. It isn’t even on a lake or next to a river. Instead, Gulpiyuri beach is in the middle of a meadow! What’s stranger: The water laps up in waves onto Gulpiyuri Beach, even when it isn’t windy and when there’s seemingly no other source to cause waves. And the…

  • Take a Chance on The ABBA Museum

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    7 May 2013 | 10:17 am
    Anyone can (attempt to) sing Dancing Queen in a karaoke bar. But what about singing Dancing Queen along with a holographic rendering of ABBA and then fielding a real live phone call from one of the original band members? That’s possible only if you are exceedingly wealthy, eccentric and well-connected — or if you visit The ABBA Museum. It’s part of a new complex in Stockholm that celebrates Sweden’s second most famous export after Ikea furniture: The Swedish Music Hall of Fame. Amazon.com Widgets The ABBA Museum has enough shimmering boots, outdated costumes and catchy…

  • The Emerson Resort and the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    3 May 2013 | 12:55 pm
    There are plenty of rural lodges with log cabin architecture and a family-friendly environment. And there are also a myriad of modern hotels that offer a luxurious, adults-only atmosphere. But we only know of one resort that is both of those at once: The Emerson in Mt. Tremper, New York. Spot Cool Stuff went to visit The Emerson as part of our road trip test drive of a Kia Sportage EX and our family road trip around the Catskills area of New York State. We stayed at The Lodge at the Emerson (the family-friendly section of the resort), toured The Inn at the Emerson (the resort’s adult…
 
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    The Elite Travel Gal

  • Pontas Dos Ganchos: The Ultimate Beach Retreat in Southern Brazil

    30 Apr 2013 | 6:01 am
    Fresh off a four-day weekend in Southern Brazil and I will go on record saying that Pontas Dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is one of the absolute best resorts in the entire world. Not that I've visited everywhere (it's on my list!), but I've hotel-hopped around the globe enough to know an A+++ experience when I land there. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by the GM Julio Jost to the genuine friendliness doled out by the entire staff during our entire stay, I simply could not stop snapping photos of the insanely gorgeous setting. This clearly is a resort designed with romance in mind.

  • Top 10 HOT New (or Newly Redone) Hotels To See in 2013

    10 Jan 2013 | 9:08 pm
    With the economy on the upswing, so too is the completion of long-talked about luxury hotel projects. As a self-proclaimed luxury hotel junkie, I am super-excited to visit many of these new--and newly redone--properties around the globe, starting with the uber-chic Siam (below) in Bangkok in a few weeks. Below (in no particular order is my own personal list of 10 newly opened, soon to open or recently redone hotels that I simply cannot wait to see. Each is very unique and defines "luxury" in its own special way. My choices also reflect a growing trend among my young, affluent, style-conscious…

  • Maui Musts

    15 Nov 2012 | 7:07 am
    Every now and then, in between planning worldwide travels for my jetsetting clientele, I take a break and hop a plane to a favorite destination of my own. And, as with my clients, I often choose my destination based on convenience (one nonstop flight under six hours), warm weather, and a comfortable combination of luxury hotels, amazing food, and gorgeous scenery preferably by a beach. Most recently, I chose Maui for a relaxing birthday weekend getaway. Joined by a longtime friend who was also in need of R&R, we headed to Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea . A popular choice among my clients…

  • Lots of Cool Things I Learned at Virtuoso Travel Week 2012

    20 Aug 2012 | 5:44 pm
    Having just returned from the annual Virtuoso Travel Week held at The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, there is no time like the present to share some of the inside scoop I learned about some of my favorite luxury travel companies. Here is my "Short List of Really Cool Things Learned at Virtuoso Week" this Year:Hotel Hassler in Rome is opening its brand new Penthouse this week. At 3,600 square feet, the hotel's second Penthouse suite has two bedrooms and incredible city views from the terrace.Delta Airlines continues to expand and improve its fleet, with flat beds scheduled to be on all…

  • Why I Travel: It's Part of My Job

    17 Jul 2012 | 3:07 pm
    Would you trust a doctor who didn’t constantly study up on the latest techniques and medications to treat illnesses? How about an accountant who didn’t keep up with the ever-changing tax laws? Of course you wouldn’t! Why then would you book your travel through someone who isn't consistently traveling and visiting the places they recommend to you? This thought crossed my mind multiple times as I recently hotel-hopped through Bangkok, Hanoi and Hong Kong. While I constantly hear from friends, family, clients, Facebook acquaintances and Twitter followers how much they enjoy following my…
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    The Longest Way Home | Travel Blog

  • The rising cost of entry fees into heritage sites in Nepal

    Dave from The Longest Way Home
    14 May 2013 | 5:22 pm
    Pay up before entering – foreigners to pay 1000% more than anyone else … we don’t know why … but just pay! Should you pay an inflated entrance fee to a tourist area? You head down to Kathmandu’s Durbar square. The most famous heritage area among this old city’s long list of cultural charms. Old Newari buildings stand beside red bricked temples, a palace, a goddess’ house, a few places of worship and a giant public courtyard that’s an intersection to many more important areas of the city. A guard approaches you with the word…

  • Jobs & working in Kathmandu Nepal

    Dave from The Longest Way Home
    1 May 2013 | 5:01 pm
    You can / have to work from any age in Nepal How to get a job in Kathmandu Nepal? Before going any further I should point out that this article is mainly in relation to a “foreigner” seeking employment in Nepal. Though given the mass of Nepalese also seeking employment anywhere in Nepal there are some equally pivotal points of note here too. To the non-Nepalese I urge you to understand that Nepal is one of poorest economic countries in the world that’s been struggling to form a constitution for a ridiculous number of years now. Finding a job in Nepal for…

  • Nepalese bakeries, pastries & cakes

    Dave from The Longest Way Home
    28 Apr 2013 | 3:30 pm
    A selection of tasty pastries from Nepal Bakeries, pastries, cakes and sticky buns in Nepal Anywhere in Nepal where there are tourists you are sure to find a huge range of bakeries. Everything from double chocolate cake with walnuts to fresh buttered croissants are available fresh everyday. And they are really good either first thing in the morning or at a bargain price at night. Why are bakeries so popular in Nepal? A chocolate cinnamon opened up to reveal deep layers of sweet goodness including almonds – Nepalese bakeries really can make an effort! Where there are tourists looking…

  • Beyond Lumbini: exploring behind a town

    Dave from The Longest Way Home
    23 Apr 2013 | 3:30 pm
    It’s a different life once you leave the tourism trail: just keep walking and enjoy it! Sometimes you just need to explore behind a town to see its real beauty I’ve yet to hear anyone speak nicely of Lumbini itself beyond visiting the temple park area, the main road/street and of course the obvious quasi tourist / pilgrimage hospitality sector. Well, it is really just a one street town. Maybe that’s why. However behind all that bland concrete is a maze of open fields, broken paths and overwhelmingly friendly local people. Many happy to see someone explore this side of the…

  • Maya Devi Temple Lumbini – birthplace of buddha

    Dave from The Longest Way Home
    16 Apr 2013 | 3:14 pm
    Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini Nepal: marking the place where Buddha was born Visiting the Maya Devi temple Lumbini birthplace of buddha There’s a separate ticket inspection booth and entrance into the Maya Devi temple area than the rest of Lumbini’s temple complex. Also a small security search but nothing too forceful. This is after all one of the most important religious sites in the world. It’s the location where Siddhārtha Gautama Buddhathe most enlightened of Buddhist followers of the current age was born. Inside the Maya Devi Complex is a small landscaped garden…
 
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    My Itchy Travel Feet

  • Bring along the QuikPod Explorer II on your next trip

    Donna Hull
    16 May 2013 | 1:05 am
    Has this happened to you? At the turn-around point in the hike a mountain looms behind you decorated with snowy peaks and gushing waterfalls. You’d like to take a photo with you in the scene to prove to friends that “yes, I did hike that challenging trail in Glacier National Park.” Looking around, you realize there’s no one to ask to take the picture so the opportunity is missed. Or, you pull out the QuikPod monopod that you tucked inside your backpack, extend it, attach the smartphone adapter, place the iphone or smartphone into the holder (remember you’re…

  • Traveling with Scottevest

    Donna Hull
    15 May 2013 | 1:05 am
    When traveling, I’m a hands free kind of gal. In other words, I don’t like brining a purse or backpack whether I’m walking the streets of Lucca or exploring on a California road trip. Wearing a Scottevest Travel Vest for Women gives me the freedom to put my gear in the pockets and explore hands free. I was introduced to Scottevest last year at the TBEX12 conference in Colorado when the travel clothing company kindly gave every attendee one of their vests. To my surprise (I’ve know about Scottevest for years but thought all those pockets would make clothes bulky), the…

  • One Healthy Change a Month: Walking outside 30 minutes a day

    Donna Hull
    11 May 2013 | 10:00 am
    Walking outside in nature is good for you Walking outside on a daily basis is something that we all can do no matter our level of fitness. The practice offers numerous health benefits plus it’s good for your mental attitude as well. That’s why our One Healthy Change a Month for May is: walking outside for 30 minutes a day. And the beauty of this healthy habit is that it’s easy to incorporate into our travel schedules. The key word in this month’s One Healthy Change Challenge is “outside.” Although walking on an indoor treadmill or at the mall offers…

  • Saturday’s scene: hanging out in Monterosso

    Donna Hull
    11 May 2013 | 1:05 am
    Neptune’s hanging out in Monterosso, Italy On the Cinque Terre coast of Italy, this statue of Neptune in Monterosso hangs from a cliff face at the end of Fegina Beach. The giant version of the Roman God of the Sea (Poseidon in Greek mythology) was built in 1910 and holds up the terrace of Villa Pastine. Il Gigante, as the sculture is called, lost his arms, trident and a seashell when the villa was bombed by Allied bombs in World War II.  The 14-meter concrete statue was damaged again by a storm in 1966. Seated on the patio of Barabba in White, a restaurant near the end of Fegina…

  • Road Tripping in the Pacific Northwest with Lonely Planet

    Donna Hull
    9 May 2013 | 1:00 am
    When Lonely Planet Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips (Regional Guide) arrived at our house for me to review, can you guess why it disappeared from my desk? That’s right, Alan saw the tagline, “33 Amazing Road Trips,” and the book became a fixture on his desk because you know how much he enjoys planning our road trips. The section on Vancouver Island’s Remote North was just what Alan needed to research a May road trip to Vancouver Island. The Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips provides road trip itineraries for Washington, Oregon and British Columbia plus a…
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    The Circumference - Inspired Travel!

  • Take a Sake Brewery Tour in Niigata, Japan

    19 May 2013 | 9:25 pm
    Japan. Published on May 20, 2013 by TrevorThe StoryThe sake breweries of Niigata are one of the most interesting world travel destinations. Even those of us lucky enough to have been to many places have to admit, it's easy to get swept up by the vast beauty of the rice fields that are kept in order to create that characteristic Japanese drink, sake. And there are no less than 96 sake breweries in this area of Japan alone. The sake itself is delightful. In fact, it is known throughout Japan for the light colour it has, as well as its delicate flavour. I’m no sake connoisseur, but Niigata…

  • Getting up to date with Yerevan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city

    15 May 2013 | 10:25 am
    Armenia. Published on May 15, 2013 by Denise Beresford, WriterThe StoryYerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia. It is the world’s oldest continuously-inhabited cities, dating back to the 8th century BC with the founding of the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC by King Argishti. Yerevan expanded rapidly during the 20th Century with Armenia becoming one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union. In fifty years Yerevan transformed from a town of a few thousand inhabitants to become Armenia’s principal industrial, cultural and artistic centre. Yerevan is a very homogenous city with…

  • Kick Off the Summer at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in New York

    11 May 2013 | 10:41 am
    United States. Published on May 11, 2013 by Lisa Simonelli RennieThe StoryThe Coney Island Mermaid Parade is a totally unique and original event held in the US, and is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in New York. Out of the many things to do at Coney Island, the Mermaid Parade is definitely one you don't want to miss. This Mermaid Parade is celebrated as the beginning of summer, and as such, this amazing and colorful event is generally held on the weekend closest to the start of the summer season. This annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade features Mermaids, Neptunes, and other…

  • Bike South Mountain Arizona

    30 Apr 2013 | 5:48 pm
    United States. Published on May 01, 2013 by Ben OrlandoThe StoryImagine a dirt and rock trail less than a foot wide in places. To your right you can see cacti, patches of vegetation, rocky terrain and desert critters including many varieties of lizards, snakes and birds. On your left, incredible desert vistas and just-as-incredible drop offs. Oh, and you're on a mountain bike traveling at top speed so keep your eyes on the trail! South Mountain Park outside of Phoenix, Arizona, is the largest municipal park in the country at 17,000 acres. Most of the land for the park was purchased in 1924,…

  • Enjoy the Sounds of Sweet Symphonies at the Vienna State Opera

    24 Apr 2013 | 7:48 pm
    Austria. Published on April 25, 2013 by Alexandria Williams, WriterThe StoryThe Staatsoper Opera (“state opera”) in Vienna is considered by some to be the best place to travel in Vienna for classical and opera music. The opera is the starting ground for many members of the Vienna Philharmonic. However, the beginnings of the state opera in Vienna got off to a rocky start. The Vienna State Opera proved to be controversial at the time of its opening-it was deemed a failure by the public and neither of the building’s primary architects lived to see its completion. Despite this, an opera by…
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    Travel Blog

  • Touring Toronto In Comfort And Style

    jos
    16 May 2013 | 2:34 pm
    Anyone who is looking at spending any amount of time in Toronto, Canada- regardless of how long or short- should consider staying at The Drake Hotel. One of the main reasons why an individual should choose this fabulous boutique hotel is because it is one way to enjoy an amazing Toronto dining experience. In fact, the [...]

  • Holidays St Lucia Experiences Are Open For Everyone

    jos
    30 Apr 2013 | 6:02 am
    Taking a trip to the Caribbean is always likely to provide you with a fantastic holiday but if you are looking for the ideal place to visit, you may find that St Lucia has something that is perfect for you. No matter what you have an interest in or what you enjoy in life, there [...]

  • Discover Luxury Breaks in London

    lrevells48
    30 Apr 2013 | 5:02 am
    There’s nothing finer than a luxury holiday. And if you’re thinking about taking a top quality vacation, there’s nowhere in the UK more luxurious than London. With fully serviced apartments, fine dining, boutique shopping and show stopping entertainment every night of the week, it’s no wonder that London is one of the world’s favourite holiday [...]

  • Malaga’s Music Venues

    mabud26
    29 Apr 2013 | 10:44 am
    Spain has a long tradition of lively music and has seen many composers such as Isaac Albeniz, Manuel De Falla, Joaquin Rodrigo and Francisco Tarrega take the music scene with a storm. However, while Malaga in Costa del Sol is a delightful place and offers many attractive things to do, it is not famous for [...]

  • The Top Coolest Spots for Family Vacations across the World

    mrene67
    29 Apr 2013 | 12:52 am
    Each and every individual be it kid, young ones, teenagers or elderly people, definitely get excited and churned up hearing about vacations as it gives them the opportunity of visiting their desired places with their family and loved ones. However it is usually confusing griping around the vacation destination. As the world is full of [...]
 
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    Boldly Go Solo

  • A Titanic museum in Branson, Missouri?

    Ellen Perlman
    19 May 2013 | 9:31 am
    There's a half a ship on the main drag in Branson, Missouri, with a Las Vegas-like marquee out front saying: TITANIC NOW BOARDING 9 am - 9 pm A Titanic museum in the Midwest, hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean? I was prepared to be underwhelmed. Instead, I've been talking about it ever since. If this museum was meant for children, I must be a big kid. I tapped out my first-ever Morse code...

  • Art at the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley

    Ellen Perlman
    21 Apr 2013 | 8:59 am
    On typical Saturdays in the town of Millwood, Va., volunteers set the 18th-century Burwell-Morgan Mill to work grinding corn, wheat, rye or other grains. They demonstrate the centuries-old method of food production, weighing and bagging the flour, grits or cornmeal for sale, often enlisting visitors to help. But for three weeks in the spring, and again in the fall, the stones grind to a halt, the water rushing to the water wheel is cut off,...

  • Mason-Dixon Wine Trail in Pennsylvania. Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as Pennsylvania wine

    Ellen Perlman
    10 Mar 2013 | 7:53 am
    "When tasting wine, connoisseurs hold their glasses up to the light to look at the wine’s color and clarity. I don’t always know what I’m supposed to see, but at Naylor Wine Cellars in Pennsylvania, I held up my white wine and it was crystal . . . No. I have to say that it was most definitely cloudy. Very clearly cloudy." That's how today's Washington Post story, called A winemaking and tasting tour through Pa. and...

  • Heart-shaped tubs for Valentine's Day

    Ellen Perlman
    14 Feb 2013 | 12:47 pm
    In the tradition of Erma Bombeck and Ann Landers, I am rerunning a fave story for Valentine's Day, (though by no means comparing my skills to theirs!) Here you go: A recent visit to Niagara Falls, where dozens of motels beckon with the promise of a soak in a bubbling red heart, left me strangely drawn to the outlandish kitsch of the heart-shaped-tub scene. And so one night, on my way home from a visit...

  • Happy New Year 2013 from the "animals" at the National Zoo

    Ellen Perlman
    1 Jan 2013 | 12:23 pm
    Two nights before New Year's Eve, I was at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., learning (but clearly not perfecting) the art of night photography. For the past several years, the National Zoo has strung up a good show and visitors wander through delighted by the spectacle. I didn't see any real animals. If I were them, I would have stayed inside too. It was freezing out there. But a handful of us had signed...
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    Almost Fearless: Full Feed

  • The One Thing No One Really Says About Travel

    Christine Gilbert
    20 May 2013 | 2:34 pm
    It’s really hard to stay fit. At least for women. Or at least for women like me. Let’s dive into to some gross generalities here. Drew travels around India for three weeks and loses 15 pounds. I travel around India and gain 15 lbs mostly from the heavy curry dishes that I become addicted to, then I lose 15 lbs from dissentary, which I regain in Greece from the heavy foods I become addicted to. Drew has basically stayed the same weight, maybe about twenty pounds lighter than when we started. I’ve slowly been gaining weight — at a clip of about 1 lb a month. I also had…

  • The Perfect Pico de Gallo (Salsa Mexicana)

    19 May 2013 | 5:46 pm
    I’ve been cooking a lot of Mexican food, most of it doesn’t make it onto the blog — because I don’t measure ingredients, I just do a dash-of-this a dash-of-that which makes for terrible recipes. However with all that cooking, I have noticed one thing — the key to the Mexican Kitchen, in my mind, is Pico de Gallo (or Salsa Mexicana as it’s called here). It’s the starting point for week. You make a big batch, you put in the fridge and as you’re making tacos, quesadillas, burritos, rice and beans, asado, or pretty much anything, you pull out your…

  • Welcome to the Off Season in Puerto Vallarta

    16 May 2013 | 9:21 pm
    It’s not a surprise to us, we knew it was coming, everyone has been talking for months about the off season. But seeing the town clear out so thoroughly, not just the expats and tourists, but many of the Mexicans who travel into the area to work the tourist season, it’s a little unsettling. There’s no lines, anywhere. Shops are closing. The beaches are empty. Not everyone leaves, of course. But there’s a definite shift. I think it will be a nice way to experience this otherwise tourist-packed beach area. Cole spent the afternoon the other day at Entre Amigos, a…

  • Tequila-Marinated Shrimp Grilled Pizza with Cilantro Pesto, Roasted Red Peppers and Mango

    15 May 2013 | 4:00 pm
    I first learned about pizza grilled directly on the BBQ during one of those marathon Food TV watching sessions I had when I pregnant with Cole. I can’t remember if it was Bobby Flay or Top Chef Masters (or maybe both) but I always wanted to try it. It’s the closest thing you can get to wood smoked pizza without investing in a clay fire pit for your home, and despite the fact that you’re flinging wads of fresh dough at your roaring BBQ, it’s actually kind of fool-proof. I couldn’t get the pizza dough to make anything like a circle as I prepared it for the grill,…

  • The Big Things: Love with a Chance of Drowning

    Christine Gilbert
    14 May 2013 | 1:51 am
    It’s extremely rare that I recommend a book on this blog, but today I feel compelled to share with you Torre DeRoche’s Love with a Chance of Drowning, which I think is one of those timeless travel narratives that if you don’t end up reading it now, you’ll end up reading it eventually. It’s basically required reading for anyone who has ever taken a leap of faith. It just came out today. Several other books also came out today, thanks to my habit of pre-ordering books months and months in advance, Dan Brown’s Inferno (in Spanish! um, yay) and The Prophets of…
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    The Mother of all Trips

  • Why TripIt is my top itinerary app for family travel

    Mara
    21 May 2013 | 8:39 am
    Given my tendency to be an early adapter when it comes to the Internet and technology, I’ll admit that I was a big slow to hop on the smartphone bandwagon. It took me a while to invest in an iPhone, and when I did at first I primarily used it as a phone (fancy that!) and to play music. It took me a while to put any apps on my phone beyond a few game for my kids. All this is to say that I’m discerning about which apps I actually use for family travel. They have to work easily and well and solve actual problems or I can’t be bothered. And one app that I have used on every trip during the…

  • Haiti Part Two: The process of getting clean water

    Mara
    15 May 2013 | 8:22 am
    Last week I had the privilege of visiting communities in Haiti where I saw firsthand the work being done there to construct wells, two of which are being funded by the Passports With Purpose travel blogging fundraiser. This is the second of my posts about this trip; read about the first community meeting I attended in Belanjé and the process being used to establish wells in these communities here. Many thanks are due to Expedia for covering most of the costs of this trip and to Water.org and Haiti Outreach for organizing and hosting it. Arriving in Niva Our large caravan off officials and…

  • Haiti Part One: More than wells

    Mara
    14 May 2013 | 11:14 am
    Highway 3 is in better shape than I had hoped after reading Tracy Kidder’s frightening descriptions of driving up it in Mountains Beyond Mountains. It’s the first thing that I’ve seen in Haiti that this is true of.  Driving out of the sprawling mass of humanity, rubble, garbage, broken cement, and billboards that is Port au Prince I’m grateful for the breeze entering through the van’s window, which disperses the hot, heavy air and offers a sudden sense of space and possibility as we pick up speed. The city ends abruptly. It seems like one minute we are passing ramshackle rows of…

  • I’m going to Haiti

    Mara
    3 May 2013 | 5:58 am
    I’m going to Haiti! I have to keep typing those words to actually believe that they are true. But they are – on Sunday morning I’ll be heading down there for a very quick trip to visit the site of one of the two wells Water.org is helping build with the money raised by the 2012 Passports With Purpose travel blogging fundraiser. So if you’re one of the hundreds of people who donated to make that happen, I’ll be your eyes and ears as I learn about how the well was built and what it means for the people of the community. My colleague Beth Whitman and I will be there for the…

  • Paris with kids: Invalides

    Mara
    26 Apr 2013 | 6:13 am
    What is better than April in Paris? I’ll tell you: April in Paris with kids. Although our most recent trip there was eight months ago, it’s taken me a while to get around to writing about it. And since April is a month that gets us all thinking of the City of Light, throughout the month of April I’ll be sharing stories, tips, and even some ideal itineraries for families interested in visiting Paris or just daydreaming about it. Please click on photos for full-size versions I’m going to be completely honest: Although I was a political science major in college with a focus on…
 
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    Travel Wonders of the World

  • Flying up The Whistlers (Jasper, Canada)

    Mark H
    20 May 2013 | 4:02 pm
    With the announcements and sounds of an airport (the trips are called flights) and an informative commentary from the conductor (pilot?), it is only a seven minute journey on Canada’s longest and highest guided aerial tramway for superb vistas of Jasper. From the top station (or is that arrival lounge?), passengers are treated to panoramic views of Jasper’s numerous lakes, six mountain ranges,... Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

  • Berlin: A True Urban Adventure (Germany)

    Mark H
    17 May 2013 | 4:28 pm
    guest post by David Miller Berlin is possibly the most surprising city in Europe. In Paris, London and Amsterdam you know what to expect and where to go, but in Berlin every street can hold an unexpected surprise. That’s why Berlin is the city to go for people who want to experience a true urban adventure. In this article we are going to take you of the beaten path. A Brief History to the... Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

  • The Return of the Raven Totem Pole (Jasper, Canada)

    Mark H
    14 May 2013 | 4:41 pm
    As Canada laid an early railway line in the 19th century between Jasper and Prince Rupert on Canada’s west coast, the owners purchased two fine Haida Indian totem poles to symbolise the original indigenous land holders. This superb Raven Totem Pole stood 12 metres high in central Jasper near the railway station for nearly 100 years until old age and weathering took its toll on the finely... Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

  • Exploring Maligne Lake (Jasper, Canada)

    Mark H
    11 May 2013 | 8:12 am
    With its glistening glacial waters and snow-capped Rockies peaks, Maligne Lake is one of the highlights of any Canadian visit. Following the Maligne River almost 50 kilometres from Jasper, past the narrow depths of Maligne Canyon and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake, the road terminates at the lake. A haven for hikers (especially the famed multi-day Skyline Trail) and canoeists, its... Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

  • Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast (Wales)

    Mark H
    8 May 2013 | 2:55 pm
    guest post by Emma Carey It’s great to be able to pick a holiday destination that will meet all your expectations and provide you with all the elements you need for a great family holiday. If you love walking and hiking then there are many places to choose from in the British Isles that offer a fantastic selection of walks but also to plenty of other things to do. If you choose to give the hotel... Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.
 
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    OffbeatTravel

  • Going Behind the Scenes on the Norwegian Epic by George Bailey.

    20 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    I've sailed on other cruise ships but never one as large as the Norwegian Epic, and I've never been able to take a peek behind the scenes to see what goes on "backstage". Until now. This huge beautiful ship which made its maiden voyage in June of 2010 is one of the world's largest ships. And with its new tour of all the spaces and places guests never go, it is also one of the most fascinating.

  • Into the Ring: A parade of the most beautiful circus costumes under the big top June 15th, 2013 to January 5th, 2014

    17 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    Like the parade when the circus comes to town, this exhibition will present, for the first time, magnificent costumes and finery from the greatest circus companies in the world. In their braided coats or leotards, decorated with painted motifs, embroidery and sequins -- ringmasters, tragic and comic clowns, horse riders, acrobats, jugglers, animal tamers, trapeze artists and tightrope walkers will embody the magic of circus art in a flurry of color and light. The CNCS invites visitors to discover this universe from the first appearance of the modern circus in the 18th century to the mutations…

  • St. George Utah: Hiking, Art, Wildlife, and History by Neala Schwartzberg McCarten

    16 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    With a little help from my friends, I'm standing almost at the top of a stone "sand dune" in Snow Canyon Park. Eons ago volcanic activity and windblown sand combined to create the geologically diverse state park. The day before my hike I was gazing at stuffed (mounted) animals from all continents in the world. St. George offers quite a diverse palette of experiences. Enjoy the video of the hikes, the stuffed/mounted animals, and more.

  • A Visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial by Lisa Waterman Gray.

    9 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    An almost regal facial profile, with aquiline nose, crowns meticulously carved rock on the distant mountain summit. Nearby a long, flat surface flanks a small archway that frames brilliant blue sky, and white paint marks where future carving will shape exposed rock. The completed image of a proud North American Indian chief with flowing hair, mounted on a prancing horse, is gradually emerging from the mountain's depths. This is the Crazy Horse Memorial -- the Lakota (Sioux) nation's tribute to one of its most revered chiefs, and the lifetime project of one tenacious family.

  • Two Unique Independence Missouri Destinations: World's only hair museum, and puppets around the world by Lisa Waterman Gray.

    7 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    Independence, Missouri is probably best known as the home of President Harry S. Truman. Visitors often flock to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, with a replica of the Oval Office and his famous 'The Buck Stops Here' sign. But Independence also offers tours a couple one-of-a-kind destinations.
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    See what's new at Dad's Guide to WDW

  • Disney Ticket Price history

    18 May 2013 | 10:12 am
    Dad goes through Disney Ticket Price history and shows how they have changed dramatically over the years. It's eye opening.

  • Disney World Crowd Calendars for 2013

    18 May 2013 | 9:33 am
    Here are Dad's Disney World Crowd Calendars for 2013. The whole year in one place. There's a calendar for every month. January to December. Check it out.

  • Walt Disney World Crowds

    16 May 2013 | 6:39 pm
    Dad knows Walt Disney World Crowds. Yep and you can to. Come over and see how to avoid the crowds at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

  • Best time to visit Disney World

    16 May 2013 | 3:48 pm
    When is the best time to visit Disney World? Winter? Spring? Summer or Fall? (I thing there is a song in there somewhere.) Check it out.

  • May Disney World crowds

    15 May 2013 | 2:25 pm
    Check out Dad's May Walt Disney World crowd calendar and see what Dad says about the May Disney World crowds. Does Mothers day really draw that big of a crowd?
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    tripwolf travel blog - your travel guide

  • Traveling in the Third Trimester: Tips and Tricks

    calliscrossing
    21 May 2013 | 9:17 am
    TweetAt 34 weeks pregnant, I just completed my last bit of travel until after the baby arrives. I’ve been traveling throughout this pregnancy, and thankfully it has gone extremely well. Each trimester has its own considerations, but the third trimester definitely brought the most challenges. Here are a couple of tricks and tips that I [...]

  • Discovering the Villages of Provence

    turnbull2012
    20 May 2013 | 9:18 am
    TweetSpring is a great time to visit Provence, particularly as the summers can be hot and busy.  The area of Provence is essentially rural, but it does have cities such as Avignon, Nimes, Orange, Aix en Provence and Marseille.  Some of the most attractive architectural features of Provence are the perched villages, situated on craggy [...]

  • tripwolf tripguru guides: 48 Hours in Udaipur

    adena
    15 May 2013 | 10:58 am
    TweetThough I believe that this city has much more to offer than a weekend visit can expound, most travelers seem to allot 48 hours to this Udaipur.  Only 5 hours from Jaipur, and less than that from Jodhpur or Ajmer, and an even shorter jaunt from the dessert oasis that is Pushkar, many backpackers pass through [...]

  • Fit for Travel

    deannanmc
    13 May 2013 | 6:34 am
    TweetAfter all the food posts I’ve done and the walking tours that I do when I travel, this seems like a slightly ridiculous post to write. Aren’t I getting enough of a workout by seeing cities on foot (often with a small child strapped to me)? Have I not earned a Liege waffle at the [...]

  • The Sweet Tooth Traveler: Vilnius, Lithuania

    calliscrossing
    9 May 2013 | 4:54 am
    TweetHave you ever thought about what tasty treats the Baltic nation of Lithuania has in store for you? No? I hadn’t either. It turns out that Lithuania is a great place for a traveler with a sweet tooth.  It has a wonderful mix of familiar and exotic tastes. Cakes are a big part of the [...]
 
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    Fascinating Travel Destinations Blog

  • May 15, The Great Ocean Road

    15 May 2013 | 6:57 am
    Driving the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide is a wonderful experience, with stunnng scenery including the Twelve Apostles, Port Stephens, Great Otway Park and Lighthouse, Port Fairy read on for more info

  • May 15, Travel Advisor Part 2 Planning and Booking Your Holiday

    15 May 2013 | 6:39 am
    Travel Advisor Part 2 - Use this Palnning and Booking section to organise the basics of your holiday. Transport, flights, accommodation and all the other important details are covered in this section

  • Apr 23, Nagasaki Sightseeing

    23 Apr 2013 | 6:39 am
    Nagasaki sightseeing is a fascinating look at this Japanese city in Kyushu famous for its Portuguese and Dutch history, and the dropping of the atomic bomb. Read about the many attractions.

  • Apr 23, Travel Insurance

    22 Apr 2013 | 9:52 pm
    Travel Insurance is an important safe guard when things go wrong. These are guidelines for choosing the best policy to suit your needs, both comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

  • Apr 13, Cuba Music

    13 Apr 2013 | 1:33 am
    Cuba music pervades every area of this country.The distinctive instrumental combo, rhythm and harmonious song can be experienced in bars and restaurants. Read on for more information.
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    My Several Worlds

  • The Tallest Buildings in Hong Kong Island (Photo Essay)

    Carrie
    15 May 2013 | 8:44 am
    The Hong Kong skyline at night is probably one of the most recognized skylines in the world. It’s certainly one of my favorites. We’ve made it a tradition to go and see the free Symphony of Lights Show, which is sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, every time we visit.  Symphony of Lights is a synchronized decorative light show and laser multimedia display set to music. It’s featured on the exterior of the buildings of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor participate in the show, which starts at 8pm every night. Guinness…

  • Travel Tips for Your Holiday in Tunisia

    Guest Writers
    6 May 2013 | 10:43 pm
    Tunisia is a fantastic country that is rich in culture and history, as well as being perfect for a relaxing beach holiday with the family. Tunisia is the smallest country in North Africa. It’s bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterrean Sea to the north and east. There are a huge number of things to see and do in a climate that’s almost ideal for sun vacationers. If you’re thinking about booking a holiday in Tunisia, here are some simple tips to help you find the best things to do while you’re in the country. The climate in Tunisia is very…

  • Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (My Story)

    Carrie
    5 May 2013 | 5:02 am
    People around the world are ‘celebrating’ World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day today in an effort to raise awareness about this horrible and painful autoimmune disease. This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my story here helps one person, then it has been worth it. There is no need to suffer silently with this disease. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Ankylosing Spondylitis in February 2009 after suffering from a variety of strange symptoms over a span of ten years. I might not look outwardly sick, but inside my body there is a…

  • The World’s Top Spots for Whale Watching

    Guest Writers
    29 Apr 2013 | 8:34 am
    Seeing whales in the wild is one of the most breath-taking sights that nature has to offer. Whale watching is available as a day trip option in lots of holiday locations, but it’s one that presents a certain amount of risk as getting a good view of these creatures doing their thing isn’t always guaranteed. So if you want to take a dedicated to trip and try to nab yourself a version of that perfect whale tail splash photo, where should you go? Below are four prime locations for spotting a variety of whale species, which cater for various different destination preferences. Whether you want…

  • Travel Taiwan: Shalun Beach in Danshui, Taipei

    Carrie
    29 Apr 2013 | 2:48 am
    Beaches are plentiful in Taiwan, especially in Southern Taiwan, but Northern Taiwan also has its fair share of beaches. My personal favorite is Baishasan because it’s clean and family-friendly. Being located a fair distance from Taipei in Sanzhi, Baishawan isn’t the easiest beach to get to though. You can take the local bus to Baishanwan, but it’s a long ride there and an even longer ride home if you hit evening traffic in Danshui. For that reason, we tend to head to Shalun Beach in Danshui if we’ve got a few hours to spare. Shalun Beach is hidden down a series of back…
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    Lanzarote Information - Anything and everything about Lanzarote

  • Guided Walks in Lanzarote

    Jules
    21 May 2013 | 10:01 am
    We’ve previously featured some of the walks available through Lanzarote Active Club, there are more that we haven’t experienced yet, but are definitely on our to do list. Bodega Hopping Wine Walk Lanzarote Active Club’s wine tasting and bodega guided tour takes visitors through the local wine growing area La Geria and gives a glimpse into the process of the wine production too. The group will learn of the very specific history and peculiarities of wine making on the island. A walk through the vineyards allows us to see the unique landscape and cultivation,that you won´t see anywhere…

  • Events in Puerto del Carmen 2013

    Jules
    21 May 2013 | 6:45 am
    The tourism department in Tías have produced a calendar of events happening in the resort of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote from May to December 2013. The May and June events are typically Canarian where you can experience the traditions and culture of Lanzarote. July sees the return of the popular Summer Music Festival and the Pride Festival. Puerto del Carmen celebrates for almost two weeks in August with the focus on the old harbour in commemoration of the patron saint of mariners and namesake. September brings an end of summer party and a tapas food fair. It wouldn’t be October without a…

  • Lanzarote Football, Club Atlético Victoria 0 UD Lanzarote 1

    Jules
    21 May 2013 | 1:57 am
    The Rojillos sign off the season with an away win in Tenerife from a goal in the opening minute by Echedey. The only thing both clubs had to play for was to see which team would finish in 14th position. The Tenerife side needed a win whereas a draw for Lanzarote would suffice. Many of the regulars such as Ángel  Gil, Kamara and goalkeeper Agoney were suspended so Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez gave full starts to youngsters Chéyen, Dámaso and also Fran Machín came off the bench  late on to make his debut. The game could not have started any better for the Rojillos. A corner in…

  • Road Closures Ironman Lanzarote 2013

    Jules
    17 May 2013 | 7:48 am
    The road closures have been confirmed for tomorrow’s Ironman Lanzarote event. To protect the cyclists, some of the roads will be open in one direction only, and others will be closed to traffic. The following are the expected times of the first and last cyclist passing through and the hours that the traffic restrictions will be in place. Municipio         1er ciclista     Últ ciclista      Duración de paso Tías (1)             7.50…

  • La Santa Youth Hostel

    Jules
    16 May 2013 | 11:28 pm
    The Alberque Juvenil in La Santa has been closed since 2008. The Cabildo of Lanzarote have published an announcement in the Las Palmas Official Gazette this week, opening a tender process to manage this youth hostel for the next 10 years. The tender to manage the operation of the youth hostel in La Santa was published on Wednesday 15th May amounting to 360,000 euros for a 10 year management period. Re-opening of this centre is a priority for Migdalia Machín, the councillor for youth at the Cabildo, who commented that this youth centre offers a complementary alternative for practice of…
 
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    Luxury Travel Tips and Vacation Ideas

  • Early Bird Ski Chalet Offers in Méribel, Val d’ Isère & Les Gets

    admin
    21 May 2013 | 6:13 am
    If you are looking for money saving deals on their ski holidays next season, now is the time to book thanks to these discounts and secure the best ski chalets. To whet the appetite, please find to follow a number of *early bird discounts. *Offers valid for all confirmed and signed bookings before 31st July [...]

  • Last Minute Offer, 15% Discount on Ibiza Villa June Rental

    admin
    16 May 2013 | 7:21 am
    It will be no surprise that the June promotions we are running on this amazing oceanfront villa located in Roca Llisa in Ibiza, will be sold out very soon. So you should not miss the opportunity and plan vacations in Ibiza, before the island gets crazy. This villa, located in the private gated community of [...]

  • Zermatt & Klosters Ski Chalets with Early Bird Deals for Winter 2013-2014

    Ollivier Jacq
    5 Apr 2013 | 7:27 am
    Recommended Links Zermatt Chalets with Chef Valais Luxury Chalet Rentals Choose any number of those four stunning and sublime free standing chalets in the Zermatt / Klosters ski chalet collection and enjoy 10% off the published price, booking before April 30th, 2013. Chalet Les Anges sleeps 14 guests and is spread over 3 floors. 6 [...]

  • Zermatt Unplugged Music Festival April 9th – 13th 2013

    Ollivier Jacq
    11 Mar 2013 | 2:42 am
    Recommended Links See All Zermatt Ski Chalets Zermatt Chalets with Chefs Zermatt Unplugged, the acoustic-exclusive music festival to look out for in Europe, now has some amazing Zermatt Ski  Chalets available for booking and accommodations. The new iteration of this momentous event happens from the 9th to the 13th of April this year. With more than 40 [...]

  • Three Star Michelin Chef, Sergio Herman at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

    Ollivier Jacq
    27 Feb 2013 | 2:19 am
    Sergio Herman, one of the world’s youngest generation of three-star Michelin Chef’s and Owner/ Restaurateur of Oud Sluis in the Netherlands will be at Huvafen Fushi from April 3rd – 6th, 2013 in collaboration with Per AQUUM’s renowned Dream Calendar. Sergio, his celebrated Head Chef, Nick Bril, Huvafen Fushi’s Executive Chef, Daniel Johnson and the [...]
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    Taking off Travel blog

  • Top 5 Road Trips

    Jonna
    30 Apr 2013 | 6:39 am
    School will be out soon, and everyone will start to think of summer vacations, day trips, and road trips.  If you are destined to take the road, read our favorite top 5 road trip tips to help make your trip safer, happier, and easier than ever. One of the first things to pack in your car is your Emergency Kit.  Not only should it include a medical kit, but also a flashlight, jumper cables, fix-a-flat, water, emergency food, and my personal favorite an emergency assistance road club card.  I have been stranded thousands of miles from home with a broken down car, and was grateful for my auto…

  • Great Trips for Grandparents and Grandkids

    Jonna
    25 Apr 2013 | 10:05 am
    Have you ever wanted to just escape with the grandkids without their parents overruling your every whim?  How about a trip.  I’ve found some great travel trips for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy each other’s company without the middlemen (parents) getting in the way.  When I was a kid, I always loved going on outings with my grandparents. Often, during the planning process, grandparents are much more democratic with the kids in the decision making process, like destination, activities, and even choice of lodging. Children feel more involved when asked for their…

  • 7 Wonders of the United States

    Jonna
    23 Apr 2013 | 6:21 am
    Looking for a theme summer vacation?  Why not go on a 7 Wonders of the United States (man made).  These are a great testament to the engineering, construction, and fortitude of the country and the people who helped build these iconic structures. The Empire State Building in New York City.  Construction on this iconic NYC building started in March 1930 during the Great Depression.  It is the second tallest building in the United States, behind the Sears Tower in Chicago. However, when it opened on May 1, 1931, it was the  tallest building in the world.  Millions travel to the building…

  • Top Mother’s Day Trips

    Jonna
    19 Apr 2013 | 9:00 am
    Mother’s Day is just a few short weeks away (May 12, to be exact).  What do you get for the woman who has everything?  There’s only so many can openers one person should own at a time. What Mom really wants is more time with her darling children and/or precious grandchildren. So, why not take her on a quick weekend get-a-way, or a longer vacation? Whether your mom is a fashionista, naturalist, or just a mom that wants to hang out, there’s a destination for you.  Our family took a lot of family vacations.  My parents showed us the United States from the back of a Ford,…

  • Earth Day – A Few Facts About the People Behind It

    Jonna
    17 Apr 2013 | 2:00 pm
    Earth Day is about 4 days away.  But, who really started this conservation/ecology movement.  Well, in reality, it’s been going on for years.  Here’s a list of just a few conservationists and environmentalists.  Earth Day was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin.   He came up with the idea in 1969 after witnessing the devastation of the Santa Barbara, CA oil spill.  The impact on the environment, marine life, and the thousands of dolphins, sea birds and other animals due to this spill lead to Nelson’s drive to gather support for a political…
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    The Travel Word

  • Six Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya

    laurel
    6 May 2013 | 12:00 am
    Mention Nairobi to the Average Joe and you’re likely to be subjected to a barrage of incredulous questions along the lines of “You do realise it’s EXTREMELY dangerous, don’t know?” Elephant playtime at the David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, Kenya. Photo courtesy of Samuel Hopkins Often mislabelled and maligned by a sometimes ruthless and distorted media as the granddaddy of hazardous African cities (alongside Nigeria’s Lagos and South Africa’s Johannesburg, of course), Nairobi, Kenya, is to many travellers simply a no-go zone.

  • Miraculous El Sauce, Nicaragua

    laurel
    2 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    The river swelled and prevented his crossing. When Guadalupe Trejos was ordered to oversee the safe passage of El Christo Negro back to El Guayabal, a number of strange occurrences befell him. The final one sent him to his grave. The statue of the Black Christ would remain where it had been placed, beneath the willow tree (in Spanish el sauce) in the rich emerald valley. Catholic officials from Guatemala would twice more attempt to return El Christo Negro. Twice more the river would rise, malaria would strike and those sent to remove the relic would perish. El Christo Negro refused to move,…

  • The Thermal Greenhouse Town of Hveragerði: Iceland’s Offbeat Hotbed

    cynthia
    29 Apr 2013 | 12:00 am
    “Warning! Hot Spring Area” cautions a sign on the outskirts of Hveragerði, Iceland. Bilious clouds of steam rise up from the ground. I take the message as a sign that I’ve found what I was looking for in Iceland – hot springs in their most raw and natural form, without a manmade pool in sight. The goal: bathe in a babbling thermal river. The town of Hveragerði, just 45 minutes outside Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, was built over a volcanic magma chamber, capitalising on the abundance of steam and hot water rising from the ground. Here, superheated groundwater can reach…

  • Why Earth Day Should Become Earth Year

    editor
    22 Apr 2013 | 10:27 am
    Today is Earth Day, the annual global event held to highlight environmental issues and demonstrate support for environmental protection. It is being celebrated in 2013 by more than one billion people across 192 countries, having grown over the years from an active street protest in the United States to multiple platforms all over the world for talking about and committing to “acts of green.” NASA celebrates Earth Day online and at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo courtesy of Flickr/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center It All Starts with Raising Awareness I think we can all agree that raising…

  • Sustainable Design and Adapting Tourism Architecture in Jordan and Morocco

    laurel
    18 Apr 2013 | 5:00 am
    This article was published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here. View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog. It is interesting how globalization affects us. For example, how an idea comes to fruition in the USA, can be nurtured in Canada, and then achieved in the Middle East. While attending the 2012 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), attendees were fortunate enough to listen to a fantastic panel discussion led by Muna Haddad, from the Baraka Consulting Agency, on conducting tourism in a crisis…
 
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    Videos

  • What if You Were Born in Space?

    Vsauce
    12 May 2013 | 9:58 am
    What if You Were Born in Space? Subscribe to join the sauce! http://bit.ly/POIaN7 Cool stuff every day: http://www.twitter.com/tweetsauce Links to learn more below: music by http://youtube.... From: Vsauce Views: 1318683 58805 ratings Time: 13:23 More in Science & Technology

  • Neil Patrick Harris on His 40th Birthday!

    The Ellen DeGeneres Show
    9 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    Neil Patrick Harris on His 40th Birthday! The Broadway and "How I Met Your Mother" star told Ellen all about his 40th birthday adventure! From: The Ellen DeGeneres Show Views: 347365 8451 ratings Time: 04:13 More in Entertainment

  • Countries inside Countries: Bizarre Borders Part 1

    CGPGrey
    7 May 2013 | 12:55 pm
    Countries inside Countries: Bizarre Borders Part 1 Discussion: http://goo.gl/yLsko C. G. P. Grey T-Shirts: http://goo.gl/qbGje Website: http://www.cgpgrey.com/ From: CGPGrey Views: 538893 12486 ratings Time: 02:07 More in Education

  • Vatican City Explained

    CGPGrey
    9 Apr 2013 | 11:01 am
    Vatican City Explained CGPGrey Coffee Mug! http://goo.gl/hT2Dt Blog: http://www.cgpgrey.com/blog/vatican-city-explained. From: CGPGrey Views: 1138839 24581 ratings Time: 07:03 More in Education

  • Lil Bub & Friendz Official Trailer

    vice
    18 Mar 2013 | 7:59 am
    Lil Bub & Friendz Official Trailer Starring Lil Bub and Bub's owner, Mike Bridavsky, along with Grumpy Cat, Nyan Cat, Keyboard Cat, and meme-manager supreme Ben Lashes, Lil Bub & Friendz follo... From: vice Views: 580046 6945 ratings Time: 02:37 More in Entertainment
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    Gourmet Traveller 88

  • Avocado Surimi Tobiko Quinoa Salad

    admin
    1 May 2013 | 2:17 am
      After numerous indecisive thought process, I came out this salad. It’s really awesome. The objective was to prepare something low carb. I wanted to use the quinoa to make sushi and came out too wet ...

  • Spinach Daal Tofu bites

    admin
    29 Apr 2013 | 9:57 am
    Daal Palak on top of panfried tofu   A week ago or so I had lunch at Jay’s Indian Restaurant in Basel, I chose the Vegetarian lunch menu as I didn’t feel like eating meat that day. I ...

  • Spring weight loss efforts

    admin
    28 Apr 2013 | 11:48 am
    Taken during a stroll on Sunday afternoon in Reinach, Basel Land Summer is approaching and it’s time again to attempt to slim down a bit. I am jotting down these efforts that I am hoping to ...

  • Boneless spicy pork trotter (麻棘無骨豬腳冷盆小食)

    admin
    12 Apr 2013 | 4:08 pm
      A Chinese appetizer shared by my friend Carmen which she experienced in her trip in Guangzhou, China some time ago. Ingredients: 1 pig trotter, cut into 3 pieces 2 bay leaves 20 white peppercorns 3 tbsp salt Ice cubes Sauce: 2-3 Chinese black ...

  • Great find – Logitech Ultrathin iPad Keyboard

    admin
    10 Apr 2013 | 1:10 am
    Just came back from a short trip to my hometown Hong Kong, 10 days for me is very short. However, this time I am travelling alone, in a way this made it much more effective ...
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    About.com Adventure Travel

  • Which Desert City in Israel is on the Ancient Spice Route?

    20 May 2013 | 10:25 pm
    This city is in ruins, now, but it's one of Israel's 'Desert Cities in the Negev' on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Standing under an archway looking at the barren desert beyond, it's easy to picture why this was a stop for traders herding camels carrying frankincense and myrrh.   Explore on your own, or during a Negev jeep tour....Read Full Post

  • Rent a Private Home or Pack the Family Into a Condo?

    18 May 2013 | 12:02 am
    We took a multi-generational trip to Steamboat, Colorado, recently, to go skiing.  Choosing a house over condos gave us a real sense of family.  We had a perfect mix of togetherness in the spacious living room, and private time in bedrooms for all.  Here's a lodging review of Moving Mountains....Read Full Post

  • The Ramon Crater Has a Dreamlike Aura at Sunset

    15 May 2013 | 12:27 am
    Standing on the crater's edge at sunset, shadows fill sections of the tumbled multi-colored rocky terrain, making the scene even more dreamlike. You can take a jeep ride into the Ramon Crater,  or hike on the trails threading the harsh terrain....Read Full Post

  • FLASH SALE - Mega-savings on Mountain Travel Sobek Trips

    12 May 2013 | 1:35 pm
    Mountain Travel Sobek's mega-sale, when you can get thousands of dollars off some of the company's most popular trip, starts tomorrow, Monday, May 13. Every day, through Friday, May 17,  a new major offer will be revealed.

  • Ever Wonder What Pro Cliff Divers Think Before They Plunge Downward?

    10 May 2013 | 3:57 am
    They are poised to dive on a board 27 meters (about 88 feet) above the lake, so you can't see their faces. But, have you ever wondered what these cliff divers are thinking before they spring off the board and soar downward?...Read Full Post
 
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    About.com Africa Travel

  • Mopane Worms = Nutritious! Delicious? Not So Much...

    20 May 2013 | 4:25 am
    The UN has recently urged more people to eat insects to combat hunger. I grew up eating flying ants in Malawi, but things change as you become an adult, and my affinity for insect eating abated. I did have the opportunity to taste Mopane worms a year ago. The fact that Mopane worms are not worms, but caterpillars (Empire moth larva to be exact), did not make them any more palatable. But I was somewhat game to try them because many rural people throughout Southern Africa eat them, they are healthy ... and I knew my children would appreciate the story. The opportunity presented itself at the…

  • South Africa for Kids

    16 May 2013 | 1:00 am
    South Africa is an amazing destination for a family vacation. It's easy to get to with direct flights from several cities in Europe and the US. The roads are excellent, so renting a car in South Africa poses no problems, and gives you the flexibility you need when traveling with children. Malaria-free safaris offer a stress free experience for parents with children who are sensitive to medications Do your planning properly and your family will truly have the holiday of a lifetime. There are plenty of options, from a simple trip to the beach or mountains, to once-in-a-lifetime thrill such as a…

  • Sardine Run - The Great Underwater Migration

    13 May 2013 | 1:55 am
    If you happen to be on South Africa's eastern coast during the winter months (June - July), check out the Sardine Run. It takes place along South Africa's Wild Coast and is hailed as one of nature's most spectacular events. It's an underwater version of the great annual migration of wildebeest in East Africa. Every year millions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank (south of South Africa) and move northward to the warmer waters, just along South Africa's east coast. It's not unusual for shoals to be 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, they are clearly visible from the surface of…

  • African Board Games

    9 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    Did you know that more than 200 versions of mancala are played throughout the world? From Ghana to St Lucia, elderly men, young children and anyone with a little leisure time, will be sitting under a shady tree strategizing like mad using seed pods, stones or bottle tops as counters. I grew up playing bao (a popular version of mancala in Southern/East Africa) and have played it with village chiefs, fishermen, housewives and school children in numerous countries and settings. It's a lovely ice breaker and less strenuous than a game of soccer in the heat of the day. The ancient Egyptians played…

  • A Wildly Fun Monday

    6 May 2013 | 1:05 am
    20 fun African wildlife facts to liven up your Monday .... The flamingos' diet of shrimp-like crustaceans are responsible for its pink color Hippos secrete a natural sunscreen that is colored red and eventually turns brown Giraffe tongues are dark blue and average around 20 inches in length Leopards are strong swimmers and eat fish Lions are the only cats that live in groups (prides) Warthogs can jump Chimpanzee females reach reproductive age at 13 Male Nile Crocodiles attract females by bellowing, slapping their snouts in the water, and blowing water out of their noses Every zebra has a…
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    About.com Amsterdam Travel

  • ... And Fine Art Outside Amsterdam

    16 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    Amsterdam certainly isn't the only worthwhile destination for art lovers in the Netherlands. From the revered Kröller-Müller Museum in the eastern town of Otterlo, to the river-side Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, find out where to see the most fantastic art collections in the country with this Guide to Art Museums Outside Amsterdam.

  • Fine Art in Amsterdam

    14 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    Amsterdam's dozens of fine art museums offer plenty of choice for the aesthetically-oriented visitor. Find out all about the city's various museums and exhibit spaces, with art from prehistory to the present day, in this Guide to Amsterdam Art Museums.

  • Explore the Bollenstreek

    9 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    You may have seen Keukenhof, but what about the rest of the Bollenstreek? What is the Bollenstreek, for that matter, and where is it situated? Find out all about Holland's "tulip country".

  • The Netherlands for Flower Fans

    7 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    There's still so much to see for tulip and flower enthusiasts in the Netherlands- not only is Keukenhof open for another few weeks, but flower-related events continue well into the fall. Check out this round-up of opportunities to stop and smell the flowers in the Netherlands.

  • Dutch Flower Parades

    3 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    The Bloemencorso van de Bollenstreek - the premier flower parade in the Netherlands - attracted a million visitors last month, a testament to the extreme popularity of the event. While this particular flower parade won't return until next April, many others are held across the country as late as September. Read about Dutch flower parades and where to attend one.
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    Traveling Journal

  • Make Your Trip More Enjoyable

    31 Dec 2031 | 5:42 pm
    Traveling can be pretty intimidating to someone that has never gone on a trip before. It can easily lead to a bit of information overload because of all of the resources you can access. Below are some tips to help you in organizing this information so that you can start traveling smarter and safer. namibia travel DRINK YOUR WATER! Why when we are traveling do we forget such simple things? Most traveler ills can be firmly laid at the door of dehydration. Keep a liter bottle of water on you, and make sure you drink it all and hopefully a little bit more. Save yourself the pain of headaches, and…
 
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    Orlando Florida

  • Florida Hotel Deals

    Sunil Govind
    21 May 2013 | 7:29 am
    Vacationing in Orlando, the ‘City Beautiful’ has a lot more advantages than spending your holiday at any other tourist spot in the world! Apart from featuring the amazingly entertaining theme parks, silky sand beaches, electrifying nightlife and exciting shopping experience, the city treats its visitors to ‘little surprises’ such as tiny pieces of land in [...]

  • Best Orlando Theme Park Rides for Older Kids

    Sunil Govind
    20 May 2013 | 7:52 am
    Once kids have reached or exceeded the height limit for all of the major theme park roller coasters, rides with abundant stroller parking don’t seem to cut it anymore. For families with older kids and teens, here are the best theme parks and rides to “graduate” to on your next Orlando vacation. While Disney World [...]

  • Get Discount Tickets to Disney World from Orlando Escape

    Sunil Govind
    17 May 2013 | 8:23 am
    One of the biggest concerns vacationers to Disney World have is cost. Orlando Escape addresses this concern by providing discount tickets to Disney World that save you money without compromising your vacation experience. Our excellent deals on Orlando hotels and vacation homes are popular with domestic and international tourists. We are now happy to offer [...]

  • Walt Disney World Value Resorts

    Sunil Govind
    14 May 2013 | 6:16 pm
    Walt Disney World is one of the most magical places on either and their hotels were designed to impress. When planning a Walt Disney World vacation we all dream of exploring as many offerings as possible. In today’s day in time, many are struggling with a weakened economy and are forced to plan vacations on [...]

  • Are You Hunting for the Perfect Harry Potter Butter Beer Recipe? Here it is!

    Tara Alexander
    9 May 2013 | 11:31 am
    Recently Universal Orlando Resort celebrated its millionth Harry Potter butter beer selling inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This widely famous drink that reminds of shortbread and butterscotch mixed together is available only at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and one has to visit the Universal Orlando Resort to taste the unique butter beer. [...]
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    News and Views from Cheapflights.com

  • Travel Deals: May 21

    Marissa Willman
    21 May 2013 | 12:41 pm
    Looking for your next getaway? Save with this week’s top travel deals. Leave your worries behind and board a cruise to the Bahamas. This fall, four-night Royal Caribbean cruises from Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas can be had for $190. Your cruise aboard the recently renovated Majesty of the Seas features a day spa, Vegas-inspired performances and a casino. Teens also have their own lounge and nightclub to enjoy. If you’d rather spend more time in the Caribbean, you can spend five nights at the all-inclusive Riu Montego Bay for $749, including airfare. This rate is good for travel…

  • Family-friendly Maui

    Marissa Willman
    21 May 2013 | 12:06 pm
    Planning a family vacation to Maui? This scenic Hawaiian island offers plenty of resorts and attractions to help everyone in the family make lasting vacation memories. Here are a few of our picks for Maui’s top family-friendly hotels and attractions. Family-friendly Maui hotels Westin Maui Resort & Spa Westin Maui (Image: Michael248 used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license) There’s something for everyone in the family at the Westin Maui, one of the most popular resorts on the island. The 87,000-square-foot pool includes water slides, a swim-through grotto…

  • 6 US airport restaurants worth a long layover

    Marissa Willman
    21 May 2013 | 11:39 am
    If there’s one thing that can make layovers worthwhile, it’s a memorable meal. Here are six airport restaurants worth a long layover. The Salt Lick, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport BBQ plate at The Salt Lick (Image: The Salt Lick) With a layover in Texas, it only makes sense to chow down on some Southern-style barbecue – and there’s no better place to grab a plate of pork ribs or brisket than The Salt Lick. Don’t forget to leave room for desserts like peach cobbler or pecan pie. One Flew South, Atlanta International Airport Escape the bustle of this busy…

  • Relaxing in the gardens of the world

    Paul Steele
    21 May 2013 | 11:26 am
    Small, large or outrageously grand. Wherever you travel, a wander around a great garden can be a bonus for anyone. Getting away from the streets in a big city or town through a garden escape can have a most positive effect, regenerating the mood or calming after a long day of sight-seeing. Even when I was in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, New Zealand, I found there was a beautiful green space to help me wind down. Queenstown Park by Paul Steele Spring and summer together with the hours of labor from green-thumbed souls can create color beyond colors — nature with art…

  • Photo gallery: Planes and sunsets

    Brett Ackroyd
    20 May 2013 | 11:16 am
    When combined, air travel and sunsets – two of our big loves! – often make pretty pictures. So we’ve decided to make a planes and sunsets gallery. Enjoy! (Image: Mikael Miettinen) (Image: Benson Kua) (Image: Robert S. Donovan) (Image: Unhindered by Talent) (Image: JohnGoode) (Image: lrargerich) (Image: simonallardice) (Image: Dave Heuts) (Image: wbaiv) (Image: Matt Biddulph)   Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… Brett Ackroyd
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    Geotraveler's Niche

  • Postcard: Soldier in Prague

    Lola Akerstrom
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Shot with a film camera way back in the day. You can click the photo for more options or check out my old Prague gallery here. Due for a new trip over to the Czech Republic.Have you been to Prague? What did you think? Please share below.

  • Postcard: When snow melts away

    Lola Akerstrom
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    When snow melts away, this is what we get during the summer in Sweden along with 20-22 hours of daylight at its peak.Click on the photo for more options or view a few more landscape shots I’ve loaded so far into my Swedish Lapland image bank.Have you been to Sweden during summer? What did you think?

  • Latest News and Work Updates

    Lola Akerstrom
    14 May 2013 | 3:29 pm
    I’m long overdue for a latest news and work updates post. Been busy on many fronts but more importantly, I’ve been prioritizing my workload and inching closer to a more balanced work <-> family time ratio.Image BankAs you may have noticed, I’ve been sharing a lot more postcard photos from my image bank which is a work in progress. I’m currently editing and sorting through thousands of photos from countries I’ve explored – many of which will end up in the image bank as well as National Geographic’s image collection.Once I reach a good enough point in this seemingly…

  • Postcard: Cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården

    Lola Akerstrom
    13 May 2013 | 9:15 am
    You can click on the photo for more options or view more Cherry blossom photographs over on Slow Travel Stockholm.Have you seen cherry blossoms this season? Please share links to your photos below.

  • Postcard: Biking through the desert

    Lola Akerstrom
    11 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Shot of the amazing Ann Lombardi of The Trip Chicks making a quick stop as we rode through the desert towards Al Qusayr.You can click on the photo for more options or view more photographs from Egypt in my image bank. I’m still loading hundreds of photos so it’s an incomplete set right now.Have you been to Egypt? What did you think? Please share below.
 
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    Isabelles Travel Guide

  • What to See in Sydney?

    Isabelle
    15 May 2013 | 1:27 am
    My recommendation would be: take a “Free walking tour” in Sydney to get a first impression on what to see around the city. I heard about these guys on my Indian Pacific train trip. Two Architecture graduates who love their city started up these free walking tours in Sydney & Melbourne. You basically show up at the meeting point and look for your guide in a bright green “I`m free” t-shirt. (No need for booking!) They work on a tips only basis. Every day (rain or shine): Sydney Sights (3 hours) at 10.30 am & 2.30 pm and the Sydney Rocks (1,5 hours) at 6pm. For more info, check…

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge by Night

    Isabelle
    8 May 2013 | 12:56 am
    When visiting Sydney, it`s hard not to visit the two most iconic attractions of the city, being the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Of course the city has a lot more to offer and I`ll be writing about that in the weeks to come. Did you know? The bridge is nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design and it took 272,000 liters to give the Bridge its first three coats of paint.

  • Off Train Excursions on the Indian Pacific Route

    Isabelle
    1 May 2013 | 3:51 am
    When crossing Australia on the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney, you`ll make some stops along the way. To give you a bit more of an overview, I`ve put together a list of the tours that are offered. Kalgoorlie Highlights The gold rush, set off by Paddy Hannan`s discovery in 1893, was one of the biggest in Australian history. On this tour, you will hear the story of the largest Outback city in Australia that was built on gold and learn about the hardships encountered. Travel along Hannan Street for the heritage buildings and the history of many pubs. Visit the massive ‘Super Pit’…

  • Discover the inside of the Indian Pacific Train

    Isabelle
    23 Apr 2013 | 6:03 pm
    Last week I talked about what you see when crossing Australia on a train from Perth to Sydney, but what is it like aboard the Indian Pacific? Follow along and discover what`s inside. Where do you socialize? You go to the Outback Explorer Lounge where you order a drink at the bar, sit back and relax. It`s also the place to get to know your fellow travelers, play a game or enjoy your drink while overlooking the beautiful scenery outside the window. This lounge is for people traveling in Gold and Platinum Service. Since 1 April 2013 all drinks are included when you travel in Gold or…

  • Crossing Australia from West to East

    Isabelle
    17 Apr 2013 | 2:23 am
    Have you always wondered what you would see crossing Australia from coast to coast? Well, I`ve been on board the Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney and I can tell you the scenery along the way changes a lot. I believe the best way to show you is to take you on a photo journey from West to East. And as a bonus there`s a short video at the end too! The first three photos were taken only half an hour apart from each other after leaving Perth. As you can see, there`s quite the difference. On the second day we crossed the Nullarbor Plain with longest straight section of railway in the world,…
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    Ciao Bambino Blog

  • Condé Nast Traveler Family Travel Expert Panel: Packing Tips

    Amie from Ciao Bambino
    17 May 2013 | 10:07 am
    I must admit, packing is my least favorite part of travel. The fact is that packing the right items makes all the difference in world when traveling with kids. Condé Nast Traveler asked me to be on a panel of family travel experts offering tips and advice on various topics, starting with the all-important and unavoidable art of packing. The joy of a family vacation is well worth any packing pain I’m in great company on this panel — all of the contributors selected have logged miles and miles with children of all ages. Check out our family travel packing tips. Relevant Links: Tips…

  • Getting Paris with Kids Right

    Anna Tobin
    16 May 2013 | 9:10 am
    This trip to Paris was sponsored by HouseTrip. As always, our opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. The children and sightseeing combo is a tricky one to get right. To enjoy a tourist attraction kids need to be impressed … and kids are hard to impress. What’s more, if they’re not enjoying the experience they will make sure that no one within ten feet is either. Travel tips for making a city break work with children As the children of a travel writer, my kids are experienced city breakers and by trial and error we’ve worked out a formula that keeps everyone happy ‘most’ of…

  • Luxury Family Vacation Dream List

    Amie from Ciao Bambino
    14 May 2013 | 11:59 am
    I recently participated in the TMS Family Travel Summit in Orlando, Florida, where top-notch travel writers and marketers discussed current family travel trends and needs. Per Peter Yesawich of MMGY Global, demand for luxury family travel products is growing. To meet the surge in interest for both independent and multi-generational family travel, leading luxury brands are rolling out all kinds of exciting programs. I’m constantly reviewing incredible offers around the world and it’s difficult to narrow down a giant list of options to just a handful of amazing experiences for…

  • Best Itinerary for a Costa Rica Family Vacation

    Amie from Ciao Bambino
    10 May 2013 | 3:14 pm
    If you are dreaming of a trip where you “do” with your kids instead of supervising them, Costa Rica is the ultimate participatory family adventure travel vacation. Don’t let the word “adventure” scare you, Costa Rica with kids doesn’t need to be all thrills, or all animals, or all beach for that matter – you can fit a taste of everything into the right itinerary. Up close and personal with a Strangler Fig tree Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 7 to 8 Days Costa Rica is easy to access with two international airports, Liberia and San Jose. It makes an ideal weeklong family vacation for…

  • A Family Safari Adventure in Monterey County, California

    Dana Rebmann
    8 May 2013 | 7:39 pm
    The dream of a family African Safari takes a tremendous amount of work and planning. If you’re one of the many families like mine, who dream of an family safari in Africa like Amie’s, keep planning and saving. If you find you need a little inspiration along the way, consider an easily arranged safari adventure in the open space of Monterey County, California. Breakfast delivery like no other Wild Things Famous for its world class aquarium, there’s a wilder side to Monterey that many don’t know exists. Wild Things was created in 1983. At first the animals that called it home spent much…
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    Texas Parks, Travel & Recreation

  • 05-17 | Lake Belton Trails to Join Texas Paddling Trails Network

    tpwdnews
    17 May 2013 | 9:31 am
    ---Quote (Originally by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)--- MORGAN'S POINT - Three paddling trails on Lake Belton will be joining 52 other inland and coastal trails as official Texas Paddling Trails through an initiative launched in 1998 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. ---End... - WildTexas.com

  • 05-16 | Texas Parks and Wildlife Creates New Marine Investigations Uni

    tpwdnews
    16 May 2013 | 11:16 am
    ---Quote (Originally by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)--- AUSTIN - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Law Enforcement Division has formed a new Marine Investigations Unit made up of Texas game wardens who will work to combat boat theft, personal watercraft theft and related fraud. ---End... - WildTexas.com

  • 05-16 | 35 Miles of Brazos River Now Part of TPWD's Texas Paddling Tra

    tpwdnews
    16 May 2013 | 10:14 am
    ---Quote (Originally by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)--- BRAZORIA COUNTY - Four new paddling trail segments on the Brazos River comprising the Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail have recently been added as official Texas Paddling Trails. ---End Quote--- :: TPWD news release republished with... - WildTexas.com

  • 05-15 | National Trails Day to be Celebrated on June 1

    tpwdnews
    15 May 2013 | 10:06 am
    ---Quote (Originally by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)--- AUSTIN - Celebrate the 21st annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1 by lacing up some sturdy shoes, grabbing a hiking stick and heading to a Texas State Park near you to join a guided hiking tour or hit the trails on your own.... - WildTexas.com

  • 05-15 | Public Hunter Bags New Texas State Record Alligator

    tpwdnews
    15 May 2013 | 8:15 am
    ---Quote (Originally by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)--- AUSTIN - A young hunter who grew up with a fascination about dinosaurs and a dream of hunting what some call "living dinosaurs" has harvested the largest alligator ever certified in Texas. Braxton Bielski, an 18-year-old high school... - WildTexas.com
 
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    BootsnAll Travel Articles

  • Cheap Eats in New York City

    admin
    21 May 2013 | 1:03 am
    New York City. A place known for its diverse cultural mix, its rich arts scene, its amazing shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the world. While New York is one of the most highly visited city in the world, it's also known for its high cost of living.People visiting NYC on a budget often arrive with the expectation that they will spend their holiday eating nothing but street hot dogs and bagels. Not that street hot dogs and bagels aren't delicious - quite the opposite actually, they are a quintessential part of the NYC experience; however, it is a common misconception that you can't…

  • What Couchsurfing Meant to Me

    admin
    20 May 2013 | 1:03 am
    Editor's note: There has been a lot of talk lately about the state of Couchsurfing. BootsnAll has published two articles in the past few weeks, The End of a Dream: Couchsurfing's Fall, and Re-Realizing the Dream: How to "Fix" Couchsurfing. Both articles have generated a lot of discussion, both good and bad. Brooke Allen, author of the article below, is a long time Couchsurfer who has studied what made an organization like Couchsurfing and an event like Burning Man work. There will be four parts to this series:1. The Good - What Couchsurfing meant to me (and so many others). 2. The…

  • Re-realizing the Dream: How to “Fix” Couchsurfing

    admin
    16 May 2013 | 1:03 am
    Editor's note: Last week we published an article titled The End of a Dream: Couchsurfing's Fall, which generated hundreds of comments and over 5000 Facebook likes. It's clear based on the comments that a great deal of passion exists when it comes to the Couchsurfing community, both those frustrated with the current state of the organization and those who still feel it offers a service that no one else can match. Nithin Coca, the author of the original article, came across to some as "giving up" on Couchsurfing. Quite the contrary, as he would love nothing more than to see the community he…

  • Worldwide University Programs in Ecotourism

    admin
    16 May 2013 | 1:02 am
    Our “Sustainable Travel“ series is sponsored by Global Basecamps.  Global Basecamps is specialty travel company that helps independent travelers research and book locally owned boutique hotels, off-the-beaten path lodges and multi-day excursions all over the world. Whether hiking the Inca Trail, experiencing a traditional Japanese Ryokan, or relaxing on the beaches of Thailand, Global Basecamps specializes in designing completely customized itineraries to meet each travelers specific priorities and match their travel style.Ecotourism has become a hot buzz word for caring about the…

  • In Defense of Multi-Generational Travel

    admin
    15 May 2013 | 1:03 am
    Jenn Miller has been on the road with her husband and four children for over five years and is well versed in all aspects of long-term travel. Each week Jenn will bring a unique insight into extended travel, touching on topics ranging from inspirational articles to practical trip planning to family travel to education on the road to interviews with interesting people she's met along the way.They say you don’t really know a person until you travel together. In my experience, that’s very true, or at least, you come to know people in a new way when you travel together. There is something…
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    Travel Blissful

  • Can’t Miss Concert Venues in Chicago

    Erica Johansson
    20 May 2013 | 6:03 am
    Chicago Theater. CC Image by Matt Ephraim (Flickr). By DANIEL HOGAN While not traditionally considered a live music mecca like Austin or New Orleans, Chicago’s concert scene is a thriving one, with the city having produced some of the biggest names in music these days. Not only are hip-hop superstars Kanye West, R. Kelly, and Lupe Fiasco from Chicago, but the Windy City has also generated bands such as Wilco, Fall Out Boy, and acclaimed solo artist Andrew Bird. The key to any live music scene is knowing where to go, especially with so many options to see concerts in Chicago. Consider this a…

  • Soundtracks for the Nile River Cruise and Other Travels

    Erica Johansson
    17 May 2013 | 4:13 am
    Views along the River Nile. CC Image by Michael Gwyther-Jones (Flickr). “It’s just gone noon, half-past monsoon on the banks of the river Nile.” As the wind sweeps across the deck of the Beni Suif and my laptop looks set to wind down in an electrical storm, the opening lines of “Night Boat to Cairo” by Madness bounce out of my headphones. “Here comes the boat only half-afloat, oarsman grins a toothless smile.” The music I’d chosen to listen to onboard my Nile river cruise seemed eerily appropriate. But then I’m always doing that, trying to create the soundtrack to my…

  • Have an Aircraft? Travel in Style

    Erica Johansson
    16 May 2013 | 3:30 am
    Another Citation X. CC Image by Kevin Boydston (Flickr). You and your family want to go out of town to visit your relatives. It is a toss-up between taking the plane or driving cross-country. The kids want to ride the plane. The wife wants to go driving. However, you just bought a small aircraft last year and you are raring to take it for a spin. Majority wins. Why Drive When You can Fly? There are a lot of advantages of taking the plane instead of the car to reach your destination. You might have a sports car but nothing beats an aircraft. Here are a few to name some. Faster travelling time.

  • Top Sights to See in Munich

    Erica Johansson
    15 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    Munich Cityscape. CC Image by John Morgan (Flickr). Being one of the most visited cities in Europe, Munich is filled with a wide range of activities and sights to see. Not just the amount of things to do, Munich is brilliant for the fact that many of its attractions are based in the centre of the Old Town, and as such means visitors can stroll from one land mark to the next. These are some of the best sights to see in the city. Marienplatz Situated in the heart of the city, Marienplatz consists of a central square surrounded by old and beautiful buildings, churches and landmarks. Visitors to…

  • Planning the Family Vacation of a Lifetime

    Erica Johansson
    14 May 2013 | 5:53 am
    Skydeck Chicago Willis Tower Family (Sears Tower). CC Image by FamilyTravelCK (Flickr). Planning a family vacation can take a bit of time, and there are steps you can and should take to ensure that you and yours will have a great one, provided you plan things adequately. This article goes through some of the preliminary steps you should take to guarantee that you and your partner will have a stress-free and satisfying holiday with your kids. Think about alternative methods of travel The first thing that comes to mind when considering a holiday with your family is probably the cost of buying…
 
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    Stuck in Customs

  • And on the way to Paradise…

    Trey Ratcliff
    20 May 2013 | 10:01 pm
    Another international trip Since I’m in the middle of yet another international trip, I thought I would share this video I made on a previous one – you may remember this! There’s also a making-of on YouTube as well that you may enjoy. Daily Photo – And on the way to Paradise… On the way to Paradise, New Zealand is Glenorchy. Be sure to stop here and take a walk around their new boardwalks that go out through the wetlands. You better set aside 2-4 hours, like all the “little” walks around here! Some days have the water at a pretty high level, and you…

  • Tom with the Horse

    Trey Ratcliff
    19 May 2013 | 10:01 pm
    Mid-day Update – Flickr News 1 TB free? I saw that Flickr is now giving 1 TB of storage of hi-res photos to ALL users. Wow that’s kind of an insanely high number! I’m not sure how existing pros account holders (like me) think about this, but they get grandfathered into infinite, which is a lot more that 1 TB, so that is nice. The new re-design looks nice too. Here’s my Flickr page. I wonder if they are making this move because it “sounds” good when they know that the vast majority of users will never use that much data. So, it may not be that much of a…

  • HDR with Google Glass

    Trey Ratcliff
    19 May 2013 | 1:00 am
    On This Week in Tech Today I’ll be on with Leo Laporte, Om Malik, and Dwight Silverman today (Sunday) at 3 PM PT, 6 PM ET. You can watch live at http://live.twit.tv/ . If you’re around Petaluma and want to say hi, stop by! I’ll be sharing some new photos from travels and the Glass. We’ll probably also talk about stuff from Google I/O and other random tech geeky awesome stuff… HDR with Google Glass? I think I figured something cool out, although it is an absolute hack. But, that’s okay. I mean, if you can get the light, then you get the light. If you think…

  • A Tropical Sunset

    Trey Ratcliff
    17 May 2013 | 10:01 pm
    New Speech at SmugMug I’ve been using SmugMug for years (see my SmugMug Review!) – and they invited me up to give a talk. Since I’ve given many hardcore tech-talks, I decided this time to tell a few traumatic and embarrassing stories about when I was growing up and how I ended up in the world of photography… Daily Photo – A Tropical Sunset I did a lot of snorkeling out in that bay. This whole area of Virgin Gorda is called The Baths, and it has some of the best beaches in the world. There are basically no waves of any consequence. So, if you’re just…

  • Bathwater Warm Pool at Sunset

    Trey Ratcliff
    16 May 2013 | 10:01 pm
    This is embarrassing I believe this French newspaper article is speculating that Google Glass is too geeky for the public, and they chose to put my photo right next to a naked Robert Scoble in the shower. This may be a new internet-low for me… not sure where the link is! Daily Photo – Bathwater Warm Pool at Sunset I didn’t actually get in this water, but I was imagining that this was exactly the same as my body temperature. It just kinda looks like that, doesn’t it? I took this photo at the Disney resort on Oahu. I didn’t even stay here… just stopped by for…
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    We Blog The World

  • 10 Indie San Francisco Bookstores You Should Visit Rain or Come Shine…

    Renee Blodgett
    21 May 2013 | 11:21 am
    I had an interesting but sad experience today, a reminder that despite hometown bookstores hanging on and still existing in the major cities, times are ‘a’ changing. In a search for travel books on Iceland, I came up short on a recent hunt in and around San Francisco’s Union Square. After a meeting I had in the center, I asked eight people back-to-back, on the street and in nearby shops, where the closest bookstore was. They all seemed to look at me as if I was asking where I might find a place to buy cassette tapes. One girl in her twenties with a black polka dot dress on…

  • Discovering the Local Drink of Choice from Around the World

    Jessica Festa
    20 May 2013 | 6:12 pm
    One of my favorite ways to get to know a culture is through their national and regional drinks. Here, I share some of my favorite libations from around the world, so you can bring them from abroad to your home. Caipirinha - Brazil Literally translated, caipirinha translates to “country bumpkin”, although people of all classes drink this popular cocktail. Interestingly, it was originally made for medicinal purposes. In a Brazilian caipirinha, the main ingredient is Cachaça, which was once prescribed with honey and lime to cure colds and sore throats. To make it, you’ll need: 1/2 lime,…

  • Cocoon’s GRID-IT! Organization System So You Know What’s Where On The Road

    Renee Blodgett
    20 May 2013 | 4:37 pm
    Cocoon’s GRID-IT!, is a patent-pending organization system that helps you stay organized when you’re on the road. It is now available in stunning aluminum, with a protective, rubber rim. The new aluminum GRID-IT! has two sides, giving you twice as much storage capacity for your chargers, devices, and accessories. GRID-IT!’s unique weave of rubberized elastic straps and new, sturdy design will hold all of your personal effects firmly in place to help you nuke that clutter inside your bag. There are various sizes and they range in price from $24.99 to $49.99. The organizer also…

  • Bordeaux’s Almost Forgotten Food Scene

    Andrea Spirov
    20 May 2013 | 3:15 pm
    Aside from being France’s wine capital, Bordeaux is also a premier gourmet city. We found so many restaurants on offer that it was difficult to choose. Not to mention the fine food shops and gourmet staples like canelé cakes, lamb, oysters, foie gras and cured meat. It’s just as easy to get excited about the food in Bordeaux as it is the regional wines. Here’s a quick guide on where to eat well in Bordeaux (it won’t be difficult!)   … Read more...

  • Wet Your Whistle at The World’s Only Ski-In Whiskey Distillery

    Jessica Festa
    20 May 2013 | 1:30 pm
    While there are many places to enjoy apres ski in Park City, Utah, High West Distillery and Saloon takes the idea to a whole different level. In fact, the establishment is the world’s first and only ski-in gastro distillery. Built in 1914, the two-story Victorian style pyramid house was originally a livery stable used to service the workhorses that pulled heavy ore carts to the mines. This is where the distillery’s logo comes from, an old horseshoe found during renovation. After being a stable, it turned into a garage business until 1942. And despite the burning down of the nearby Silver…
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    Business Travel Destinations

  • Orbitz Survey Names Cancun the #1 International Destination for Summer Travel

    Business Travel Destinations
    20 May 2013 | 8:46 am
    Tweet 08/05/2013Orbitz Survey Names Cancun the #1 International Destination for Summer Travel All signs point to a glorious summer season as Cancun is named the top international destination for summer travel by Orbitz. Orbitz Summer Travel Insider Index analyzed air and hotel booking data from Orbitz.com and picked the 10 most popular summer destinations. Cancun was ranked number three behind Orlando and Las Vegas and was the only international destination named. Smith Travel Research (STR,) an American based company that tracks supply and demand data for the global hotel industry, also…

  • Orbitz Survey Names Cancun the #1 International Destination for Summer Travel

    Business Travel Destinations
    20 May 2013 | 8:46 am
    Tweet 08/05/2013Orbitz Survey Names Cancun the #1 International Destination for Summer Travel All signs point to a glorious summer season as Cancun is named the top international destination for summer travel by Orbitz. Orbitz Summer Travel Insider Index analyzed air and hotel booking data from Orbitz.com and picked the 10 most popular summer destinations. Cancun was ranked number three behind Orlando and Las Vegas and was the only international destination named. Smith Travel Research (STR,) an American based company that tracks supply and demand data for the global hotel industry, also…

  • Balling on a Budget: A Guide to Wallet-Friendly Lunch Spots in Downtown Chicago

    Business Travel Destinations
    20 May 2013 | 2:46 am
    Grabbing a bite for lunch downtown doesn’t have to be costly. In fact, if you do it right it can be downright cheap. Save your travel budget for extravagant dinners and Michigan Avenue shopping by eating at these reasonably priced (and incredibly delicious) lunch spots that cost about $10 to $12 a person. Slurping Turtle (116 W. Hubbard St.) Slurping Turtle is chef Takashi Yagihashi’s funky ramen joint, but you’ll find more than excellent bowls of noodles. The menu includes grilled skewers of meat and seafood, small bites like gyoza and fried Brussels sprouts, and rice…

  • MUTEK, International Festival of Digital Creativity and Electronic Music

    Business Travel Destinations
    18 May 2013 | 8:43 pm
    April 12, 2013 ─ Spring forward into an event that highlights emerging electronic music and digital creativity. Montréal’s MUTEK festival takes place from May 29 to June 3, 2013. For this 14th edition, MUTEK dominates the Quartier des spectacles once again, with events and performances at a variety of venues in the neighbourhood, including the SAT (Society for Arts and Technology), the Monument-National, and the new Maison symphonique de Montréal, Montréal’s latest architectural wonder. Other sites include the Metropolis, a longstanding festival collaborator, and Parc…

  • Seattlites Find Family History in Sligo

    Business Travel Destinations
    18 May 2013 | 8:43 am
    Michelle Duffy is the multitasking writer behind the brilliant Wander Mom blog, where she writes about the joys of travelling with children. Born in Dublin and living in Seattle, she recently brought her children to Ireland for a holiday lesson about their heritage. This is their story. Michelle and her family Growing up in Ireland I didn’t think about my family’s history or roots at all. It just wasn’t important. My parents regularly took my siblings and me to visit our grandparents in Sligo and Galway and I knew in a background, “who cares?” kind of way that my family had probably…
 
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    A Postcard a Day

  • Sauna in Finland

    19 May 2013 | 2:31 pm
    I had to go back quite a long way to find stamps from Finland.  Once upon a time I could depend on receiving cards from Finland almost every week but now they are something of a rarity.  But I am delighted to be able to show this themed card and stamp from 2009. According to the sender, the card and stamp rove that Finnish people are maniacs as far as saunas are concerned.  There is a sauna in every home and they are used at least once a week.  As she was writing her own sauna was heating, ready to welcome her family. A post about stamps from Finland wouldn't be…

  • Youth organisations

    12 May 2013 | 6:37 am
    From 1982, a set of stamps as shown on PHQ (Postal HeadQuarters) stamp cards, depicting youth organisations.  The upper ones are the Girls' Brigade and Boys' Brigade, the lower ones Guides/Brownies and Scouts/Cubs.  I believe all these organisations have changed fairly radically since 1982 in an effort to remain relevant with the changing times. This is a post for Sunday Stamps, run by Viridian. To join in just click on the button and visit her blog.

  • Map and stamps from China

    5 May 2013 | 12:57 am
    I've been trying to look through all my map cards - I have a LOT of them - but can't find any others of China.  I'm almost certain this is the first one I have been sent that is a map of a part of China, sent from China.  It is the Shichai district of Beijing, popular with tourists because of the three lakes and an abundance of temples and residences. It came with equally wonderful stamps.  The problem I have with Chinese stamps is that I frequently can't tell what they represent though they are almost always very beautiful.  This time, though, I do recognise…

  • Bring forth May flowers

    3 May 2013 | 2:50 pm
    I was looking for flowery postcards for this Postcard Friendship Friday entry and discovered quite a number of them and the majority, like this one, from the Netherlands.  I don't list flowers among my preferences but in this case at least it probably comes under the art banner. It's once of Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies, the Lilac Fairy.  It was a good choice by the sender because I've always loved lilac.  I had a constant battle with my father during May because he believed having lilac indoors would bring bad luck but as soon as I had my own garden with a lilac tree I…

  • Early steps

    26 Apr 2013 | 8:45 am
    This lovely picture of a little girl negotiating a curving staircase has long been in my list of favourites, and fortunately for me, someone noticed and sent it to me from Lithuania. It is yet another from the Photo Fabrique postcard publishers, from their series "Genres", titled "Up the stairs".  It could of course be down the stairs. :) This is a post for Postcard Friendship Friday hosted on Beth Niquette's blog, The Best Hearts are Crunchy.  Just click on the button to visit and join in.
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    Travelojos

  • 3 Amazing Locations for a Family Holiday

    admin
    6 May 2013 | 12:21 am
    Beach on Grand Cayman by Poco a poco (Creative Commons) Marrakech Located at the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is an extra ordinary City with intriguing charms, interesting places to visit and diverse culture. This makes it a favorable location for a fun filled family holiday as there is something exciting for every member of the family. You can take your family to the beautiful palaces and monuments, be amazed by the beauty of the Bahia Palace, so dazzling with astonishing floor to ceiling decorations. This is not surprising, as “Bahai” literally means beauty. At Palais El Badi, check out…

  • Ibiza Luxury Holiday

    admin
    4 May 2013 | 9:04 pm
    Every now and then we all need some pampering time. It’s difficult to find time for relaxation while dealing with all the hassle of work, financial difficulties and general stress. The best thing you can do is to book a trip to a dream holiday destination and to find an all-inclusive resort that will bring the world at your feet. An all-inclusive is the perfect way to charge your batteries to the fullest and come back home fresher than ever! Ibiza (creative commons) You’ve probably heard about Ibiza, the world’s most famous party zone. This is partly true because even though you can…

  • 5 Factors to Consider for a Happy Holiday

    admin
    3 May 2013 | 1:33 am
    Plane tickets (creative commons) Proper flight arrangements Getting a good flight is the first step to ensuring that your holiday experience starts well. With today’s airlines, the holiday doesn’t start on landing, it starts the minute you board. Planning well ahead of time allows you to save big on your flight, and maybe even bag an upgrade in the process. You avoid getting those uncomfortable seats next, or filling up those miserable airlines. It is always cheaper to book ahead of time, so get this done early. The saved pounds can be used up ahead to make your experience even better.

  • Short hops from London

    admin
    3 May 2013 | 12:20 am
    Porto Santo Beach, Portugal by Joao Maximo (Creative Commons) Spring has made a reluctant appearance in the UK, after dragging its feet for what seems to be the longest time. Even now we’re still in our coats, so it’s no wonder that lots of people are trying to escape the long chill or 2013 by escaping to warmer climes for the weekend. Here are a few ideas for a few days’ mini break: South of France The Mediterranean, the Riviera, the wine regions and historic cities and buildings are all great reasons to go to the South of France, not to mention the warmer weather. Several hundred…

  • Melbourne – the most liveable city in the world

    admin
    29 Apr 2013 | 8:49 pm
    Melbourne by dushy.k via Flickr (creative commons) If Australia is on your travel plans, or if you live nearby and have never visited, the capital city of Melbourne is somewhere you simply must go. Of course, to get here, you may need to take a flight, and you are definitely going to want to get the least expensive flight you can, so check out Cheapflights. But once you’re here, what are some of the best things to do in and around Melbourne? Buckle up for the whirlwind tour, mate. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex The Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex is a one-stop shop for…
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    Chris Around The World: Your Guide to Value Luxury Vacations

  • Anchors Away! My New Full-Time Job at Cruise Critic

    Chris
    17 May 2013 | 12:16 am
    As we sat on our ship’s outside veranda, passing the wooden homes and onion-domed churches of the Russian countryside along the Volga River, my husband let out a happy sigh. “I LIKE cruising,” he declared, taking another sip from his wine. Well, that’s a good thing.  Because I’m thrilled to announce that as of July [...]Anchors Away! My New Full-Time Job at Cruise Critic is a post from: Chris Around The World: A Journalist's Travels on the Road

  • March 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper: Half Moon Caye, Belize

    Chris
    3 Mar 2013 | 11:29 am
    This is the March 2013 offering for our desktop calendar series - always free and available for iPad too! Get your March 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper! I took this photo at Half Moon Caye, a natural monument located at the southern end of the  Lighthouse Reef atoll in Belize. You couldn’t ask for a better desert island than this: [...]March 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper: Half Moon Caye, Belize is a post from: Chris Around The World: A Journalist's Travels on the Road

  • February 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper: Water Lily Pond, Hawaii

    Don Faust
    1 Feb 2013 | 7:45 am
    This is the February 2013 offering for our desktop calendar series - always free and available for iPad too! Get your February 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper!  I took this photo of a water lily pond at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay. We were on Lanai because Chris had been invited to participate in the island’s  inaugural New [...]February 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper: Water Lily Pond, Hawaii is a post from: Chris Around The World: A Journalist's Travels on the Road

  • 2013 Travel Trends, from ETC ’13

    Chris
    27 Jan 2013 | 3:02 am
    I spent this weekend at the annual conference put on by the Educational Travel Community (ETC), a place where tour operators and destinations can connect with universities and other entities that offer learning vacations for their alumni. If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen trips like this advertised in the back of your alumni magazine. This conference [...]2013 Travel Trends, from ETC ’13 is a post from: Chris Around The World: A Journalist's Travels on the Road

  • January 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper: Pacific Rim National Park

    Chris
    1 Jan 2013 | 8:08 pm
    Happy 2013! We’ve decided to continue our free desktop calendar series  for another year. It gives my husband Don a chance to show off the wonderful photography that he does in his spare time (and my shots aren’t so bad either). Get your January 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper!  We took this photo, from the Rainforest hiking [...]January 2013 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper: Pacific Rim National Park is a post from: Chris Around The World: A Journalist's Travels on the Road
 
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    The Q Family Adventures Travel Blog

  • Tell Your Travel Stories with Disney Story App

    Amy Querido
    17 May 2013 | 1:22 pm
      During Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2013, I learned about recently released new iPhone app from Disney called ‘Story’. And I can’t wait to share with everyone about... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Disney with Kids: Visiting the New Fantasyland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom

    Amy Querido
    10 May 2013 | 11:30 pm
      If you haven’t noticed already, you will pretty soon realize that we love to visit Disney with kids. It’s such a magical place to visit and every time we always discover something... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • DC Itinerary Planning: 5 Days in Washington DC with Young Kids

    Amy Querido
    20 Mar 2013 | 12:02 pm
    One of the aspect of vacation planning for our family is hours I spent reading, researching and agonizing over our itinerary planning. Just because we have a list of things to do in the destination... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Fun Things to Do in DC for School-age Kids

    Amy Querido
    19 Mar 2013 | 7:55 am
    Finding family friendly things to do in DC with kids is easy. But choosing what your family can fit into your schedule and limited vacation time is extremely hard. We have been to Washington DC with... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Tenerife Getaways: The Benefits of Package Holidays

    Amy Querido
    4 Mar 2013 | 6:05 am
    The trend of the staycation is well and truly done and dusted. Everyone is reaching for the holiday brochure and looking online at holidays oversees, wondering what is the most cost efficient way to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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    Travelanthropist

  • 12 Free California Road Trip Itineraries

    travelanthropist
    21 May 2013 | 1:57 pm
    Want to have the perfect family vacation to California without the headache of coming up with the itinerary? In the new California Road Trips, you can follow 12 exclusive itineraries to perfect family vacations...

  • Off The Beaten Path Grand Bahama

    travelanthropist
    4 Apr 2013 | 1:09 pm
    Desiring some sun and relaxation without breaking the bank? Head to the sleepy island of the Grand Bahama, one of islands of The Bahamas. Just a short flight (20-30 minutes) from Miami. The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands...

  • For the Thrill-Seeker: Haunted and Other Themed Hotels

    travelanthropist
    18 Mar 2013 | 2:30 pm
    Looking to stay somewhere interesting and unconventional? Not feeling the conventional alternatives like B&B or inns? Something more thrilling? Do you fancy ghosts, vampires, or werewolves? The supernatural always intrigue some thanks to the movie industry! For the ghost-seekers out there looking for a hotel, perhaps a haunted hotel would be the perfect way to turn supernatural movies into real life!

  • 5 Surprisingly Affordable Destinations

    travelanthropist
    4 Mar 2013 | 1:12 pm
    Moscow is often a mysterious and imposing city for American travelers. The city is also known to have some of the most expensive hotels in the world, but fear not...

  • Cooking Vacations in Morocco

    travelanthropist
    8 Feb 2013 | 1:58 pm
    The best way to get a feel for a country and its culture is through its food. So it is not surprising that culinary tours or cooking vacations are on the rise...and the locations and options are limitless. There are one-day cooking workshops, week long cooking classes and cultural tours, or even a gourmet day tour without cooking.
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    Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog

  • Memorial Day Weekend in St. Louis, Missouri

    Ashley Bennett
    20 May 2013 | 9:40 am
    St. Louis, Missouri is a large metropolitan city with plenty to recommend it. The busy and bustling city has parks, theaters, shops, and sports, making it chock full of things for a visitor to do during a getaway weekend. St. Louis is well known for having a variety of free and low cost things to do in the city. The weekend of Memorial Day is especially busy. The city will be host to several exciting events over the course of the weekend. If you’re looking for a place to spend your Memorial Day weekend, you couldn’t do much better than St. Louis. Read on to find out what’s…

  • May Festivals From Around the World

    Tina Becci
    17 May 2013 | 7:03 am
    The month of May is an excellent time for travel. In many places, spring has begun and the weather is mild, but it’s early enough in the year for travelers to avoid some of the crowds that come along with the summer vacation season. If you’re looking for something to celebrate, the month of May offers a number of festivals and celebrations in many parts of the world. You’re probably already familiar with well-known festivals like May Day and Cinco de Mayo, but those are just the tip of the iceberg. Read about a few of the interesting and exciting festivals happening around…

  • Norwegian Breakaway Sets Sail out of New York

    Burt Brage
    16 May 2013 | 10:00 am
    Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was christened by the legendary Rockettes® during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” hosted the highly anticipated ceremony. “The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway—the largest cruise ship to homeport in Manhattan—is another proof point of the growth and success of New York City’s $200 million cruise sector, a cornerstone of the City’s $55 billion tourism industry,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Throughout the christening…

  • Kayak.com Announces Summer 2013 Travel Trends

    Tina Becci
    15 May 2013 | 8:23 am
    Kayak.com, a discount travel site, recently posted the results of an analysis of searches performed by the site’s users. Have you been wondering where everyone else will be traveling this summer? Whether you want to follow the crowds or avoid them, the information might be useful, and is sure to be interesting. Here are some of the summer 2013 travel trends that Kayak.com is expecting based on searches:   Nashville, Tennessee, is super popular among Memorial Day travelers. According to the site, there has been a 42 percent increase among those traveling to the Music City. Other popular…

  • Choosing the Best Airline

    Burt Brage
    13 May 2013 | 7:20 am
    Choosing an airline is one of the most important preparations you can make when you’re getting ready to take a trip. The experience that you have just getting to your destination can set the tone for your whole vacation, and you’ll want that tone to be a good one. Long flight delays, cancellations or lost luggage can put a real damper on your plans. And the trip home is just as important: You’ll want to be assured of getting home in a timely manner with all your suitcases intact, especially if you’re going back to work or will have other obligations to meet upon your…
 
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    TRAVEL BLOG

  • May 12, Lugares Turisticos de Chile

    12 May 2013 | 4:18 am
    La lista de lugares turisticos de Chile incluye una vasta y variada gama de maravillas naturales y sitios de interes. Entre todas ellas, una reciente votacion de sus ciudadanos determino las principales siete...

  • May 7, Places to Visit in Chile

    7 May 2013 | 2:40 am
    Let's review top places to visit in Chile, the country's seven wonders voted by Chilean nationals in 2010. The list includes some of the most unique and spectacular sights in South America...

  • May 4, Sights and Sounds of Cartagena and Santa Marta

    4 May 2013 | 4:07 am
    Through Sights and Sounds of Cartagena and Santa Marta, Andres Ong brings his own vision on Colombia tourism and lists the top attractions to include when you are ready to explore the country...

  • May 1, Cartagena de Indias

    1 May 2013 | 10:43 am
    Cuando visites Cartagena de Indias vas a descubrir no solo una maravilla de arquitectura militar sino tambien el casco colonial antiguo (ciudad amurallada) mas hermoso de America Latina...

  • Apr 28, Lugares Turisticos de Colombia

    28 Apr 2013 | 4:54 am
    La variedad de lugares turisticos de Colombia es inmensa, sin embargo, no debes preocuparte en hacer la seleccion de los mas relevantes. En 2007, los ciudadanos Colombianos votaron para elegir las siete maravillas principales y aqui te contamos acerca de todas ellas...
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    Wild Junket

  • Introducing Our New Travel Companion: KEEN CNX Shoes (And a Giveaway!)

    Nellie Huang
    20 May 2013 | 10:00 am
    Because of the active nature of our travels, we’re always out and about wherever we go – whether in the water scrambling on rocky river beds or out on land climbing steep slopes. We realized we needed hybrid outdoor footwear that can withstand such rugged conditions and protect our feet at the same time. While we’ve always traveled with our sturdy hiking boots and waterproof sandals, they weigh a ton and are a nuisance to travel with, which means we have to travel with more baggage than we really want to. So we’re really excited to get our hands on the new CNX collection…

  • WildJunket Magazine Summer 2013 Issue Out Now!

    Nellie Huang
    20 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    The temperature is rising once again as summer quickly approaches, so to help you plan your jaunts for this summer, we’ve packed a flurry of travel stories from islands far and wide for you in this summer edition! As we announced in our last issue, WildJunket Magazine is now available for FREE on our new site:  www.wildjunketmagazine.com. Each of our new issue can be accessed online, whether from your PC, iPad or Android device. If you would like to download the issues as PDFs, you can go straight to our issues page and purchase them for US$2,99 each. In This Issue This issue kicks off…

  • A Reality Check: Our Worst Travel Mishaps

    Alberto Molero
    16 May 2013 | 7:22 am
    As professional travel writers and bloggers, we are full-time travelers and we are on the road most of the time — and with all that experience, you would think that we’ve gotten the hang of travel by now. The reality is quite the opposite: we are probably some of the worst travelers you’ll ever meet. Over the past few years, we’ve missed so many flights that we can’t keep count and we’ve lost our belongings again and again. Whatever travel nightmare you can think of, we’ve experienced it. Despite it all, we still love traveling as much as we did on day…

  • The Rooftop of Maui — Haleakala Volcano Crater

    Nellie Huang
    15 May 2013 | 7:11 pm
    Rising above the island of Maui is the gentle giant, Haleakala Volcano. Standing at 10,023 feet (3,055 m) above sea level, it covers almost 75% of the island. While it’s no longer active, it remains a sacred spot for the native Hawaiians, and one of the most visited sights on Maui. According to Hawaiian folklore, the demigod Maui went to the top of the volcano and captured the sun, agreeing to release it only if it promised to move more slowly across the sky so that the island could have more daylight. The sun agreed, thereby giving the volcano summit approximately 15 minutes more…

  • Video: Paragliding Above Maui

    Nellie Huang
    14 May 2013 | 1:38 pm
    With big strides and arms swinging, I’m running as fast as I can. A huge force is pulling me from behind, but I ignore it and push myself forward and continue running. Within seconds, my feet are off the ground — and we are airborne. I stretch both my hands out, to feel the wind between my fingers. This must be flying like a bird feels like. The green pasture, trees, and cows are now beneath my feet, fading further and further into the distance as we float higher and higher into the sky. The early morning breeze is whipping my face, but I’m too distracted by the view before…
 
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    South Africa Travel News

  • Win a 2 Night Experience at Shamwari Game Reserve

    The SA-Venues Team
    21 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    Send to KindleShamwari Game Reserve WIN a 2-night stay at the Shamwari Game Reserve, which you’ll find halfway between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.  The reserve offers the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort with responsible tourism. The reserve itself is home to five eco-systems which offers support and sustainability to a variety of plant, animal and bird life. In keeping with its conservation policy, Shamwari has a complete wildlife...

  • Wine Tasting in Breedekloof

    The SA-Venues Team
    21 May 2013 | 12:00 am
    Send to KindleView from Jason’s Hill An old school friend is a doctor and her and her hubby live and work in Worcester. My school friends and I have been threatening to visit for ages and eventually we got all our schedules to coincide for a weekend away. Debs had arranged a full day for the Saturday and organised her hubby to be the designated driver (brave man) while we all went wine tasting at various Breedekloof Estates. The Breedekloof area extends from Bainskloof to the surrounds...

  • Health and Wellness in the Magaliesberg

    The SA-Venues Team
    20 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    Send to KindleRelax at Sparkling Waters The Magaliesberg Mountain Range is a place of unrivalled beauty and unique abundance. This makes it the perfect escape for city slickers that need a break. Living and working in an urban area becomes enormously stressful, taxing the body of its natural, healthful resources. Without investing time in your body and mind, you can soon burn out. For this reason, it is essential to seek solace and real relaxation on a regular basis. The Magaliesberg...

  • Two Olives Restaurant in Port Elizabeth – a review

    The SA-Venues Team
    20 May 2013 | 1:15 am
    Send to Kindle The Two Olives Restaurant is an authentic culinary experience, immersing diners in the basic pleasures of enjoying excellent quality, coupled with flavours that are worthy of a few audible sighs. Situated in the food Mecca of Stanley Street in Richmond Hill, it is at the very heart of the ‘who’s who’ and ‘what’s what’ of the Friendly City. The menu is a delight to explore. Even simple sounding dishes are presented beautifully and taste heavenly. The tapas options are a great way...

  • I ♥ Somerset West Because …

    The SA-Venues Team
    17 May 2013 | 2:15 am
    Send to KindleI ♥ Somerset West Hi, I’m Joerg Streibing from Somerset Villa Guesthouse in Somerset West. Somerset West IS BEST KNOWN FOR for the fantastic accommodation places, value for money and diversity. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Vergelegen Estate,The gardens are one of the most beautiful in the Western Cape, the Estate had a lot of Head of States and member of the Royal families visiting. Walk along where Nelson Mandela walked. Get a picture taken under one of the unique trees. THE...
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    Velvet Escape

  • Discovering the magic of South Africa in Parys

    Keith Jenkins
    15 May 2013 | 5:01 am
    It was our third day in South Africa and we were on our way from Pilanesberg National Park to Parys, a small town southwest of Johannesberg. Parys is Afrikaans for Paris. “I bet it even has its own Eiffel Tower”, I joked. To my surprise, Kate, our South Africa Tourism host, turned around and said, “yes, as a matter of fact, it does!”. We had a good laugh about it while my mind churned out all sorts of less-than-flattering adjectives. It was a long drive and thanks to our wifi-equipped van, we started tweeting about our visit. Kate sent a tweet asking for suggestions…

  • Can’t wait to #MeetSouthAfrica

    Keith Jenkins
    2 May 2013 | 5:53 am
    This week sees me heading to South Africa! Woohoo! I’m really excited about this trip as I’ll be joining 15 other international travel bloggers on what is touted as the biggest travel blogger trip in African history! The bloggers will be split into four groups, each exploring a different part of the country, and we’ll all meet in Durban next week for a travel blogger day on the sidelines of INDABA, Africa’s largest travel trade fair. This trip, #MeetSouthAfrica, is a collaboration between iambassador and South Africa Tourism. Who can say no to arguably one of the…

  • Velvet Moments: travel photo – a moment in Avignon

    Keith Jenkins
    1 May 2013 | 2:05 pm
    It was a beautiful sunny day in Avignon and I’d just arrived. There are so many things to see and do in this historic town in the Provence but I decided to take it easy – there was sufficient time to explore the town and visit the main attractions. I headed straight to the Place de l’Horloge, the town’s main square, grabbed a chair at one of the terraces, leaned back with a glass of wine and took in the atmosphere. I looked at the text on the table and smiled. That’s exactly what I intended to do! Velvet Moments: travel photo – a moment in Avignon is a post…

  • Chilling in Rio

    Keith Jenkins
    24 Apr 2013 | 10:56 am
    Me and Melvin at the viewing deck of the Christ Statue, Corcovado. I LOVE RIO! Who wouldn’t? It surely is one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Hemmed in between a huge bay, the Atlantic Ocean and a mountainous interior, Rio de Janeiro boasts some of the most famous attractions anywhere, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue atop the Corcovado mountain, the Sugar Loaf mountain and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. I visited Rio for the first time in 2000 and fell in love with the city in an instant. I promised myself that I would one day return, and last week, I did…

  • Babylonstoren – a heavenly Cape Dutch wine farm

    Keith Jenkins
    17 Apr 2013 | 4:46 am
    Babylonstoren A special guest post by Lezaan Roos. Don’t ask me to compare Babylonstoren with other Cape Dutch farms. That would be tricky. For starters, it produces wine – a feature typical of estates. It offers a variety of unique food experiences, which could put it firmly in the restaurant category. It has a hotel, it’s a working farm – and at that farm’s heart, one of the most spectacular gardens the region has ever seen. Want even more? It has one of the best preserved farm yards (200 hectares) in the Cape Dutch tradition, dating back to the founding of the…
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    Paddy in the Big Apple

  • Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur

    5 May 2013 | 9:30 pm
    KL is a food lovers paradise with a fusion of multiple Asian cuisines, Indian, Chinese, Thai to name a few but Malaysia has stamped it's own twist on these classics. The Petronas towers are the most infamous landmarks and the city has an average temperature of 30C/90F year round. Shopping is a serious past time for those seeking to escape the heat with 60 large malls. The food courts in the malls are excellent in terms of quality and value and a far cry from the deep fried crap served up in Western malls . . Tags: ..Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur If you like what you've read, why not…

  • The many faces of Singapore

    30 Apr 2013 | 9:30 pm
    I've been on several trips to Singapore and was never disappointed. It has an interesting mix of East meets West with sightseeing, business, expat party life, diverse ethnic people / food, shopping and bizarre pampering. Tags: ..Singapore If you like what you've read, why not subscribe to updates click here

  • Ubud - Indonesia

    26 Apr 2013 | 4:56 pm
    For all the hoopla I had heard about Bali, I have to say I was very disappointed as I mentioned here but luckily not far away is the spiritual center of Ubud which is a tranquil shot of bliss (if such a thing exists). Rice fields, monkey sanctuaries, rain forests, waterfalls are among the highlights. Forget about sleeping in as the local wildlife is buzzing from the wee hours.  Here are some pics and video. Tags: ..Ubud - Indonesia If you like what you've read, why not subscribe to updates click here

  • All aboard the bus..Indonesia Style

    25 Apr 2013 | 7:59 pm
    Travel in Asia can be a little chaotic at the best of times and space is a premium luxury not often afforded to budget travelers.  Case in point, this 3 hour ride in a minivan with official seat capacity for 9 people which at one point had 17 people with luggage. Comfy! Check the video below. Tags: .All aboard the bus.. If you like what you've read, why not subscribe to updates click here

  • Prambanan, Indonesia

    20 Apr 2013 | 2:01 pm
    We visited the impressive 9th century Hindu temple compound (one of the largest in South East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). There was a local school tour where the kids obviously didn't have much interaction with pasty face westerners like us, so we were immediately inundated with requests for photos and felt like celebs for 15 seconds.  There is a night show with dinner and the backdrop of the illuminated temples which is well worth seeing.     Tags: ..Prambanan, Indonesia If you like what you've read, why not subscribe to updates click here
 
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    こんどーの日記

  • 次男！危機一髪！！

    こんどー
    19 May 2013 | 4:33 am
    その日、次男は学校のグラウンドで 友達と遊んでいた。 うんていで遊んでいて 飛び降りようとしたときに事件は 起こった。 次男は水筒をかけたまま 遊んでいたのだ。 次男が飛び降りようとしたその時に 水筒がうんていに引っかかった。 次男は顔から落ちていったのだ。 下が砂場でそこに落ちていれば まだ大した怪我ではなかったかもしれない。 残念なことにうんていの下の方に 鉄の棒があり、次男はそこで 鼻を強打した。…

  • 家族ゲーム面白いですね。

    こんどー
    15 May 2013 | 8:45 am
    嵐の櫻井翔さんの主演で 「家族ゲーム」がはじまりました。 （といってももう５話が放送されましたが・・・＾＾；） 家族ゲームは小説が原作で 松田優作さんが主演した映画や 長渕剛さん主演のドラマが 今までにも発表されています。 私は上記のどれも見たり読んだりして いないので過去の作品と比べることなく 楽しんで見ています。 今日で前半が終わり、 沼田茂之の家庭教師となった 吉本荒野は学校に行かなくなった…

  • 別府旅行　（うみたまご編）

    こんどー
    6 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    うみたまごは高崎山の猿で有名な 高崎山自然動物園のすぐ近くにある。 今回は雨だったのと時間があまり なかったので高崎山自然動物園に 行けなかったのがちょっと心残り。 １３時からセイウチのショーがあったので 館内をちょっと見学してからショーを 見に行った。 テレビで見たことはあったが 目の前でセイウチのパフォーマンスを 見るのは始めてだった。 芸も素晴らしく、ネタ（？）も面白かったので かなり楽しめた。…

  • 別府旅行　（アフリカン・サファリ編２）

    こんどー
    30 Apr 2013 | 9:05 am
    アフリカン・サファリは６つのセクションにわかれている。 キリン、象、ライオンなど動物園でも 見られる動物もたくさんいたが 動物園と違ってアフリカン・サファリでは それらの動物が餌をもらいに 目の前まで来てくれる。 特にライオンが餌をもらいにきたときは バス自体が檻になっているので安全では あるがちょっと怖かった。 出した餌をみんな食べてくれるので 子どもも嬉しかったみたい。 自分の車で回っていると…

  • 別府旅行　（杉乃井ホテル～アフリカン・サファリ１）

    こんどー
    27 Apr 2013 | 6:00 am
    大分は朝から雨だった。 （正確にいうと昨日の夜から降っていたが・・・＾＾； 目が覚めたら妻はもういなかった。 朝風呂に行ったなと思って窓の外を ボォ～～っと眺めていた。 しばらくすると妻が帰ってきたので 私も朝風呂に入ることとする。 昨日入った大展望露天風呂とは違い、 地下一階にあるみどり湯に入る。 せっかく温泉地にきたんだから 何回もはいらないとね。 ３０分ほどゆっくり浸かり、体を温めてから 部屋に戻る。…
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    Pearls of Travel Wisdom

  • Pilot Your Own Lamborghini With Exotic Driving Experience

    Carol Margolis
    21 May 2013 | 6:31 am
    “This car is unlike anything you’ve ever driven,” my instructor said over the roar of a 560 horsepower engine. That could be the understatement of the year. I was driving a Lamborghini Gallardo around the inside track of Daytona International Speedway, and kept saying to myself, “Wow, he’s not kidding.” Of course this didn’t happen by chance. I was there on an invite by Exotic Driving Experience, a company that lets you live out your dreams and get behind the wheel of a Supercar on some of America’s greatest racetracks. Even though I took the…

  • Hyatt House Announces New Offerings and a Very Important Resident (VIR) Program

    Carol Margolis
    20 May 2013 | 11:50 am
    Hyatt announced new guest offerings today for their HYATT house extended stay brand. Very Important Resident (VIR) program: Guests staying 30+ nights will receive personalized perks to make their transition from home to hotel even easier, including complimentary food and laundry credits, a pick-your suite option, VIP welcome amenities and more! The Morning Spread: Complimentary breakfast featuring a made-to-order Omelet Bar, as well as oatmeal, yogurts, fresh fruit and other breakfast goodness. Guests will also find more balanced items, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Hyatt Has…

  • Frequent Flier Miles are Pointless? Heresy!

    Carol Margolis
    20 May 2013 | 7:47 am
    Listened to this recording over the weekend between Marketwatch reporter Kelli Grant and Wall Street Journal’s Gordon Deal discussing the value of frequent flier programs. While they concede that frequent flier programs have value for those who fly, well, frequently, both feel the benefits are very limited for those who fly infrequently. In part, their point is okay but it is also somewhat shortsighted. If you are savvy enough to learn the best ways to accumulate miles – even if you fly only once a year – it is quite easy to earn enough miles to fly at least economy for free on…

  • Anyone Seen My $625K in Gold?

    Carol Margolis
    19 May 2013 | 4:02 pm
    Miami International Airport (MIA) has seen a very high number of bomb scares in recent years but this story caught my attention. Seriously, a shipment of gold valued at $625,000 was received at MIA and no one knows where it went? Wow, talk about a lost luggage problem! Seems the gold was loaded onto a luggage cart by AA handlers. The cart was found about an hour later in front of another gate. No surprise, the gold was missing. Hopefully the other passengers all received their bags timely. Thanks to this article, we learn that gold is the #1 import at MIA with a value of nearly $8 billion.

  • Is This a Warship?

    Carol Margolis
    19 May 2013 | 6:48 am
    On a recent cruise with my husband, he heard other passengers talking about spotting a warship at sea. Since this was the territory between mainland China and Japan, the possibilities were numerous. Did they see a North Korean vessel? Was it a warship from China, Korea, or Japan? Because of the concerns at the time, maybe it was a U.S. ship. Of course, I didn’t see my husband after that. He was running from port to starboard with his camera, hoping he would see this famed ship. Alas, all he saw was the ship in the photo. He ruled out foreign vessels because of the markings but a Google…
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    The Travel Expert(a)

  • 4 Must Do’s With Kids When Visiting Manhattan, New York

    Marina Kuperman Villatoro
    20 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    Travel Experta - Central America Travel Expert - A lot of people look at Manhattan as the perfect travel destination for adults. But I discovered that it can also be a great place to visit with kids. It actually offers things that can keep families busy for days. 4 Things To Do In Manhattan with Kids: Photo By: asterix611 1. Central Park – Many of the attractions in this park were created specifically for kids. Some of them are: Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle’s woods and water exhibit, the Central Park carousel (opened from April to November), storytelling next to the Hans…

  • Forget what You Knew About Camping with the Family: Canvas

    Marina Kuperman Villatoro
    20 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    Travel Experta - Central America Travel Expert - If people have a problem with camping, it’s traditionally because they feel it lacks the comforts they expect from a holiday. Well, what if you could have all the adventure of camping as well as a little luxury? With Canvas, you can. Camping with a difference Canvas Holidays offer high-quality, luxury camping holidays for all the family. There’s no need to drag your own tent around with you: Canvas will pitch your tent so it’s ready and waiting for you. Not only that, but their tents are spacious and fully equipped with all the…

  • The Most Exciting Carnivals in the Central and South American Countries

    Marina Kuperman Villatoro
    19 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    Travel Experta - Central America Travel Expert - During the first three months of the year, the Central and South American countries explode with the wildest, loudest, liveliest, and most colorful carnival celebrations the world over. While all of these celebrations come complete with amazing, colorful costumes, parades, music, and all of the celebratory craze that you might find at any Mardi Gras in the United States, each has its own style, flare, and expectations. Consider this list of the most exciting carnivals that can be found throughout Central and South America. Rio de Janeiro,…

  • What to See – Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island

    Marina Kuperman Villatoro
    19 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    Travel Experta - Central America Travel Expert - The Cliff Walk in Newport is located on the eastern shore of Rhode Island. Aside from being a 3.5 mile public, National Recreation Trail in a Historic District, it is a place that offers exceptionally beautiful views on both sides. This makes a fantastic day trip for people of all ages, including families, and you don’t need to spend a cent. 6 Things To See on the Cliff Walk in Newport: Photo By: janhatesmarcia 1. The beautiful architecture of the homes along the shore line that tell stories from Newport’s gilded age. 2. The forty steps,…

  • Skiing in Latin America

    Marina Kuperman Villatoro
    18 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    Travel Experta - Central America Travel Expert - Skiing as a recreational activity for families that is becoming very popular. Each year more and more families are traveling to places from around the world that offer slopes covered by snow. As a sport it was born in the European countries, but it also became a popular activity in Latin America. For a fun family adventure in the snow you can visit the Latin American countries of Chile and Argentina. The Andes that divide these two countries have been a major skiing destination since 1966. A lot of people see the Andes as a strip of snowed…
 
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    CoolHunter RSS Feed

  • Weekend Playlist 15

    7 May 2013 | 5:00 pm

  • Koo Koo Letterbox by Playso Australia

    2 May 2013 | 5:00 pm
    The era of romantic letter mail is all but over, yet all of us still need a letterbox, a mail box, a mail slot... a something where our daily hard- copy mail, and even an occasional long-distance post card from our globe-trotting friends, can be delivered. But what if we don’t want just “something”? What if we want a stylish, cool, fun, “look-at-me!” mail box that matches our stylistic tastes? Try to find a mail box that is anything other than supremely ugly and you will come up with nothing. The concept of Koo Koo was developed by Bill Playso who saw the glaring…

  • Opening Ceremony, Omotesando, Tokyo

    1 May 2013 | 5:00 pm
    Opening Ceremony has relocated its flagship store from Shibuya to Omotesando to the home of street fashion on Cat’s Alley. The new Tokyo flagship store sees OC founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim realise yet another temple to their love of out-of-the-box fashion. Alongside neighbours such as Ragtag, Burton and Paul Smith Jeans, the new store is 1200 square-metres (12,917 sq.ft.) over four themed floors (rather than Shibuya’s much larger eight-floor store). The interior reflects the younger, edgier fashion crowd that swarms Harajuku’s streets each weekend and the stock has a…

  • Instalacao Nightclub, Porto, Portugal

    29 Apr 2013 | 5:00 pm
    As far as nightlife goes, in Porto, Portugal, it is all happening downtown. A local company, Baixa (baixa is Portuguese for downtown), has recently added another downtown nightclub to its roster that already includes the Baixa bar. The new nightclub, Instalação (installation), was designed by José Carlos Cruz Arquitecto, the same team responsible for the design of Baixa bar as well as the Farmacia Lordelo we have featured earlier.   The space for Instalação, opened in March, was in essence a long, narrow corridor with two dividing structural arches that…

  • Castello Di Reschio, Umbria, Italy

    21 Apr 2013 | 5:00 pm
    It is tough to describe our six glorious days at Castello Di Reschio in Umbria, Italy, without resorting to clichés and big words that sound like overstatements. Awesome. Amazing. Surreal. Idyllic. Exquisite.   But when we review our images, videos and stories from Di Reschio, the one thing that has become even clearer over time is the feeling that we were transported to some unspecified luxurious time period between ancient history and tomorrow. A perfect “time is standing still” moment, offering relaxation and pampering, yet managing to surprise and delight at every…
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    Man Tripping - Guys Weekends and Mancations

  • Interview with Two-Time Mr. Olympia Champion, Phil Heath

    James Hills
    20 May 2013 | 10:04 am
    Fitness geek or no, sometimes it is just downright amazing to see what the guys who compete in the Mr Olympia competitions have created. One of these guys is Phil Heath - a two time winner of the competition and has shared with us some of his favorite mancation movies as well as a peak behind the scenes regarding his favorite cars.   Read more ...

  • Viking River Cruises Launches Oceans Brand

    James Hills
    17 May 2013 | 1:41 pm
    Viking Cruises today announced the launch of its ocean product line, Viking Ocean Cruises, marking the introduction of the travel industry’s first new cruise line in nearly a decade. The small ship experience, combined with the heritage of doing fantastic river cruises makes this new line a super exciting addition to the cruising world. Read more ...

  • Myrtle Beach Mancation Tour

    Bob M
    16 May 2013 | 10:39 pm
    When someone says they are going to Myrtle Beach, I automatically think Golf. Wow, was I wrong. Myrtle Beach has so much more to offer than I ever thought.  Between paddle boarding, NASCAR, craft beer, sushi, steaks, and shooting lessons, Myrtle Beach is a great place for a mancation. It is also certainly a lot more than just a great golf destination! Read more ...

  • Maison Dupuy French Quarter Hotel

    James Hills
    9 May 2013 | 7:33 pm
    Maison Dupuy is located in New Orleans' French Quarter, just a two blocks away from Bourbon Street and walking distance to pretty much any place you might want to visit in the French Quarter. While it is the newest hotel to be built in the French Quarter (1973), it manages to convey a classic elegance that its much older neighbors do - without some of the weirdness of uneven floors and crooked windows that come from being housed in buildings that are in some cases hundreds of years old. Read more ...

  • Jazz Brunch at Court of Two Sisters

    James Hills
    7 May 2013 | 7:32 am
    While many people associate New Orleans with some of the best parties in the world, the other "Must Do" in New Orleans is brunch. While there is no shortage of great places where you can gorge on delicious traditional brunch foods, I would like to heartily recomend stopping by Court of Two Sisters. Between the gorgeous courtyard, tons of great food (traditional breakfast as well as cajun and southern staples like crawfish, jambalaya, and collards), there is something for everyone! Plus they have some of the friendliest staff in town. Read more ...
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    The Travel Tart

  • Smoking Cessation – Funny Stop Smoking Sign!

    Anthony The Travel Tart
    20 May 2013 | 4:20 pm
    Smoking Cessation – It’s Bigger Than You Think! I’m a non smoker. I’ve never touched tobacco in my entire life. There are a couple of good reasons for this. I used to be asthmatic when I was a kid, and when I was twenty one, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer that meant I needed three months of high dose chemotherapythat left me extremely sick. In fact, I was so sick, I didn’t even want to drink beer! Hence, the notion of Smoking Cessation has never been an issue for me. I don’t want to get cancer twice – the first time was bad enough! However,…

  • Sounds Like.. Anal Weiner. Funny Car Parking Sign!

    Anthony The Travel Tart
    15 May 2013 | 5:59 pm
    I love travel. One of the best parts of it for me are the funny travel photos and signs where something in the native language is completely innocent, but when viewed or spoken by an English Speaker, take on a completely new meaning. That is, the quote Sounds Like something else that causes a bit of a giggle, or is sometimes a bit rude or even downright offensive. Some examples of these language fails on this silly travel blog include the Fook Yew Hotel, the Wong Fook Hing Book Store, and Kick A Poo Juice. You can often check out some Funny Shopping Products when Travelling to spot even…

  • Super Yachts – How The Ultra Rich Travel

    Anthony The Travel Tart
    12 May 2013 | 11:19 am
    Now, if you had all of the money in the world and felt like blowing millions of dollars on stuff that only tonnes of money could buy, what would you want to spend it on? Well, for some of the ultra, ultra, dirty filthy rich, they would spend it on ridiculously expensive Super Yachts and travel around the world in style! This kind of insane wealth is only in the dreams for the vast majority of us in the world – considering that the vast majority of the world lives in the Third World. But for some, this extravagant lifestyle is a reality! And this extravagance definitely blows out my 10…

  • Haunted Places – Mount Victoria Tunnel Wellington New Zealand

    Anthony The Travel Tart
    9 May 2013 | 6:22 am
    The ‘Toot Tunnel’ – Unusual Haunted Places in New Zealand! If you’re ever in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, you might want to check out one of the more unusual Haunted Places in the world. You may as well go there if you’re travelling from the other side of the world to visit the Land of Hobbits! Actually on a side note, Peter Jackson, who was the director for the spectacular Lord Of The Rings movies and now The Hobbit, lives in Wellington. Apparently, rumour has it that he has bought all of the houses in the street where he lives so he can control what…

  • Making Mistakes – Funny Quotes from Hotel Advertising

    Anthony The Travel Tart
    6 May 2013 | 9:37 am
    Making Mistakes – Oh So True… Today I’ve got a funny travel photo titled ‘Making Mistakes‘, which was sent to me from Marysia from My Travel Affairs. You can follow @MyTravelAffairs on Twitter and on Facebook. She previously sent me one about the Cut The Crap Hair Salon! Marysia says ‘this picture reminds me one of the weirdest two days on our West Coast trip. We have just crossed the border between California and Oregon and had been staying overnight in Brookings – a sleepy city for retirees! We arrived quite late and finding a place open at 8pm…
 
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    Sam Antonio Photography

  • It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

    9 May 2013 | 7:40 am
    It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.UPDATE: May 9, 2013 (10:39 Eastern Standard Time in the United States) - The Mayas love a good joke. Cheerio then all, thanks for reading. Until the next Apocalypse.UPDATE: December 21, 2012 (3:49 Eastern Standard Time in the United States) - The world has not come to an end...for now.Are you ready for the December 21, 2012, apocalypse when the Maya's "Long Count" calendar marks the end of a 5,126-year era? Chichén Itzá, located in the Yucatan of Mexico, is the apex of Maya archaeological…

  • Five Reasons why I prefer Photographing Sukhothai, Thailand over Angkor Wat, Cambodia

    8 May 2013 | 10:10 am
    Five Reasons why I prefer Photographing Sukhothai, Thailand over Angkor Wat, Cambodia, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.Photographing Angkor Wat in Cambodia last year was a dream come true. It is an amazing place, but I found the ancient capital of Sukhothai, Thailand much more enjoyable to photograph. Maybe it had to do with the name when translated, “The dawn of happiness.”Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam founded by King Ramkhamhaeng during the 13th Century. The province's temples and monuments have been restored and is now the Sukhothai Historical Park and has been…

  • The Real Voyage of Discovery

    6 May 2013 | 5:39 pm
    The Real Voyage of Discovery, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr."The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” - Marcel ProustTaken at the Bac Ha Market, Vietnam.----------Canon 5D Mark IICanon 70-200 f/4 L Big smile Happy Travels! Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography Why don't you join me on Facebook? Still figuring out Google + Follow me on Twitter! I'm over at Pinterest too! Sam's Photography Blog Sam's Travel Photography Gallery

  • Goodbye Mr. Green Square, Hello Mr. Aperture Priority!

    24 Apr 2013 | 1:06 pm
    Goodbye Mr. Green Square, Hello Mr. Aperture Priority!, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.The day I left the green square behind was the day I started to get serious with photography.You know the full auto mode on Canon cameras that is indicated with a green square or what I call the dummy mode. That may sound harsh, but why spend hundreds of dollars on a DSLR camera so you can operate it like a simple point and shoot? That is why we have smart phones with cameras.I soon discovered other modes like “AV” (aperture priority) and “TV” (shutter priority) which would open the…

  • Reflections on Washington, D.C.

    9 Mar 2013 | 3:41 pm
    Reflections on Washington, D.C., a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.On my last night in Washington, D.C. I returned to the Lincoln Memorial, not necessarily for photography, but to reflect on my journey. When I was a political hack many years ago I would frequent the Lincoln Memorial steps at night to take in what I believe, in my humble opinion, is one of the most inspirational views in the United States of America. From the memorial steps you can take in the views of the entire National Mall: the Reflecting Pool, The National World War II Memorial, The Washington Monument and The…
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    Breathedreamgo

  • Top spots in Toronto’s India Bazaar

    Mariellen Ward
    17 May 2013 | 7:10 am
    A taste of India in Toronto When I feel the need to experience India, and I’m stuck in Toronto, I head to the India Bazaar on Gerrard Street East. It’s a one-stop shopping destination for “all things Indian” and a visit there can make for a fun afternoon. India Bazaar is lined with Indian stores bursting with colourful finery, restaurants that feature authentic north and south Indian cuisines and stalls offering streetfood favourites like grilled corn, fresh sugar cane juice and golgappa (dumplings with sauce). Here are my favourite stops. The street acquired its…

  • Hyper-local photo essay: Cherry Blossoms in High Park, Toronto

    Mariellen Ward
    12 May 2013 | 5:53 pm
    When the cherry trees bloom Each year, those of us who live near High Park in Toronto watch in anticipation for those few short days when the cherry trees burst into glorious bloom. The trees were a gift from the Japanese ambassador to Canada in 1959 and there are two places in the park with a high concentration of them. When cherry trees blossom, they look like fluffy pink clouds. A small miracle that expresses happy truths about the beauty of nature. They are not only delightful to behold, but they carry cultural significance for the many people in Toronto of Asian heritage (especially…

  • In search of my Ottawa Valley Irish family roots

    Mariellen Ward
    9 May 2013 | 12:52 pm
    Victoria and Mariellen in front of Victoria’s 100-year-old log cabin home A meaningful adventure travel experience to connect with my Irish ancestors This year, I will be Going home to Ireland as part of a massive tourism initiative called The Gathering 2013. Read on to find out about the search for my Irish-Canadian family roots, and the Irish heritage of the Ottawa Valley. I think it was the mosquito that did it. When I saw that mosquito, etched into the Celtic Cross at the mouth of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, I suddenly gained new insight into the harsh conditions Canada’s…

  • Pre-order inspiring travel book: “Roll out the magic carpet”

    Mariellen Ward
    6 May 2013 | 2:48 pm
    Donate to get a copy of the book plus other great perks! Roll out the magic carpet: How to travel in India and other life lessons is the name of the book I am writing. A very unique cross between Eat, Pray, Love and the Lonely Planet India, the book will inspire you to overcome your fears, go after your dreams and travel safely and well in India and beyond. I am crowd-funding to write and self-publish this book on the popular Indiegogo site. And I am hoping you will help by making a donation, which will net you a copy of the book when it’s published plus lots of other great perks like…

  • Why you should travel overseas even if you’re scared

    Mariellen Ward
    2 May 2013 | 7:18 pm
    Kathmandu. Photo courtesy Barbara Weibel Because though travel adventure comes with risk, the rewards are usually far greater “In the wastes of civilization, Luristan is still an enchanted name. Its streams are dotted blue lines on the map and the position of its hills is a matter of taste. It is still a country for the explorer. I penetrated only a vey little way. But I spent a fortnight in that part of the country where one is less frequently murdered.” Legendary travel writer and explorer Freya Stark wrote these lines in 1934, after an extremely arduous trip, by donkey, into…
 
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    Singapore Travel Blog

  • Staycation at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore Valley Wing over the Easter Break

    Zhiqiang & Tingyi
    20 May 2013 | 9:02 am
    If you are planning a luxurious staycation right in the city centre with easy access to shopping and food at Orchard Road, then Shangri-La, Singapore Hotel The Valley Wing is one of the staycation options you can consider which offers personalised check-in procedure in a private lobby, personalised butler services, complimentary unlimited serving of wines, champagne and canapes at the Champagne Bar throughout the day! The published rates (in SGD) for the Shangri-La, Singapore Valley Wing rooms start at $875 per night (for the Deluxe Rooms). The Deluxe Rooms come with either city or pool views…

  • Getting the “Swiss Alps” Experience with Gulmarg Gondola & Mount Aparwath

    Zhiqiang & Tingyi
    19 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Imagine riding on an aerial cable car that provides panoramic views of snow-covered valleys, forests and mountains and goes up to 12,959 feet (or 3950 metres) to the top of the mountain.  Once you reach the peak, you can then admire and take pictures of the snow-capped mountains and also ski along its slopes and if you have time, build a snowman (bring your own accessories though e.g. carrot for the snowman’s nose). You might think that the above description is about a trip to Switzerland’s Mount Titlis with its revolving Rotair overseeing the Swiss Alps but no, you can actually…

  • International & Domestic Flight Experience with TransAsia Airways 復興航空

    Zhiqiang & Tingyi
    14 May 2013 | 8:19 am
    TransAsia Airways (復興航空) was established in 1951.  Over its past 60+ years, it has established an impeccable track record and reputation in providing reliable air transport services for both passengers and freight in Taiwan and the Asia Pacific region.  With TransAsia Airways direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 to Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (桃園機場), there are now more choices for travellers to Taiwan. TransAsia Airways flight departs from Singapore for Taipei daily at 1am and arrives at Taoyuan Airport at about 5.15am (4 hours+ flight; no time difference…

  • Exploring Taiwan Penghu (澎湖) Island Archipelago with Qiito & TransAsia Airways (復興航空)

    Zhiqiang & Tingyi
    11 May 2013 | 1:10 am
    Having explored parts of Taiwan during our 14-day round-the-island trip around Taiwan back in 2008, PassportChop is back in Taiwan again – this time exploring the Penghu Archipelago off the coast of Taiwan main island.  Penghu 澎湖 (also called the Pescadores) is an outlying island archipelago located in the Taiwan Straits between Taiwan and China and is under the jurisdiction of Taiwan. Penghu is a large archipelago incorporating the Penghu, Paisha and Hsi Islands, between mainland China and Taiwan. The entire archipelago encompasses 64 small islands- with a combined coastline of…

  • D.I.Y Pancakes with Nook House of Pancakes

    Zhiqiang & Tingyi
    4 May 2013 | 11:30 pm
    Playing with food takes on a whole new different meaning with Nook.  At Nook, a D.I.Y Pancake House at Bukit Timah area, we got to experience making our own pancakes in whatever shape and size we want.  The Nook menu might look intimidating at first with its wide selection of toppings and sides but actually the way to making your first D.I.Y pancake is quite easily in the 4 steps in the picture below. Anyway Nook – D.I.Y Pancake House is not just about pancakes.  If you are very hungry and can’t wait to make your own pancake (anyway making pancakes is very fast – just…
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    Kaleidoscopic Wandering

  • Old Destinations, New Eyes

    JoAnna
    15 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    It’s old news that one of the reasons I most love Las Vegas is because of its proximity to so many national parks and outdoor spaces that let us hike, camp and explore. One of these is Grand Canyon National Park. Despite what many people believe, it isn’t the closest national park to Las Vegas, though it’s probably safe to say that it is the most popular of all the natural spaces within a few hours of our home. The first couple of times my husband and I visited the Grand Canyon, we did it for ourselves. We spent the Fourth of July enjoying the cool weather of the North Rim and we…

  • I Love Las Vegas: TREVI

    JoAnna
    8 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    When someone asked me if I wanted to dine al fresco at TREVI, I had to double check to make sure that the restaurant was, in fact, located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Yes, TREVI is, in fact, in the Forum Shops, but YES, you can eat al fresco there. Oh, Las Vegas, how you continue to surprise me. This Italian restaurant sits at the junction of three pedestrian walkways in front of an awesome fountain, which means that enjoying the outside views is both climate-friendly and incredibly picturesque. I recently met up with a group of local bloggers not only to enjoy the ambiance of TREVI…

  • Thoughts from Surf and Sand Resort — Laguna Beach, California

    JoAnna
    1 May 2013 | 3:00 am
    I’m sitting in a brown wicker lounge chair, my feet propped up on a chaise, my sunglasses on, a glare coming off my computer screen. My balcony is eight stories up from the sand of Laguna Beach in California where groups of two, three, six, a dozen kids shriek in delight as they run toward the pounding waves, then rush away from them, trying to avoid getting wet. In the end, they’ll all be wet, a coat of sand between their toes and a layer of salt stuck to their hair. Their cheeks will have a rosy glow as they head toward the family cars or across the thoroughfare to their homes, towels…
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    Fili's World | A different look at Asia, China & Taiwan

  • Palm Beach : Florida

    Fili
    21 May 2013 | 6:35 am
    The familia wasn’t originally planning a stop at Palm Beach, but as we made our way down south from Orlando towards Miami and checked our options for a weekend stay we made a last minute decision to just try Palm Beach. What’s there? Not much that we knew of, but it turned out quite pleasant. There’s no doubt that the beach itself, though well-developed, is quite nice and far more quiet than Miami’s. There also a definite wealth aroma in the air, if you’re into that sort of thing…   Before showing you a bit of what we saw in the area (gorgeous Japanese…

  • Mission San Luis de Apalachee : Tallahassee

    Fili
    14 May 2013 | 10:21 pm
    Want ancient history in Tallahassee? you got it. Mission San Luis de Apalachee is as far back as you can find in Tallahassee. Dating back to the early 17th century, the mission was part of the tragic efforts by the Spanish to colonize the area and convert the local native Americans to Christianity. The present day mission is a reconstruction of what life might have looked like back then with 60 acres of land showing Apalachee tribal council house, some Spanish and native American residential areas, a church and a small basic fort.     The official website has the details : Avisit to…

  • Camuy River Caves Park : Puerto Rico

    Fili
    13 May 2013 | 12:36 am
    In between the gorgeous beaches of Rincon and the world’s largest Arecibo Observatory I stopped at a prime attraction, hidden somewhere on the Puerto Rican central mountains – the Rio Camuy River Cave Park. Home to the world’s third largest subterranean river, and with over 220 caves (and many more still unexplored), this place is a must. Though the daily capacity is limited, if you do manage to get a seat then you’re in for a treat – a 2-3 hours guided tour through the major caves.     You start off with the tram taking you down to the caves, and then…

  • The beaches of Rincon : Puerto Rico

    Fili
    8 May 2013 | 11:17 pm
    Surf’s up. No major attractions in the Puerto Rican Rincon area, but if you’re into white sand beaches with gorgeous subsets and some major surfs then Rincon is where you should be. I drove with a car through the winding roads along the coast, stopping every once in a while to climb up to some lighthouse or observation post, taking in the spectacular views on a lovely sunny day. Though I shamefully admit that I can’t surf, I did enjoy looking at some of the local showing off their stuff.   Let’s start with the glorious beaches…     One…

  • Flagler College : Saint Augustine

    Fili
    6 May 2013 | 8:46 pm
    Previously the prestigious Ponce de Leon Hotel serving the richest of America, it is now part of the Flagler College campus, set in the wonderful historic town of Saint Augustine. And what a lovely college it is. It must be a unique experience to study in a college that looks as fine as that. Henry Flagler built the successful hotel back in the 1880s,  with elements of grand Spanish architecture, one of the first to get wired to electricity due to close ties Henry had to Thomas Edison. Though you’ll have to take a tour to truly enjoy all the hidden parts of the campus, there are a…
 
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    Official Reno Tahoe USA Blog

  • Ultimate inspirational destination: North Lake Tahoe

    Reno Tahoe USA
    17 May 2013 | 10:47 am
    Written by guest blogger: Aimee Claire Situated on the beautiful California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is spoken of with bated breath by vacationers, and is a stunning testimonial to the United States’ classic Big Country. It’s a diverse location, with four main shores each with a different character; all with azure waters, lovely beaches and snow-capped [...]

  • Memorial Day Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Christina Erny
    14 May 2013 | 2:42 pm
    Cowboys, comedians, crawls, concerts and even a few clunkers will be coming to Reno Tahoe for Memorial Day Weekend – and you should too! Check out the star-studded lineup! Nugget Country Crossroads May 24-26 A three-day celebration of music featuring well-known country acts, country music DJs, free line dancing lessons, country karaoke contests and more. Headliners: May 24 -  Gloriana May [...]

  • $2 Date Night at the Museum

    Christina Erny
    10 May 2013 | 1:11 pm
    A can of food and $2 is your license to “Date Night” at the National Automobile Museum tonight! May 10, from 5:00 pm – 9:00 p.m bring $2 and a can a food to the National Automobile Museum to help drive away hunger, and gear up for a night of fun! Donate a non-perishable food item [...]

  • Next Stop: Reno/Tahoe

    Christina Erny
    9 May 2013 | 10:01 am
    Next Stop TV Show, powered by Alaska Airlines, recently ventured to Reno Tahoe to get an insiders guide to an epic Reno Tahoe vacation.  Their adventure leads them to mountaintop panoramic views with Lake Tahoe Snowmobile, an “over-the-top crazy” event at SnowFest, bluebird skiing at Diamond Peak, Tahoe-style luxury at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe [...]

  • 13 Reasons to Attend the 2013 Reno River Festival

    Christina Erny
    7 May 2013 | 3:24 pm
    For the River Fest fanatics to potential first-timers, here are 13 reasons this year’s 2013 Reno River Festival is going to be extra splash-tacular! Reno River Festival is celebrating their 10th anniversary at the Truckee River Whitewater Park The event is back to its original weekend to take advantage of spring runoff – big rapids are rolling [...]
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    The Circumference

  • Take a Sake Brewery Tour in Niigata, Japan

    19 May 2013 | 9:25 pm
    Japan. Published on May 20, 2013 by TrevorThe StoryThe sake breweries of Niigata are one of the most interesting world travel destinations. Even those of us lucky enough to have been to many places have to admit, it's easy to get swept up by the vast beauty of the rice fields that are kept in order to create that characteristic Japanese drink, sake. And there are no less than 96 sake breweries in this area of Japan alone. The sake itself is delightful. In fact, it is known throughout Japan for the light colour it has, as well as its delicate flavour. I’m no sake connoisseur, but Niigata…

  • Getting up to date with Yerevan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city

    15 May 2013 | 10:25 am
    Armenia. Published on May 15, 2013 by Denise Beresford, WriterThe StoryYerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia. It is the world’s oldest continuously-inhabited cities, dating back to the 8th century BC with the founding of the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC by King Argishti. Yerevan expanded rapidly during the 20th Century with Armenia becoming one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union. In fifty years Yerevan transformed from a town of a few thousand inhabitants to become Armenia’s principal industrial, cultural and artistic centre. Yerevan is a very homogenous city with…

  • Kick Off the Summer at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in New York

    11 May 2013 | 10:41 am
    United States. Published on May 11, 2013 by Lisa Simonelli RennieThe StoryThe Coney Island Mermaid Parade is a totally unique and original event held in the US, and is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in New York. Out of the many things to do at Coney Island, the Mermaid Parade is definitely one you don't want to miss. This Mermaid Parade is celebrated as the beginning of summer, and as such, this amazing and colorful event is generally held on the weekend closest to the start of the summer season. This annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade features Mermaids, Neptunes, and other…

  • Bike South Mountain Arizona

    30 Apr 2013 | 5:48 pm
    United States. Published on May 01, 2013 by Ben OrlandoThe StoryImagine a dirt and rock trail less than a foot wide in places. To your right you can see cacti, patches of vegetation, rocky terrain and desert critters including many varieties of lizards, snakes and birds. On your left, incredible desert vistas and just-as-incredible drop offs. Oh, and you're on a mountain bike traveling at top speed so keep your eyes on the trail! South Mountain Park outside of Phoenix, Arizona, is the largest municipal park in the country at 17,000 acres. Most of the land for the park was purchased in 1924,…

  • Enjoy the Sounds of Sweet Symphonies at the Vienna State Opera

    24 Apr 2013 | 7:48 pm
    Austria. Published on April 25, 2013 by Alexandria Williams, WriterThe StoryThe Staatsoper Opera (“state opera”) in Vienna is considered by some to be the best place to travel in Vienna for classical and opera music. The opera is the starting ground for many members of the Vienna Philharmonic. However, the beginnings of the state opera in Vienna got off to a rocky start. The Vienna State Opera proved to be controversial at the time of its opening-it was deemed a failure by the public and neither of the building’s primary architects lived to see its completion. Despite this, an opera by…
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    Travel Blog | Travel + Leisure

  • Now You Can Shop At Bergdorf’s 24/7

    21 May 2013 | 7:12 am
    We all know New York is the city that never sleeps—and now that means the director of personal shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, thanks to a new collaboration with The Mark Hotel. Up at 4 a.m. with t...

  • Twitter Chat: It List + Hotel Trends

    20 May 2013 | 6:21 am
    This month, Travel + Leisure announced the 61 hottest new hotels of the year in our 2013 It List. In celebration of these splashy properties—from the Amanzo'e resort on Greece's Peloponnese penin...

  • Cruise News from Viking and Windstar

    17 May 2013 | 10:39 am
    Big news from Viking River Cruises: they’re launching an ocean-going line. Viking Ocean Cruises’ first vessel, the 928-passenger Viking Star, sets sail in 2015. A few on-board perks we’re looking...

  • Guess Where? Clock Tower

    16 May 2013 | 10:14 am
    Can you guess where this clock tower is? Hint: You might find it in our slideshow of beautiful clock towers. Do you know which one it is? Head over to our Facebook page and leave your guesses the...

  • Trip Doctor Series: Trekking, Walking, and Hiking (Peru)

    16 May 2013 | 8:36 am
    This month, travel to Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes is almost in full swing: if you’re headed to the region and haven’t already asked an outfitter to wrangle your Inca Trail passes, you may...
 
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    Nomadic Notes

  • [Travel Photo] Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Georgetown Penang – Malaysia

    James Clark
    17 May 2013 | 1:06 pm
    The Sri Mahamariamman Hindu temple in Georgetown, Penang – Malaysia. Travel Photos: Georgetown photo gallery [Travel Photo] Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Georgetown Penang – Malaysia is a post from: Nomadic Notes

  • Where I’m At: Bangkok – On my way to Europe

    James Clark
    11 May 2013 | 8:14 am
    I arrived in Bangkok last July with a plan to be here for three months before heading back to London. During that time I ended up going to Ho Chi Minh City instead, where I spent five of the last nine months. It seems that Saigon is putting in a good case for being a home base in this part of the world. I am now back in Bangkok to complete my flight to London that I was supposed to take in November. I will be in Europe for the rest of May before making my way to the US and then Toronto for TBEX. After a quick visit back in the US I will be making my first trip to Central America, which will…

  • Kopi Joss – The charcoal coffee of Yogyakarta

    James Clark
    5 May 2013 | 6:24 am
    When I’m on the road I’m always on the lookout for interesting cafes and new coffee experiences. On my trip to Yogyakarta I found an unusual brew called Jopi Joss: charcoal coffee. [Kopi Joss - it tastes better than it looks.] Kopi Joss preparation starts off in the usual Javanese style, with loose coffee grinds and sugar added to a cup and hot water poured on top. The magic ingredient – flaming hot charcoal – is then added to the brew. So basically this is a coffee with a piece of burnt wood floating in it. Apparently the charcoal neutralizes the acidity of the…

  • Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Java – Indonesia

    James Clark
    3 May 2013 | 4:52 pm
    [Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia.] Like most visitors to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park (more commonly called Bromo) I arrived to my guest house in the evening without having seen the park. The tour begins with a jeep ride in the morning darkness to the crater rim, arriving in time for the sun rise. As the day breaks a feint outline of the volcanos that make up the park begin to appear. Pictured is the constantly steaming Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru in the background, the evenly formed Mount Batok in the foreground, and a moring mist covering the sea of sand.

  • 10 years as a digital nomad

    James Clark
    25 Apr 2013 | 4:10 am
    In April, 2003, I left my job in Dublin and began my life as a digital nomad. At the time I didn’t know that I had just become a digital nomad, or that I would be doing it for ten years. My previous employment record was three years and three months, and that was three years too long. I was just relieved to be leaving behind what was a year of boring office work. I was now doing a job I enjoyed, which I could do from anywhere in the world. Today I am in Penang, Malaysia, filled with gratitude that I have been able to create this life. I’ve been reflecting on my journey, and how…
 
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    City Traveler Blog

  • Surf's Up in So Cal

    Deb Barracato
    17 May 2013 | 12:25 pm
    Photo credit: San Diego Surf School on Facebook Does surfing call to mind hip youngsters with sun-bleached hair and too much time on their hands? Or big-wave daredevils with an apparently malfunctioning fear factor? Actually, much like mid-life professionals on Harleys, a surprising number of surfers take up the sport long after they’ve left their wild years behind. If the thought of hanging 10 has always appealed to you, Southern California’s more than 300 miles of sunny coastline make the perfect place to bring that dream to life. Anyone who’s reasonably fit and can confidently swim…

  • Human Nature on View at Rock Center

    CityPASS
    14 May 2013 | 4:21 am
    Ugo Rondinone, Human Nature, 2013. Photo credit: publicartfund.org. If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Rockefeller Center lately, you may have noticed something new that’s just about impossible not to notice – nine collosal human-shaped stone figures by the Swiss-born, New York-based artist Ugo Rondinone. The 16-to-20-foot tall figures, weighing up to 30,000 pounds each, are on view as part of Rondinone's public art exhibit Human Nature, which opened April 23 at Rockefeller Center and will be there through June 7. Human Nature is a stark contrast to its highly developed architectural…

  • Where the Wild Things Are: Little Five Points, Atlanta

    Kristen Girard
    10 May 2013 | 4:41 am
    A street in Little Five Points. Photo credit: Pawel Loj. Edgy. Alternative. Hippy. Avant-garde. Grungy. Eclectic. Indie. Funky. If that sounds like your idea of a fun place, plan to spend a day in Atlanta’s Little Five Points. (And if your tastes are firmly rooted in the conventional, consider a visit to the Botanical Gardens instead.) Little Five Points isn’t so much a destination as it is a neighborhood. Located a few miles east of the city’s downtown, “Little Five” or L5P (as the locals call it) is the hub of the Southeast’s alternative scene. Originally a commercial shopping…

  • Houston's Historic Cemetery

    Kate Hull
    3 May 2013 | 4:31 am
    The entrance to Glenwood Cemetery. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons user Hourick. Ever heard the tales of eccentric billionaire businessman and filmmaker Howard R. Hughes? Or traveled out of former Texas Governor William P. Hobby’s namesake airport? Texas and its characters seem to be both bigger and bolder, and Houston is no exception. Located on Washington Avenue, just one mile west of Houston’s bustling downtown, history meets serenity at Houston’s historic Glenwood Cemetery. The 85-acre grounds serve as a memorial to the men and women who shaped Houston (and Texas), while providing a…

  • The Palace of Fine Arts: A San Francisco Original

    Deston S. Nokes
    26 Apr 2013 | 1:48 pm
    Photo Credit: Mike Martin Classical, colossal and monumental, The Palace of Fine Arts has stood for 98 years in the Marina District of San Francisco. This Classical Greek and Roman-influenced outdoor structure is one of the more photographed sites in San Francisco, especially as it is reflected in its surrounding pond with swans, ducks, a walking trail and a park with benches. It remains a popular attraction for tourists and locals, and is a favorite location for weddings. The Palace of Fine Arts also is the best place in the City to see shows. There are no bad seats, the venue is intimate…
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    Matt-Gibson.org

  • Is Wolf Creek the Best Ski Area in the United States?

    Matt Gibson
    16 May 2013 | 7:20 pm
    Statistically Wolf Creek appears to be a fairly average ski area. It’s 1600 acres, which places it solidly in the middle of the pack for rideable terrain. It has seven lifts to serve that terrain and a vertical of just over 1,600 feet. There’s no terrain park at all. There is one statistic, however, that sets Wolf Creek apart from other resorts: an average annual snowfall of 465 inches, which gives it more snow than any other ski area in Colorado. Although that doesn’t top some other hills, like Jackson Hole or Snowbird, it’s still quite impressive. Wolf Creek also has…

  • Sh*t People Say About Wolf Creek

    Matt Gibson
    15 May 2013 | 5:05 pm
    We left Salt Lake City to visit Wolf Creek in February, excited to see how Colorado’s best snow stacks up against Utah’s self-proclaimed “best snow on Earth”. It was impressive. While there we got to ask the locals and visitors what they liked about Wolf Creek. Some people mentioned the super-chill small town atmosphere. Mentions of the hot springs in nearby Pagosa Springs were unavoidable. But, one thing was universal: Wolf Creek’s 465 annual inches of snow, which is the largest annual snowfal of any hill in Colorado. Who wouldn’t love that?The post Sh*t…

  • Is Telluride The Best in the West?

    Matt Gibson
    8 May 2013 | 9:52 pm
    Telluride has always held a certain mystique for me. Growing up we watched ski and snowboard videos every year in the months before the snow fell, while dreaming of the winter to come.  I lived in a small town in British Columbia. The exotic names of the ski resorts we saw always got jumbled together, Vail, Squaw Valley, Chamonix, but one always stood out — Telluride.    I don’t know why, but it seemed that Telluride held a special place in the hearts of the narrators on the television. It was always spoken of with a particular reverence. When I finally visited, I found out…

  • Telluride Powder Porn

    Matt Gibson
    25 Apr 2013 | 7:00 am
    My expectations were high when we visited Telluride. It was my first visit.  We arrived in a whiteout that had us driving 30 miles an hour on the highway there. The first night the hill received several inches of snow and it kept snowing all the next day. The second day the sun came out and I got to ride Telluride the way it’s meant to be ridden — on steep pitches with over a foot of fresh pow. This is how it was: legendary.                    The post Telluride Powder Porn appeared first on Matt-Gibson.org.

  • Sh*t People Say About Telluride

    Matt Gibson
    23 Apr 2013 | 7:00 am
    Telluride is a town named after a rare exotic metal that became a rare — and in it’s own way exotic — destination. Telluride has been a mythical place for me ever since I heard about it in the ski movies that my family watched each year in the weeks leading up to opening day. Narrators always spoke about Telluride with deep reverence. It was a legend. When I finally visited in 2013 the resort it lived up to my ideas about it as a young boy. Pretty much every house in Telluride is a ski-in ski-out if you’re willing to walk a few blocks in your boots. Tourism development…
 
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    Diary of The Purple Passport

  • Tempting Tuesday: Experience Disney ‘Round the Clock

    Jessica S.
    21 May 2013 | 8:56 am
    Photo Credit: Glenn G on Flickr Creative Commons ANAHEIM, USA–Just when you think they’re finished dazzling us, Disney somehow does it again. This Memorial Day weekend Disneyland, Disneyland California Adventure, and Florida’s Disney World are staying open ‘round-the-clock for 24 hours of fun, adventure, and absolute madness (though Disney hopes opening all three theme parks will help, we’re sure some crowding is to be expected). Beginning Friday, May 24, at 6 a.m., guests can kick off the start of their “monstrous” summer with the parks and ride until dawn Saturday. Kids…

  • Sprucing Up Your Summer Wardrobe

    Jenn
    20 May 2013 | 6:04 am
    Matthew Williamson in London GLOBAL – Can you believe it’s finally, FINALLY time to slip into summery clothes? With upcoming Memorial Day opening the summer season, you can soon break out those floaty dresses, white jeans, and cute bikinis you’ve been itching to wear. But if you want to be fully in tune with the summertime trends, you’re also going to want to beef up your seasonal selections with the latest bold prints, bright colors, cutoff denim, and swingy fringe detail. In Los Angeles, the beach is the obvious place to head for summery pieces. Shimmy into a fresh…

  • Summer Picnics and Casual Treats

    Emily
    19 May 2013 | 6:08 am
    Ciao Bella by jweiss3 on Flickr NORTH CAROLINA AND NEW YORK, USA – As the beginning of the summer beach season draws near here in North Carolina, my young brood is getting quite excited. My son’s love for eating sand coupled with my daughter’s desire to snooze with the sea breeze ruffling her faux-hawk (ok, she will actually snooze anywhere) has us chomping at the bit to get to the coast. And chomping is the operative word here, as the food pusher combined with the mother in me needs to be sure we are well nourished out there. Chapel Hill’s A Southern Season, a…

  • Celebrate Summer at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

    Jessica S.
    18 May 2013 | 8:54 am
    NEW YORK CITY, USA – The cool breeze, bright blue skies, and warming temperatures can only signify one thing to New Yorkers: it’s summertime once again. And these days, it isn’t all that uncommon to see natives and visitors alike frolicking within the city’s greenery. Even with favorites like Central Park, overcrowding (and did we mention persistent bike rental merchants?) can trump the hopes of a leisurely afternoon. For those wanting the room to breathe—and think—without all the hassle, there’s always the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We know what you’re thinking; it’s a bit of…

  • Friday Finds: Palm Beach Getaways

    Shanen
    17 May 2013 | 10:47 am
    Warm weather, sunny skies and seaside destinations are on our minds this week. So, we’ve rounded up recent news from the blogosphere on some of our favorite Palm Beach places. Café Boulud, located in The Brazilian Court Hotel, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a Mediterranean summer pop-up restaurant called Boulud Sud, featuring an a la carte dinner menu everyday from 5:30-10 pm and a three-course prix fixe menu for $35 per person on Saturdays and Sundays. A bonus listed on Palm Beach Lately: “Stay at The Brazilian Court Hotel and enjoy a special hotel dining package for two…
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    A Travelers' Library

  • Questions About Renting When You Travel?

    pen4hire
    21 May 2013 | 11:45 am
    A guest post I wrote about our travel experiences is up at Boomer Women Traveler’s today. Take a look at http://boomerwomentravelers.com/rent-apartment-while-traveling/Cat that came with the rental house in Siphnos Greece Original article: Questions About Renting When You Travel?©2013 A Traveler's Library. All Rights Reserved.The post Questions About Renting When You Travel? appeared first on A Traveler's Library. To comment on this article, or find more information, click on over to A Traveler's Library We'll leave the light on for you.

  • Child Star Discovered Rita Hayworth–Read it Here

    Vera Marie Badertscher
    20 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Its that time again–Movie Time. And what an exciting time I had doing my column about a child star for Reel Life With Jane this month! Take a break from reading books and travel with me to Hollywood today.       Child Star Jane Withers and Rita Hayworth in Paddy O’Day Who discovered Rita Hayworth? The subject of my interview did– when she was a nine-year-old child star. I hope you’ll hop over to my Classics Connoisseur column to see my exclusive interview with Jane Withers and read all about her discovery of Rita, her ultimate stage mother, and her…

  • Take a Lake Vacation in Minnesota

    Vera Marie Badertscher
    17 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Destination: Minnesota  Book: Vacationland (March, 2013) by Sarah Stonich Many families look forward to each summer’s lake vacation.  That is particularly true in Minnesota, “The Land of 10,000 Lakes” and the setting for Vacationland. Don’t go looking for the idyllic summer retreat at Naledi Lodge near the tiny community of Hatchet Inlet in far northern Minnesota. Sarah Stonich gives us some flashbacks to the days when the lodge, always spotless if a bit run down, entertained dozens of people  on lake vacations every summer. However, in the present, not much is…
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    My Life in Leeds

  • Leeds Food Trail for Leeds Food Festival

    Darren
    20 May 2013 | 9:27 am
    To celebrate the Leeds Food Festival I will be travelling around the city sharing my experiences eating food I have never tasted beforeThis content was syndicated from My Life in Leeds - an online guide written by local writers. Leeds Food Trail for Leeds Food Festival

  • Timeline of a bloody Leeds history

    Richard Smyth
    11 May 2013 | 10:25 am
    The city of Leeds has a colourful history. There’s enough sensation, bloodshed and melodrama in the bloody history of LeedsThis content was syndicated from My Life in Leeds - an online guide written by local writers. Timeline of a bloody Leeds history

  • Curries of Suburbia

    Jon Howe
    9 May 2013 | 11:48 am
    Fans of Aagrah, Mumtaz, Akbars might disagree, but personally my favourites are scattered around the quieter outer reaches of the cityThis content was syndicated from My Life in Leeds - an online guide written by local writers. Curries of Suburbia

  • Behind the Scenes at Ilkley Brewery

    Jon Howe
    3 May 2013 | 5:54 pm
    There is something brewing in the ide streets of the historic spa town of Ilkley, and in a humble and unremarkable industrial unitThis content was syndicated from My Life in Leeds - an online guide written by local writers. Behind the Scenes at Ilkley Brewery

  • Kill for a Seat at Seven Arts

    Jo Murricane
    30 Apr 2013 | 2:22 pm
    Every month, Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton plays host to Kill for a Seat; a comedy night organised and compared by local comedian, SilkyThis content was syndicated from My Life in Leeds - an online guide written by local writers. Kill for a Seat at Seven Arts
 
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    Go Timeshare

  • Best of British – TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Beaches

    Maria Rodriguez
    21 May 2013 | 1:03 am
    With just a month to go now until the longest day of the year, many timeshare owners will be heading off to sunny shores soon – including the ones close to home.   It’s no coincidence that Devon and Cornwall are two of the UK’s most popular timeshare destinations – Britain has plenty of  idyllic beaches which could give some of the Med resorts a run for their money.   So with bikini and surf season around the corner, we highlight Tripadvisor’s top 25 British beaches – from the best known to the more remote – for 2013:   1)    Rhossili Bay, Swansea…

  • More Destination Choices in Asia with Diamond Resorts

    Maria Rodriguez
    20 May 2013 | 5:47 am
    Thanks to a new strategic partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, Diamond Resorts International® members can now enjoy and explore a host of new resorts in Asia. Diamond is actively expanding its presence in Asia and now offers members, owners and guests more destination choices in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The Dorsett Hospitality International portfolio includes upscale and midscale resorts and features a resort collection comprised of charismatic boutique hotels, as well as the value-led Silka Hotels. With 19 owned and managed hotels in China, Hong Kong,…

  • Flexible Timeshare Appeals to Younger Generation

    Maria Rodriguez
    20 May 2013 | 1:06 am
    A new study has revealed that flexible, innovative timeshare products could be snapped up a whole new younger generation of buyers if they are educated about the products first.   The research, commissioned by the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) and conducted by students at Bournemouth University, looked at how the timeshare industry can target customers more effectively through social media.   In the report, the students found that without a doubt, flexibility of timeshare appeals to the younger generation. Meanwhile, a series of social media campaigns would help timeshare…

  • In The Swing Of Things: Top 10 Golf Courses, Turkey

    Maria Rodriguez
    17 May 2013 | 2:01 am
    Renowned for its exotic cities, scorching sunshine and rich cultural history, Turkey has long been popular with tourists looking for a summer break.   But unbeknown to many, the region is also a fantastic destination for sports lovers. Turkey boasts some spectacular golf courses, with many just waiting to be explored.   Here are our top ten:   1)         Lykia Links   Based at the sprawling Lykia estate in Antalya, this fabulous 18-hole course is located directly by the sea, so golfers can enjoy the spectacular views as they tee up. This course will challenge…

  • Malaga’s Top 5 Sights for Culture Vultures

    Maria Rodriguez
    14 May 2013 | 5:36 am
    With its golden sands, friendly locals and year-round sunshine, the exuberant Spanish city of Malaga has soared its way into many a tourist’s heart. But for those who want a bit more out of their beach break, there is plenty more to see and do if you can tear yourself away from the sunlounger. We have put together Malaga’s best sights to keep all culture vultures happy this summer.    Picasso Museum Art lovers will enjoy the chance to chart Picasso’s work from the late-19th century until his death in 1973 at the Museo Picasso Malaga. Based in the heart of the old town, the museum…
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    Personal travel stories and insights from Ms Traveling Pants

  • New England Express

    MsTravelingPants
    16 May 2013 | 4:05 am
    Already packed and heading on yet another adventure, I wanted to recap a quick tour of New England I did recently through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, & Rhode Island. I might add, that this was done in an ambitious six days. In the quickie video below, you will see highlights of Boston, hiking in the White Mountains, adventures in row boats and canoes, Maine lobster, sailing in Newport, and more. Sit back an enjoy with my musical selection from Jobim. Please leave your impressions and any stories from your travels to New England, I’d love to hear about…

  • Touring Cuba with Ms Traveling Pants

    MsTravelingPants
    13 May 2013 | 3:38 pm
    Want to see what Ms Traveling Pants has been up to? Find out by viewing this quickie travel video highlighting Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, and of course Havana, Cuba. Whether you choose to enjoy it with or without a mojito, it is totally up to you! And, don’t be afraid to dance a bit! “El Cuarto de Tula” performed by Eliades Ochoa and Compay Segundo is one of my favorites. Here’s to more good times and good stories. Stay tuned to future adventures to Cuba, Toronto, and more by connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

  • Relaxation and Exploration in Crete

    MsTravelingPants
    13 May 2013 | 3:44 am
    Having a busy travel schedule for business this summer, I’m due for some relaxing time away from hot and humid South Florida. This year, I’m aiming for chilling out along the water, perhaps the Mediterranean and even a special visit to my hometown. Despite spending a couple of years in Europe, I regret that I missed visiting Crete. So, I asked Ricky, a fellow wanderluster and writer, to recommend some R&R in Crete for my readers. I pass the baton for this post to you, Ricky. Here’s to relaxation and exploration in Chania Old Town Crete! After a long slog at work, many…

  • Sailing is to Newport, Rhode Island like…

    MsTravelingPants
    10 May 2013 | 5:11 am
    Last week, I ambitiously set off with my PIC (Partner In Crime) for a six state journey in fewer than six days through New England, hitting Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and finally Rhode Island. So, it was yet another good time and/or good story in the making. As the title of the post implies, when in Newport, you must sail. And, we did. We knew there would be no ifs ands or buts about it.  Let’s face it; sailing is to Newport, Rhode Island like… Cheese is to Wisconsin (Duh! And washed down with beer.) Flamenco is to Spain (Ole!) Cigars and rum are…

  • Heading to TBEX 2013 in Toronto

    MsTravelingPants
    28 Apr 2013 | 6:34 am
    T-minus one month until my first visit to Toronto! Woohoo! What’s on my agenda? I’m going to start with a tour of Toronto on bike. Then, I’m taking a day trip to witness Niagara Falls. Heck, I’ll probably do some great eating and imbibing all along the way. But, what is my main attraction in Toronto? What is the occasion? What sparked my interest? Other than wanting to visit a new place and escape the South Florida heat and humidity,  it is the largest gathering of other travel bloggers, writers, and wanderlusters, known as TBEX. If you would like to know more,…
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    Traveling Mom RSS Feed

  • 3 Summer Travel Ideas for Toddlers

    19 May 2013 | 1:11 pm
    Parents of toddlers – stop limiting your vacations to staycations. This is coming from a mom who has raised a toddler into a traveler once, and is doing it all over again. If you have a toddler, you have anarchy on your hands … trust me, I know! But you don’t have to stick close to home if you don’t want to. Sure you might have to throw out the word "relaxation" from your vacation plans and switch into "survival" mode, but that’s just part of being a parent.There is no sense in going on a vacation that is going to leave you more exhausted than before you departed for that trip. So…

  • 3 Summer Travel Ideas for Toddlers

    19 May 2013 | 1:11 pm
    Parents of toddlers – stop limiting your vacations to staycations. This is coming from a mom who has raised a toddler into a traveler once, and is doing it all over again. If you have a toddler, you have anarchy on your hands … trust me, I know! But you don’t have to stick close to home if you don’t want to. Sure you might have to throw out the word "relaxation" from your vacation plans and switch into "survival" mode, but that’s just part of being a parent.There is no sense in going on a vacation that is going to leave you more exhausted than before you departed for that trip. So…

  • Being A Good Visitor with Your Pooch

    14 May 2013 | 11:44 pm
    Summertime means more travel and hopefully traveling with your pet or service dog to see family or friends. Remembering to be a good house guest makes for a more peaceful and relaxing visit for everyone and increases the likelihood that you will be more than welcome for a future visit. Keep in mind that the rules might not be the same at your host's home as at yours and err on the cautious side when allowing your pooch rein of the home. Here are some tips to help make the visit more enjoyable for everyone involved:

  • Being A Good Visitor with Your Pooch

    14 May 2013 | 11:44 pm
    Summertime means more travel and hopefully traveling with your pet or service dog to see family or friends. Remembering to be a good house guest makes for a more peaceful and relaxing visit for everyone and increases the likelihood that you will be more than welcome for a future visit. Keep in mind that the rules might not be the same at your host's home as at yours and err on the cautious side when allowing your pooch rein of the home. Here are some tips to help make the visit more enjoyable for everyone involved:

  • 5 Summer Vacation Ideas for Teens

    14 May 2013 | 4:57 pm
    Teens sometimes get a bad rap. People think they’re hard to please and harder to travel with. But the key to traveling with teens—and keeping the whole family happy—is to find destinations where teens can have the independence they crave. Here are five teen-friendly summer vacation ideas.
 
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    littleindiana.com » Jessica Nunemaker

  • Hilltop Drive Inn Ice Cream Shop in Cambridge City, Indiana

    Jessica Nunemaker
    21 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    Hilltop Drive In in Cambridge City, Indiana Cambridge City, Indiana folks have been visiting Hilltop Drive In for more than sfds years. Set on a bit of a hill, this mom and pop shop has been providing area folks with sweet treats and food served fast for decades. Hilltop Drive In in Cambridge City, Indiana  You will find an assortment of items on their menu perfect for lunch or dinner (I hear the chicken cutlet is a local favorite) But for little Indiana and family this time around, cold drinks were in order! We stopped by and had a tough decision to make: do we get ice cream kind of stuff…

  • little Indiana on PBS: Huntingburg, Indiana

    Jessica Nunemaker
    20 May 2013 | 2:00 pm
    little Indiana on PBS: Huntingburg, Indiana little Indiana is back on PBS with a new segment! This time I explore Huntingburg, Indiana! This Dubois County town is so gorgeous it has been the site of three movies–and that includes A League of their Own! Check out League Stadium, the super fun shops downtown, and you’ve got one phenomenal small town. You can watch me in Cambridge City, Indiana right here (below), on the PBS website, or on YouTube. There’s always more where that came from! With a little luck, I will be able to snag a sponsor which would mean a full length…

  • Images from The Daily Grind in Nashville, Indiana

    Jessica Nunemaker
    20 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    When it’s time for a break, escape from the daily grind by popping into, well, The Daily Grind in Nashville, Indiana! This mom and pop coffee shop carries coffee from around the world, serves breakfast and lunch, and has such a warm, homey atmosphere. Look for changing specials and that local flavor you know and love. Then get busy! There’s a lot of fun shopping around this area of Nashville, Indiana! The Daily Grind Images from Nashville, Indiana The Daily Grind Coffee Shop in Nashville, Indiana The Daily Grind Coffee Shop in Nashville, Indiana The Daily Grind Coffee Shop in…

  • Indiana Blogs: Leman’s Studios Blog

    Jessica Nunemaker
    19 May 2013 | 2:00 pm
    This marks another addition to the regular feature here at little Indiana: Indiana Blogs! If you are an Indiana Blogger, please use the contact form and send me an email. You may be featured right here on little Indiana. Indiana Blogs: Leman’s Studios Leman’s Studios is an Indiana blog that serves as a launchpad for this Indiana photographer to share not only photography tips for aspiring photographers but also advice for folks looking for a photographer. So, if you want to up your image quality, you can find that here. If you want the reasons behind choosing a wedding…

  • Indiana Bloggers: Hoosier Updates from Around the Web 5/12/2013 — 5/18/2013

    Jessica Nunemaker
    18 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    Indiana Bloggers: Hoosier Updates from Around the Web I thought it would be fun to highlight one article each week from the Hoosier bloggers you know and love. You know, previously Featured little Indiana Bloggers! Just like the Hoosier bloggers themselves, no two weeks will ever be the same! Like a fine box of Indiana chocolates, you just never know what you will find. If you are an Indiana blogger and would like to be featured on little Indiana, please let me know via email or in the comments below. Now, let’s get caught up with what our Hoosier bloggers were doing this week! Indiana…
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    Traveling Greener

  • 5 Fab Slow Instagramers

    Sonya
    12 May 2013 | 6:18 pm
    “On a mission to slow down the world. In a good way.” – Carl Honoré, writer, speaker, Slow Movement ambassador. We are slow travelers. Wandering we do, wanderers we are.  We walk and cycle endlessly…And more than anything, we savor every place we go. Nomadic by nature, we’re happy to relocate to places and stay a while, learning the place, its people, food, culture and language. We want to be happy, learning and moving forward. Every. Single. Day. Carl Honoré talking about Slow Travel. Video courtesy of Carl Honoré. On Twitter, we discovered writer and TED…

  • 10 Minutes A Day On Twitter

    Sonya
    9 May 2013 | 10:50 pm
    Want to rock your social media in 30 minutes a day? Take a look at this infographic Rock Star Social Media in 30 Minutes a Day by Pardot.com. We’re big fans of social media, especially Twitter. Since 2008, we’ve been active on Twitter and now have 24,000+ fab followers and 87,000+ tweets.  And no, 10 minutes a day on Twitter just isn’t enough time!

  • Green Photos: Wheels

    Sonya
    2 May 2013 | 3:49 pm
    “Anyone who has lost something they thought was theirs forever finally comes to realize that nothing really belongs to them.” ― Paulo Coelho We traveled the desert and came across this captivating collection of antiques: wagon wheels. In varied states of decay and disarray, these wagon wheels became a symbol of travel and travelers to us. As we wandered through the antique shop and yard, we wondered about these travelers and where these wheels and their wagons had taken them. See more Green Photos.

  • Cozy In Copenhagen

    Sonya
    2 May 2013 | 3:33 pm
      Copenhagen, Denmark is the perfect city to us.  That’s really because of all the Danish hygge in the Danish capital. What exactly is Danish hygge? This charming VisitDenmark.com video So what is Danish hygge? explains the cozy term. Anna from Sweden travels around Copenhagen and talks to Copenhageners about hygge.

  • Weekend In Santorini

    Sonya
    26 Apr 2013 | 6:19 am
    Fira by night on Santorini, Greece. Photo credit: Manuco. Lela wrote this guest post about a weekend in Santorini. She is a world traveler who works as a writer for HostelBookers. Santorini, Greece is perhaps the Mediterranean Sea’s most famous — and infamous — island gem. Formed by a volcano rising from the Aegean Sea and shaped by a massive explosion 3,000 years ago, Santorini is known for its white plaster buildings, red rock-lined harbor, and pristine volcanic beaches. Over time, Santorini has become one of Greece’s most popular destinations and a great place to spend the…
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    Plum Deluxe

  • When to Get a Resole on Your Favorite Pair of Shoes

    A Guest Writer
    21 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    Shoes are style statements, and a pair of comfortable shoes often ends up becoming a part of your permanent wardrobe essentials. It is difficult to give up such a pair when the sole gets worn out or damaged. The best and the quickest solution to prevent the loss of a lovely favorite pair of boots or tough running shoes is to see a cobbler from time to time. A cobbler, you say? That’s the traditional (and most accurate) word for a shoe repair person. A cobbler can help you extend the life of footwear favorites. It’s more about keeping old favorites than saving money – sometimes,…

  • Upgrade Your Buttons, Upgrade Your Life

    Carey Ruhl
    20 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    When Barack Obama was inaugurated for the 2nd time as President of the United States, people went crazy over his daughter Malia’s purple coat from J.Crew. But they would never be able to own that exact coat: J.Crew pulled that particular color of coat from stores out of respect for the first family. But even if you managed to snag one that was similar, Malia had changed out the original buttons to gold rimmed ones, making the coat truly her own. And you can do the same. Whether it is an investment piece that you want to put your own mark on, or that thrift store find that needs to be…

  • Old Tools, New Rules: 8 Amazing Home Decor Projects Using Basic Sticky DIY Tools

    A Guest Writer
    19 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    Go on, confess: Are you one of those people who goes wild on Pinterest, pinning ultra-ambitious home makeover projects that promptly get forgotten in their sheer impossibility? I am. What I need – and you do too, probably – are simple DIY projects that I can tackle in an evening or a weekend that produce quick results. And thanks to some basic ‘sticky’ home improvement tools, that is now possible. So there it is: my sticky arsenal. Three basic tools that I suggest you get hold of right now for your little DIY kit, if you don’t have them already lying around at home. Because the…

  • Tea 101: Perfection In a Cup

    A Guest Writer
    18 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    Tea: recipient of my undying passion. No, I’m not crazy — two billion people all over the globe are also in love with tea, making it the most consumed beverage in the world (after water, naturally). For some it’s the flavor and the health benefits; for others it’s a ritual, a way of socializing, a form of greeting. How much do you really know about tea? Let’s take a crash course! What is Tea? This is not a dumb question; a lot of people get legitimately confused about what does and does not constitute “tea.” Technically speaking, tea only comes from the camellia sinesis…

  • Throw It On the Barbie: How to Plan a Picnic Like an Aussie

    A Guest Writer
    17 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    The Australian tradition of a barbecue — henceforth referred to as a “barbie,” as that’s what we Aussies actually call it — is a central part of Aussie culture. (Oh, and by the way, we use the word “barbie” to refer to both the event and the cooking apparatus.) I can’t recall ever living through a summer that didn’t include multiple barbies with family and friends. Barbies occur year-round, but definitely amp up in regularity during the summer holiday months. We’re very much an outdoor culture, and almost every house has either a patio or shed with…
 
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    J The Travel Authority

  • Zurich's Postcard Perfect Urban Wilderness

    JTravel
    15 May 2013 | 10:07 pm
    Ah, a snowy Sunday in Zurich. With so many shops closed, what's a Type A person, like myself, to do? Head to the wilderness, of course. And that couldn't be easier in Zurich where Mount Uetliberg, really a set of hills rather than one mountain, rises almost 3,000 feet above sea level. In the winter, it's a playground for sledding, walking, hiking, jogging and mountain biking. In the summer, take sledding  out of the mix and add picnicking. Taking a train from Zurich's main station to Uetliberg, I shared my car with families and kids toting sleds. The wide open slopes as well as steeper…

  • The Beauty of Gdansk, Poland

    JTravel
    13 May 2013 | 9:04 pm
    How curious. After I told colleagues that I was planning to make a short visit to Gdansk, Poland, and, overwhelmingly, the opinions ranged from: "Skip Gdansk, it's such an ugly city," to "There's not much there, aside from shipyards and a monument and museum for the Solidarity movement." I'm glad I didn't pay any attention to these uninformed views. Here are my recommendation based on  what I found: • Walk the main street to take in the facades and gables bedecked with symbols. One bears the resemblance of Shakespeare because many of his plays were performed in this city during the…

  • Architecture in Riga, Latvia

    JTravel
    26 Apr 2013 | 12:24 pm
    Art Nouveau fans will be in heaven in Riga, Latvia where probably 30% of the buildings reflect this flowery architectural style. Wander these streets: Alberta iela, Elizabetes, Strēlnieku, Blaumaņa,Vīlandes iela, Šķūņu, Smilšu iela to view a roster of Art Nouveau masterpieces by notables that include Mikhail Eisenstein, Eižens Laube, and Konstantīns Pēkšēns. With facades bearing prominent pine cones, cherubs, a sphinx, elongated faces, dragons lotus petals, gargoyles, and curiously-shaped windows (including a resemblance to keyholes), the buildings radiate a mythical feel that,…

  • Hiking Portugal's Longest Trail

    JTravel
    17 Apr 2013 | 11:55 am
    Think Portugal and what comes to mind? Of course the vibrant capital of Lisbon, swaths of sandy beaches, rich port wines, fortified hilltop towns, and ruins from Roman and megalithic periods. What about hiking? Probably not. But your next trip to Portugal should include hiking, thanks to a brand new trail, the longest in Portugal. Whether for a day or a week, you'll find that this trail, the Rota Vicentina, is all about authenticity in that the people who created it teamed up with rural accommodations that are locally owned to highlight a part of the country that sees little outside…

  • Gear Review: Aloe Gel

    JTravel
    15 Apr 2013 | 11:12 am
    With so many chemicals in the products we purchase, it's always great to find a reputable outdoor-oriented company manufacturing environmentally-friendly creams, salves, ointments, gels and lotions to keep you from getting bitten, burned, chapped, and laden with welts and rashes after a day or more of hiking, biking or just hanging out at the beach. All Terrain is that company. Not only is this New Hampshire-based company focused on natural ingredients but they are also concerned about children's health, including obesity. (That's why they support organizations that are concentrating on…
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    Two Kids and a Map

  • Tips for Visiting Glenwood Hot Springs Pool – Glenwood Springs, CO

    Jen
    20 May 2013 | 7:01 pm
    Glenwood Springs is a small town in the mountains of Colorado about two and half hours from Denver.  What the town seems to be most known for is the hot springs pool.  The Glenwood Hot Springs is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and we were invited to check it out. Visiting the hot springs is as easy as visiting your local public pool but there are some things you should know ahead of time.  The hot springs are fed into pool areas that will resemble your public pools.  They can get very crowded (we were there on a big celebration day as you will see in the pictures) but I…

  • Three Days in Downtown Denver, Colorado

    Jen
    16 May 2013 | 8:24 pm
    Denver, Colorado is one of the most fun and welcoming cities I have ever been to.  When we moved here in November it was at the beginning of the ski season.  My husband, a snowboarder, couldn’t wait to get his whole family sliding down the mountain.  We spent most of our winter weekends exploring the mountain towns and ski resorts.  When we weren’t driving back and forth on I-70, we spent our weekends unpacking boxes, getting used to a new school curriculum and finding our way around unfamiliar surroundings.  Downtown Denver was not high on the priority list yet. I was…

  • Saving Money For Travel (Or Whatever) with the 52 Week Money Challenge

    Jen
    13 May 2013 | 3:13 pm
    At the beginning of the year, the 52 Week Money Challenge graphic went viral.  That graphic was everywhere.  If you were on social media shortly after the holidays it was hard to miss.  I tried to figure out exactly where the graphic came from to no avail. The idea is that each on Week 1 of the year, you will put one $1 in a jar, an envelope or the bank.  On Week 2, you put $2 in the jar.  On Week 52, you put $52 in the jar.  By the end of the year, you should have saved $1378 assuming you don’t miss a week. I liked the idea and in addition to our other savings techniques, I…

  • Tinker Bell’s Butterfly Garden at Epcot

    Jen
    3 May 2013 | 6:53 am
    What a wonderful way to celebrate all things Tinker Bell.  As we made our way out of the park to catch the airplane home, my mom and I noticed Tinker Bell’s Butterfly Garden.  I am so glad that we decided to stop while we were guests of Disney at the Traveling Mom retreat.  The fairy houses, butterflies and more were just wonderful.  My daughter would have adored this spot in Epcot.  It was the perfect taste of spring after spending a winter knee deep in snow and brown plants. Stop by Delicious Baby and Friday DayDreamin’ for fun travel posts! The post Tinker Bell’s…

  • Mary Poppins: The Musical

    Jen
    2 May 2013 | 9:55 am
    There are moments in a parent’s life that he or she looks forward to sharing with the children.  For me, watching Mary Poppins together while curled up on the couch with a blanket and some popcorn was one of them.  My daughter fell in love with Mary Poppins when we watched it together.  She has memorized every song and we watch the movie often.  I have wanted to see the Broadway production of Mary Poppins since Ashley Brown, a former student at the school in which I used to teach English, was in the starring role.  Unfortunately, the show never came close enough to my city. Since…
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    Travel Deals Blog BestTravelDeals.net

  • European Package Deals With Air

    kirsten
    20 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    $1326 & up — Ireland: 6-Nt. Ritz-Carlton Escape w/Air Explore Emerald Isle including the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Killarney, Galway and much more. Travel through August 31 $1265 & up — Paris & Rome 6-Night Package w/Air & Hotels Combine Paris and Rome with flights between the cities. Travel for 6-9+ nights with RT air from US cities, hotel [...]

  • Caribbean Package Deals With Air

    kirsten
    17 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    $769 & up — All-Incl. Dominican Republic Trip 4 Nts. w/Air Rated #1 among the 11 resorts in Bayahibe. Travel from May 23-June 24. Book by May 24 $979 — Jamaica: 4-Night All-Inclusive Riu Trip from Dallas 4 nts travel including airfare departing from Dallas. Travel dates:  Jun 24-Jul 1, 22-Aug 5, 2013 $799 & up — St. Thomas [...]

  • Mediterranean Cruise Deals

    kirsten
    15 May 2013 | 6:29 am
    $799 & up — Summer: Italy-Greece-Turkey 7-Night Cruise Departing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Travel  from May 19 through Sept. 8 $1799 & up — ‘World’s Best’: Luxe European Cruises, 70% Off Sail to exotic ports of call such as Capri, Sardinia, and Tenerife with this last-minute flash sale from Windstar Cruises. $899 & up — Oceanview: Roundtrip Venice Cruise Cruise [...]

  • Mexico Travel Deals

    kirsten
    13 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    $137-$197 — Playa del Carmen Beach Hideaway Resort, 30% Off A Mexican bungalow style beachfront hotel with breakfast, dinner, free wi-fi & kids stay free. Travel May to October. $649 & up — 4-Star All-Incl. Cancun Escape w/Air, Save $200 Includes full-service Miiluma Spa, kids club, free wi-fi & $100 instant savings.  Travel 8/18 – 10/31 $799 & up [...]

  • Las Vegas Travel Deals

    kirsten
    10 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    Score the year’s best deals in Vegas, up to 55% off for travel in summer. Stroll the Strip and enjoy bright lights, dancing fountains, pulsating music & people-watching. Visit the Fremont Street Experience for some “vintage Vegas” action. Fremont East District offers you a variety of comedy clubs, blues and jazz nightclubs, and other musical [...]
 
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    Nuts About Southwest

  • Go Green in the Garden with Low-Maintenance Plants

    hluter
    21 May 2013 | 9:23 am
    Featured Picture:  flower_map.jpg Just because you don’t have a green thumb doesn’t mean you can’t be green when it comes to gardening. You may be surprised how easy it is to grow a flourishing garden when you know which native plants thrive in your region.  Native plants require less maintenance in general, which provide a number of benefits.  Conserving water is important, and many are drought-resistant.  Their low maintenance tendencies when it comes to water makes it even better for the Planet, your wallet, and conserving one of our natural resources. Here are…

  • Trump, Venture, and Valdez – Sent with LUV

    vsanner
    21 May 2013 | 9:05 am
    Featured Picture:  servicedog1.jpg I was working as usual taking care of our Customers when I received a call from Dianne Rathcke with the Dixon Correctional Institute in Louisiana.  Dianne had a couple of generic questions and proceeded to tell me about a very special program, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), where certain individuals, in this case offenders, are chosen to train service dogs for disabled and or handicapped individuals.  Dianne continued to tell me about three of their dogs, Trump, Valdez, and Venture III, who would graduate in May and their ceremony…

  • Parade of Roses: An Engagement at Chicago Midway

    arogers
    20 May 2013 | 7:36 am
    Recently, we helped a Southwest Customer, Jason, propose to his girlfriend, Allison.  Jason handed out roses on the plane, and when arriving in Midway, each Passenger emerged from the jetbridge carrying a rose and a note.  A lot of work when into Jason's big proposal, and this is what he said about the process:The idea for this proposal came from a conversation I had on a flight from Denver to Chicago a few years ago. The plane was pretty empty so the flight attendants sat with the 10 or so passengers and talked. I brought up the idea then and the crew member I was talking with…

  • Best of Flashback Fridays: Origins of the Boeing 737, Part Three

    snelson
    17 May 2013 | 2:22 am
    Featured Picture:  fbf_120309_1.jpg This week’s “Best of” post focuses on the Boeing 737 “Classics” family—specifically, the -300, -400, and -500 series—and the role that Southwest played in the development of the 300s and 500s. This continuation of Brian’s “Origins of the Boeing 737” series originally ran in March, 2012, and it’s always interesting to look at all that has changed in the short period of time since the post first ran.  In this case, we had yet to take delivery of our very first -800.  Now, just a little more than a year later, we have 43 of…

  • A Straight No Chaser Kind of Night!

    magnew
    16 May 2013 | 8:04 am
    It was a beautiful night in New York City as the smooth harmony of acclaimed a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, floated through the park. New Yorkers strolling past found themselves drawn in as Atlantic Records recording artists Straight No Chaser performed live at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park. SNC Fans and special guests packed into the intimate space of the Southwest Porch, anticipating the arrival of the group. I have to say, it's not every day that you find yourself in the midst of ten guys in matching suits serenading you to the tunes of such artists like Adele, Gotye, and Sara…
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    Caribbean Travel Blog - RumShopRyan

  • Winners Of The Kenny And Costa Photo Contest Are…

    RumShopRyan
    21 May 2013 | 4:09 pm
    Before I announce the winners of the Goin’ Coastal with Kenny & Costa Photo Contest I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a photo and everyone who kept voting for their favorites. We had 89 amazing photos submitted of people living the island lifestyle and I loved them all! Fun contests like this wouldn’t be possible without great people like all of you and for that I thank you. Nice work Castaways! Secondly I’d like to thank the great people of Costa del Mar for donating two rockin’ Kenny Chesney signature Costa sunglasses. Kenny and Costa…

  • Storytime With Jimmy Buffett and Mishka

    RumShopRyan
    20 May 2013 | 6:21 am
    When we see our favorite musicians play the songs we love, what we are seeing is the end result of a long creative process. Many hours were spent coming up with the lyrics and the melody, then many more practicing each song. The creative process, and the stories behind the songs are what most of us don’t get to see. So when we do get to see a video like the one below , one that shows us this behind the curtain look, it makes the connection we have with the musician so much stronger. Mailboat Records released this little behind the scenes video of Jimmy Buffett and Mishka a couple…

  • New Edition Of Castaways In The Wild!

    RumShopRyan
    17 May 2013 | 6:21 am
    It’s time for another Castaways in the Wild post! My favorite! It’s been a couple months since the last Castaways in the Wild post and in that time I’ve received some stunning photos from you guys. This addition highlights Castaways in Grand Cayman, the Exumas, Key West, Hawaii, Turks and Caicos, Cozumel, Grenada and more. The photo above is from Castaways Brian and Paige as they relax at Satana’s Beach Bar on Little Exuma in the Bahamas. They loved Dee’s lobster of course! Here they are, the most recent photos sent in by you guys living the Castaway lifestyle.

  • Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in the Caribbean

    RumShopRyan
    16 May 2013 | 6:32 am
    This is a guest post from Angie Picardo, a writer at TravelNerd.com. If you are planning on going to the Caribbean, scuba diving and snorkeling is a must. Diving the underwater world of the Caribbean is a phenomenal way to experience the islands. Let’s look at some of the more magnificent reefs and islands suited to explore the underwater world. From huge holes in the ocean floor, to massive expansive reefs, the options are vast for anyone looking for the best places to go scuba diving in the Caribbean. Cozumel, Mexico Cozumel is considered by many to be the best spot to snorkel or…

  • Video: Cinnamon Sun Cocktail Recipe By Blue Chair Bay Rum

    RumShopRyan
    15 May 2013 | 4:35 am
    After one sip, you’ll be cracking nuts high in a Coconut Tree. This is the month that Kenny Chesney’s new Blue Chair Bay Rum is hitting stores. I’ve seen many excited comments from people that have finally got their hands on the new rum and many comments from those still eagerly waiting. Today I’m going to show you what you can do with the rum. Yes, drink it of course! But let’s mix a little somethin’ somethin’ up shall we. During the Blue Chair Bay Rum launch event in Orlando I was able to meet the master mixologist Jonathan Pogash. Jonathan is…
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    Briefcase to Backpack - Travel Advice for Career Breaks or Sabbaticals

  • How the West Can Be Won

    editor
    2 May 2013 | 12:00 am
    Cost is an obvious, integral factor for those of us planning an overseas sabbatical.  You’ve already resolved to place your day job on pause, now it’s time to strike a balance between where you would like to visit and the amount of money it takes to get there.  While Western Europe rightfully holds an allure for all travelers, some of its more enticing cities tend to be the most prohibitively expensive.  It’s the reason we see few backpacks in Florence and a barrage in Luang Prabang; Southeast Asia is the affordable alternative, particularly when you’re sustaining yourself with US…

  • Travel: Finding a New Future

    editor
    25 Apr 2013 | 12:00 am
    As former workaholics it had taken decades for us to find ourselves in a fairly unique position. We were financially quite well-off, we both enjoyed successful and rewarding careers with the free added bonus of exhaustion and stress. We weren’t millionaires, but as quite a frugal couple, we’d never squandered our hard earned cash on opulent apparel, but we did splash out on vacations and new cars now and again.   We’d paid off the mortgage on our main home, purchased a vacation property overseas, we dined out most evenings of the week, and had all the latest gadgets and…

  • Teaching English Abroad: The International Career Break that Pays You to Travel & Boosts Your Resume

    Michaela Potter
    18 Apr 2013 | 12:00 am
    Are you looking to escape the corporate grind for a rewarding career break abroad than enables you to live in foreign country and become part of the local community? Do you need a way to finance your international adventures? Have you considered that international work experience can boost your resume and set you apart in a globalized economy and a competitive job market?   Why Consider Teaching English Abroad? From Costa Rica and Chile to Cambodia and China, an estimated 250,000 English speakers gain employment each year teaching English abroad, making teaching English as a foreign…

  • The Essential Guide to Travel

    Michaela Potter
    11 Apr 2013 | 12:00 am
    We all know that the internet is a cluttered place of information — some good and some bad. Here at the Meet Plan Go! Career Break Headquarters we are always trying to weed through it all to bring you the best nuggets of information out there so you are fully prepared for your travels, armed with tips and advice from those who’ve done it before you. One of our very own, Chicago host, Lisa Lubin of LLworldtour.com, has just released a brand new eBook called: The Essential Guide to Travel: Tips, Tricks & Advice on Getting the Most from Your Adventures If you’ve been…

  • A Travelers Guide to Watching TV Shows & Movies Abroad

    editor
    28 Mar 2013 | 12:00 am
    With access to the internet in many parts of the globe, it’s easier to stay connected with friends, family, . . . and your favorite TV shows.  Unfortunately, blocked content (due to licensing agreements) is a common problem for travelers when out of their home country.  Luckily, I found a little known site, called VIPTV.net, which allows me to access TV shows without having to deal with blocked content problems.  There is also a trick with Amazon Instant Video to watch a movie when away from wifi.  I admit, sometimes I skirt legalities by unblocking content with the use of a web proxy,…
 
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    The Jetpacker

  • A Woman Was Kicked Off a Flight For Singing Whitney Houston Songs

    Jetpacker
    14 May 2013 | 8:00 am
    An American Airlines flight had to make an unscheduled landing last week, after an unruly passenger refused to stop singing Whitney Houston songs. Flight 22 departed Los Angeles International Airport bound for New York’s JFK last Thursday afternoon. According to reports, shortly after the plane took off, a woman began singing the Whitney Houston song, “I Will Always Love You”. Flight attendants asked her to stop, but she refused. The flight made it about halfway across the country before the singing became unbearable and a federal air marshal intervened. The air marshal…

  • What’s The World’s Sexiest Nationality?

    Jetpacker
    14 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    When you’re traveling, do you ever look around and think, “Man, this place is FILLED with people way more attractive than back home”? I do. And so do a lot of other people, apparently. The website MissTravel.com recently asked tens of thousands of American men and women what nationalities they think are SEXIEST. And the answers were a little surprising. American men think Colombian women are the sexiest nationality on the planet.  And, in a bit of an upset, American women think BRITISH men are the sexiest of anyone in the world. Here’s the Top 10 for both…

  • Samoa Air Introduces ‘Pay-As-You-Weigh’ Pricing

    Jetpacker
    2 Apr 2013 | 6:00 am
    Samoa Air has become the first airline in the world to begin charging passengers based on their weight. Under their new “pay as you weigh” system, passengers must type in their body weight and the weight of their baggage into the online booking section of the airline’s website. The rates vary depending on the distance flown, ranging from $1 per kilogram on the shortest domestic route, to about $4.16 per kilogram for travel between Samoa and American Samoa. Passengers are then weighed again on scales at the airport, to confirm the weight they entered online. Like many Pacific…

  • Where To Travel In April

    Jetpacker
    1 Apr 2013 | 7:00 am
    Welcome to the April edition of the “Where To Travel In…” series, where we break down the biggest, the best, and the downright weirdest events going around the globe.  Here’s what’s happening in April… April Fools’ Day – Various Countries April 1 A personal favorite of TheJetpacker, April 1 is April Fools’ Day in the Western world.  It’s marked by hilarity, hoaxes, and practical jokes being played throughout the day.  Some travel-related April Fools’ pranks that have occurred over the years include the Dutch television news report in the…

  • Ride Report: Los Angeles to Taipei in EVA’s Premium Economy

    Jetpacker
    20 Mar 2013 | 8:00 am
    Early last year, I found a phenomenal fare for first-class airfare from Yangon, Myanmar to Los Angeles. The catch? I had to first get to Myanmar. So, after considering countless possible routings, I decided on Los Angeles to Taipei, Taiwan on EVA Air for my first leg. Now, I’ve been on a couple long-haul flights in my life, but the 14-hour 45-minute scheduled flight between L.A. and Taipei was going to be the longest… by FAR. So I splurged on the Premium Economy section.  It was a decision I did not regret. As a bonus, I’d be flying on my all-time favorite plane, the Boeing…
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    In the Know Traveler

  • What’s New in Anguilla

    media@intheknowtraveler.com
    17 May 2013 | 11:29 pm
    New luxury offerings in Anguilla Tradition Sailing Charters Offering daily sailing excursions aboard Tradition, a 50 foot traditional gaff rigged vessel built in the West Indies in 1978. One of few hand-built wooden boats still sailing in the Caribbean, the ship offers guests an exclusive feel with a 12 passenger maximum and managed by a crew of three offering on-board beverage service.  Tradition offers its scheduled Tropical Cay Lunch Cruise four times a week, its Little Bay Half Day Sail, scheduled two days a week, its evening Champagne Cocktail Sunset Sail scheduled four days a week…

  • Visiting Auschwitz Poland, Part 2

    media@intheknowtraveler.com
    15 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    Visiting Auschwitz Poland, Part 2 For Visiting Auschwitz Poland, part 1 Mentality at Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland The Nazis destroyed evidence of the gas mass killings by blowing up the buildings. Anya told us they liked to use gas because they didn’t have to look at the person while he was being killed. How could the guards do this every day? “For the most part,” said Anya, “guards were ordinary people who could kill by day, and then go home and be loving fathers and husbands.” This was confirmed by Jerzy Kowalewski, an eighty-eight-year-old Auschwitz survivor. I attended a…

  • Eureka Ballarat, Australia!

    media@intheknowtraveler.com
    15 May 2013 | 7:25 am
      Discovering Australia’s Golden Heritage   If it was 160 years ago, I’d be squatting in mud swirling my pan away hoping to strike it rich. While I can still squat and try my hands at gold panning, the gold rush is no more and my chance of discovering anything more valuable than pebbles and dirt is as slim as winning the national lottery, however it is still possible to at least attempt to live the lives of those who came here for the golden fortune in today’s Ballarat. Ballarat During the Gold Rush Ballarat is Australia’s most iconic mining city. It all…

  • Thirty-One Nights by Nicholas Gunn

    media@intheknowtraveler.com
    14 May 2013 | 11:01 pm
    On his recently released album Thirty-One Nights flautist and composer extraordinaire Nicholas Gunn weaves a musical story of love, passion, romance, and adventure. The instrumental album featuring Nicholas Gunn on flute and percussion, Chris Fossek on flamenco guitar, and Dana Kemmerle on spoken word vocals tells the story of thirty one nights Nicholas spent in Mexico exploring the vibrant cities, jungles, Mayan ruins, white sand beaches, and aqua blue waters of the Yucatan Peninsula. The musicianship of both Mr. Gunn on flute and Chris Fossek on guitar is to be admired but the beauty of the…

  • Family Friendly Peru

    media@intheknowtraveler.com
    13 May 2013 | 4:12 pm
      Peru Travel Specialist Launches New Family-Friendly Itineraries Aracari Travel, an award-winning travel agency based in Lima, Peru, has announced a range of new family-friendly tour itineraries for summer 2013. Responding to increasing demand for family-oriented experiences in Peru, Aracari Travel has developed two itineraries that incorporate the destinations, accommodations and activities that are most suited to younger families with children aged up to 12 years old as well as families with children aged 13 years and older. Family Friendly With Adventurous Activities Both itineraries…
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    AAA TravelViews | AAA's Travel Blog

  • What To Do When You Are First at a Crash Scene

    Inspector 12
    21 May 2013 | 6:30 am
    I’ve recently had the great misfortune to come upon two car crash scenes. For anyone who comes across such a scene it can be tense, and in all cases it is sobering. Additionally, some quick thinking must happen: to help or not to help? That question is easy to answer if you come upon a scene that already has first responders. However, if you are one of the first on the scene, what should you do? That was my predicament in both cases I mentioned. In the first, I was driving on a two-lane country road and came upon a pickup truck towing a small trailer that had turned over. The pickup had…

  • 5 Questions I Get When I Say, ‘I’m a AAA Inspector’

    Inspector 503
    20 May 2013 | 6:30 am
    When making small talk, I always get hit with tons of questions when I mention my job. Some occur more often than others. I want to take a moment to answer some of the questions I most commonly am asked about this job. Here goes …     Q: Do you just love your job? A. Absolutely! Not many other jobs afford you the opportunity to see hotels, eat different foods and experience something new and interesting on a daily basis. Plus, AAA is an excellent company to work for, and I don’t have to spend all day sitting behind a desk. Q. What is your favorite restaurant? A. This answer…

  • Tips for Staying Connected While Traveling Overseas

    Community Manager
    17 May 2013 | 6:30 am
    In a high-tech world, one of the biggest questions when traveling is how to stay connected. Whether it’s through your smartphone, tablet or computer, staying updated on email, social media and life in general while you’re traveling can be both easy and affordable if you follow the tips below: Internet access Internet cafes are plentiful in foreign countries, and you often won’t find a more economical way to get online. Find out whether your hotel offers Wi-Fi and how much it costs. Request a room near the wireless router to boost your signal strength. Rent a mobile hotspot, which…

  • The Flavors of Manhattan’s Madison Square Park

    Inspector 10
    16 May 2013 | 6:30 am
    One of my favorite places in Manhattan is Madison Square Park. It is right in the middle of everything at 23rd Street and Broadway, and in springtime it is a beautiful and colorful little refuge from the bustling city surrounding it. Flower beds burst with color, and large trees in full bloom shade the soft green lawns and benches. The iconic Flatiron Building stands watch over the south end. Several impressive permanent statues of prominent historical figures ring the park. This is also a popular place to see many of the large temporary art installations that add even more flair to the urban…

  • AAA Inspectors Select Favorite Historic Restaurants

    Heather Hunter
    15 May 2013 | 6:30 am
    As the approach of Memorial Day brings the start of the summer travel season, many Americans look for ways to connect with our nation’s history during getaways and get-togethers. To help travelers enjoy a taste of our colorful beginnings, AAA inspectors gathered their selections for favorite historic restaurants. In locations that vary from an 1885 school building to a rustic stone and wood lodge in the heart of a national park, these restaurants invite diners to step back in time while enjoying a memorable meal. Below is a sampling of 10 establishments with notable historic origins,…
 
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    Travel Junkie Julia

  • Win An All-Expense Paid Adventure Around the World

    Julia
    21 May 2013 | 1:59 pm
    Travel junkies listen up! Want to win a free, all-expense paid trip to some of the world’s most exotic destinations? Umm…let me think about it…um yeah!  DoubleTree by Hilton has just launched DTour of a Lifetime, a year-long competition that will provide six lucky winners with, you guessed it, adventures of a lifetime.  Each “DTourist” will embark on a two-week to two-month adventure to one of the six continents, staying in several iconic DoubleTree by Hilton properties. I’ve partnered with Hilton as their DTour ambassador, so I wanted to share the details with…

  • Cruising the road to Hana: Epic road tripping in Maui

    Julia
    6 May 2013 | 10:45 am
    It’s been called one of the world’s most scenic drives. The Hana Highway along Maui’s eastern coast is 52 miles of narrow roads that carve through lush rain forests along rocky coastlines. Stretching from Kahului to the sleepy coastal town of Hana, this curvaceous highway coils around the island, across hundreds of curves and one-lane bridges. A trip there reveals the rugged natural beauty of postcard perfect Hawaii, from sweeping ocean views, to tropical waterfalls and volcanic black sand beaches. Eager to experience this adventure for myself, I flew to Maui, rented a compact car,…

  • Unleashing the Power Within: A Weekend With Tony Robbins

    Julia
    26 Mar 2013 | 6:33 pm
    Picture 6,000 people dancing like lunatics, high-fiving each other, shouting “YES!” and “I OWN YOU” at the top of their lungs. Add personal breakthroughs, hilarious storytelling, group massages, moaning, nose picking, a Jumbotron, coarse language, and a fire-walk across hot coals—there you have the Tony Robbins experience. It’s a unique blend of convention meets summer camp, therapy meets rock concert, motivation meets techno party mega church. Tony Robbins, the business and life strategist who has advised everyone from Nelson Mandela to Bill Clinton to Oprah over the past 30…

  • Best of Bali: Top 5 Things to Do in Ubud

    Julia
    18 Mar 2013 | 8:34 am
    An artistic town and hippie hangout in the heart of Bali’s terraced rice fields, Ubud is a go-to spot for most travelers passing through the popular Indonesian island. Whether it’s for a few days or a few months, the charming community of Ubud promises lush landscapes, exotic culture, Hindu temples and mischievous monkeys. A featured destination in the Elizabeth Gilbert franchise “Eat, Pray, Love,” Ubud is Bali’s cultural capital promising a laid-back vibe, yoga retreats, spiritual healers, affordable guesthouses, romantic restaurants and traditional dances. Having just returned…

  • Jungle Survival in Guyana

    Julia
    21 Feb 2013 | 3:30 am
    With jaguars, anacondas, black caiman and piranha, the jungle is home to a long list of creatures eager to eat, squeeze, bite or nibble on you if given the chance. With so many predator-free high-end luxury resorts around the world, it’s a wonder why people would choose to spend their vacation time in the thick of nature, (far from air-conditioning, room service or HBO) battling the elements. Seems counter-intuitive but learning to survive in the jungle is the exact reason why I, like the many other adventure-seekers before me, have found themselves in Guyana. Nestled between Brazil and…
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    Shermans Travel Blog

  • Riverboat Cruises Coming Back to the Pacific Northwest

    Amanda Black
    21 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    There’s something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it’s because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren’t just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they’ll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington! The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles,…

  • Two Days Only: One-Way Summer Flights on JetBlue from $46

    Mandy Berman
    21 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Travel to dozens of U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations this summer with JetBlue’s two-day summer sale. With fares* as low as $46, you can unwind on the beach with direct flights to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Aruba and Bermuda, Montego Bay and St. Croix. Or, visit major domestic cities like New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and so many more. These low fares can only be booked directly through JetBlue, and are not available on other sites. Sample one-way fares include: Boston – Nantucket: $46 Philadelphia – Boston: $49 Las Vegas – Long Beach: $53 Martha’s…

  • 10 Affordable Hawaii Hotels

    Jennifer Fauci
    21 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    Think New York City has a lock on the most expensive hotels in America, or glitzy South Beach? Think again. The highest hotel rates in the U.S. are actually in Hawaii, according to a report from Skift.com. So far in 2013, guests have spent an average of $233 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii – that’s an increase of $27 over the previous year! With airfare costs on the rise, this can make for a spendy island getaway. But not all Hawaii hotels cost a fortune. Here are some money-saving tips so you can enjoy the luau (or the whale watch, or six hours of lazying in the sun with a…

  • Tech Tuesday: Quarterly Roundup of the Best Travel Apps for Android

    Darren Murph
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Though it may not seem (or feel like it from the weather), we’re already into a new quarter for 2013, which means it’s time to refresh our quarterly app guides! Last week, I started by updating our iPhone guide. Now, I’ll tackle the ever-growing Android platform. If you’re looking to use your phone as a crutch during your summer vacation planning, you’ll want to make sure the programs below are installed. Field Trip: While this app made the cut last quarter, I couldn’t help but re-include it now for one major reason. Just this month, Google’s team updated the app…

  • Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Columbus

    Darren Murph
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Despite a lengthy winter, Ohio is finally diving headfirst into spring. And with that begins conference season in Columbus. One of America’s most varied and vibrant cities is also one of the most welcoming, which means you shouldn’t spend all of your time tucked within a concourse. In an effort to get you outside the boardroom and into the heart of Cowtown (yes, that is one of it’s nicknames), we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings. EAT: DeepWood has so many menu options, you should…
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    Shermans Travel Blog

  • Riverboat Cruises Coming Back to the Pacific Northwest

    Amanda Black
    21 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    There’s something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it’s because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren’t just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they’ll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington! The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles,…

  • Two Days Only: One-Way Summer Flights on JetBlue from $46

    Mandy Berman
    21 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Travel to dozens of U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations this summer with JetBlue’s two-day summer sale. With fares* as low as $46, you can unwind on the beach with direct flights to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Aruba and Bermuda, Montego Bay and St. Croix. Or, visit major domestic cities like New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and so many more. These low fares can only be booked directly through JetBlue, and are not available on other sites. Sample one-way fares include: Boston – Nantucket: $46 Philadelphia – Boston: $49 Las Vegas – Long Beach: $53 Martha’s…

  • 10 Affordable Hawaii Hotels

    Jennifer Fauci
    21 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    Think New York City has a lock on the most expensive hotels in America, or glitzy South Beach? Think again. The highest hotel rates in the U.S. are actually in Hawaii, according to a report from Skift.com. So far in 2013, guests have spent an average of $233 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii – that’s an increase of $27 over the previous year! With airfare costs on the rise, this can make for a spendy island getaway. But not all Hawaii hotels cost a fortune. Here are some money-saving tips so you can enjoy the luau (or the whale watch, or six hours of lazying in the sun with a…

  • Tech Tuesday: Quarterly Roundup of the Best Travel Apps for Android

    Darren Murph
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Though it may not seem (or feel like it from the weather), we’re already into a new quarter for 2013, which means it’s time to refresh our quarterly app guides! Last week, I started by updating our iPhone guide. Now, I’ll tackle the ever-growing Android platform. If you’re looking to use your phone as a crutch during your summer vacation planning, you’ll want to make sure the programs below are installed. Field Trip: While this app made the cut last quarter, I couldn’t help but re-include it now for one major reason. Just this month, Google’s team updated the app…

  • Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Columbus

    Darren Murph
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Despite a lengthy winter, Ohio is finally diving headfirst into spring. And with that begins conference season in Columbus. One of America’s most varied and vibrant cities is also one of the most welcoming, which means you shouldn’t spend all of your time tucked within a concourse. In an effort to get you outside the boardroom and into the heart of Cowtown (yes, that is one of it’s nicknames), we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings. EAT: DeepWood has so many menu options, you should…
 
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    Shermans Travel Blog

  • Riverboat Cruises Coming Back to the Pacific Northwest

    Amanda Black
    21 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    There’s something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it’s because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren’t just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they’ll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington! The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles,…

  • Two Days Only: One-Way Summer Flights on JetBlue from $46

    Mandy Berman
    21 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Travel to dozens of U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations this summer with JetBlue’s two-day summer sale. With fares* as low as $46, you can unwind on the beach with direct flights to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Aruba and Bermuda, Montego Bay and St. Croix. Or, visit major domestic cities like New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and so many more. These low fares can only be booked directly through JetBlue, and are not available on other sites. Sample one-way fares include: Boston – Nantucket: $46 Philadelphia – Boston: $49 Las Vegas – Long Beach: $53 Martha’s…

  • 10 Affordable Hawaii Hotels

    Jennifer Fauci
    21 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    Think New York City has a lock on the most expensive hotels in America, or glitzy South Beach? Think again. The highest hotel rates in the U.S. are actually in Hawaii, according to a report from Skift.com. So far in 2013, guests have spent an average of $233 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii – that’s an increase of $27 over the previous year! With airfare costs on the rise, this can make for a spendy island getaway. But not all Hawaii hotels cost a fortune. Here are some money-saving tips so you can enjoy the luau (or the whale watch, or six hours of lazying in the sun with a…

  • Tech Tuesday: Quarterly Roundup of the Best Travel Apps for Android

    Darren Murph
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Though it may not seem (or feel like it from the weather), we’re already into a new quarter for 2013, which means it’s time to refresh our quarterly app guides! Last week, I started by updating our iPhone guide. Now, I’ll tackle the ever-growing Android platform. If you’re looking to use your phone as a crutch during your summer vacation planning, you’ll want to make sure the programs below are installed. Field Trip: While this app made the cut last quarter, I couldn’t help but re-include it now for one major reason. Just this month, Google’s team updated the app…

  • Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Columbus

    Darren Murph
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Despite a lengthy winter, Ohio is finally diving headfirst into spring. And with that begins conference season in Columbus. One of America’s most varied and vibrant cities is also one of the most welcoming, which means you shouldn’t spend all of your time tucked within a concourse. In an effort to get you outside the boardroom and into the heart of Cowtown (yes, that is one of it’s nicknames), we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings. EAT: DeepWood has so many menu options, you should…
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    Shermans Travel Blog

  • Riverboat Cruises Coming Back to the Pacific Northwest

    Amanda Black
    21 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    There’s something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it’s because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren’t just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they’ll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington! The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles,…

  • Two Days Only: One-Way Summer Flights on JetBlue from $46

    Mandy Berman
    21 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Travel to dozens of U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations this summer with JetBlue’s two-day summer sale. With fares* as low as $46, you can unwind on the beach with direct flights to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Aruba and Bermuda, Montego Bay and St. Croix. Or, visit major domestic cities like New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and so many more. These low fares can only be booked directly through JetBlue, and are not available on other sites. Sample one-way fares include: Boston – Nantucket: $46 Philadelphia – Boston: $49 Las Vegas – Long Beach: $53 Martha’s…

  • 10 Affordable Hawaii Hotels

    Jennifer Fauci
    21 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    Think New York City has a lock on the most expensive hotels in America, or glitzy South Beach? Think again. The highest hotel rates in the U.S. are actually in Hawaii, according to a report from Skift.com. So far in 2013, guests have spent an average of $233 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii – that’s an increase of $27 over the previous year! With airfare costs on the rise, this can make for a spendy island getaway. But not all Hawaii hotels cost a fortune. Here are some money-saving tips so you can enjoy the luau (or the whale watch, or six hours of lazying in the sun with a…

  • Tech Tuesday: Quarterly Roundup of the Best Travel Apps for Android

    Darren Murph
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Though it may not seem (or feel like it from the weather), we’re already into a new quarter for 2013, which means it’s time to refresh our quarterly app guides! Last week, I started by updating our iPhone guide. Now, I’ll tackle the ever-growing Android platform. If you’re looking to use your phone as a crutch during your summer vacation planning, you’ll want to make sure the programs below are installed. Field Trip: While this app made the cut last quarter, I couldn’t help but re-include it now for one major reason. Just this month, Google’s team updated the app…

  • Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Columbus

    Darren Murph
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Despite a lengthy winter, Ohio is finally diving headfirst into spring. And with that begins conference season in Columbus. One of America’s most varied and vibrant cities is also one of the most welcoming, which means you shouldn’t spend all of your time tucked within a concourse. In an effort to get you outside the boardroom and into the heart of Cowtown (yes, that is one of it’s nicknames), we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings. EAT: DeepWood has so many menu options, you should…
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    Shermans Travel Blog

  • Riverboat Cruises Coming Back to the Pacific Northwest

    Amanda Black
    21 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    There’s something so romantically American about a riverboat cruise. Perhaps it’s because they remind us of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Show Boat, Riverboat, and other great stories. But riverboats aren’t just for the Mississippi. The American Queen Steamboat Company, which runs a successful franchise on the Mississippi, recently announced they’ll be expanding their service to Oregon and Washington! The newly named American Empress will homeport in Portland, Oregon, and will sail to Clarkston, Washington, with stops in Astoria, Washington, The Dalles,…

  • Two Days Only: One-Way Summer Flights on JetBlue from $46

    Mandy Berman
    21 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Travel to dozens of U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations this summer with JetBlue’s two-day summer sale. With fares* as low as $46, you can unwind on the beach with direct flights to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Aruba and Bermuda, Montego Bay and St. Croix. Or, visit major domestic cities like New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and so many more. These low fares can only be booked directly through JetBlue, and are not available on other sites. Sample one-way fares include: Boston – Nantucket: $46 Philadelphia – Boston: $49 Las Vegas – Long Beach: $53 Martha’s…

  • 10 Affordable Hawaii Hotels

    Jennifer Fauci
    21 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    Think New York City has a lock on the most expensive hotels in America, or glitzy South Beach? Think again. The highest hotel rates in the U.S. are actually in Hawaii, according to a report from Skift.com. So far in 2013, guests have spent an average of $233 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii – that’s an increase of $27 over the previous year! With airfare costs on the rise, this can make for a spendy island getaway. But not all Hawaii hotels cost a fortune. Here are some money-saving tips so you can enjoy the luau (or the whale watch, or six hours of lazying in the sun with a…

  • Tech Tuesday: Quarterly Roundup of the Best Travel Apps for Android

    Darren Murph
    21 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Though it may not seem (or feel like it from the weather), we’re already into a new quarter for 2013, which means it’s time to refresh our quarterly app guides! Last week, I started by updating our iPhone guide. Now, I’ll tackle the ever-growing Android platform. If you’re looking to use your phone as a crutch during your summer vacation planning, you’ll want to make sure the programs below are installed. Field Trip: While this app made the cut last quarter, I couldn’t help but re-include it now for one major reason. Just this month, Google’s team updated the app…

  • Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Columbus

    Darren Murph
    20 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Despite a lengthy winter, Ohio is finally diving headfirst into spring. And with that begins conference season in Columbus. One of America’s most varied and vibrant cities is also one of the most welcoming, which means you shouldn’t spend all of your time tucked within a concourse. In an effort to get you outside the boardroom and into the heart of Cowtown (yes, that is one of it’s nicknames), we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings. EAT: DeepWood has so many menu options, you should…
 
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    Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

  • Darjeeling Travel Guide – Things You Need To Know

    Mark Wiens
    21 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Darjeeling travel guide Located in the northeastern section of India, which is very close to Nepal and Tibet (and neighboring Indian state of Sikkim), Darjeeling is in the rolling hills of the Himalayas. It was originally just a small village, but because it’s such a lovely place it became a popular hill-station and it has now grown into a town. Darjeeling is peaceful, located in a beautiful area, and a breath of fresh air from other dusty and hectic parts of North India. Along with Sri Lanka, Darjeeling is particularly famous throughout the world for its production of tea. Below…

  • VIDEO: Bengali Seafood Feast

    Mark Wiens
    19 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    I love to try new cuisines, and when I was in Kolkata, I was extremely excited to try Bengali cuisine! And to try Bengali cuisine, I headed to a famous restaurants known as Bhojohori Manna. Thank you for watching! (If you can’t see the video, click here) The entire Bengali seafood feast was outstanding, I really loved each and every dish ordered. The crab curry, laced in spices, was probably my absolute favorite, but the fish, the prawn, and even the banana flower vegetable were all spectacular. If you ever visit Kolkata, India, you can’t miss eating at Bhojohori Manna! VIDEO:…

  • PHOTO: Dragon Bridge in Yangshuo

    Mark Wiens
    17 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Dragon Bridge in Yangshuo Dragon Bridge in Yangshuo One of the destinations I loved visiting while biking in Yangshuo, China, was Dragon Bridge. It’s a beautiful place to relax, take a swim, and just enjoy the atmosphere. Can you spot the wedding couple at the top of the bridge? It’s also popular for wedding photography! PHOTO: Dragon Bridge in Yangshuo is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

  • Delightful Meal at the New Jalpaiguri Railroad Station in India (NJP)

    Mark Wiens
    16 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Where to eat in New Jalpaiguri, India There’s really not much to do in New Jalpaiguri (known by train code as NJP), India, except it’s a big train railroad junction – sort of the station that connects North India with Northeastern India. After spending time in both Darjeeling and Gangtok and I had to go back to NJP. And apart from waiting for your train, the only other thing to do is EAT! So if you find yourself waiting in NJP I would recommend checking out Hotel Subhankar (not really a hotel), a restaurant just across the parking lot from the railroad station. Sitting down…

  • Nagaland Food – An Overview of Delicious Naga Cuisine

    Mark Wiens
    14 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Nagaland Food Nagaland, located in very Northeastern India, is a state that’s just north of Myanmar and just south of China and Bhutan. There are sixteen main tribes in Nagaland, each with similar yet unique traditions and practices. While food from each tribe overlaps, there are also certain dishes that are specifically known from a certain tribe. Rice, pork, chicken, dog, insects and worms, vegetables, and famous chili sauces are essential in the Naga diet. After a 30 hour train ride on the Kamrup Express from Kolkata, I was ready to eat; Nagaland food was calling my name! In…
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    i heart japan - Japan travel tips and info about Japan

  • Push to Make Japan More Tourist Freindly

    Travis
    12 May 2013 | 8:13 am
    Photo by lestaylorphoto. Just came across this article published by the Yomiuri Shimbun on how Japan wants to put a greater effort into promoting tourism. Of course the devastating tsunami and resulting nuclear scare has certainly effected the tourism numbers, I had no idea how low they actually were. Japan ranked 39th in the world as a destination for foreign visitors in 2011, trailing far behind China (third), Malaysia (ninth), Thailand (15th) and South Korea (25th). Although the earthquake and tsunami disaster must be factored into the equation, the figures are sobering. While it’s…

  • Mount Fuji Set to Receive UNESCO Status

    Travis
    1 May 2013 | 7:51 am
    Photo by Jokin Sukuntza on Flickr To be honest I had no idea that Mount Fuji wasn’t listed among the United Nations cultural sites already. But thanks to the BBC article Stacey just sent me, I’ve been set straight. A formal decision is expected when Unesco’s World Heritage Committee meets in Cambodia in June. This would make Mount Fuji the seventeenth world heritage site in Japan. So we’ll see what happens in June :) Related Posts:Top Attractions in Japan Every Tourist Should VisitFuji Guest House Hakone – Ryokan ReviewNara – the Forgotten Capital of…

  • How Many Words Do You Need to Know to be Fluent in Japanese?

    Travis
    23 Apr 2013 | 11:25 am
    Photo by e.g.gatsby on Flickr Granted, there is a debate on what exactly being fluent in Japanese means. Personally my aim is to be conversationally comfortable rather than try and pack in 30,000 words. Truth be told, even if I know 30,000 English words, how many of those will I actually use every day or even in a year? So here’s what I think it means to be fluent in Japanese and how many words that’s going take. My 2,000 Word Goal I’ve decided to set a personal goal in learning 2,000 words as well as kanji to see how far that will get me in becoming conversationally fluent.

  • Free WiFi Hotspots in Tokyo

    Travis
    19 Apr 2013 | 8:03 am
    Photo by Davezilla on Flickr Finding WiFi spots in any major city can sometimes be a royal pain. I’ve spent much time wandering through Osaka and Tokyo looking for a place to connect. Well the good news is that it has got a little easier to find Internet access in Tokyo, at least in the major tourist areas. I just came across this new initiative by NTTEast for offering some free WiFi hotspots to visitors to Tokyo. It looks like you can pick up a wifi package at several locations throughout the Narita airport. The code will allow you 14 days of free WiFi access at any of the hotspots…

  • Japanese Idiom: To Crack a Star

    Travis
    5 Apr 2013 | 10:14 am
    Photo by Skiwalker on Flickr This is one of the more unusual idioms that I’ve found and we don’t really have a comparable English one. The idiom is around cracking a star and the meaning is not what you think. hoshi ga wareru – 星が割れる　（ほしがわれる） Meaning: a star cracks In the West a star is often thought of as a positive label. For example you’ll talk about a big movie star or that person is a real star. The use of the idiom “a star cracks” in Japanese is a little different. In this example it’s actually talking about a…
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    EuropeUpClose.com

  • Touring the Keukenhof Garden in Holland

    Terri Fogarty
    21 May 2013 | 8:39 am
      If you plan to travel anywhere in or near The Netherlands from March through late May, a day-trip to the Keukenhof Gardens is a must. The Keukenhof is the largest garden in the world and no matter if it is rainy or sunny, cold or warm, you will be rewarded by an opportunity to see a plethora of vivid, blooming plants. Entrance to the Keukenhof We traveled there as part of our AMA Waterways Tulip Cruise experience. The weather was actually pretty nice for the end of April, in the low 60 degrees and very little rain. But, due to a long, hard winter, many of the tulips were not in bloom,…

  • Amsterdam’s Ever-Evolving Rijksmuseum

    Terri Fogarty
    20 May 2013 | 8:29 am
      Luckily, we had a free day in Amsterdam to visit the newly re-opened Rijksmuseum before our AMAWaterways Tulip Time Cruise. With complementary admission to the Rijksmuseum and a citi-card from the Amsterdam Tourist Office, we were on our way, taking the fabulous local bus system to the Museumplein and a short walk to the Museum. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Founded in 1800, the Rijksmuseum is the premier history and arts museum in the Netherlands. With more than 8000 treasures on display in 80 galleries, each floor showcases a different century. The Rijksmuseum is home primarily to works…

  • Hiring a Tour Guide: Is it Worth it?

    Terri Fogarty
    17 May 2013 | 9:37 am
      My husband, Bill, and I had never hired a private tour guide before our recent trip to Italy. In the past, we read our guidebooks, consulted the internet, and reviewed EuropeUpClose.com to see what our writers had to say. We then did our own thing. We have also been part of  large group tours, but this experience showed us the value of a knowledgeable, private tour guide to help us sort through the must-sees and the it-would-be-nice to see. It saved us valuable time and as you know,when on vacation, every minute counts. Rome from the Vatican As we planned our travels, we set up…

  • Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

    Guest Contributor
    16 May 2013 | 9:09 am
      Attending the winter solstice at Stonehenge is a dark and cold logistical challenge that deters less dedicated tourists and, as a result, is a more intimate and spiritual event.  Stonehenge The summer and winter solstices are two of only four times during the year when Stonehenge has ‘Managed Open Access’, meaning patrons can enter without paying admission and are not required to remain at a distance but can move freely within the circle and even touch the stones. Unlike the summer solstice, when Stonehenge is open all night and revelers often spend the entire night…

  • Designer Shopping in Paris: Finding the “Upper Underground” Bargains

    Guest Contributor
    14 May 2013 | 6:47 am
    Shopping in Paris is the shopping equivalent of finding your soul mate. Paris is seductive; it has an allure and elegance unlike any other city. The problem is, as a shopping soul mate, it tends be slightly more fickle than your new main squeeze. Too many choices When Shopping in Paris, you’ll find that: 1. You romanticize even the everyday, familiar things in life (it’s not just a sweater, its a French sweater). 2. You find yourself trying to be the absolute best version of yourself (you may be wearing sweats and a ponytail to brunch at home, but in Paris, lipstick is necessary…
 
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    TheRoadScholar

  • Rebuilding Chicago’s Wells Street Bridge

    TheRoadScholar
    1 May 2013 | 7:10 am
    Wells Street Bridge rebuilding Chicago, IL–By the time the summer visitors arrive, work on the Wells Street Bridge over the Chicago River will be history. The bridge carries the city’s famous El trains over the river to and from the Loop, road traffic over it, foot traffic alongside. And of course ferry and other [...]

  • Opportunity Knocks at openhousechicago2012

    TheRoadScholar
    14 Oct 2012 | 6:16 pm
    A view of the old Sears Tower from the original Sears Tower La Casita de don Pedro St. Adalbert’s in Pilsen Chicago, IL--This weekend’s openhousechicago was a rare chance to see the original Sears Tower of Homan Square in Lawndale, a peek into the dusty projector room at a former vaudeville and [...]

  • Spa Time at West Baden Springs, Indiana

    TheRoadScholar
    7 Sep 2012 | 2:16 pm
    Sprudel Bath at Spa at West Baden Springs West Baden Springs, IN–The Sprudel Bath at the Spa at West Baden Springs takes you back to historic beginnings of the hotel. Here you can partake of the healing waters, filled with 22 minerals that give off hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide gas. The nose may [...]

  • Racine, America’s Kringle Capital

    TheRoadScholar
    3 Sep 2012 | 2:47 pm
    Racine, WI–An hour north of Chicago, 30 miles south of Milwaukee, Racine includes rolling farmland, a harbor on Lake Michigan, and lots of kringles. Due to the many Danish settlers here, the pastry made from 32 layers of flaky dough that’s hand-shaped became a popular item in local bakeries. Today you’ll find it comes topped [...]

  • Best Tour in Key West

    TheRoadScholar
    30 May 2012 | 10:37 am
    Harry Truman's Little White House on Key West Key West, FL–There are lots of tours to take in Key West, like the Conch Train or Mel Fisher Museum. Most people put the Hemingway House at the top of their list. I’m a writer, so I had to visit.  And I have to say, [...]
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    eNidhi India

  • Park Hyatt Resort and Spa Goa

    Shrinidhi Hande
    17 May 2013 | 11:59 pm
    Park Hyatt resort, where we stayed during Ford Ecosport Media drive, has a beautiful campus. While we got to spend very little time here, I am sharing some photos of the hotel campus and brief notes on the experiences.Park Hyatt room rent starts from Rs 7000 onwards. 24 hours of internet connection costs Rs 1200+ taxes. So it is not for the light wallet people. Don't ask me about laundry charges. Outside many rooms I could see dress materials laid out for drying- indicating that residents preferred to wash themselves.Even the pool was very well designed, but as people were swimming I didn't…

  • Ford Ecosport Urban SUV Review

    Shrinidhi Hande
    17 May 2013 | 7:36 pm
    The much awaited moment has finally arrived. We checked out, had breakfast and got a briefing about the drive-routes, stops, who drives when etc. Yours truly along with Arun Bhat was assigned Ecosport 3. A total of 9 ecosports were there in the cavalcade, all with 1.0 ecoboost engine and top end titanium optional. Once inside we started experimenting with audio system and SYNC voice commands. Within few minutes we were flagged off by Deepti, head of communications at Ford.Ecosport in front of a Church in Goa, during a stop for photosJournalists/invites of Media drive getting into their cars…

  • Ford Ecosport with ecoboost- key facts

    Shrinidhi Hande
    15 May 2013 | 5:55 pm
    Blogging from GoaBelow are some key information about the soon to be launched Ford Ecosport Urban SUV from blue oval. Got this from a media briefing last night, as part of Ford Ecosport Media drive in Goa.Below: My first close look at the Ecosport and first photo. More photography happening today. Below are some key points about EcosportEcosport will be available with 3 engine options- famed 1 litre ecoboost petrol engine (125 PS, 92KW, 170NM, 18.9 kmpl), 1.5 litre petrol engine from fiesta (112 PS, 15.6kmpl auto, 15.8 kmpl manual) and 1.5 TDCi diesel unit (91 PS, 22.7 kmpl)Ecosport comes…

  • Middle of the week-Goa calling- Ford Ecosport Media drive

    Shrinidhi Hande
    14 May 2013 | 7:19 pm
    I'm in for yet another automotive delight. Getting to go to Goa during middle of the week and an opportunity to drive soon to be launched Ford Ecosport compact SUV, thanks to invite from Ford India.As much as I thank Ford for inviting me to Goa to attend ecosport media drive, I thank my superiors at work for allowing me to take a mid week break to attend this event. Without their support I wouldn't have managed to attend the event.Ford is conducting a media drive in Goa for select media professionals. The event has started about a week ago and will be concluding this week. Besides getting to…

  • Polaris offroad ATV track sarjapur Bangalore

    Shrinidhi Hande
    14 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    Polaris is a US based maker of ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) and other unconventional vehicles. Couple of years ago, Polaris has set shop in India and has been selling ATVs since then. While I don’t have exact sales numbers, the sales doesn’t appear to be great, primarily because of extreme pricing. Recently Polaris has been launching a series of offroad tracks- small custom made tracks where ATV enthusiasts can take them for a ride. There’re two such centres in Banaglaore- one in Yashwantpur and another off Sarjapur road. I went to one of these centres last weekend and this post is my…
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    Solo Traveler

  • Solo Travel Destination: Luang Prabang, Laos

    Guest
    21 May 2013 | 5:30 am
    A solo traveler recommends the Buddhist temples, the kind people, the historic sites and the delicious food of Luang Prabang. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

  • Travel Technology: keep your photos and files safe in the cloud.

    solotraveler
    20 May 2013 | 5:30 am
    Accessing files when on the road. Backing up photos so that even if all your technology fails you haven't lost your precious photos. This is what this post is about. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

  • Pic of the Week: Moongate in St. George’s

    Tracey
    16 May 2013 | 5:37 am
    Legend has it that kissing under one of the many moongates in Bermuda will ensure a happy future. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

  • China Beyond the Wall and Behind the Walls of Locals.

    solotraveler
    15 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    China - in the homes of locals, joining an English class at a rural school, line-dancing in the evening... this is, for me, what travel is all about. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

  • Solo Travel Destination: South Africa

    Guest
    14 May 2013 | 5:16 am
    This Solo Travel Society member recounts her once in a lifetime experiences in South Africa-and can't wait to go back! A new article has been added to Solo Traveler
 
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    Live Travel Mountains

  • Inspired by Scandinavia

    Sonya
    15 May 2013 | 7:07 pm
    Tweet Vintage zinc trunks. Photo credit: Nordic House. Fresh, clean, Scandinavian style and design can do wonders to refresh any mountain home.  We love the simplicity and timeless classic quality of Scandinavian home designs and we’re always seeking it out in vintage and design shops around Europe. It is easy to fall for the Scandinavian-inspired accessories for the home and garden offered by online interiors boutique Nordic House. Based in Cornwall, England, the online boutique is run by Sandie and Alan Wallman who nurtured a love for Scandinavian homewares when the couple worked and…

  • Remember To Breathe

    Sonya
    9 May 2013 | 5:00 pm
    Tweet  The Canadian Rockies are beloved by mountain travelers. We’re swept away to the Rockies when we watch this stunning Travel Alberta video remember to breathe.  Enjoy!

  • iPhone Photo + Peace

    Sonya
    1 May 2013 | 9:22 pm
    Tweet “Peace is always beautiful.” ― Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

  • A Pop Of Color Camera

    Sonya
    30 Apr 2013 | 5:02 pm
    Tweet Want to design your own camera? Then you might fancy custom building your own Pentax Q10. Photo credit: Pentax. Most mountain travelers never stop taking photos of mountain landscapes, people, cultures and sports. If you’re a design-loving mountain traveler looking for a pocket-sized camera, the small, design-your-own Pentax Q10 comes in 100 fab color combinations. The Q10 also has smart Digital Filters, Smart Effects and Bokeh Control shooting modes for enhanced creativity. We love the design possibilities with the camera’s design-your-own element. You can custom build a…

  • Denver, A Cycling City

    Sonya
    24 Apr 2013 | 5:49 pm
    Tweet Denver, Colorado is a cool cycling city.  Take a look at this fab REI infographic Cycle Denver: The Lowdown On A Great Cycling Town.  
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    HAPPYTIMEBLOG

  • Holiday Home Hunting in Turkey: Where Should You Look?

    aaron@happytimeblog.co.uk (Aaron "Danger" Bradford)
    14 May 2013 | 1:11 am
    Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | Holiday Home Hunting in Turkey: Where Should You Look?Photo from Flickr by sean dreilinger If you’ve been to Turkey before, you’ll know all about the turquoise water, amazing sea life and great hospitality by the locals. These are the reasons that many people (including me) return to the sun kissed shores each and every year. It really is a country where you can relax, explore, and immerse yourself in local culture, whilst still enjoying a full English breakfast now and again! The only drawback of Turkey that I can think of is that there are so…

  • The Bintan Island Dragon Boat Race

    aaron@happytimeblog.co.uk (Aaron "Danger" Bradford)
    11 May 2013 | 10:16 pm
    Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | The Bintan Island Dragon Boat Racephoto from Flickr There’s something about a good race that still gets the blood pumping after all these years. I remember watching Oxford and Cambridge go at it for the first time back in 1973 (a younger man, back then!). I remember yelling at the TV as Sebastian Coe crossed the finish line. I was lucky enough to see Mo Farah win his second gold last year, though from quite far back in the stadium. I love the rush of physicality and competition. Having taken in everything from Caribbean Yacht Regattas to the…

  • A Backpacker’s Guide to Istanbul

    aaron@happytimeblog.co.uk (Aaron "Danger" Bradford)
    9 May 2013 | 5:56 pm
    Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | A Backpacker’s Guide to IstanbulPhoto from Flickr by: *Crazy Diamond* Istanbul is a perfect destination for backpackers. Budget travellers frequently praise the city as a cheap and fun place to visit, where English is widely spoken and the entire country seems to be catered to budget backpackers. Food, drink and accommodation are all very, very affordable, and hostels will compete to offer you the best rate. If you can afford it, browse through some of the Istanbul hotels with Expedia before you make your way down there. Once you’re settled,…

  • Gap Year Travelling? What to take in your Suitcase

    aaron@happytimeblog.co.uk (Aaron "Danger" Bradford)
    6 May 2013 | 1:17 am
    Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | Gap Year Travelling? What to take in your SuitcasePhoto from Flickr by press@bouf.com Not quite ready to start yourself on the path to forever yet? Well, you’re not the only one. Thousands of gap year students will be heading out into the big wide world to try and gain a little perspective before they dive head first into this wicked little whirlpool called life. And there’s no better way to gain perspective than from a little adventure. But what should you take along on your adventure? Here are some tips on your gap year luggage.  …

  • Where to base yourself for a holiday break in Cornwall

    aaron@happytimeblog.co.uk (Aaron "Danger" Bradford)
    6 May 2013 | 1:07 am
    Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | Where to base yourself for a holiday break in CornwallPhoto from Flickr by Mukumbura It’s no surprise that, year after year, Cornwall remains one of the top three holiday destinations in England. The coastline, jutting out into the Atlantic like a finger pointing westward to the New World, is, of course, its biggest attraction and the setting for numerous novels, films and TV programmes. Anyone who has not visited the county before would be able to drive around the whole of the coastline within a week or so but they wouldn’t feel very refreshed…
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    501 Places

  • How to make a tourist town

    Andy Jarosz
    20 May 2013 | 8:55 am
    Many British cities look on with envy at places such as York, Bath and Canterbury. These tourist honey pots attract thousands of visitors every day, pouring into town to snap a few photos, eat an expensive meal at a chain restaurant and buy something from a shop they have in their own local high street. The same situation applies across Europe, with a few cities attracting the lion’s share of the tourists’ Euros. Yet the reality is that anywhere can be a tourist town, even if it has nothing of interest to visitors. If you are in charge of your local tourism efforts, here are a…

  • Peseta waffles: a nostalgic look at travel before the Euro

    Andy Jarosz
    29 Apr 2013 | 1:37 am
    In a small box in my living room I have 51 Austrian schillings, 2300 Italian lira, a couple of thousand Yugoslav dinar and a few Danish coins that look like Polo mints (but are probably worth a lot less). There are many other old coins with varied coatings of rust and dirt; one of these days I may drop them in a glass of Coke in order to restore them to their original glory. These are valuable travel souvenirs, betraying a lack of precise financial management on my part and now a relic of another time. Who would have thought back in 1987, when I brought a bag full of this unused cash home,…

  • Lübeck, York and the Baedeker Raids

    Andy Jarosz
    20 Apr 2013 | 12:53 am
    What links the German city of Lübeck, a well-known guidebook and the several of England’s more attractive cities? Wandering around Lübeck recently I was struck by the way the city has been so comprehensively rebuilt since the end of the war.  As with much of central Europe Lübeck was not spared the ravages of war and indeed received special attention by the RAF bombers. The city had been rich in mainly medieval wooden buildings, constructed during its heyday as a trading port, when goods would pass freely between Lübeck and other cities within the Hanseatic League, a commercial…

  • No comment – switching off the conversation on 501 Places

    Andy Jarosz
    9 Apr 2013 | 5:16 am
    Engagement. It’s all about engaging your readers (or, if you use the lingo of the day, your fans). That’s what the brands want too; they’re looking for travel blogs that have a strong relationship and level of trust with their audience. The story goes that if a blogger shares their experience of a marvellous new product with their audience, everybody wins. I know I’m doing it wrong. While others who started their blogs at the same time as me have cracked the formula and create blog posts that regularly attract over a hundred comments, I might get half a dozen genuine…

  • War, what is it good for? Tourism, actually

    Andy Jarosz
    3 Apr 2013 | 4:51 am
    Take a trip to almost any country in the world and you’ll find war and conflict behind many of the major tourist attractions. Perhaps this should not come as a surprise: war has afflicted every corner of the world and has left a mark, usually both physical and emotional, that is in most cases more visible than the legacy created as a result of more peaceful endeavours. On one level there are many excellent museums dedicated to the subject of war in general or focussed on a particular tragedy (such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum). Then there are sites of atrocities (think…
 
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    Eyeflare Travel Articles and Tips

  • The Memorial Hall in Philadelphia

    Jack
    13 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    Visitors to Philadelphia should definitely make it a point to see the 1876 Centennial Exposition Memorial Hall, located at East Memorial Hall Drive and the Avenue of the Republic in Fairmount Park. This famous landmark, is an impressive example of neoclassical Beaux-Arts architecture, created by Fairmount Park Chief Engineer Hermann Schwarzmann, as the Centennial Art Gallery for the Centennial Exposition, the first World’s Fair in the United States. Celebrated at the time to honor the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this magnificent building was…

  • Lake Bogoria National Park, Kenya

    Michael H. Miller
    9 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    While it has not reached the popularity of some of the other safari areas of Africa, Kenya's Lake Bogoria National Park is gaining ground thanks to its soda lake that covers an area of approximately 30-square kilometers. This soda lake, like others in Kenya, provides safari goers with some of the most amazing sights of the African fauna. The park offers visitors a unique viewing point of flamingos in the area. With the small equatorial lake only reaching a depth of nine meters and no outlet to other bodies of water, the soda lake at Lake Borgoria National Park evaporates and leaves a large…

  • Cheap eats in London

    Jack
    27 Apr 2013 | 2:00 am
    Central London is a wonderful place to be because of the attractions and restaurants dotted all over the city. Some of the best things in London can tend to be a bit on the expensive side, but there are plenty of places to eat that are on the more affordable side. In this article, find out about the best London cheap eats that will help your travel budget stretch further. Each place is unique in its own way. Find out where to go and why they can give you some great affordable food. Koya Koya has a wide array of foods to eat, and their Japanese cuisine is always enjoyed by guests because of…

  • A guide to the local food of Marrakech

    Jack
    23 Apr 2013 | 2:00 am
    Refreshing mint tea, spicy tagines and hearty couscous might be the flavours that come to mind when you think of Morocco and Marrakech, however if you look past the dishes marketed to tourists, then there is a wealth of undiscovered cuisine in this fantastic city. There’s so much more to taste in Marrakech, and if you’re thinking about taking a holiday here, then getting to grips with the local food should be a priority. There’s no other city in the world that offers the diverse variety of foods like Marrakech, and the experience of eating in the city not only reflects the…

  • Hafengeburtstag: Hamburg's biggest party

    Jack
    22 Apr 2013 | 2:00 am
    In 1189, Germany’s Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted the growing city of Hamburg an important charter: They could hold markets in the city, and ships could travel customs-free along the lower Elbe River to the North Sea. Signed on May 7, 1189, this charter set the stage for the development of what is today, more than 800 years later, one of Europe’s busiest ports and the largest in Germany. Recognizing the importance of this port, in 1977 city organizers created Hafengeburtstag or the Hamburg Port Anniversary. For several days each May, more than one million visitors descend upon…
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    Lance Around Orlando

  • Cary Elwes Kisses O.J. – Final Day FFF 2013

    LanceAround
    29 Apr 2013 | 7:15 am
    Olga (O.J.) Gets an Unexpected Hug and Kiss From Cary Elwes [Editor's Note:  Don't miss the short video at the end of this post. It will make you smile! Part of the fun of the FFF is sharing the experience with your loved ones. Mrs. LanceAround and I love the movie, The Princess Bride. So when we heard that Cary Elwes, the star of the movie, was coming to the FFF on Sunday for a special 25th anniversary showing and brunch, we purchased tickets for everyone who works for us in our vacation rental home business (which turned out to be a lot harder than it sounds. You can read about it here.)…

  • Best In Show – 2013 FFF Retrospective

    LanceAround
    27 Apr 2013 | 7:33 am
    The Best Movie of the 2013 Florida Film Festival When you read our list of the best films of the 2013 FFF, there are a few things to keep in mind: –Most importantly, we did not see every film! Time constraints only allowed us to get to less than half of the 170+ movies shown at the festival. This list is only the best of all the movies we did see. –There is no comparison! How do you judge a 90 second experimental, short film as compared to a 90 minute feature narrative? How do you compare a documentary to a comedy? It’s impossible. So this picking the favorite becomes a…

  • Westley, the Dread Pirate Roberts vs. Saw’s Dr. Gordon – Day 10 FFF 201

    SunnyStefani
    25 Apr 2013 | 9:24 am
    NumberOneEmber Interviews Cary Elwes at the FFF The FFF was so close to the Easter Holiday (which is our busiest time at Florida Dream Homes) so I wasn’t as prepared this year as in the past. However, perusing the FFF website I came across a guest appearance from Cary Elwes, star of The Princess Bride. Although this movie is a classic and one of my favorites, it’s not the reason I’m so excited. It’s Cary Elwes, Dr. Gordon from the Saw movie series, and we all know my obsession with horror films. Of course at this point all the tickets have already been sold out. A little…

  • Cary Elwes – Day 10 FFF 2013

    LanceAround
    22 Apr 2013 | 2:08 pm
    Red Alert…Red Alert…Red Alert…ALL TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD! [Editor's Note: At the end of this post is a short, seven minute video of Cary Elwes' talk at the 2013 FFF.] I am in a panic… Cary Speaks at the 2013 FFF It’s several weeks before the FFF and as I look over the guests list for this year I notice that Cary Elwes is going to be in town for a special 25th anniversary showing of The Princess Bride. This is Mrs. LanceAround’s favorite movie. I have to make sure she can attend this event. As an official blogger for the FFF, my press badge allows me into…

  • British & Animated Shorts – Day 9 FFF 2013

    LanceAround
    16 Apr 2013 | 6:11 pm
    The Funniest Movie of the Festival British Shorts Now! I don’t recall the FFF ever doing a separate selection for just British Shorts, but as soon as I saw the listing I knew I had to go. I love British humor and witticisms. Like most males my age, I was enthralled with Monty Python’s Flying Circus. For my father, it was Benny Hill. And to this day I believe the British versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Office and House of Cards are far superior to their American counterparts. I know it may be apocryphal, but rumor has it that when Dustin Hoffman worked with Lawrence…
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    Oyster.com Blog

  • Hotels for Mixing Business with Pleasure: 6 Fab Spots for a Bizcation

    Devon
    21 May 2013 | 10:30 am
    Mixing business with pleasure? Trying to trade your business suit for a bathing suit? As much as we love getting away from the office, it’s sometimes hard to think about all the work piling up back at our desks. (Emphasis on sometimes.) So for those instances when we need to check our emails or send out those TPS reports while getting some R&R, these gorgeous tropical retreats have us covered, and with more than just a phone jack. Whether they feature ample meeting spaces, dedicated business staff, or any number of other great work offerings, these properties are sure to please any…

  • Skip the Summer Share: 5 Great Boutique Hotels in the Hamptons

    Jane
    21 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    Summertime is all about quick weekend getaways to enjoy some pampering in the sun. And what better way to relax and soak up the scene than heading to the Hamptons – home to luxe boutique properties, beautiful beaches, and a hip, see-and-be-seen crowd? We’ve visited numerous boutique hotels throughout this Long Island hot spot and have found the best of the best. After all, luxury and the Hamptons go hand in hand. So check out our list of the top five boutique hotels in the Hamptons. East Hampton Art House Bed & Breakfast East Hampton Art House Bed & Breakfast This elegant B&B…

  • Fact or Fakeout: Cameron Diaz Sightings, Death-Defying Hotel Stunts, and More!

    Jane
    21 May 2013 | 2:00 am
    Lobby at The Jade Hotel, New York City 1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The boutique Jade Hotel may only be a few months old, but it has already has some pretty famous visitors. Last week, Cameron Diaz was spotted getting drinks at the bar and flirting with strangers. 2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Westin St. John is one of three Starwood properties that make up the first shift towards the brand reducing its carbon footprint worldwide. The new green initiative will include the installation of high-tech water savers that will reduce wasted water at the hotel by 50 percent. 3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Wyndham Hotel…

  • The Hamptons: Where to Stay + Where to Party

    Kelsey
    20 May 2013 | 2:00 pm
    For many New Yorkers, heading to the Hamptons isn’t just about the beach — it’s about the hopping nightlife. When the weather gets warm, it’s the Hamptons,  not Manhattan,  that becomes the place to see and be seen after dark. The first step in planning your Hamptons party weekend is choosing where to sleep when the partying is done, and we’ve saved you time by selecting five hotels to suit different tastes — and pairing each with a cool party spot of a similar style. Don’t forget your designated driver. Stay: The Trendy Hot Spot Capri Southhampton…

  • 10 Memorial Day Getaways Not on the Beach

    Kristina
    20 May 2013 | 9:00 am
    Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and with it comes the official kick-off of the summer season. When that Friday hits, thousands of beach-bound celebrators will clog the highways on their way to sun and surf. But while we love a good beach day just as much as the next patriot, this Memorial Day we’re excited to try something inland. Join us in avoiding the crowds, uncovering new corners of America, and – of course – honoring our soldiers, with parades, festivals, and much more at these ten locales not on the beach. 1. Washington, D.C. Calling all patriots: Washington, DC…
 
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    bonhawaii.com

  • Venerable Maui Seafood Eatery to Launch Sustainable Fishing Practices Aid

    bberusch
    18 May 2013 | 4:33 am
    mamas.jpg Mama's Fish House in Ku‘au, Maui, has always led the charge in giving credit where credit is due. Long before "Farm-to-Table" was a trend, the venerable culinary attraction located on the slopes of Haleakala was printing the names of vessels and captains who were responsible for getting fresh-caught fish from the ocean to your table. Now, the eatery's owners and executive chef, Perry Bateman, have announced that they will sponsor the deployment of a new fishing buoy in waters 30 miles off the northeastern coast of Maui. Mama's Fish House has been buying fish directly from…

  • Memorial Day: A Moment of Reflection

    bberusch
    18 May 2013 | 3:51 am
    lanterns.jpg For many, Memorial Day weekend is the official kick-off to summer. Whether it's extra long hours at the beach, or a "freebie" night to fire up the BBQ and imbibe with friends, it's become just that—an extra day of no work. Yet for the more contemplative, Memorial Day is indeed a way to reflect on people (and ideals, habits, so on) that we have lost in recent years. There is simply no more eloquent way to do so than the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony at Magic Island on Oahu. After all lanterns are set adrift in the waters, they are then collected and repurposed for use…

  • Hawaii Polo Life Magazine to Launch in Mokuleia Sunday, May 19, 2013

    bberusch
    17 May 2013 | 3:42 am
    B_polo_cover.jpg Brand new Hawaii-based lifestyle magazine covers travel, fashion, philanthropy, gear and sport... with a healthy dose of equestrian and polo imagery.  Dawson Media Hawaii is proud to announce the launch of Hawaii Polo Life magazine, which will be lauded in epic style on O’ahu’s North Shore on Sunday, May 19th, 2013. Guests and attendees—clad in all-white garb—will be treated to elegant cocktails and light canapes from Hawaii’s leading chefs, mixologists and distillers. An informal fashion show will showcase couture summer wear from a number of the magazine’s…

  • Rabbit, Boar, Elk and more! Tiki's Vintner Pairing Dinner

    bberusch
    24 Jan 2013 | 2:09 pm
    nasuti.png Anyone who hasn't partaken in one of Chef Ronnie Nasuti's high-flyin', out-of-the-box specialty dinners is missing some flavor in their life. Some say Nasuti has "the best job in Hawaii," serving consistent, creative fare to masses of visitors in Waikiki at Tiki's Grill & Bar while enticing locals with his culinary "chops" during these signature, one-off events. Well, get your knives sharpened…   On Monday, March 11, 2013 at 6:00 pm, Where most chefs might plateau or tone down with a fish dish here, Nasuti takes you over the falls in a barrel with...

  • Paella, Rabbit Stew... Maui's Passport Wine Dinners Launch

    bberusch
    5 Nov 2012 | 1:21 pm
    paella.jpg Byline (if not Brian):  Culinary Correspondent Upstart eatery 100 Wines, located in the Lahaina Gateway Center on Maui, has launched a bold food and wine pairing program this fall, with hopes of “transporting” guests around the globe without having to leave The Valley Isle. Aiming  to attract Valley Isle oenophiles, This December (7th) Chef Honda will churn out warming French cuisine, just in time for the start of our (ever so slightly cooler weather); January swings through South America and in February Link:  http://www.100winesmaui.com
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    Wicked Good Travel Tips, Top Travel Tips, Unique Vacations, Travel Trends

  • Dubai in Summer – Cool Summer Sightseeing Activities

    Guest Author
    20 May 2013 | 7:11 am
    You must have heard that winter is the best time to plan Dubai trip, as temperature is moderate during winter and allows visitors to enjoy several outdoor activities like sunbathing on white sandy beaches, desert safari and sand boarding. But I can assure you, Dubai offers ultimate opportunities of leisure and entertainment activities even during [...]

  • How To Keep Lilacs From Wilting

    Susan
    16 May 2013 | 9:29 am
    It seems I wait all year long for the precious few weeks of lilac season in New England.  One of the very first purchases we made after buying our first home was to add a purple lilac bush.  And like you, I have always found it frustrating to find them wilting after just a few [...]

  • Bangkok’s Weird and Wonderful Restaurants

    Guest Author
    13 May 2013 | 7:14 am
    Bangkok is well known as the Sin City of Asia, turning its peculiar oddities into the very reason to visit. It comes as no surprise then that the city is home to a number of themed restaurants, from the seemingly straightforward to the downright strange. Here are five of our favourite weird and wonderful restaurants [...]

  • Santa Barbara Castle Alicante – Dramatic Romance in Spain

    Guest Author
    10 May 2013 | 5:27 am
      In a castle courtyard, at the Fountain of Cats, a beautiful young woman collects drinking water. By chance a young man sees her there and falls deeply in love… This story of youthful passion is in fact an old Catalonian folk song, but the setting is no figment of imagination! The Font de Gats [...]

  • Discovering The Magic of Cape Town South Africa

    Guest Author
    9 May 2013 | 4:36 am
    This city is sheer magic and be forewarned, it can weave a spell around you! No doubt the trip will involve a long haul flight from your country all the way to South Africa, but trust me the time spent on the airplane will be well worth the journey. Cape Town, located in Western Cape [...]
 
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    beersandbeans.com

  • The Sun Deck – Waschau Valley, Austria | Somewhere In Time Travel Photo

    Bethany
    20 May 2013 | 3:33 am
    Somewhere In Time is a somewhat weekly photo from around the world. Enjoy!  Welcome to the Wachau Valley in Austria. Beautiful isn’t it? This photo was taken on the top sun deck on the Sound Of Music river boat as we cruised down the Danube, as part of our tour with Gate 1. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip because the scenery was truly outstanding. One glance will have you humming “The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music” and you would be 100% accurate. Even though we took a day trip to Salzburg (of The Sound Of Music fame) on this trip, the views still did…

  • A Guide to Backpacker Hostel Etiquette

    Bethany
    19 May 2013 | 3:33 am
    Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Andrew Tipp. Please see his full bio below. Copenhagen – a great place to visit and plenty of hostels! From bunk romance to pool rules and shared bathrooms – what’s acceptable hostel behaviour? One of the best things about backpacking is staying in hostels. You can end up sleeping in some pretty amazing places; I’ve stayed in beach houses, old mansions, converted prisons and even a tree house. You can meet some brilliant people too. People that become friends, drinking buddies and travel mates. Hostels are like these random…

  • Emilia-Romagna in 10 Snaps: An Instagram Session

    Randy
    17 May 2013 | 12:53 pm
    Story by Randy Kalp Photography by Bethany Salvon Consistently in the Top 5 most in demand tourist spots in the world, Italy gets more than 40 million visitors a year. Legacy cities, like Rome, Venice and Florence, get most of the action, leaving some of the best regions seemingly tourist free. One such place is Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy. Set between Milan, Cinque Terre, Venice and Florence, Emilia-Romagna jumps with local flavors, customs and pride, doing so many things well that it is hard to comprehend how its nine provinces have been consistently overlooked by travelers for so…

  • Children Around The World – A Photo Essay

    Bethany
    17 May 2013 | 5:38 am
    Editors Note: This is a guest post by fellow travel blogger Susan Shain. Please see her bio below to learn more about her. Traveling to a new country is a journey into another world. The language is different. The food is different. The music is different. Even the smells are different. But one thing that stays the same? The kids. I’ve worked with children in the United States, Tanzania, South Korea, and Nicaragua, and spent time with them in many other countries. I’ve come to the highly scientific conclusion that they’re the same everywhere. That’s what makes them so…

  • Get 5% Off An @AdventureLifer Galapagos Tour Tonight on #PinUpLive

    Randy
    15 May 2013 | 1:22 pm
    We’ve got a really special Pin Up Live! tonight! You may remember that we traveled to the Galapagos Islands in March with Adventure Life, and tonight we are going to be chatting with them live and sharing tips about taking a trip to the famous Ecuadorian islands. Our tour with them was amazing and we are really looking forward to sharing our stories with you and answering any questions you may have about visiting the Galapagos Islands. Plus, one lucky Pin-Up Live participant will win 5 percent off one of Adventure Life’s Galapagos tours. Join us tonight (5/15) at 7 p.m. (EST) to…
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    Heather on her travels blog

  • The Delights of Dalyan: Family Fun in Turkey

    Guest Author
    19 May 2013 | 2:45 pm
    Turkey is great as a holiday destination, as it’s very accessible, but there are still parts of the country that are off the beaten tourist path. The area around Dalyan, not far from Dalaman on the Turquoise Coast, is one of those parts. Plan a Turkish family holiday and you’ll have a wonderfully relaxing and unforgettably fun time. Here are five things to do on a holiday in Dalyan: Take a Mud Batth at Dalyan Get muddy Mud, mud, glorious mud. There’s nothing quite like it for improving your skin tone and keeping the kids entertained. The area around Dalyan is probably best known for its…

  • Spending a day with the elephants at Chiang Mai Thailand

    Guest Author
    15 May 2013 | 3:02 pm
    In this Guest Post Matthew Barby shares his day with the elephants at the Dante Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, riding the elephants and playing with them in the river as well as enjoying the company of Do-do the baby elephant. I spent some time, along with my partner, in the wonderful city of Chiang Mai in Thailand. Between us we had a long list of things that we wanted to do and places that we wanted to see, with seeing elephants being the prime focus of our excitement. We had spent a lot of time researching into the best places to go in order to spend time with elephants as well as finding…

  • A day out in Barcelona for the family

    Guest Author
    12 May 2013 | 6:26 am
    Barcelona is a fantastic place to go as a couple for a city break but there are also a wide range of great attractions and activities that are fun for the whole family. From theme parks and zoos, to museums and breathtaking sights, you are guaranteed a family holiday to remember in Barcelona. Barcelona Tbidabo Amusment Park Tibidabo Mountain – more than just the Amusement Park Take a train from the city centre and then change to the Tramvia Blau tram to take you halfway up the Tibidabo Mountain. Taking a funicular train from the halfway point to the top, you will find the Tibidabo…

  • Floating away on a Rhine River Cruise

    Heather Cowper
    8 May 2013 | 3:49 pm
    Tomorrow I’m off on another adventure, cruising on one of the major waterways of Europe on a Rhine River cruise with Lüftner Cruises. I used to think of cruises as something that my parent’s generation would enjoy, but as time moves on, the thought of exploring many different places in comfort, while only having to unpack once, has grown in appeal. Castles on the Rhine This will be our first river cruise, so I’m keeping an open mind on what to expect, but anticipating that we’ll really enjoy the comforts of the Amadeus Princess which is essentially a floating luxury…

  • 48 Hours in Budapest – top things to see on a spring break – video

    Heather Cowper
    7 May 2013 | 3:53 pm
    Last time I was in Budapest it was summertime, with thunderstorms threatening to crack the warm humidity and we took the children to watch the Hungarian folk dancing for the St Stephen’s day festival. This time I was back in February with a breath of snow in the air, but the promise of spring just around the corner. This was a family trip of a different sort; I had 48 hours with my parents and sisters, to see the sights, eat some great food and have as much fun as possible together. I hope you enjoy the video below about our 48 hours in Budapest If you can’t see the video above,…
 
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    Trekaroo

  • Best Camping Recipes: Your Guide to Family Campfire Cooking

    Katie Dillon
    21 May 2013 | 12:06 am
    Just because camping meals require fewer ingredients and less preparation doesn’t mean taste should be sacrificed. The proof is on Pinterest, where we have been working diligently to gather the very best camping recipes and cooking tips to help you plan meal in the great outdoors. Think you’re stuck with burgers and dogs? Nope. We found a host of recipes that take campfire cooking to a new level along with tips to help you get the job done effectively with less waste. Download a Meal Planner A handy meal planner like this one should help you keep tummies full throughout your trip.

  • What type of Camper are you? Great Family Campgrounds Tips for Every Type of Family

    Michelle McCoy
    20 May 2013 | 12:44 am
    Sitting around a campfire and eating s’mores is an idealistic American dream vacation. We’ve all seen the beautiful pictures of families smiling at each other and singing happy campfire songs and we’ve dreamed of having a great bonding vacation like that. But when families face the reality of mosquitos, pitching a tent, sleeping on the ground, and those nasty bathrooms, they may think twice. Whether you are a hard-core family who hikes in with their camping equipment on their backs, or a family who only camps where there is daily maid service and Wi-Fi, we’ve identified what will…

  • O Canada-Trekaroo Is Here!-Weekly Digest-5/17/13

    Michelle McCoy
    17 May 2013 | 9:13 pm
      To start receiving Weekly Family Fun Digest  emails. Click here. Destinations Tips Talk Book Hotels Buy Gear Blog Giveaways O Canada – Trekaroo Is Here! Friday May 17, 2013 We are so excited to announce that Trekaroo is now in Canada! Get the inside scoop on activities, hotels, and restaurants in our northern neighbor. Announcing Trekaroo Canada Launch: Get Rewards for Canadian Reviews Top Activities With Kids in Vancouver, BC Best Hotels for Families in Vancouver, BC Weekend Getaways From Vancouver: Where to go in BC With Kids Insider Tips for Visiting Vancouver With Kids…

  • Travel Tips from Local Families: Visiting Vancouver BC with Kids

    Amy Whitley
    17 May 2013 | 12:55 am
    It’s Day 5 of Vancouver Week! Have you entered our Vancouver giveaway yet? We’re giving away a two-night stay for a family of four at Coast Plaza, plus activity passes for exploring & visiting Vancouver with kids! To help you plan a Vancouver trip for your own family, Trekaroo asked the experts–parents living in Vancouver–for their top 10 insider tips for Vancouver travel. Below are a few of our favorites, plus advice for getting to Vancouver, saving money, making the most of your stay! Getting Around Utilize Vancouver’s Excellent Public Transportation Did…

  • Weekend Family Getaways from Vancouver, British Columbia

    Amy Whitley
    16 May 2013 | 12:14 am
    It’s Day 4 of Vancouver Week, where we are exploring the best of Vancouver BC with kids! Have you entered to win our Monday Madness Vancouver vacation giveaway? Are you earning Canada Rewards? Families could easily fill an entire vacation with activities and events in Vancouver, but what about the rest of the province? There’s so many things for families to do in British Columbia, no trip would be complete without taking at least one of the following weekend family getaways outside of Vancouver. Whistler Blackcomb Winter or summer, families will have a blast visiting Whistler,…
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    The Mom Maven

  • Family Entertainment: Disney on Ice Rockin’ Ever After Review

    cindy
    21 May 2013 | 1:09 pm
    This past weekend the Tampa Bay Times Forum was filled with young princes and princesses, some decked out in their regal attire, as they went to see Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After. We were part of that crowd on Friday night. My group for the night consisted of myself, my 6yo buddy Matthew and his mom and dad, Bob & Kim. This was my 4th event so far this year at the Forum so we know the drill…get tickets at Will Call, go through bag check then head to our seats. This time was different. At bag check I was informed that I could bring my camera, a Nikon Coolpix P100  into the…

  • Mouse House Memories: Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage

    cindy
    20 May 2013 | 8:01 am
    This entry is part 172 of 172 in the series DisneyA visit to Disney’s Hollywood studios isn’t complete without seeing Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. The show which opened on November 22, 1991, the same day the movie opened in theaters across the United States, is a 25 minute stage version of the animated film. The stage show started as a trial to see if an animated Disney movie would translate well as a live stage production. The success of this “experiment” led Disney to take the leap to the Broadway stage, where as we all know, they have had much success. Beauty…

  • Reese’s Chocolate Chip Brownie Cup Recipe

    cindy
    17 May 2013 | 5:07 am
    A few months ago Aaron texted me a photo with a recipe on it. All the text said was “Please make these!” It took me a while to get around to it but I finally made his recipe, and he didn’t even eat one! This easy dessert or snack recipe is for what I have named as Reese’s Chocolate Chip Brownie Cups. Print Reese’s Chocolate Chip Brownie Cup Recipe Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutes Yield: 12Serving Size: 1 cup IngredientsBreak apart chocolate chip cookie dough Miniature Reese's Cups Fudge Brownie Mix-and all ingredients needed to make…

  • SeaWorld Designs Conservation Minded Interactive Cup

    cindy
    16 May 2013 | 2:06 am
    The penguin-shaped cup may look cute and cuddly, but it has a noble purpose: encourage guests to help the planet, one refill at a time. In conjunction with SeaWorld® Orlando’s epic new attraction and ride Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™ opening Memorial Day weekend, SeaWorld has created the Cup That Cares™ — a new reusable cup program with a twist of technology. The innovative, interactive cup was designed specifically to connect with Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispensers in the new realm. The new Cup That Cares engages guests in a personalized manner to reuse materials…

  • Win It Wednesday 5-15-13

    cindy
    14 May 2013 | 9:05 pm
    The Rules 1. Make sure the link is to the giveaway post, not the home page of your blog. Links to home pages will be deleted. 2. Put the end date in the title of your giveaway. 3. Link to an image of the prize, not your blog button. 4. If you post a giveaway enter at least one giveaway someone else posted. This is just one way to play nice with others :-)
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    Brendan's Adventures

  • Ouagadougou Travel Guide

    Brendan van Son
    21 May 2013 | 4:21 am
    Easily one of the most pleasant capital cities in West Africa, Ouagadougou doesn’t exactly inspire travels, nor is there very much for people to do or see in the city.  However, the comfort of the city makes it a nice place to catch up on relaxation, internet, and whatever else you need before diving out into the heart of Burkina Faso.  Moreover, if you’re into music and nightlife, this is one of the better cities in the country to get out into the evening.  The fact that the city is fairly safe as well makes it a comfortable place to go out and explore the spoils of the night.

  • A Day on the Zambezi River

    Brendan van Son
    20 May 2013 | 1:08 am
    “Are we going to be able to cross that?” “I don’t think so,” I reply to a group of guests from Jollyboys Backpackers. “The geometry of it doesn’t work.” The bus driver asks us to step out of the vehicle and then proceeds to slam the vehicle into the walls over a deep ditch grooved into the road.  It wouldn’t be a day in Africa without a breakdown, flat tire, or bus stuck on a dirt road.  It can be frustrating, but like good travellers our group makes the most of it.  The girls find a group of village kids and start playing “What…

  • Chasing Adrenaline: The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump

    Brendan van Son
    16 May 2013 | 8:49 am
    Heavy mist dusts the air across the old colonial bridge downwind from the famed Victoria Falls.  Joining Zambia to Zimbabwe, the bridge is more than just a border, it’s the scene of screams.  At the midpoint of the bridge, a ledge hangs vicarious from the lip and the enthusiastic shuffle their bound feet to the edge before diving towards the great Zambezi River below.  The Victoria Falls bungee jump is a staple on the diet of the many young backpackers in Livingstone, and today it’s on my plate as well. I’m led down a dirt trail away from the bridge and hooked up to a zipline.  With…
 
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    Runaway Jane | Travel Blog

  • First Impressions of Rotterdam

    Jane
    19 May 2013 | 4:22 pm
    I’ve travelled quite a few times to Holland in the past and visited several Dutch cities, but it wasn’t until this week that I got the chance to visit the city of Rotterdam. It was here that I was attending and speaking at a conference for travel bloggers. As with any city that you visit for the first time it’s not really possible in 5 days (the time which I stayed here for) to get a thorough view of the destination, but what you can do is get a really good first impression that will aid you in any future visits that you make. I also thought it would be interesting to…

  • A guide to La Rochelle on a budget!

    Jane
    17 May 2013 | 10:17 am
    I visited La Rochelle recently in the Poitou-Charentes region of France. Ordinarily France is seen as a more expensive destination for travellers, but the truth is there are many ways to experience the country on a budget - as I have been discovering lately! Poitou-Charentes in particular is very affordable compared to the more touristic areas of France such as Paris or Nice. You’ve therefore already got a distinct advantage as a budget traveller coming here compared to visiting some other areas of the country. La Rochelle - the main gateway to the region -  also happens to…

  • Does the consumer economy prevent us from travelling?

    Jane
    13 May 2013 | 1:40 pm
    What makes (or made) you want to travel? Were you born into it? Did someone inspire you? Were you just bored of the humdrum of life back home? It has always intrigued me to find out why each person who travels does so. What triggered that feeling of wanderlust and the motivation to take that first trip? Even though every person who travels tends to have an inspiration that is slightly different from the next, there is usually a similar theme that pops up amongst us all. You find a lot of small town girls such as myself who yearned for something new. Many of those people were also simply…

  • 3 Cool Ways to Find Spectacular Views in Spain

    Jane
    12 May 2013 | 3:35 pm
    I’ll be honest with you. There are some places in the world that I have visited simply to take pictures. There’s an undeniable pleasure in simply taking photographs in a beautiful place and then sharing them with people. Even in the most diverse destinations with much to see and do beyond simply looking pretty, first and foremost I am always on the lookout for spectacular views. In the South of Spain you’ll find many, but here’s 3 quick and excellent ways to do so whilst packing in some great travel experiences at the same time; An aerial view with Tropicopter If…

  • Photo of the Week – View of Granada from the Albaicin

    Jane
    9 May 2013 | 3:44 pm
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    Different places to travel

  • Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic – Part 1

    Traveller
    21 May 2013 | 6:29 am
    Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Overview of Prague • In Central Europe, Prague is considered a political, cultural, and economic centre. • It has waxing and waning fortunes in its 1,100-year existence. • The city was founded through the Romanesque era. • It is flourishing with the Gothic and Renaissance eras. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Taveuni is third largest isle of Fiji – Part 2

    Traveller
    19 May 2013 | 3:55 am
    The third largest isle of Fiji is Taveuni. About Attractions in Taveuni • The Waitavala Waterslide is approximately 20 minutes from the Waiyevo town when taken on foot. • There are natural streambed chute plummets which length for 50 meters down the hillside. • There are plenty of underwater attractions in Taveuni. • There are [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Taveuni is third largest isle of Fiji – Part 1

    Traveller
    17 May 2013 | 4:56 am
    The third largest isle of Fiji is Taveuni. Overview of Taveuni • This isle comes after Vanua Levu as well as Viti Levu. • This isle covers a total land area of 435 sq km’s (169 Sq Miles). • This is a cigar-shaped isle. • It is a substantial shield volcano. • This volcano soars [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • About Fijian Culture and Cuisine – Part 3

    Traveller
    16 May 2013 | 7:56 am
    Fiji is a Melanesian country that is placed in the South Pacific Ocean. It is located between Hawaii and New Zealand. It consists of an archipelago. Cuisine of Fiji • Modern Fijian Cuisine is very diverse. • It is greatly influenced from Indian cuisine and spices. • The eating becomes interesting when these are used [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • About Fijian Culture and Cuisine – Part 2

    Traveller
    15 May 2013 | 8:00 pm
    Fiji is a Melanesian country that is placed in the South Pacific Ocean. It is located between Hawaii and New Zealand. It consists of an archipelago. Music of Fiji • Music of Old Fiji includes various chants. • These chants engrossed a story or philosophical information which was meant to be passed on from generation [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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    WanderingTrader: Traveling. Living Overseas. Day Trading.

  • The Virgin Thai Massage Experience

    Marcello
    21 May 2013 | 4:50 am
    My first Thai massage is what I would describe as glorious, interesting, and soothing.  The first day I had arrived on the exotic island of Koh Samui to attend a boring island hopping yacht party the topic came up. It was after what would become the cheapest meal I have ever had on the planet. Three men would devour appetizers, side dishes, three mango shakes, and of course a main dish of an  exotic Thai dish.  It was a dish I do not know the name of or know how to pronounce. The only thing certain about the main dish is that it would burn the pants off my taste buds. After devouring our…

  • Bedouin Whiskey and Fairytales: Jordan

    Marcello
    20 May 2013 | 3:31 am
    This is a guest post by Honcho Extreme, the winner of the Jordan contest! ———————————– Bedouin Whiskey and Fairytales: Jordan. Just let that sink in for a moment.  “Sounds like a scam to me… if it was so easy everyone would do it… lifestyles like that only exist in fairytales…” Even my optimistic friends were pessimistic as I shared the recent news of winning a contest with an inclusive all expenses paid to Jordan.  The contest also included a 1 year free training program with the Marcello’s day trading…

  • Gorgeous Koh Samui, Thailand

    Marcello
    18 May 2013 | 9:00 am
    Koh Samui, Thailand is nothing short of amazing.  The island just off the mainland of Thailand has the continuous glow of paradise with crisp blue and green waters and views like this.  It always helps when meals are a few dollars and Thai Massages (no happy endings for me please!) are under $5).  Renting two villas and having the view above was the best experience that I could have on a first time trip to Thailand.  We also happened to rent a Yacht and cruised around the and visited the island where they host the infamous Full Moon Party every year.  We were able to spend almost an…

  • Final Frontier: Visiting All Seven Continents

    Marcello
    15 May 2013 | 5:36 am
    Visiting all seven continents is no easy task.  What is it about our love of exploration that leads us into the unknown? Is it the old adage that the grass is always greener on the other side? Or is it just the lust for adventure and finding out what we cannot see or have yet to experience? Lots of consistent travelers that I have met over the years strive to reach the seven continent achievement.  If there were eight or nine continents then we would strive to reach those as well. The Europeans are known for colonizing and exploring the world.  Many do not realize at one point in history…

  • How We Begin Our Day In Singapore

    Marcello
    26 Apr 2013 | 4:25 am
    The rooftop pool in Singapore holds some exceptional views anytime of the day. What you are seeing above is the sunset overlooking the financial district of Marina Bay.  This is actually how we end our day in Singapore rather than how we being our day (this is a sunset).  In the vicinity the popular ferris wheel as wheel as the popular gardens that everyone has seen.  The pool area is extremely busy even at sunrise.  The pictures here are incredible and one can see the entire Singapore skyline on a clear day!  This is the same view that one can have during breakfast as well. Peruse our…
 
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    逆援交案内サイト

  • セックスを伴う友人

    admin
    15 May 2013 | 6:02 am
    この男友達は本当に友達なんだけど、たまにセックスをする。私は別にこの男とのセックスが 気持ちよくてたまらない、というわけではなくて、本当に失礼な言い方なんだけど、慈善事業の 感じがある。この男は、それなりにモテルのに、育ちのせいで、どうしても女が苦手で、苦手なんだけど 性の対象としてはもちろん女が大好き。男の言い分は『女ってやるとその後が大変じゃん。だから…

  • メール代やらネット代やらを注ぎ込むんでしょうか

    admin
    13 May 2013 | 7:19 am
    セフレ生活をしている人の話しを聞いたことがあります。その人はあなたが知りたいサクラなし出会いサイト一覧を幾つも利用していて、一度に色んな女性とやり取りをしているそうです。その中からセフレまで辿り着けるのは２割くらいらしいですよ。わたしはとてもじゃないですが、そんなバクチは打てません(笑)。でもそれだけ投資するものがあってこそ、得られるものがあるんでしょうね。何と言ってもセフレ生活は男の夢です。…

  • 私には仕事しか残っていません

    admin
    5 May 2013 | 8:15 pm
    ３８歳未婚・亜佐美様よりメッセージ 「父の事業を継いで７年になります。右も左もわからない仕事に悪戦苦闘してきましたが、やっと落ち着いて きました。でも遊びもせず、結婚もしないまま、私には仕事しか残っていません。 身も心も寂しい私を慰めて下さいませんか？もちろんお手当てとして月５０万円用意させてもらいます。」 皆さんもこのようなメールを受けっとったことはありますか？…

  • 綺麗な体はいじるのが楽しい

    admin
    27 Apr 2013 | 3:19 pm
    体の一部が綺麗な女の子、というのはやはり男性にとっては魅力的かつ価値ある物だと思います。 他がいまいち、或るいは普通であってもそこだけが綺麗であるという形であっても魅力的に見える物です。 普通に付き合っていく、或いは一緒に居るだけならば顔やスタイルなどの目に見てわかる部分という物がいいでしょうが。…

  • 女性を虜にしてしまう

    admin
    28 Nov 2012 | 8:28 am
    この男性は登録を済ますと、早速群馬県の女性に目をつけました。 でも恋愛に積極的な紀北のセックスフレンドですから、「良い雰囲気」になれば自分からアタックしていくかも？（笑）また大阪とは繋がりの強い地域でもあり影響も受けているので、親しくなるのにも時間がかかりません。 どうしても関西弁が出ちゃうので仙台では浮いちゃうんでしょうか。…
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    Spot Cool Stuff: Travel

  • Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    21 May 2013 | 2:37 pm
    You are with a group of friends hiking in the tropics, or fishing in a swamp, or doing pretty much anything in the state of Floria, and at the end of your day you discover that some members of your group are covered with mosquito bites while others have none. Sound familiar? That bite disparity is not a product of your imagination and it’s not the result of luck. Mosquitoes genuinely prefer some people over others. Here’s a look at the types of people most at risk — and ways anyone can help prevent themselves from being bitten: Who Mosquitoes Like: Those with type-O blood. If…

  • Use Your Klout to Access American Airlines’ Lounges

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    11 May 2013 | 6:58 am
    American Airlines is very much not on our list of the world’s coolest airlines. But with more promotions like this (and a better in-air product) they could certainly work themselves there: For a limited time, American Airlines is giving away — for free, no strings attached — a pass to their Admirals Club business class lounge to anyone who is influential on Twitter. How do they know who on Twitter is influential? who might ask. For that, American Airlines partnered Klout. Klout is a website that uses a complicated, semi-secrete (and, in our opinion, semi-accurate) formula to score…

  • The Beach in the Middle of the Meadow

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    8 May 2013 | 1:05 pm
    In Spain, it isn’t surprising to find a crystal-clear waters lapping up against a golden sand beach. Yet it is completely surprising when you come across Spain’s Playa del Gulpiyuri. That’s because this unusual beach isn’t on the Atlantic Ocean. And it isn’t on the Mediterranean sea. It isn’t even on a lake or next to a river. Instead, Gulpiyuri beach is in the middle of a meadow! What’s stranger: The water laps up in waves onto Gulpiyuri Beach, even when it isn’t windy and when there’s seemingly no other source to cause waves. And the…

  • Take a Chance on The ABBA Museum

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    7 May 2013 | 10:17 am
    Anyone can (attempt to) sing Dancing Queen in a karaoke bar. But what about singing Dancing Queen along with a holographic rendering of ABBA and then fielding a real live phone call from one of the original band members? That’s possible only if you are exceedingly wealthy, eccentric and well-connected — or if you visit The ABBA Museum. It’s part of a new complex in Stockholm that celebrates Sweden’s second most famous export after Ikea furniture: The Swedish Music Hall of Fame. Amazon.com Widgets The ABBA Museum has enough shimmering boots, outdated costumes and catchy…

  • The Emerson Resort and the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

    Spot Cool Travel Stuff
    3 May 2013 | 12:55 pm
    There are plenty of rural lodges with log cabin architecture and a family-friendly environment. And there are also a myriad of modern hotels that offer a luxurious, adults-only atmosphere. But we only know of one resort that is both of those at once: The Emerson in Mt. Tremper, New York. Spot Cool Stuff went to visit The Emerson as part of our road trip test drive of a Kia Sportage EX and our family road trip around the Catskills area of New York State. We stayed at The Lodge at the Emerson (the family-friendly section of the resort), toured The Inn at the Emerson (the resort’s adult…
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    Vino Con Vista Italy Travel Guides and Events

  • My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in San Sebastian Spain

    www.vino-con-vista.com
    1 May 2013 | 9:44 am
    Image via Wikipedia I had a Glorious Vino con Vista Weekend in San Sebastian Spain (called Donostia in Basque). The panoramic vistas in the Basque Culinary Capital of Spain are amazing! I also have a passion for Pintxos. The greatest culinary adventure in San Sebastian is a pintxos crawl!! The small seaside city in northern Spain’s Basque region is the “world’s ultimate foodie destination”; it has more Michelin stars per capita (currently 16) than anywhere else on Earth. Both Arzak and Mugaritz grace the top 10 of S. Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best…

  • “Shuckin’ and Jivin’ at the New Orleans Oyster Festival 2013

    www.vino-con-vista.com
    1 May 2013 | 7:49 am
    New Orleans – French Quarter – balcon (Photo credit: Wikipedia) The best Seafood Restaurants in New Orleans will be at the New Orleans Oyster Festival 2013 with plenty of live music! Participate in the Acme Oyster World Oyster Eating Contest. At the Acme Oyster Bar, New Orleans. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) WHEN: June 1 & 2, 2013 For more information fisit: http://www.neworleansoysterfestival.org/ French Quarter, New Orleans (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans (Photo credit: Wikipedia) This was the 2012 Entertainment…

  • Mangia and Vino con Vista in Ravenna: A UNESCO Site in Emilia-Romagna

    www.vino-con-vista.com
    26 Apr 2013 | 8:35 am
    Image via Wikipedia English: Cross. Detail from the 6th century Byzantine mosaic in the apse of the basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy) Italiano: Croce gemmata. Particolare del mosaico bizantino nel catino absidale di Sant’Apollinare in Classe a Ravenna (secolo VI). (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: Built in 548 A.D. The sights of Ravenna are mostly from the period when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Ravenna houses early Christian Monuments in the Romagna Region www.turismoravenna.it . Ravenna was initially the…

  • Top UNESCO Attractions in Turin Italy

    www.vino-con-vista.com
    23 Apr 2013 | 10:57 am
    Venaria Reale, Torino. Piazza dell’Annunziata (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Torino, Mole Antonelliana, (Italy). (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: Coat of arms of Turin Italiano: Stemma di Torino che si trova presso Palazzo Carignano, lato piazza Carlo Alberto (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: Palazzo Carignano, Turin: back from Piazza Carignano. Italiano: Palazzo Carignano a Torino: retro da Piazza Carignano. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: turin italy piazza castello (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Italiano: Collage di varie foto di Torino (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Venaria Reale (Torino)…

  • The Best Vino con Vista Wine Tourism Adventures in Italy’s Major Wine Regions

    www.vino-con-vista.com
    22 Apr 2013 | 8:54 am
    Italian Wine Asiago (Photo credit: Birnardo) If you follow my posts, you know that I adore Italy’s intoxicating Vino con Vistas! Italy is one of the world’s most alluring travel destinations with captivating panoramic vistas of majestic mountains and volcanoes surrounded by the glistening sea. La collina di Bacco (Photo credit: gigi 62) I am an advocate of Wine Tourism and Culinary Travel. I even write Travel Guides called “Vino con Vista.” I have traveled the peninsula and identified my favorite places to enjoy “Wine with a View.” Vineyards in Gaiole in…
 
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    Dog Jaunt

  • Reader’s report: Under-seat space on a Delta A320 (SR) and a Delta MD-88

    Mary-Alice
    20 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    Reader Ahmé kindly sent me a report about her trip from Grand Rapids, MI to Naples, FL, via Atlanta. She and Thomas, her 17 lb. Miniature Schnauzer, took two flights on Delta, and sat in an aisle seat on both. Thomas the Miniature Schnauzer, not yet in traveling mode Thomas “has excellent manners and is quiet and easy going. He shakes a little when we are getting on the plane but settles down once we get situated. The first few flights he would scratch and turn when there was a lot of noise (take off & landing) but now after doing it a few times he is pretty settled.” Ahmé…

  • Photo Friday: Scoop law sign from Lucca

    Mary-Alice
    17 May 2013 | 5:42 pm
    Reader Gail has brought us so many great photos, including two on the blog of Puccini, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, vacationing in Italy. At the beginning of April, she sent in two scoop law signs from Portofino and Sorrento, and now they’re joined by one from Lucca: Gail saw this sign while she and Puccini “were out for our first passeggiata” after arriving in Lucca — how I envy her! “Fido Lindo,” it says (or “Tidy Fido”), and indeed, there the pup is, giving some brisk kicks to clean up after himself. I had initially typed…

  • Reader’s report: Under-seat space in an Delta 757 (First Class)

    Mary-Alice
    15 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    Just over a year ago, reader Marci sent me pictures of her outing on the Calusa Queen (in Punta Gordo, FL) with Layla, her Yorkshire Terrier. She was also getting ready for her first flight with Layla, and ended up buying a small SturdiBag for her. Here’s what she had to say about that flight, on a Delta 757: “Well, First Class is not the way to go. I flew on a Delta 757 in First Class with a small Sturdi Bag and it was very hard to get her under the seat. The life jackets are on a sort of shelf that is dropped down from the bottom of the seats. I was worried that I would be told…

  • Reader’s tip for flying with an anxious dog: Chocolate (plus a report on Delta’s carry-on policy)

    Mary-Alice
    13 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    Reader Hannah left a comment, oh, so long ago, on my post about the major U.S. airlines’ carry-on policies, reporting a conversation that she’d had with a Delta rep about traveling with her pup Oliver from Asia to the U.S. Kindly overlooking the fact that I only responded, ahem, two months later, she posted a follow-up report about their trip. The carry-on part is interesting, but I’m putting it at the end because the part that knocked my socks off was how she prepared for her flight — specifically, how she thought ahead about the fact that her dog, new to travel,…

  • Photo Friday: Scoop law sign from Paris

    Mary-Alice
    10 May 2013 | 5:00 am
    This is not the first Parisian scoop law sign I’ve posted. Nearly three years ago I started Dog Jaunt’s scoop law sign collection with this (blurry) placard from the Marais, and chortled over the owner’s trowel (now that I look at it again, I wonder why I didn’t notice how he’s also shooting a death ray at his dog with his left hand — granted, his pup is clearly not attending to business, but that seems extreme). Nowadays it takes way more than a mere garden tool to make me cherish a scoop law sign. Happily, the marvelous @gastrognome, Naomi Bishop, was up…
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    Atlas Obscura

  • Fujinomiya Mermaid Mummy in Fujinomiya, Japan

    20 May 2013 | 7:56 pm
    With an elaborate origin story going back a century and a half, the hideous mermaid at Fujinomiya may be the oldest of its kind. According to the story, the mermaid first appeared to Prince Shotoku at Lake Biwa. With its last breaths, it told a story of woe: the miserable creature had been a fisherman who trespassed to fish in protected waters, now transformed into a hideous beast as punishment. Having learned its lesson, and wanting to be an example after its death, the mermaid asked the prince to found a temple to display its horrible, mummified remains as a very strange object lesson in…

  • House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin

    20 May 2013 | 7:38 pm
    During the 1940's, a man named Alex Jordan discovered a 60-foot chimney of rock in the beautiful Wyoming Valley - it was here he decided to build a house on the sandstone formation called Deer Shelter Rock. Jordan built the house as a weekend retreat and never intended it to be a tourist attraction. However, people kept coming to see the architectural wonder they had heard about. Jordan eventually started asking for 50 cent donations. That was only the beginning. The 14-room house is the original structure of what is now a complex of many buildings, exhibits and garden displays. It can take…

  • Palacio Salvo in Montevideo, Uruguay

    20 May 2013 | 7:37 pm
    Inaugurated in 1928, Palacio Salvo appeared in the city landscape as a strange creature, one that has both delighted and disgusted architecture buffs for decades. Designed by the italian architect Mario Palanti, the building has everything you could imagine, from a cinema to a hotel. The palace was originally topped with a lighthouse with a with a parabolic mirror of 920 mm, reaching approximately 100km, but the light was later removed in favor of an antenna that gave the 27-floor building its height of 100 meters. Once thought to be the tallest building in South America, the antenna has…

  • Bude Castle in Bude, United Kingdom

    20 May 2013 | 7:18 pm
    This "castle" was actually the home of Victorian inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. Built in 1830 for Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, this two-story house is both picturesque and irregular, complete with crenellated walls overlooking the sea. The design of the castle included concrete foundations, which was an unusual feature at the time. Sir Goldsworthy Gurney was a doctor, engineer and philanthropist who developed the steam carriage and invented the "Bude Light," which was an oxygen-enhanced type of Argand lamp that was eventually used in the Houses of Parliament. He was a central figure in…

  • Christ of the Abyss in San Fruttuoso, Italy

    20 May 2013 | 7:09 pm
    While figures of the divine and the decorative abound in densely populated areas, rarely do you see honored artistry in the middle of nowhere. The Christ of the Abyss statue hopes to change that in some small way. The "Christ of the Abyss" is a bronze likeness of Jesus Christ, placed upon the bottom of the sea as an honor to Dario Gonzatt, the first Italian to use scuba diving gear. Similar statues have been placed underwater and aboveground all over the world, some as an homage to the original, others as mere tangential copycats.
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    In-Flight Insider

  • Visa Updates, Embassy and Consulate Closures for May, 2013

    Carolyn W. Paddock
    6 May 2013 | 8:45 am
    India: Changes to Flight Crew Visas by Leydy Jimenez, Associate Director, Country Information Coordinator for India Indian consulates in several US cities have recently begun to request additional documentation for flight crew members, particularly pilots, in a move that appears to be connected with a change in consular staff.  The consulates, which so far include Washington, DC, Houston, and New York City, require several documents for visa services which are difficult  for many crew to produce, such as: A No Objection Certificate and Air Operator’s Permit from the Indian sponsoring…

  • 7 Ways to Stay Friends While Traveling Together

    Carolyn W. Paddock
    26 Apr 2013 | 4:00 am
    Vacationing with a friend (or 2) can either be great fun or the end of a beautiful friendship. The best way to be sure it’s the former is to have a heart-to-heart chat beforehand and be honest about your preferences and expectations. Then you can negotiate if necessary and avoid conflict when it’s too late to do anything about it. 1.     Pick a destination you’ll both enjoy. If you love the beach and your friend is a culture vulture who hates the sun, you can still find a place with something to satisfy both of you—so long as you plan in advance and agree that you’ll each be…

  • Beat Jet Lag! 5 Insider Secrets for Being “Fresh” Upon Arrival

    Carolyn W. Paddock
    23 Apr 2013 | 8:02 am
    Your questions answered! Thank you, I love all the fantastic questions people send me*. Here’s a great one from Caroline that just came in… “Hi Carolyn! How does one stay ‘fresh’ when traveling long hours on a plane over a short weekend? I am flying to France today (Friday) and coming back on Monday! Lots of hours on the plane – not so many on the ground. One does not even have time to adjust to the local time! However, I think flight crews do this all the time and they always look so fresh! … Tips?!” – Caroline A. Cleveland, Ohio Caroline, this…