Categories	Extreme Ultra
Host	Chris Kostman
Location	Badwater, USA
Contact	Chris Kostman
Website	http://www.badwater.com/

Vote for this event

Travel fitness: Top 10 spots for yoga around the world

Filed under: North America, India, Mexico, United States, Middle EastYou can run, walk, hike, climb, swim, surf, and scuba your way to new experiences, but even the most active traveler needs a brief moment of zen every now and again. For those who need more than a few seconds of "Om" to get through their day, check out some of these top spots of yoga around...

Five Unique Ways to Visit North Korea in 2011

Filed under: Asia, China, North Korea, Russian Federation You've listened to enough friends and co-workers drone on and on about the boring, conventional vacations they take. In the pre-social media days, these people would have bored you to death with slide show and photo albums. Now, they just clutter your Facebook news feed. Want revenge? Take the most unusual vacation...

World Cup hangover: North Korea team grilled

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, North Korea, News The North Korean World Cup soccer team never had a chance in South Africa, but that didn't make the trip home any easier. At the beginning of July, they faced a "grand debate" because they let down the regime in the "ideological struggle" to put the ball into the net a lot during the tournament. More than 400 government officials, students and journalists watched the spectacle, though I have this sneaking suspicion that none really...

Daily Pampering: 'Out of Africa' experience in Kenya

Filed under: Africa, Kenya, Hotels and Accommodations, Camping, Ecotourism, Luxury TravelLuxury is alive in the African bush. The famous Finch Hattons located in Tsavo, West National Park, Kenya, is home to some of the best animal watching under the stars. You could call it a 'rustic-chic' getaway, or you could just call it a simply amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. However...

Photo of the day (7.30.10)

Filed under: North America, Canada, Photo of the Day This grainy, black-and-white image of the Toronto City Hall by roxie88 makes Viljo Revell's triumphant mid-1960s building look downright sultry, even mysterious. It's easy to imagine well-trained double agents wandering the halls of this building with pilfered files in their briefcases. In real life,...

Celebrate national s'mores month at a national park

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, CampingAugust is National S'mores month (Who knew?!?) and the 10th is actually National S'mores Day. In honor of this sweet occasion, several national parks will hold a celebration of the chocolate-marshmallow treat that is one of America's favorite summertime snacks. Visitors to...

Sweaty passenger chastises Delta on YouTube

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines It's bad enough to hear about the misery of being stuck on the tarmac, but to see it adds another dimension. When Tony Morales was stuck on a Delta plane in Phoenix, sweat dripping from his head, he recorded a portion of his ordeal, even though he risked "getting yelled at for filming right now." Morales described the situation on the plane as "uncomfortable, hot, miserable - it just wasn't fun," according to MSNBC. The passengers were...

Daily gear deals - $13 Bluetooth headset, $28 headphones and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday July 31, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from ScoobyDeal, where you'll find the Jabra BT2080 Bluetooth headset on sale. This headset features up to 8 days operation off a single...

Adventures in Eating: How to Cook a Placenta

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, North America, AustriaI'm not kidding. Welcome to placentophagy. There's a theory that eating the afterbirth is good for various things, including post-partum depression. Just ask Tom Cruise. He reportedly did it after the birth of his daughter in 2006 and he's perfectly sane, right? The word "placenta" comes from Latin,...

Mandalay Bay installs self-serve beer taps

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsBecause there aren't enough bars, clubs, restaurants, kiosks and servers catering to the dry mouths of Las Vegas patrons, the Mandalay Bay is joining the trend of hotels along the Strip installing self-serve beer taps throughout its hotel. The pour-your-own-pint...

Sharks circle Cape Cod

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsCape Cod vacationers just lost access to five miles of beach, thanks to sharks in the water. A spotter pilot saw three more great whites, one of them a mere 100 yards from a party on the sand. They're swimming around off South Beach in Chatham, Massachusetts, and swimming is definitely out of the question. No...

London starts bike hire scheme

Filed under: Biking, Europe, United Kingdom, Transportation, NewsTransport for London is responsible for the arduous task of getting millions of Londoners around this giant city every day. Besides the Tube, bus, and Docklands Light Rail, they've added a new service--public bicycles. Similar to public bike programs in other cities, people can get a bike at one of the...

Travel fitness: Road trip fitness gear for families

Filed under: Biking, Hiking, Gear, Travel HealthTraveling cross-country with kids in tow can make fitness more difficult. You can't leave your children to take a long run, or spend an hour in a gym. But you can pack a selection of family friendly items to keep everyone healthy on the road....

Daily Pampering: Exclusive Delano drink package for Gadling readers

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelEven the most exclusive hotels know where to come when they want to offer an exclusive deal. That's right, luxe-lovers - today's Daily Pampering is an exclusive deal from the Miami Delano, just for you. For $395/night, the Delano is offering Daily Pampering readers a...

Photo of the day (7.29.10)

Filed under: Photos, Israel, Photo of the Day, Middle East Some of the best travel photos tell a story or capture a stranger in a private moment. This candid portrait of a woman in Tel Aviv, Israel reading in a window by Flavio@Flickr does both beautifully. What is she so absorbed in reading? It could be an alarming news story or a love poem, or she could just be catching...

Tahiti greens up its tourism

Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Food and Drink, Oceania, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Cruises, Luxury Travel, French PolynesiaTahiti ain't cheap. And, at least in the past several decades, it's also had a reputation for crappy food, cheesy resorts, a seriously sketchy scene in Papeete, and a general lack...

Acadia Night Sky Festival scheduled for early September

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Festivals and Events, North America, United StatesThe second annual Acadia Night Sky Festival is scheduled to take place in Bar Harbor, Maine this September, offering a chance for stargazers to take in the most spectacular views of the night sky along the entire eastern seaboard - from one of the most...

Daily gear deals - $10 USB power pack, $35 GPS unit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday July 30, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the musicPower Encore 2-port USB charger. This smart charger can power 2 devices at the same time off AC, or off its internal battery...

Five stunning stone circles (besides Stonehenge)

Filed under: History, Learning, Africa, Europe, Gambia, Senegal, Ireland, United Kingdom Every year thousands of tourists flock to Stonehenge, the iconic stone circle on Salisbury Plain, England. While so much attention is focused on this site, especially with the recent discovery of another monument near Stonehenge, people often forget there's more than...

Neighborhood watch: Inglewood, Calgary

Filed under: North America, Canada Inglewood street scene. A little neighborhood adjacent to downtown, Inglewood has emerged over the last several years as one of Calgary's most dynamic 'hoods. Inglewood is the oldest neighborhood in a city full of new builds financed by oil revenue. Happily, the neighborhood carefully safeguards its buildings, and the...

Greek tanker truck strike strands thousands of tourists

Filed under: GreeceAs if Greece didn't already have enough worries, its 30,000 licensed truck drivers have decided that the middle of the tourist season would be the best time to go on strike, effectively shutting down many parts of the economy. Without truck drivers, there are no tanker trucks on the roads, which means gas stations are almost all...

Nostalgia reigns: Main Street Electrical Parade to remain at Walt Disney World indefinitely

Filed under: North America, United States The Main Street Electrical Parade, which was slated to end its run at the Magic Kingdom on Aug. 14, will continue at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom indefinitely. The Disney Parks blog says the Main Street Electrical Parade has gotten high ratings from guests since it returned in June. Disney executives...

Langham Hotels International launches voice-enabled iPhone app

Filed under: Gear, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet Tools We make it a priority at Gadling to ensure our readers are equipped with the best travel advice, travel tips and travel amenities (including gear, gadgets and more) before setting out on their journey. However, we also know that some people just don't listen. For those people (and you know who you are) technology is...

Sea kayaking off Washington's Whidbey Island: easy Labor Day getaway

Filed under: Paddling, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget TravelAnother bald eagle. Yawn. I had just completed a tranquil, one-hour paddle from Whidbey Island's Dugualla Bay, to Hope Island State Park. This dollop of land is a 106-acre marine camping park, reachable only by boat. It boasts a hiking trail and just four...

Travel fitness: Staying fit while away from home

Filed under: Gear, Travel HealthSo, you've been exercising regularly but now you have a trip coming up and you don't want to lose your momentum. Obviously, you're not going to be able to pack your bicycle, yoga mat, or weight set along but, while you may have to modify your exercise approach, there's no reason to abandon your workouts entirely. Here...

The beginning of the end for bullfighting?

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Spain, News The parliament of Catalonia, the eastern region of Spain, has voted to ban bullfighting. The move comes after anti-bullfighting activists presented the government with a petition bearing 180,000 signatures calling for bullfights to be abolished. Bullfighting has become increasingly divisive in...

eat.travel.love: Colonial Williamsburg farms for the future

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Food and Drink, North America, United Kingdom, United States, Ecotourism, Consumer ActivismGuilty confession: I got "D's" in U.S. History. I just don't get all wound up about battlefields, or ye olde anything. It may come as a surprise, then, that I recently paid a visit to Colonial...

LogMeIn Ignition for Android - access your home PC from your smartphone

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Back in May, we reported on the availability of a beta version of LogMeIn Ignition for Android phones. With LogMeIn Ignition, you can remotely (and securely) access your home computer, using your smartphone and a data connection. Once your phone connects to your PC, you get full access to your desktop, and can use...

Daily Pampering: Marina Bay Sands Hotel infinity pool over Singapore

Filed under: Asia, Singapore, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelSome of life's simple luxuries are downright cool and some are simply awe-inspiring, and then there are those that give us goose-bumps and test our vertigo to the limit. Enter: The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore and its rooftop infinity pool. The $5.95 billion hotel finally opened its doors...

Moleskine City Notebooks turn you into your own guidebook

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review We've mentioned Moleskine City Notebooks in the past here on Gadling, but this line of Notebooks deserve another mention. With a Moleskine City Notebook, you essentially turn yourself into your own guidebook. Instead of relying on tips from others, you create your own guide as you wander through a city. Inside each Moleskine...

Sidesplitting travel podcast hits the air

Filed under: Blogs, Podcasts, NewsIt's absolutely amazing what you find on the net: just the other day I was trawling around some safe-for-work soft core sites when I happened upon the Mike & Alex Show. Thinking I'd already seen that one, I just clicked onward. Later, however (while carefully deleting my browser's history), I realized that no, no, this was...

HotelPal by Mobiata brings easy hotel reservations to Android phones

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review I'm a happy Android user today, because Mobiata finally brought their popular iPhone hotel app to Android phones. With HotelPal, you can find, research and reserve hotel rooms directly from your phone, without having to mess around with mobile sites or other unfriendly hotel booking engines. The process is simple -...

Photo of the Day (7.28.10)

Filed under: Photos, Photo of the Day If you subscribe to the theories of the spiritual world (whichever spirit you choose) you know there are certain aspects of architecture that are said to transport you to the next phase of your life. In Feng Shui, for example, we're taught that by hanging 'forward thinking' pictures and photos in various rooms, we'll inspire our future...

New and improved Amazon Kindle - new price, new colors, new features

Filed under: GearOur friends at Engadget have the scoop on some new and improved Amazon Kindle developments. Starting on August 27, you'll be able to order the new WiFi only Kindle - and by dropping 3G, you bring the price down to a completely insane $139 - a whopping $260 cheaper than the introduction Kindle launched back in 2007. A 3G...

Contest offers 'maybe the best trip ever'!

Filed under: Hiking, Paddling, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Camping, Travel Trivia, Luxury TravelA new contest sponsored by Black Star Beer promises to give the winner one heck of a prize, sending them off on a jet setting vacation that will offer everything from outdoor adventure to an unforgettable taste of luxury. The contest is...

New Sony PIIQ headphone lineup does style with wacky names

Filed under: Gear With names like Marqii, Giiq, Triqii, Qlasp and Exhale, you'd think I'd be describing the members of a new manufactured all girl band - but these are actually the names for a new line of headphones from Sony. Not content to miss the stylish headphone bandwagon, Sony developed an impressive lineup of 16 different headphones, from a pair of DJ...

Adventures in Eating: the Luther Burger

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United StatesThere are few reasons to go to Queens. That is, unless you enjoy things like food. One of the five New York City boroughs, Queens is actually the most ethnically diverse county in North America. Which means you can pretty much travel around the world with your taste buds in the matter of a...

From the Shores of Louisiana -- Call in the navy!

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, North America, United States, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Cat Island, Louisiana -- During the past eleven weeks I've been on and around the edges of Barataria Bay for many days. This is ground-zero for the oil mess clean-up in southern Louisiana, a 650-square-mile jigsaw puzzle of marshes and...

The oldest flying Boeing meets the newest

Filed under: Transportation We were rather blown away by this shot from Ryan Pemberton of Spokane, Washington. Ryan managed to capture a challenging formation flight of the oldest flying Boeing airliner flown by his dad, Addison Pemberton, along side the newest model, the 787. Some credit the Boeing Model 40 as the first successful 'airliner' in the U.S., and...

Indian odyssey: A Holi debauch in Varanasi

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, IndiaVaranasi, City of Death, City of Passage to Worlds Beyond. Founded by Lord Shiva on the banks of the holy Ganges, Varanasi (once known as Benares) occupies the most sacred land in India, and is a reputed tirtha (passage point to the Other World). For at least 3,000 years Varanasi has drawn India's dying, specifically those dying Hindus seeking release from Samsara, the burdensome cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in which all beings are karmically...

Daily gear deals - $139 Kindle, $6 camera case and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday July 29, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the new version of the Amazon Kindle - for $139, you get this ebook reader with WiFi (but no 3G), better battery life and an...

Conversations with a Gondolier

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Paddling, Italy, TransportationThe sleek, black gondola is Venice's most well-known symbol. Hand-crafted down to the smallest detail, this ancient method of transportation is often viewed as a try-before-you-die experience for tourists. But what about the man behind the oar? Today, there are 425 gondoliers who ply the waters of the Venetian lagoon, and, contrary to appearances, they are not just pretty faces with great bodies. Competition for the medieval...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - Ancient Rome

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, Italy, Airlines, Video, Travel Trivia GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 24 - Click above to watch video after the jump Well, we got to Rome in style and now it's time to hit the streets & explore. The city's history spans over two and half thousand years and it seems like everywhere you go, there's something interesting...

Alton Towers Resort bans loud sex in some hotel rooms

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and AccommodationsI'm sure we've all stayed a night in a hotel where we wished that there was a ban on sex because of the couple in the room next door, but I can honestly say I never thought I'd see a day when an actual hotel sex ban went into effect. That's exactly what has happened in some hotel rooms at...

Survey says: Hotel guests generally happier with their stays

Filed under: Hotels and AccommodationsIt's no surprise the hotel industry is making a strong comeback. When travel started to falter in the down economy, hotels kept the spirit alive with the 'staycation' craze. Now, as more people start spending money on much-needed vacations again, the hotel industry is once again at the forefront of recreating the ultimate...

Sweden in Midsommar: From traditional to contemporary

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Europe, SwedenOur hearts are still in Stockholm this week, neck deep in the celebration of one of Scandinavia's biggest holidays: Midsommar. In case you missed it earlier, Midsommar is the celebration of the longest day of the year in these high latitudes, a time when the sun only sets...

Harrah's, Caesars Palace create personalized trips for guests

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelLas Vegas is sinfully decadent in all the right places, but if you don't know where to go or how to get your name on "the" list, you're out of luck. News from The Strip is that Harrah's and Caesars Palace have launched a service to fix all that. Catering to every...

Daily Pampering: Sailing Bora Bora in your own private catamaran

Filed under: Oceania, Hotels and Accommodations, Cruises, Luxury Travel, French PolynesiaYou're already in Bora Bora, what more could you possibly want? Fortunately, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has planned for travelers like you, who want just a little bit more with their side of luxury. Adding to its fleet of custom-built boats, Four Seasons Resort...

Hotels making a move on social media, with targeted help

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet ToolsThe hotel industry has plenty of faith in the social media world - and no reservations about using it to gain reservations. But, it's struggling to take control of the medium. A survey by Wine and Hospitality Network indicates that most respondents (in the business) spend...

Woman loses sense of hearing from screaming child on Qantas flight

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, AirlinesWe've all been there at some point - you board your plane, and a child starts crying, with no intention of stopping until the plane lands. Thankfully, most parents are able to soothe their little ones, but for one passenger on a Qantas flight, things were not that simple. In January 2009, 67 year old...

Former American Airlines flight attendant charged with making terror threats

Filed under: Airlines, AirportsA former flight attendant for American Airlines has been arrested and charged with making terrorist threats. Rodney Lorenzo claimed he sent secret airline information to 25 Muslim charity organizations in the U.S. and U.K. Lorenzo had been fired by the airline for throwing a coffee...

Photo of the Day (7.27.10)

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Photos, North America, Photo of the Day Holy mackerel! Er, more like holy scad! This thrilling moment under the sea was captured by Flickr user Ka wai punahele off the coast of Bonaire, an island in the southern chain of the Netherlands Antilles. The photographer writes; "It's an amazing experience to have a big shoal of fish come straight towards...

14-year old granted permission to sail solo around the world

Filed under: Europe, Netherlands, News14-year old Laura Dekker has waited months for her opportunity to attempt a solo circumnavigation of the globe, and after being denied on several occasions by Dutch authorities, yesterday she finally received permission to set sail at long last. She now plans to begin the voyage, which could take upwards of two...

Yearly reminder: turn off International data roaming when heading abroad

Filed under: Gear It has been a few years since we last reminded you to pay close attention to your international data usage when you head abroad. And now smartphones are more popular than ever, the time has come to remind you again. Unless you make specific arrangements with your mobile operator by adding a data roaming package, you will be charged as much...

Solar-powered computer for $35 or less

Filed under: Asia, India, NewsDevelopers in India have announced an iPad clone that costs only $35. Capable of basic web surfing, video conferencing, and word processing and using a Linux operating system, the cut-rate computer is targeted at India's student population. India has been undergoing an information technology boom for more than a decade now,...

The (Un)Wired: A Free Wi-Fi Manifesto

Filed under: North America, Rwanda, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines, Airports, Internet Tools, Consumer ActivismThe year is twenty-ten A.D. and Wi-Fi should be free. We travelers bear no grudge with you as long as you agree, But if you're that one schmuck who likes to play it old school, Charging folks for...

Chicago Marriott and Nickelodeon partner for unforgettable family getaway

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsYour kids have a problem, and it's in the TV. They squeal with delight at the sight of SpongeBob and lose their minds when Big Time Rush comes on air. Now, Marriott and Nickelodeon are partnering to make your kids' dreams come to life (and likely give you an extended headache...

Daily gear deals - $55 portable LCD TV, $10 laptop bag and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday July 28, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a 7 inch portable LCD TV. This TV picks up digital TV signals, and its internal battery means you can stay entertained wherever you are....

Customer service slams airlines in overweight passenger policy enforcement

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, AirlinesAirline rules for passengers who take up more than one seat are neither new nor surprising. Forget about passenger comfort (the airlines already have, of course), it's a financial issue. A passenger who takes up more than one seat is consuming a scarce resource (in the economic sense): seat 42A on...

Beyond the kebab: Foodie blog Istanbul Eats now in print

Filed under: Food and Drink, Blogs, Asia, Europe, Turkey, Books Last night in Istanbul, a side street in the Galata neighborhood on the European side of town was packed with people eating Turkish street food such as çiğ köfte, salted cucumbers, and börek pastries, and drinking cold Efes beers and Turkish wines. The occasion was the...

Ask Gadling: How can I make an important trip more romantic?

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel Today's question comes from Alvin in Westchester, New York. "My fiancee and I have taken a number of trips together. Now we are planning our honeymoon, and I am wondering what to do to make it special? I've heard of rose petals on the bed, but I don't really know what else is available."...

Review: Monster Beats Tour high-resolution in-ear headphones

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review On the road, music can make the difference between a lousy day filled with loud traffic and screaming kids, or serenity surrounded by your favorite tunes. When I travel, I always have music with me - and in a quest to find the best way to listen to my selections, I've taken the Monster Beats Tour headphones for a spin. The...

Golf legend Arnold Palmer signs SpringHill hotel project

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsGolf master Arnold Palmer can now add "hotelier" to his impressive resume. Palmer is partnering with Concord Hospitality Enterprises to build a 109-key SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel near his Latrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania. The hotel will be jointly owned by Palmer...

Travel gear: How to pack a pair of shoes without a plastic bag

Filed under: Gear, United States, Women's TravelI'm a germaphobe who cringes at the idea of packing my shoes anywhere near my clothes. But travel requires you to get a little dirty, so I tell myself that a plastic bag has to be enough to keep the germs from contaminating the rest of my stuff. But a funny thing happened while I was packing for a recent trip to...

Under 30? Win a free stay for being a leader.

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations If you know (or are) someone under 30 who exhibits leadership with strong values and wisdom beyond their years, why not help them get a free vacation out of it? For their 30 year anniversary, Rosewood Hotels is hosting a competition called 30 Under 30, which is...

Unconventional travel tips to ensure a great vacation

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Budget TravelYou know the basics: Don't forget your I.D., pack your 3-1-1 bags, always bring a spare set of clothes, and make sure to charge your cell phone before setting off on your adventure. But how about trying something a little different? Here are some not-so-typical things that can make a vacation...

Daily Pampering: World's most expensive suitcase

Filed under: Gear, Luxury TravelWant to impress the person setting next to you on your next flight? The HENK Travelfriend will do just that. The HENK Travelfriend is fully customizable from calfskin with ostrich embossing in 15 various colors and opens from both sides, so you can see its luxurious insides from any angle. The extendable handle and retractable...

United creates Optathlon games for day-of-departure prizes

Filed under: Business, Airlines, Budget Travel, News It's a long shot, but if all of your attempts to find a better seat, upgrade and improve your upcoming trip on United Airlines have failed then there's one last thing you can do. Last week, United launched a series of video games on their website with prizes aimed at traveling customers. What can you win?...

Photo of the Day (07.26.10)

Filed under: Europe, Austria, Photo of the Day Having a mascot for your trip or an item that always travels with you is a neat way to add a personal twist to your adventure. We've touched on this before with the hula girl in Calgary photo. I've even done it myself with a little friend who followed me around Tasmania. That's why I was thrilled to see this image by...

Vulkano by Monsoon Multimedia promises the ultimate in on-the-go TV and video

Filed under: Gear In two weeks, Monsoon Multimedia will begin shipping their Vulkano multimedia streaming device. Described as the world's first "all in one video product", the Vulkano will let you record live TV and watch recordings at home or anywhere in the world on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod or iPad, Blackberry or Android device. Vulkano even...

Ship made of plastic bottles completes trans-Pacific voyage

Filed under: Activism, North America, Oceania, United States, Australia, NewsWay back in March we told you about the Plastiki, a ship made almost entirely out of plastic bottles, that was setting out from San Francisco to complete a crossing of the Pacific Ocean. The plan was for the ship, and her crew, to sail to Sydney, Australia, by way of the Great Pacific...

Southwest bumps thin passenger off flight for two-seater

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, News Last week a 5-foot-4, 110-pound woman was removed from a Las Vegas to Sacramento Southwest flight in order to accommodate an overweight teenager who required two seats. Despite paying full-fare for the last available seat, the anonymous woman was booted off the flight when the heavier passenger boarded...

Iconic gangster film location demolished

Filed under: Europe, United KingdomThe 1971 film Get Carter was the classic British gangster picture, generating a whole genre as well as a steady trickle of film tourists to an unlikely location--an ugly concrete car park. The Trinity Square Car Park in Gateshead, across the river Tyne from Newcastle, England, was the scene of a fight between...

From the Shores of Louisiana -- Crane Rescue

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, United States, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Barataria Bay, Louisiana - 6:50 a.m.: We'd been on the water for more than two hours already and had seen a particularly haunting sunrise thanks to a partial lunar eclipse by the time we reached the edge of Cat Island....

Daily gear deals - $15 head lamp, $6 iPhone charger and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Tuesday July 27, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a Rayovac high pressure Xenon headlamp. The lamp runs off 3 AA batteries and features an unbreakable lens. Perfect for camping or reading...

The great Canadian prairie road trip: Calgary-Saskatoon-Regina-Winnipeg

Filed under: North America, Canada This road trip had its genesis in idle travel fantasy chat, as so many journeys do. A few months ago my friend Melissa and I discussed how much we wanted to do a road trip together over the summer, and we cranked out a number of ambitious itineraries. The craziest of all involved Melissa driving 18 hours by herself from...

Starwood to open seven hotels in NYC this year

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsNew York City is getting a few new addresses. Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced its plans to open seven more hotels in New York City, upping the hotel's portfolio by 50 percent in the Big Apple. Starwood currently operates 12 hotels in New York City across six of its...

Browse 70 gigapixels of panoramic Budapest in the world's largest photograph

Filed under: Photos, Hungary Last year, we showed you an 18 gigapixel photo of Prague, followed by a 26 gigapixel photo of Paris, and a 45 gigapixel photo of Dubai. The world of gigapixel photography has a new winner - a whopping 70 gigapixel photo of Budapest. The photo is claimed to be the largest photo on earth, but of course, at this rate, the record will be broken by...

Controversy over Spain's reopened Army Museum

Filed under: Europe, SpainSpain has reopened its Army Museum after moving it from Madrid to Toledo, but some Spaniards aren't happy with the choice of buildings. The Museo del Ejército is housed in El Alcázar, a fort overlooking Toledo. When the fascists rebelled against the Second Spanish Republic and started the Spanish Civil War,...

Vegetarian child stranded in airport, fed burgers

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, AirportsJulien Reid, at only nine years old, is used to air travel. He routinely flies between his parents in Ottawa, and San Francisco, so he's seen it all ... well, he has now. Reid was forgotten in a children's waiting room in Chicago, where he spent eight hours waiting and hoping to be discovered....

Tip this waitress or she'll kill you

Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, Cambodia, North Korea There are two types of waitress you want to tip. The first will climb onto your lap for an extra $20 while the DJ pushes the sounds of Whitesnake through the speakers, and she'll earn every dime of it. The other, however, is far more dangerous. She won't take your money, but she will take your life. When...

Top five reasons you'll pay more for flights

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, AirlinesIt looks like flight deals are a thing of the past. The airline sector is starting to recover, as evidenced by an aggregate $1.3 billion in earnings for the six largest U.S. carriers last quarter, and more profits are said to be on the horizon. Of course, we're still in the early stages, and...

Kidz Gear kids headphones - good for little ears and your sanity

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review No longer content with hours of "are we there yet" and I Spy, kids have far more choices in entertainment than I had as a kid. Many minivans come with a full DVD entertainment system, and most kids can find there way around an iPhone or iPod without any help. For long road trips, being able to listen to your own music instead...

New York short-term apartment rentals to become illegal

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsTraveling to New York on a budget? Well, you just lost an option. Governor David Paterson just put his signature on a bill banning short-term vacation apartment rentals in New York City. Unless you're renting an apartment for 30 days or longer, you're out of luck. Originally, he said...

Photo of the Day (7.25.10)

Filed under: Asia, Thailand, Photo of the Day Even animals like to keep clean. It's something that this elephant, captured by Flickr user Gus NYC, has clearly taken to heart. Gus caught this wonderful candid moment in Chiang Mai, Thailand just as this pachyderm was enjoying a good soak along with its keeper. The splash of water caught mid-stream and the elephant's...

Top five tips for newbies visiting nude beaches

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsAre you planning to go "clothing optional" for the first time? From what I understand, you can have a lot of fun, but there are rules to be followed. Failing to do so can lead to an awkward situation or worse. Most of this is common sense, of course, which is probably why it's worth mentioning. You can have...

Weekend travel media top five: July 24-25, 2010

Filed under: Europe, North America, Denmark, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, Canada, United StatesThis weekend's best travel stories include a run through Hungary's Tokaj wine district, a pilgrimage to horsey Chincoteague, Virginia, a family vacation in England's Isles of Scilly, a guide to Europe's top cycling cities, and a...

12-year old climbs highest point in all 50 states in record time

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, North America, United States, News12-year old Matt Moniz of Boulder, Colorado will have quite a tale to share with his friends when he returns to school this fall. While most kids his age spend the summer relaxing and doing as little work as possible, Matt, along with his father Mike, launched their 50 in 50 in 50 expedition....

Arrests made in Hyatt protests

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsIt's been a long few days for the Hyatt. An ongoing labor dispute between the hotel's hospitality workers union and the Hyatt Corporation resulted in demonstrations outside the Grand Hyatt San Francisco hotel last week, which turned ugly fast. San Francisco police department arrested 150...

Daily gear deals - $99 Kodak camera kit, $14 laptop backpack and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Monday July 26, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Kodak EasyShare Z915 10x zoom digital camera. For $99, you get the camera, and an accessory bundle which includes a carrying case,...

Travel blogger Q&A: Jodi Ettenberg

Filed under: Asia, North America, South America, Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Ecuador, UruguayFor many travel enthusiasts, bloggers, and armchair travelers, Jodi Ettenberg's story is downright inspirational. For several years a successful corporate lawyer, she left her comfortable if demanding life in New York to travel the...

Love Parade discontinued after 19 killed in stampede

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, Germany, News Germany's annual dance and music festival Love Parade ended tragically on Saturday after a stampede killed 19 people and injured at least 340, including travelers from Australia, Italy, and China. 1.4 million people reportedly turned out for the event, overcrowding the grounds which had a...

Top 10 farmers markets in U.S.

Filed under: Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Ecotourism, Consumer ActivismThere's an innate pleasure to eating seasonally, especially this time of year, when berries, stonefruit, peppers, corn, and tomatoes are at their peak. Farmers markets are one of the best ways to enjoy these ingredients, not...

SkyMall Monday: Top 10 pieces of spy gear

Filed under: GearThe world is a scary place. Heck, even the Cold War is heating up (er, cooling off?) again with Russian spies being kicked out of the US. It's becoming harder and harder to trust anyone, even your family. Here in the SkyMall Monday headquarters, I trust Calvin the Garden Yeti and no one else. In these crazy times, it's best to find out all...

Alberto Contador wins 2010 Tour de France

Filed under: Biking, Festivals and Events, Europe, France, NewsSpanish rider Alberto Contador has claimed his third Tour de France win after securing the victory yesterday in a 32.3 mile long individual time trial that ran across the French countryside from Bordeaux to Pauillac. Despite being pushed to the limit by his rival, Luxembourg's Andy Schleck,...

Pre-nuptial last rites get fun, expensive

Filed under: North America, United States, NightlifeBachelor parties used to be so simple. A bunch of guys would cram into a limo, get wasted and let the sounds of Motley Crue fill their ears while some nice young lady works her way through college a dollar bill at a time. Eventually, you'd go home and wake up sans cash, stomach contents and a...

Daily gear deals - free USB keyboard light, $15 Bluetooth headset and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday July 25, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from Dailycheckout.com, where you'll find a free USB LED keyboard light. These lights are great if you want to get some work done on a...

The royal family joins Flickr

Filed under: Photos, Europe, United Kingdom, NewsIt seems like everybody is getting on Flickr these days. Now even the Royal Family of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth Realms is sharing their photographs. The collection of photos, both old and new, will go live on Monday. There's also a spot where the common rabble can share their photos of the...

Marriott introduces first LEED green hotel prototype

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, EcotourismSouth Carolina is now home to the first Marriott LEED green hotel prototype. The Courtyard Charleston/Summerville will be the hotel's flagship green property, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The new Courtyard hotel will open in early 2010 and will...

Top five cities for travel spending ... and the bottom of the barrel, too

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsHey, Arlington, Virginia residents, why are you spending so much on travel? Do you really want to get out that badly? According to a report by Bundle.com, the folks who live in Arlington spent twice the national average on travel last year: a whopping $3,534 per household. Nationwide, the norm...

Museums scramble for retiring space shuttles

Filed under: North America, United States, Transportation, NewsNASA has set the date for the last Space Shuttle launch at February 26, 2011, and as an era comes to a close, museums around the country are fighting to get their hands on one of the retiring vessels. The Space Shuttle Discovery is earmarked for the Smithsonian Institution's National Air...

Airport efficiency: the world's winners

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, South Korea, Norway, Switzerland, United States, Airports, Hong KongDo you get frustrated when you walk into an airport? Even before you get there? On good days, it's a painful experience, with long lines, the security gauntlet and procedures (which may or may not be appropriate) that are guaranteed to annoy. It...

British bear hits the beach

Filed under: Africa, Europe, South Africa, United Kingdom, Travel Trivia The British have given us so much in the way of comedy; from Monty Python to The Office to the newly ubiquitous Russell Brand, funny is their best export. What else would you expect from a country so often bereft of sunshine? Now comes a delightful series of short videos from the BBC starring the hard-drinking, hapless Misery Bear, an English (but Made in China) stuffed teddy bear who never seems to catch a break....

Shanghai: New route from China to North Korea

Filed under: Asia, China, North Korea, Airlines It isn't exactly a wide-open commercial route, but at least the door is slightly ajar. Korean Air charter flights will start flying from Shanghai to Pyongyang on August 6, 2010, when the first group of tourists will take advantage of this (rather slight) liberalization of North Korean travel rules....

Daily Pampering: The Peninsula Hotels' $20,000 tour of China

Filed under: Asia, China, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThe Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Beijing and The Peninsula Shanghai are offering China travelers a new way to see three of the country's best city, thanks the "Tale of Three Cities" - the hotels' collection of itineraries showcasing the very best of China. Hoping to...

Photo of the day (7.23.10)

Filed under: Asia, China, Mongolia, Photo of the Day A travel mascot injects levity into a journey. Photographing one's mascot in various exotic locations is an often hilarious way to articulate a narrative string for a journey. This image of a tiny robot on the Great Wall by cjthekid is playfully awesome. It neatly juxtaposes the old and the contemporary; the...

Yellowstone visitors provoke bison, pay price

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States, NewsEarlier this week, it was reported by a number of sources, including the National Park Service themselves, that an unnamed woman and her friend were attacked by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. The story was that the pair were passing through a parking lot near Old Faithful when they wandered...

Solar plane lands after two-week flight

Filed under: Europe, North America, United Kingdom, United States, Transportation, News A week ago we reported on the Zephyr solar airplane flying nonstop for a week. Yesterday it landed safely after flying nonstop for two weeks, achieving the goal its designers set for it. The unmanned drone runs on efficient solar cells along its wingspan...

German high-speed trains too hot to ride

Filed under: Europe, Germany, Transportation, NewsGermany's Inter City Express (ICE) high-speed railway system is suffering a major scandal as thousands of people have had to seek medical attention from overheated trains. Temperatures on some trains have reached as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) thanks to...

UNESCO to decide on World Heritage Status for Amsterdam canal ring

Filed under: Europe, Netherlands The canal ring (Grachten Gordel) in Amsterdam is one of the best untouched wonders of the world - you can walk the ring for miles without the interruption of modern architecture, or obscene skyscrapers. Thanks to its wonderful preservation, the 16th and 17th century buildings are currently on the nomination list for World...

Business travelers poised to take fun out of social media tools

Filed under: Business, North America, United StatesWhere are you looking for the latest travel information? Well, if you're a business traveler, especially with a mid-sized company, you're probably turning to social media tools. And, that makes more than a little sense, given the reach of platforms such as Facebook and Twitter (the former of which pierced the...

Breaking: Virgin America set to enter Chicago in 2011

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesRight after the announcement of a massive order of new planes, Virgin America has confirmed to the Chicago Tribune that they want to start flying to Chicago in 2011. The airline had originally planned to start O'Hare routes back in 2008, but a gate shortage forced them to shelve those plans. According to...

Daily Pampering: The Ardbeg Double Barrel Experience

Filed under: Food and Drink, United Kingdom, Luxury Travel Ardbeg USA is offering a travel package that scotch-lovers won't want to miss -- that is, if they can come up with a cool $20,000. This chocolatey bespoke leather rifle case repurposed as a gift box for two single cask bottlings of 1974 Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky (so...

Photo of the day (7.22.10)

Filed under: Europe, Poland, Photo of the Day In addition to making awesome song parodies and being a fun celeb to follow on Twitter, Weird Al Yankovic has been a passionate polka advocate for his entire career. It's no wonder when you see how much joy this gentleman is experiencing playing the polka, captured by Flickr user Adam Baker in Krakow, Poland. More...

From the Shores of Louisiana: Morning in Sulphur Grove

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Sulphur Grove, Louisiana - At 4:30 a.m. a pair of sport fishing boats being launched on the edge of Barataria Bay on a humid morning - where fishing has been banned for more than two months -- is made more odd thanks to the backlighting of a partial lunar eclipse. P.J. Hahn, a one-time Texas cop turned...

New international travel phone service from National Geographic

Filed under: Gear, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, United Kingdom, United States, Budget Travel, NewsNational Geographic and Cellular Abroad have joined forces to introduce a new option for those who need to stay in contact while traveling the world. The National Geographic Travel Phone includes an unlocked Motorola handset, a charger that comes...

Mysterious monument found next to Stonehenge

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, United Kingdom, NewsBritain's most interesting monument just got a whole lot more interesting. Archaeologists using subsurface imaging have discovered evidence of a circle of wooden posts about the same size as Stonehenge and just 900 meters (2,950 feet) away from it. The Stonehenge Hidden Landscape Project...

Vegas club offers holographic hotties

Filed under: North America, United States, Nightlife Offering these girls a few drinks won't help you get back to your room any less alone. So, when you're scouring the Las Vegas Strip in the hopes of a blissful night, use Lolita's Cantina and Tequila as a place to plan your next move - not make it. There's a good reason for this - the girls aren't real. And, that can make laying down some game a little harder. Lolita's just opened holographic dancing girls act this week. They have all the...

Top 10 souvenir hats from around the world

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Jordan, Russian Federation, France, Ireland, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Panama, United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Middle East, Central AmericaEver notice how every airport, tourist trap, and hotel gift shop is trying to sell you some kind of hat? That's because a hat is...

100 year-old whiskey frozen in Antarctic being thawed out

Filed under: History, Learning, Food and Drink, Oceania, Antarctica, New Zealand, NewsEarlier this year we reported how the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust retrieved some whiskey left behind by explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team after on unsuccessful attempt to make it to the South Pole in 1907-1909. Now curators at...

Daily gear deals - $130 iPod Touch, $30 sport camcorder and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday July 23, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from Woot.com where you'll find an 8GB Apple iPod Touch on sale for $129.99. The unit is refurbished, but comes with a 90 day warranty,...

New British airport to cost more than $100,000 a person

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, AirportsAirports aren't cheap, but the new one coming in on St Helena redefines pricey. The British government is getting ready to shell out £300 million (around $460 million) for an airport on the little island in the South Atlantic Ocean. This translates to £75,000 (approximately $115,000) for each of the...

Gadling review: Motorola H17txt Bluetooth headset with MotoSpeak

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review In the world of Bluetooth headsets, most innovations happen in the design department - but the new Motorola H17txt with MotoSpeak is one of the first headsets to really add some long overdue new features to more than just looks. The H17txt is a dual microphone Bluetooth headset with everything you'd expect from a top notch...

Weekending: Beirut

Filed under: Asia, Europe, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Middle East One of the best things about life as an expat in Turkey is easy access to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with many previously far-flung destinations only a few hours' flight away. I might not plan a week-long vacation in, say, Kosovo, but if I can be there for Friday happy hour...

Airbus reveals super future fancyplane concept

Filed under: Business, Airlines, NewsPart of the fun in each year's leading air shows comes in the showboating. Whether it's the newest, best window technology from PPG, the sexiest landing gear from Goodrich or the quietest, most efficient jet engine from Pratt and Whitney, people love seeing new products and the way that our future might look. And just...

Royalton to offer iPads in all guest rooms

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet Tools, Luxury TravelThe latest hotel to jump on the iPad craze is straight out of NYC and prepping its iPads for Fashion Week. The Royalton, a member of the Morgans Hotel Group, will launch a new virtual concierge program via iPads, which will be available in all guest rooms...

Three extraordinary Caribbean hotels for under $150

Filed under: France, Dominica, Jamaica, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, CaribbeanYes, the Caribbean is awfully hot right now. And yes, faithful watchers of weather, hurricane season is indeed upon us. But for the next several months, visitors to the Caribbean will benefit from low-season rates that make the region a great value for...

eat.travel.love: Peruvian adventure travel and agritourism on Lake Titicaca's Isla Amantani

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Food and Drink, South America, Chile, Peru, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Women's Travel, Luxury TravelWhile I sat at the table with her young son, Ayun, I watched Imeliana Calcin stuff wood into the stove. Although she'd greeted me at the boat dock in a skirt and faded t-shirt, she'd...

Review: KiwiChoice U-Powered solar battery charger

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Keeping your devices powered when traveling is often a challenge. On many trips, it involves finding a power outlet, on some trips you may need to resort to using a battery backup pack, but some destinations may even stretch your batteries to the limit. On those trips, you'll need to find alternative power sources - and one...

Daily Pampering: Queensland's ReefSleep lets travelers sleep on the Great Barrier Reef

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Oceania, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelYou've slept under the stars, but have you ever tried to slumber in the ocean? Now you can, thanks to a new sleep chamber set up in Queensland, Australia. Adventure seekers can enjoy the wonders of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef inside Fantasea ReefSleep's private underwater...

Ritz-Carlton Toronto set to open Fall 2010

Filed under: North America, Canada, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThe Ritz-Carlton's first foray into Great White North will take place this fall with the opening of its Toronto hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto was slightly delayed last month thanks to weather-related issue, but the building seems to be back on schedule and the new open date is set for...

Photo of the Day (7.21.10)

Filed under: Photos, Photo of the DayFancy a game of hide-and-seek? What better place to test out your childlike skills than in a big, wide, open space with awesome acoustics and plenty of pillars to hide behind? That must be what the little darling in this photo is thinking... how can I make the most impact and scare the living crap out of them as they walk by? The shot was...

ToroVerde park delivers in adventure in Puerto Rico

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, North America, United States, Ecotourism, CaribbeanThrill seekers who are looking to take a break from all that sun and surf while visiting Puerto Rico now have a new option to add a little excitement to their vacation. The recently opened ToroVerde Adventure Park is ready to give them the jolt of adrenaline that they're...

Turbulence hurts: leading cause of in-flight injury

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesIf you aren't splattered in a fatal crash, you're most likely to be injured by severe turbulence. Don't get shaken up by this, though, odds are the biggest risk you'll face is a middle seat sandwiched by garlic-eater and a heavy talker (choose which way you want to read that one). While you can't be...

Ten things you should NEVER do on a layover

Filed under: Airports Until you can afford that private jet you've had your eye on, layovers are a necessary evil. Everyone copes in different ways with the prison-like feel of the airport between flights, and some people get creative about how to pass the time. Letter writing is good, working is good (sometimes, see #9) and of...

Daily gear deals - $99 Nikon digital camera, $3 GPS mount and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday July 22, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the refurbished Nikon S60 digital camera. This touch screen camera shoots in 10 megapixels, and features a whole assortment of...

Kosovo: ICJ ruling a bridge to increased tourism?

Filed under: Europe, Serbia/MontenegroToday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague issued a nonbinding advisory ruling on the question of Kosovo's independence. The court ruled that Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence did not violate international law. Kosovo's independence, in other words, was deemed by the court...

Women more likely to cheat on vacation than men, says new study

Filed under: Asia, Europe, Maldives, United Kingdom, News, Women's TravelBlame it on the sun. According to new research from British "married dating site" IlicitEncounters, over a third of (already cheating) spouses can't keep it in their pants while on vacation solo or with friends. In fact, six percent of the sneaky devils strayed while on holiday with...

Toshiba T135 notebook review - perfect balance of size, weight and power

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review In this review, we'll introduce you to the Toshiba Satellite T135 notebook. Inside the model on review (the T135D-S1320) is an AMD NEO MV40 processor, 3GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive. Graphics are powered by a dedicated ATI Radeon chip on a 13.3" widescreen LED backlit display. In every possible way, this machine is the...

Ryanair passenger arrested over "rubber sandwich" complaint

Filed under: Europe, Norway, AirlinesWhen 52 year old Henrik Ulven ordered a "fresh made premium sandwich" on his Ryanair flight, he fully expected to receive just that. Instead, he described the food as inedible and "tasting like rubber" - so asked a flight attendant for something different. According to Ulven, his request did not go down too...

Letter from Russia: Moscow's latest revolution (is culinary)

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, Russian FederationGone are the bandit days of the Russian Wild East, the roaring 1990s, when the pyrotechnic shrapnel from mafiya bombings and Kalashnikov shoot-outs ripped flaming through the shroud of Moscow's endless snowy nights. No longer do caged strippers gyrate in warehouse discotheques under the deadpan stares of shaven-skulled mafiozy. Vanished are the night club dance floors teeming with gorgeous hookers and soused expat carpetbaggers flashing...

Confused whale nearly sinks whale-watching boat

Filed under: Africa, South Africa, NewsThe goal of a whale watching trip is self-explanatory: you're hoping to get up close and personal with some whales. But that isn't always a good thing. Sometimes whale watchers get more than they bargained for - like when a confused whale leaps out of the water and falls directly onto your boat. That's...

Virgin America's next destination...

Filed under: United States, AirlinesWell, we actually don't know where Virgin America's next destination will be, but we do know the airline just purchased 40 new Airbus A320 aircraft, with options for 20 additional aircraft. What's this mean? Well, more planes mean more flights; more flights mean new routes; new routes means... well, you get the point....

Top five reasons passengers are getting nastier

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesAs much as passengers complain about airline employees (and we do), we give them reason to complain about us. And, we complain about each other. There's clearly no risk of a love-fest breaking out in the gate area, and if you look closely, you can see how the situation will only get worse. There are...

Toyota's Farm to Table Tour takes sustainable eating on the road

Filed under: Activism, Business, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Ecotourism, News, Consumer ActivismI know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Yeah, right. Toyota just needs damage control. As if feel-good, treehugging road trips make up for all those recalls." But before you judge, let us separate the...

Man arrested in Mexico smuggling 18 monkeys in his pants

Filed under: South America, Mexico, Peru, NewsAre those monkeys in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? A Mexican man was arrested upon arrival in Mexico City after flying from Lima, Peru with 18 titi monkeys strapped around his waist. While the monkeys traveled in his luggage, Roberto Sol Cabrera placed the endangered monkeys into socks...

Courtyard by Marriott helps guests count calories

Filed under: Food and Drink, Hotels and AccommodationsCourtyard by Marriott is getting into the spirit of dieting. The hotel chain is revamping their menus and offering additional information next to items, including calories and fat count. The "calorie count menus" will be available later this month at The Bistro - the hotel's food and beverage outlet....

Daily Pampering: Lamborghini rides through Rome

Filed under: Europe, Italy, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThere's the tourists' way to see Rome, and then there's the travelers' way to see Rome. Which one are you? Hotel Palazzo Manfredi, owned by brothers Leonardo and Gofredo Manfredi, are offering travelers the most pristine way to see the city: in a Lamborghini. The third...

The seedy side of Istanbul

Filed under: Asia, Europe, Turkey Turkey isn't all mosques and markets or comfy long-distance buses. It may come as a surprise that prostitution is legal in this predominantly Muslim country and drugs, while illegal, are a brisk business. Like any big city, there are nice neighborhoods and sketchy ones in Istanbul, and most tourists will rarely...

Photo of the Day (7.20.10)

Filed under: Photos, North America, Photo of the Day Think you can't capture beautiful images with a mobile phone? Au contraire. This tranquil sunset shot uploaded by Flickr user Gus NYC was taken with an Apple iPhone in the waters of Saint Martin. The range of color, the light, & the serene water make me want to go explore the Caribbean right now. Saint Martin is an island in...

Air France in-flight thefts solved - flight attendant arrested

Filed under: Europe, France, AirlinesEarlier this year, we wrote about an Air France plane that had been hit by a pickpocket. The thief had emptied the wallets of business class passengers, and upon arrival in Paris, local police boarded the plane, but were unable to find the criminal. Six months after that incident, French police have arrested an...

Emirates Airlines bringing Internet and mobile phone calls to entire A380 fleet by 2012

Emirates, the world's largest customer of the Airbus A380 just announced that its entire fleet of super jumbos will be outfitted with in-flight Internet and mobile phone technology by 2012. The service is provided by Swiss firm OnAir, and will offer voice calls, data and text messaging on its entire route network using Inmarsat SwiftBroadband...

Paragliding donkey stunt lands Russian beach operators in hot water

In this viral video day and age, people will try anything to get some attention. Some may lip sync behind their webcam, others strap a donkey to a parachute and parade the poor animal up and down their beach while being towed by a boat. You really can't make this stuff up, and despite the animal cruelty involved, none of the people on the beach did anything to stop the stunt, and all stood around watching the screaming animal fly into the sky. The operators of the beach used the donkey...

Photos show effects of climate change on Everest

Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Photos, Asia, China, Nepal, PakistanA new series of photos from the Himalaya reveal the undeniable effects of global climate change on the glaciers there. This is especially evident on Mt. Everest, where comparative shots from 1921 show just how much the Rongbuk Glacier has retreated over...

Gadling contest - win a SteriPEN Traveler water purifier

Several weeks ago, we reviewed the brilliant SteriPEN Traveler. This travel friendly gadget can turn a cup of dirty water into drinkable water in under a minute, thanks to its UV sterilizing light. Now, if you are regularly in places with less-than-stellar water, and you'd like your very own SteriPEN Traveler, keep reading because we've teamed up...

Five local customs we just can't follow

Filed under: Food and DrinkTravelers are a pretty tolerant bunch. Travel actually breeds tolerance because it gets rid of the ignorance on which tolerance is based. There are times, however, when we can't bring ourselves to follow certain local customs. Here are five things a lot of people find a bit too hard to swallow, in one case literally....

Ask Gadling: How do I get bumped from a flight?

Filed under: Airlines, Airports, Budget TravelToday's question comes from Mary in San Jose, CA: Hi, I'm flying from San Jose to Appleton, WI. I'd like to know what to do if I get bumped? Will they let me call the person waiting for me to let them know I won't be on time? Gadling: What Mary's referring to is the legendary "bump," the notion that if a flight...

Flying Pasties hide your privates from fully body scanners

Filed under: Gear, AirportsWe've covered the issue of full body scanners in airports pretty extensively here at Gadling. More and more airports are implementing the security devices and more people are crying foul as they fear that their right to privacy is being disregarded. Now, a creative company has introduced a product to protect travelers' privacy,...

Daily gear deals - $40 Kodak digital camera, $15 laptop backpack and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday July 21, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from Daily Steals where you'll find a budget friendly digital camera, without the budget brand. The Kodak C160 shoots...

Trump Chicago first hotel to offer certified organic room-service menu

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsLooks like more hotels are helping guests live healthier lifestyles, especially during their travels. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago just debuted an in-room dining menu that is certified organic by Oregon Tilth, an international organic certification organization....

Don George: Five things I learned at TBEX

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Blogs, North America, United StatesI approached last month's TBEX10 in New York - the travel bloggers' conference organized by Travel Blog Exchange -- with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The excitement was because I felt like an explorer on the precipice of a new world, about to stare out onto - and immerse myself in -- a landscape I'd only seen in glimpses and snatches. The trepidation was because it's unsettling sailing from an old comfortable...

Neil Armstrong customs documents swiped, put up for sale by checkpoint worker

Filed under: North America, United States, AirportsNeil Armstrong took one very famous "small step", but two Boston area men took a small step of their own, one that may see them serve up to ten years in jail. When Armstrong passed through the arrivals checkpoint at Boston Logan, 50-year-old Thomas Chapman, of Malden was in charge of verifying...

Israeli mayor suggests Gaza flotilla become hotel

Filed under: Europe, Turkey, Ireland, Hotels and Accommodations, News, Middle EastAfter the deadly May flotilla raid off the Gaza coast in Israel, the Turkish Mavi Marmara vessel has been docked and held in the city of Haifa, where it awaits an internal investigation. While Turkish authorities are demanding the return of the...

easyJet founder tells airline to be more punctual or change its name

Filed under: Europe, United KingdomBack in the late 90's, easyJet triggered a new era of low cost carriers. Founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the airline went from just 2 planes to over 175. As one of the largest airlines in the United Kingdom, easyJet has had a lousy track record of on time departures and arrivals. In a recent report, the...

Airline passenger stupidity ends with indictment, not bang

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsWould you like to be featured on Gadling? It's not as hard as you think. It just takes a little bit of planning ... with a healthy dose of stupidity. In fact, you can get your 15 minutes of fame the way Derek Stansberry did. Here are four steps to take to turn your bad decision into one that everyone will judge you...

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago goes to the dogs

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsYou want to see the Windy City but you don't want to leave behind your furry friend. No worry - the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is going to the dogs, literally, with their new "Party like a Rottweiler" pet package that allows visitors to the hotel to bring along their best friends...

North Korea poster: a conversation piece, at least?

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, North KoreaFor travel junkies, there's a new poster that could be equivalent to putting commemorative plates on display in your home. Show your zest for hitting the road - and how it pervades your entire life - by turning your walls into a shrine to exploring new places. Start with the latest offering from North Korea, and you'll...

Loews Regency Hotel teams up with NY Yankees to offer hotel packages

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsWho needs Yanks tickets? If you didn't get your pick this season, Loews Regency has a deal for you. The Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue has two new "Pinstripes on Park" offers perfect for Yankee fans wanting to see their champions at Yankee Stadium this season. The hotel's line up of...

Travel advisory - beware of "forced shopping" in Hong Kong

Filed under: News, Hong KongChinese tourists have had enough. According to the Xinhua news agency, "An undated video clip currently circulating on the Internet shows a Hong Kong tour guide allegedly abusing a group of visitors from the Chinese mainland and forcing them to shop, triggering a backlash from the mainland public." This...

Daily Pampering: Vertu Signature $15,000 cell phone

Filed under: Gear, Luxury TravelVertu, a luxury cell phone maker, has created yet another phone for discerning travelers: the Vertu Signature Pure Black. Why is it great for travelers? This phone is so indestructible you can throw it anywhere in your luggage and feel confident it won't get so much as a scratch during travel (but we don't suggest you test this theory... read...

Top 10 best international cities for shopping

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Morocco, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, Caribbean, Hong KongIt's a familiar feeling... The sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath. You've dreamt about this moment and it's finally here - staring you in the face with a come hither look...

Photo of the Day (07.19.10)

Filed under: Photo of the Day I don't get people who don't like the beach. You know those people. All they do is complain about how they hate that sand gets all over them and that there's nothing to do. Sure, we all hate when we take a bite of our sandwich and encounter than unmistakable crunch of sand mixed in with the turkey, but that's a small price to pay for a day...

Poachers kill last female white rhino in South African reserve

Filed under: Activism, Africa, South Africa, NewsPoaching has long been a problem in Africa, even as the countries there have taken steps to preserve their natural resources and protect endangered species. Despite their best efforts however, the illegal slaughter of animals seems to be on the rise, particularly in South Africa, where poachers...

A trip through Sweden's Midsommar festival

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, Sweden In ten short hours I have forgotten Chicago. Sitting outside of Hotel Skepshollmenn on the sprawling, gravel terrace, the pastel, Scandinavian sun reflects off of the yellow building walls and tall, leafy trees rustle in the polite sea breeze. It's hard to believe that we've so fluidly escaped the Midwest heat,...

Galley Gossip: The REAL reason for no cell phones in flight

Filed under: Airlines, Galley GossipRecently someone asked me what the real reason was for no cell phones in flight. My reply, "Does it matter? You still have to turn it off and put it away." There are three things flight attendants should not discuss with passengers. They are religion, politics, and the reason why cell phone use is not permitted in flight....

World's most eco-friendly beaches to visit now

Filed under: Hiking, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Africa, Asia, North America, Oceania, Thailand, United States, Australia, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, News, Luxury TravelIf your idea of heaven isn't a beach packed with crisping bodies, balls of crude, or the lingering whiff of raw sewage, don't worry. CNN has provided a list sandy idylls...

Food, Glorious Food photo contest finalists announced; vote here

Filed under: Gear, Photos Two weeks ago, we asked you to submit your best food photos from around the world in our contest presented by Tamrac. We've spent hours looking at every single one of these amazing pictures, and besides getting really hungry, we managed to pick the 15 best submissions. Now comes the fun part, because you, our dear readers, are...

From the shores of Louisiana: a peek inside of the oil industry

Filed under: Learning, North America, United States, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Morgan City, Louisiana - Driving old Highway 90 paralleling the Gulf Coast under a vast, super-heated blue sky filled with cumulus it's almost possible to forget the horror that continues to seethe beneath the nearby sea. But the manmade scenery that lines the road - warehouse buildings,...

Daily gear deals - $3 camera bag, $20 Jawbone headset and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Tuesday July 20, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from Daily Steals, where you'll find a six pack of 9-LED flashlights for $4.99. Batteries are included - making this...

Pico Iyer: The trip that changed my life

Filed under: Asia, Burma (Myanmar), India, Indonesia, Japan, ThailandBangkok these days seems about as alien and exotic as its sister City of Angels across the ocean. Hollywood cop films are shot there, New York bars open their second branches on its back-streets and for many a kid just out of college in Seattle, the Khao San Road is as natural a first stop as once the Left Bank was, or North Beach. But in 1983, Thailand still seemed the far side of the universe. And to a boy of 26 who was...

The animals that helped win World War Two

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, North America, United Kingdom, United States Animals have always been used in war, but historians tend to dismiss them as living equipment and say little about their experiences. A new exhibition at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans seeks to right that imbalance by focusing on the war effort of...

Recycled plastic island proposed as the solution to polluted oceans

Filed under: Ecotourism Dutch architect firm WHIM has what it believes to be the solution to the growing amount of plastic trash in the world's oceans. In their proposal, the plastic will be collected, ground up, washed and melted into the building blocks for an island the size of Hawaii. The island will be 100% self sufficient, relying on agriculture...

Best travel tips from real travelers

Filed under: Food and Drink, Gear, Stories, Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines, Transportation, Budget Travel, Travel Health, Cruises, Luxury TravelHave you checked out Gadling's 100% reader-generated feature, "100 words or less." In "100 words or less," YOU -- the expert traveler -- get to share your expert travel tips with Gadling and all our readers. Know a sure-fire way to score a cheap hotel room? Confident you know a trick to get an airline upgrade? Share it with us! We've rounded up...

Sun soaked: Southern California's secret beach spots

Filed under: Surfing, North America, United States, Ecotourism, NightlifeYou've probably walked Venice Beach, played volleyball on Manhattan Beach and spent a lazy day in Malibu, but have you scoped out SoCal's secret beach spots? Of the many things California is known for, its beaches are always at the top of lists. Here a few of the best kept secrets...

Photo of the Day (7.18.10)

Filed under: Asia, Indonesia, Photo of the Day I've always been amazed by underwater photography. Underwater images remind me of fantasy and the surreal - a place of the imagination outside my everyday life. That's why I loved today's image from Flickr user justindelaney, who took this great shot while freediving in Bali. We've all seen this portrait of two friends...

Climbing management plan in the works for Arches National Park

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, North America, United States, NewsArches National Park, located in eastern Utah, not far from Moab, is a very popular destination for climbers and hikers who come to explore the unusual rock formations and deep canyons. The park is famous for its more than 2000 natural rock arches carved out of the sandstone by...

Weekend travel media top five: July 17-18, 2010

Filed under: Europe, North America, France, Greece, Spain, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Budget TravelThis weekend's most interesting travel stories include a take on apartment rental listings services, an overview of the delightfully uncrowded White Mountains of Crete, an exploration of boutique caravan rentals in Cornwall,...

Drug tourists banned from Dutch city

Filed under: Europe, Netherlands Potheads take note: unless you're Dutch, you are no longer welcome in Maastricht. The Dutch city passed a measure to ban foreigners from its coffee shops, where marijuana and hash are legal to buy and consume. Marc Josemans, chairman of the Association of Official Maastricht Coffee Shops, brought suit against the city, saying...

Tea-leaf picking: Summer fun in North Korea

Filed under: Asia, North KoreaIf you can get into North Korea ... and if you can manage to set your own itinerary ... visit the Kangryong Unjong Tea Plantation of the DPRK (i.e., Democratic People's Republic of Korea). It's tea-leaf picking season, and now's the time to get in on the action, in theory, at least. In fact, notes the Korea Central News Agency,...

Las Vegas resort offers guests the chance to win buffets for life

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsAnyone who has been to Las Vegas knows there are two things worth staying up late for: the nightlife and the buffet. Now, the M Resort Spa Casino is giving more than 150 guests the opportunity to win buffets for life, one year or six months as part of its "Biggest Winner Club"...

Daily gear deals - $10 iPhone battery, $30 rolling laptop case and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Saturday July 19, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the brand new Garmin Nuvi 295W GPS unit. This device is from a brand new generation of navigation units, and offers WiFi,...

Shakespeare's first theatre discovered

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomArchaeologists in the London borough of Shoreditch have uncovered the city's first theatre, and the first that staged Shakespeare's plays. Named simply "The Theatre", it opened in 1576 and the game is afoot to build a new theatre on the site. The Theatre Appeal is raising money for...

Guests at Hilton's Glasgow hotel fell ill after norovirus bug outbreak

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and AccommodationsNearly 40 people got sick after a suspected outbreak of the norovirus bug attacked the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The guests and staff members suffered vomiting and diarrhoea, thought to have been caused by the bug, according to the BBC. The norovirus bug is commonly linked to...

New travel guide spoofs, "Where not to go before you die."

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, United States, Chile, Books, Budget Travel, News, Women's TravelProlific travel writer Catherine Price is over the whole "bucket list" trend. Annoyed that a crappy movie spawned an obnoxious national book craze of all the things one must see, do, and visit before they...

Everybody wants to work for Delta

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, AirlinesAnyone who wants to work in the airline business, take note: Delta is hiring. The largest airline in the world is getting ready to add 1,000 positions around the world. In particular, look for openings at its 25 largest airports in the United States. Sounds good, right? Brace yourself, though. The...

Distracted driving rules drive you to distraction

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsRoad trips are a staple of summer travel. You load up the car cram in the kids and put the pedal to the metal. Well, it's not that simple any more. The rules with which you have to contend vary from state to state, especially when it come to distracted driving (also "known as get off your damned cell phone...

SkyMall Monday: Brobdingnagian Sports Chair

With summer in full swing, we're all busy attending picnics, parades, baseball games and Renaissance fairs. The problem at all of those events, of course, is seating. Not just whether or not there will be a place to sit, but if that seating is deserving off housing your very important buttocks. You're a big deal. Sitting on the grass simply is not an...

Airline passenger stupidity ends with indictent, not bang

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsWould you like to be featured on Gadling? It's not as hard as you think. It just takes a little bit of panning ... with a healthy dose of stupidity. In fact, you can get your 15 minutes of fame the way Derek Stansberry did. Here are four steps to take to turn your bad decision into one that everyone will judge you...

Layover alert: superb roti near JFK

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Budget Travel, CaribbeanGot a longish layover at JFK? Have an hour to kill before showing up at the airport? Or simply want to get in the mood for the Southern Caribbean? Some of New York's best Caribbean-style roti is served at Atma's Roti Shop (127-07 Rockaway Boulevard, Queens,...

Photo of the Day (7.17.10)

Filed under: Asia, Thailand, Photo of the Day On of my favorite things in the whole world is the approach of a summer storm over green grass or mountains. The dark clouds juxtapose with the greenery in such a way that trees seem to glow, and you can see that in this photo (shot by Flickr user justindelaney in Thailand). In this case,...

New adventure festival celebrates South African explorers

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Paddling, Africa, South AfricaWhat do you get when you mix the Banff Film Festival with TED Talks in a celebration of adventure and exploration? You get an all new adventure festival called FEAT that will make its debut in Johannesburg, South Africa later this year, promising us "1...

Space tourism one step closer with Virgin Galactic's first manned flight

Filed under: North America, United States, Transportation, News The VSS Enterprise, also known as SpaceShipTwo, has taken its first crewed flight. It stayed in the air for six hours attached to its mother ship, the VMS Eve. Two crew members stayed aboard and conducted systems tests. This is the latest aviation milestone in an active month that saw the first...

Mexico City offers free honeymoon to first gay couple married in Argentina

Filed under: Activism, South America, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, News, Central AmericaThis week Argentina legalized gay marriage, the first Latin American country do so. Civil unions are legal in Uruguay, but Argentina's move puts same-sex marriages on the same footing with straight ones, with same-sex couples being allowed to adopt. Mexico City,...

Obama visit likely to screw up Bar Harbor vibe

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsPresident Barack Obama's about to ruin it for everybody. The folks in Bar Harbor, Maine, according to MSNBC, value their privacy, especially the rich people who go there to escape the heat and the proletariat. They like quiet; they like to be left alone. When a president comes into town, none of that is...

More Egyptian pyramids to open to the public

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Africa, Egypt, Budget Travel, News Visitors to Egypt have always flocked to the pyramids of Giza and Saqqara. Many people don't realize, however, that these are only the most famous of more than a hundred pyramids in the country. In fact, there's a whole "pyramid field" to the west of Cairo that...

An even more seasoned traveler's top ten hotel peeves

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations Some of you may recall the list last week of my top ten hotel peeves. An hour or so after posting it, I got a phone call from my father. "Did you like it?" I asked. "Yes," he replied, "but I've got a bunch more." He proceeded to regale me with a whole slew of additional hotel annoyances -- good ones -- I eventually put him on...

Daily Pampering: Eat, Pray, Love Little Palm Island

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelOne of underlying messages of Elizabeth Gilbert's breakout success "Eat Pray Love" is that with every new breath, there is new opportunity. What better way to experience life's options than by seeing something new? That's the premise behind legendary Little Palm...

From the Shores of Louisiana: Jon takes to the road

Filed under: Activism, History, Learning, North America, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism From the Shores of Louisiana: Jon Bowermaster from gadling on Vimeo. Lafayette, Louisiana -- It's a steamy, early-summer day in Southern Louisiana - expecting the "heat index" to top out today around 108 degrees F! - but it's good to be back on the ground here. I've been coming every few months for the past two years, producing a documentary film, and it's started to feel like a second-home. One with...

Photo of the day (7.16.10)

Filed under: South America, Chile, Photo of the Day Here in the Northern Hemisphere we're sweltering. Most of us aren't complaining about the high temperatures, but the fact is that many days are turning out to be extraordinarily hot and humid. Perhaps this image, by davitydave, will have a cooling effect on its viewers. I like davitydave's image of...

Obamas visit Acadia National Park this weekend

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, North America, United States, CampingLast summer the First Family spent some of their vacation time in Yellowstone National Park, one of the most popular and iconic parks in the entire U.S. system. It seems Barack, Michelle, and the girls enjoyed their visit so much that they decided to check out...

Sun soaked: The best beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Surfing, North America, United States, EcotourismIt's not all tar balls in Florida. Along Florida's Gulf Coast you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the south, and some so private you'd think you were on your own private island. Where are these pristine paradises? Read on, and don't forget your sunscreen! Indian...

Tour operator Goldtrail goes bankrupt, strands 16,000

Filed under: Europe, Turkey, Greece, United Kingdom, Transportation, NewsUK company Goldtrail Travel Ltd announced it had gone bankrupt at 4pm yesterday. The revelation, made just an hour before the end of the work week, has left the travel plans of thousands of customers in doubt. About 16,000 customers are already abroad on Goldtrail flights...

Solar plane flies nonstop for a week

Filed under: Europe, North America, United Kingdom, United States, Transportation, News We recently reported on the historic flight of the Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered plane to fly through the night. Now another barrier has been broken. The Zephyr solar plane has flown nonstop for seven days. Unlike the Solar Impulse, which carried a...

My worst vacation ... ever

Filed under: Stories, North America, United StatesCome to my lovely home in the Sierra foothills and be transformed in four days of pampering and meditation, Emelda whispered, weaving through the guests at a crowded art reception. She distributed homemade brochures and cookies laced with a delicious ... herb. What a sweet person, I thought, as she moved among us in long flowing skirt with a contrasting silk blouse and large gold earrings. What deep dark magical eyes, and she had such a...

The Haagen-Dazs inspired hotel suite

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsSome things are just not funny and shouldn't be joked about, like a hotel room inspired by Haagen-Dazs flavors. Thank you, San Francisco's Hotel Triton, for turning an otherwise boring July into something decadent. Since July is National Ice Cream Month, the Kimpton boutique...

Daily Pampering: The world's most expensive sushi

Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, Philippines, News, Luxury TravelReally top-notch sushi is pricey, no doubt about it. But you work hard, and if you're a fan of the raw fish, there's nothing like a serious splurge when your wallet's fat. Angelito Araneta, Jr. laughs in your face. The 21-year-old, Manila-based chef, known for his "unusual" food artworks,...

Photo of the Day (7.15.10)

Filed under: Photos, North America, United States, Photo of the Day At first glance, this image could be a skyline of a mysterious desert oasis, but it's actually a Cirque du Soleil circus tent in New York City taken by Flickr user Gus_NYC. As a child, I used to clamor to be taken to the circus, finding the acrobats, dancing animals,...

Travel writer Patricia Schultz and Nature Valley join forces to preserve the parks

Filed under: Activism, Hiking, History, Food and Drink, North America, Oceania, United States, CampingPatricia Schultz, author of the best selling book 1000 Places to See Before You Die, and spokesperson for America's national parks, has joined forces with Nature Valley in an effort to raise as much as $600,000 for the National Parks...

Hotels sued for enabling peeping tom

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, NewsESPN sportscaster (and third place winner of Dancing with the Stars) Erin Andrews has filed a civil lawsuit for $1.2 million against seven hotels (including both Marriott and Radisson) for negligence, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress as they enabled an ambitious peeping tom...

Suite Arrival delivers travel size products directly to your hotel

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Gadling Gear Review, Luxury Travel Suite Arrival is a new company in the travel world. The firm operates an online store that specializes in travel size products. The idea behind Suite Arrival is that you pre-order any travel products you need, and have them delivered directly to your hotel. The assortment of products...

5 signs you've been traveling in a developing country

Filed under: Africa, Asia, North America, China, Thailand, United States, Budget Travel, Travel HealthThere's culture shock, and there's reverse culture shock. And sometimes, there are simply the habits you pick up while on the road for a while. Once home, these habits are hard to break at first, and you find yourself doing funny...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - LAX to Rome in style

Filed under: Podcasts, Europe, Italy, Video GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 23 - Click above to watch video after the jump Travel Talk is going international for the first time - and we're doing it in style! Last month, we had the chance to cover Alitalia's inaugural flight from LAX to Rome to see how the airline is reinventing itself as a private company. On the...

Daily gear deals - $28 backpack, $9 travel tripod and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday July 16, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Mountainsmith Market backpack. This high quality ballistic nylon backpack features a ton of pockets and pouches, and...

Monster Outlets To Go Laptop reviewed

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Not long ago, we reviewed the Monster Outlets To Go. In that review, we showed how these cheap and compact outlets can be the perfect way to avoid the stupidity of hotels with just one outlet. Just two weeks later, Monster Cable has announced the newest addition to their Outlets To Go lineup, with the Outlets To Go Laptop. This new power...

150 people overcome by heat at Chicago Megabus stop

Filed under: North America, United States, Budget Travel While waiting at Chicago's Union Station for a delayed Megabus, 150 people had to be treated for heat exhaustion. The temperature in Chicago was in the mid 90's yesterday, and because nobody wanted to lose their place in line, passengers stood out in the sun while they waited for the bus. Of course, it is easy to blame the passengers for being unprepared for the heat, but cooled shelters, or a more streamlined boarding procedure...

Brit travel abroad plunged: blame the business travelers

Filed under: Business, Europe, United KingdomThe homes in Britain must be incredibly cozy - because nobody left them. Travel from the UK fell to its lowest levels since the 1970s, thanks to the hangover from the September 2008 financial crisis. The number of people crossing a border dropped 15 percent year-over-year, with only 58.6 million visits abroad...

Travel Q&A with author & cook Tamara Reynolds

Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, North America, Morocco, Tunisia, Cambodia, Laos, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam, Greece, Italy, Portugal, United StatesTamara Reynolds is a the co-founder (with Zora O'Neill) of The Sunday Night Dinner, an Astoria, Queens-based supper club. The Sunday Night Dinner, which continues to thrive, was well ahead of...

eat.travel.love: gin class makes a splash at Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

Filed under: History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United StatesI haven't always enjoyed gin. A high school encounter with Tanqueray ensured that, for the next 15 years, the mere aroma of juniper left me retching. Then, a few years ago, I discovered a couple of small-batch distilleries that showed me gin can be delicate...

Postcrossing celebrates five years of postcard revolution

Filed under: Arts and CultureThere's something very special about sending or receiving a postcard. It's one of the simple joys of travel, yet in the age of email, Skype, and social networking, you'd think the old-fashioned postcard would have become a thing of the past. It hasn't. Thanks to Postcrossing, a postcard trading organization, postcards are undergoing...

Daily Pampering: The $5,000 massage

Filed under: North America, United States, Luxury TravelWhat's a woman to do when she's in desperate need of some pampering? Head straight to Qua at Caesars, Atlantic City, for one serious massage. Hand over your credit card (or use the winnings from the night before) and prepare for an entirely new type of...

The Onion on the newest in airport security

Filed under: AirportsAirport security, as we've often pointed out here at Gadling, is in dire need of a makeover. After a number of close calls in the last few years, it seems that the TSA has finally made some positive changes to keep travelers moving swiftly and safely. Well, at least according to The Onion. Here are a couple...

Spirit Airlines to Congress: paying for overhead bins helps the poor

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, News You just don't need to take your bags on vacation, said Spirit Airlines CEO, Ben Baldanza. He's told Congress that his airline, which...

T-Mobile Garminfone drops to a more reasonable $130

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review When we reviewed the new T-Mobile Garminfone, the $199.99 price tag was the only real downside we could find. In fact, our review concluded that the Garminfone is the best GPS unit ever made. Thankfully, T-Mobile clearly understood that the price was indeed out of line, because they have dropped it down to just $129.99....

Photo of the Day (7.14.10)

Filed under: Photos, Photo of the Day, Airlines, Transportation When I was a kid, my sister and I used to sit on our back porch and watch the planes fly over our house in St. Louis, Missouri. We would make up stories about where the plane was going, who was on the flight and what the passengers might be doing when they arrive at their destination. This photo, taken by...

Smokey the Bear returns, still fighting wildfires

Filed under: Activism, Hiking, North America, United States, CampingAn icon in the advertising world returned to the airwaves recently when the Ad Council and the USDA Forest Service, launched a new campaign featuring Smokey the Bear, who continues to remind us that "only you can prevent wildfires." The new campaign includes a series of PSA's that are...

Europe's relaxed attitude toward nudity makes American travelers uncomfortable

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, North America, Turkey, Belgium, France, United States, NewsWhile the image of a naked Rick Steves getting a rubdown in a Turkish bathhouse might be a bit TMI for many of us, the seasoned traveler, guidebook author, and travel show host makes some excellent points in a recent CNN article...

TripAdvisor picks the top ten most expensive vacation rentals in North America

Filed under: North America You think finding a sub-$200 hotel in the summer is a challenge? Consider the challenges for the rich and famous - do you go with a 12 bedroom mansion, or can you settle for a mere 10? Will the kitchen be large enough to feed all 250 guests at your poolside soirée? And then there is the pool itself - is one pool going to...

Las Vegas, off the beaten Strip

Filed under: History, North America, United States The Las Vegas Neon Museum doesn't announce itself with flashy lights; you have to find it in less obvious ways. Take a $20 dollar cab ride up to northern edge of Sin City, past the baking asphalt parking lots erupting with weeds and stout pawn shops eager with WE BUY GOLD placards, to the nondescript building...

From the Shores of Louisiana: A letter from a Louisiana fisherman

Filed under: Activism, Learning, North America, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Among the many I've met and worked with in southern Louisiana (SoLa) these past two years, making a film about the relationship between man and the sea, no couple has impressed me more than Tracy Kuhns and Michael Roberts. Committed to family, community,...

Natasha Bedingfield joins Hotel Indigo in "Locals Know Best" competition

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe Hotel Indigo chain is launching a national campaign with pop singer Natasha Bedingfield to entice travelers to reconnect with their hometowns. From now through Aug. 15, Hotel Indigo is asking people who live near its 30 hotels in the USA to share their picks for the best places to...

Win big with Trazzler's travel writing contests

Filed under: Arts and CultureDo you ever read Gadling and say "I can do that"? Well, travel website Trazzler is looking for new talent. This July and August they're accepting submissions for their On the Road Writing Contest. They're looking for short (about 65-120 words) pieces about "the in-between places, quirky attractions, scenic drives,...

Restless natives refused entry, opportunity to beat up English on home turf

Filed under: Europe, North America, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, News After days of travel document bureaucracy and Homeland Security snafus, the 23-member Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team has still been refused boarding flights and denied entry into the United Kingdom based on the explanation that their yellow Iroquois Nation passports are not internationally recognized. Never mind that the Haudenosaunee Confederacy passports have been used to travel outside of the United States...

Congress says airline fees, basic math obscure deals

Deal-hunting used to be relatively simple. You'd fire up your computer, hit a few aggregators and online travel agencies, maybe a few airline sites. Then, you'd pick your ticket and pull the trigger. The lowest number wins, right? Wrong ... at least according to Congess. Down in Washington, the folks who'd rather not be distracted by continued high...

Hotels on social media: we're trying!

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet ToolsFor the properties using social media, the effort seems to be paying off. Guests are using tools like Facebook to score discounted rates all over the country. This shouldn't exactly be shocking, but since the travel industry lags other businesses, there's a sort of novelty...

Daily gear deals - $30 GPS unit, $5 luggage locks and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday July 15, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for another pair of Sennheiser headphones - this time the deal is on the MX85 sport. These "twist" headphones feature a soft...

Six Flags employees booted for pounding Porky Pig

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsOink. Oink. Ouch. Two off-duty Six Flags Great America employees were tossed from the park after they were seen beating the bacon out of a female coworker dressed as Porky Pig. According to Gurnee, Illinois Police Sgt. Jon Ward, the two perps posed for a picture with their 24-year-old swine-shrouded colleague...

Travel missing among fastest growing Facebook pages

Filed under: Business, Internet ToolsWhat happened to the hotels, resorts and destinations? These naturals for social media didn't make the cut on All Facebook's list of the fastest growing Facebook pages. Media and celebrities dominated the list, which consists of Facebook pages not on All Facebook's leaderboard, but even there, there isn't a travel-related...

Hotel cooking classes let you savor travel memories at home

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, North America, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, France, Germany, Switzerland, Jamaica, United States, Middle East, Caribbean, Women's Travel, Luxury TravelYou know what they say..."take only pictures, leave only memories." But what if you want to take it home with you? That searing pad...

Recession kills Chapel Hill Museum, threatens others

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, United StatesThe municipal museum in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is the latest victim of the recession. It closed its doors on Sunday after 14 years in operation. The town council had only earmarked $20,000 for the museum in the 2011 budget, far short of the $49,000 it...

Paris Hilton tweets from her on-board bed in her private jet

Filed under: Airlines, Luxury TravelIt's good to be rich. For most of us, we're lucky if we get upgraded from economy class to business class. For Paris Hilton, economy class and business class are like riding in the back of a Plymouth Pacer. The multi-millionaire hotel heiress gave us a peak into her world at 35,000-feet when she Tweeted a picture of...

Daily Pampering: Orient Express tours through South-East Asia

Filed under: Asia, Thailand, Luxury TravelThe Orient Express, the ultra-luxury train service, is launching a series of rides through Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia starting this November. Each tour will be limited to 60 passengers (the trains can hold a maximum of 132 people) and will include overnight off-train stays, tours...

Trinkets and treasures: Istanbul on and off the beaten path

Filed under: Asia, Europe, Turkey The tourist season in Istanbul is well underway, bringing hordes of tour buses and groups into Sultanahment (the Old City) each day, perhaps even more this year as the Turkish city is currently one of Europe's Capitals of Culture. Whether you are planning your first visit or your tenth, here is a look at some of...

Photo of the Day (7.13.10)

Filed under: Photos, Europe, Italy, Photo of the Day, Travel Trivia The Pantheon in Rome is an unmistakable icon and marvel of engineering, construction, and design. Almost two thousand years after being built, it is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The name "Pantheon" is speculated to originate from the many statues of gods placed in the building,...

Best Backpacking Gadgets for Your Summer Travels from our friends at Switched

Filed under: Gear Our pals at Switched.com (a must read if you don't already follow them) have put together a list of some essential summer backpack gear. Their list is certainly "Gadling approved" because they included some of the products we too recommend. In it, you'll find fantastic gadgets like the SteriPEN water sterilizer, the Google Nexus...

National Geographic awards prestigious medal for first time in 30 years

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, North America, United States, NewsEarlier this week the National Geographic Society honored Dr. Roger Tomlinson and Jack Dangermond with the Alexander Graham Bell Medal, an award that hasn't been given to anyone in 30 years. The two men are visionary pioneers in the area of geographic information systems (GIS) who...

Drunk Australian rides crocodile and lives to tell the tale

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, NewsThere must be a patron saint of idiots, because it's a miracle this guy is still alive. Michael Williams, 36, got so plastered in a pub in Broome, Western Australia, the night before last that the barman kicked him out. Not having anything else to do, he broke into Broome Crocodile Park to visit Fatso, an 18 ft....

Searching for travel-size sunscreen

Filed under: Surfing, North America, United States, Camping, Budget Travel, Travel HealthIt really shouldn't be that hard, but finding the right travel-size sunscreen is one of my least favorite things to do before a trip. Though it's often more cost-effective to go for the larger bottle, sometimes all I need is a small tube for a quick beach trip or weekend...

7 travel rules you should break

I am not what you would call a rebel. I floss nightly. I chew each bite of food at least 20 times before swallowing, for fear of choking. As a kid, I colored between the lines. In short: I obey the rules. I always have. But lately, I've noticed a little rebellious streak has emerged within me, particularly in the realm of travel. I've realized that a lot of people like to issue travel rules. Definitive statements about what we should and shouldn't do as travelers. And frankly, that seems...

TSA job demographic: must eat lots of pizza

Filed under: North America, United States, AirportsThe TSA is looking for fitness freaks and health gurus to keep our planes and airports safe. This is a pretty important job, so it makes sense that the agency would be committed to sourcing the best of the best. When you walk through airport security, the goal is to make you think twice about that...

Cougar attacks 14-year-old boy in flight

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesSouthwest Airlines is being sued. A passenger claims that the airline's flight attendants weren't able to protect his 14-year-old son from the prowling of an in-flight cougar. The older female passenger, he claims, offered his son illegal drug and made sexual advances during the flight to Orlando on July 13,...

New Waldorf Astoria hotel to open in West London

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThe divine decadence of the Waldorf Astoria is continuing its journey across the pond. Hilton Worldwide announced it will open a new Waldorf Astoria hotel in West London's Syon Park. The new hotel will look out across the River Thames onto Kew Gardens and is seven miles from...

Ask Gadling - What can I do on a layover for free?

Filed under: Airports Today's Ask Gadling question comes from Linda in Indianapolis. "What can you do in airports for free? I have a five-hour layover in Seattle next month, and a shorter one in Detroit on the way back. It seems like every time I have a layover, especially when I'm by myself, I end up spending about $50 on food and beverages because...

Daily gear deals - $8 solar charger, $11 WiFi antenna and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday July 14, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Sennheiser CX200 in-ear noise isolating headphones. These headphones normally retail for $50, but are currently on sale...

NYC pulls trigger on mass execution of geese

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsFor the past several weeks, the last thing you'd want to be is a goose in New York City. Hundreds of them have been "euthanized," in an attempt to keep the skies safe. You may remember the impact that geese can have on a plane from a year and a half ago, when an unlucky bird forced a US Airways plane out of the...

ANA brings keg beer to 30,000 ft

Filed under: Asia, Airlines, Transportation, AirportsSpend enough time in the friendly skies and you being to notice that things taste a bit different. Perhaps it's the air pressure and humidity when 6 miles above sea level, or maybe the small child that's crying and pooping all over your armrest, but something about airline food, drink and air just...

Turkish buses versus Greyhound

Filed under: Turkey Planes are fast and popular. Trains are often cheaper and romanticized. Buses, however, get a bad rap. In the States, that's probably deserved. With the exception of some modern, swanky buses servicing the Northeast Corridor and the Midwest, the bus options throughout the United States are pretty shoddy. Yet, bus travel doesn't have to be all about...

Sanibel Marriott wants your pocket change for extra night

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel DealsPretty pissed about the proposed 2-cent increase in stamp prices? If you're among the Luddites still using dead-tree communication, I imagine it's pretty annoying. To get some relief from this postal madness, head on down to the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers,...

Road trip: Healthy snacks that satisfy your kids' cravings

Filed under: Food and Drink, Transportation, Budget TravelTaking a family road trip is one of the great experiences each summer, but when hunger sits in the car quickly turns from family fun to ravished scavengers looking for a feed. Thankfully, with a little pre-planning and preparation,...

To quell crowds, Universal halts liquor sales at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Filed under: North America, United States It's been almost a month since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, and folks are still waiting, and waiting, and waiting to see the new attractions at Universal Orlando Resort. In fact, more than 500,000 people have ridden the Wizarding World's centerpiece ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden...

Kindle tips for travelers

Filed under: Gear, Asia, Europe, India, Denmark, France, Books, Internet Tools The iPad may be the current darling of techie travelers but some of us are waiting for the first generation kinks to be worked out and a decrease in price (or a sudden cash windfall) before taking the plunge. While still a "monotasker" compared to a tablet or laptop...

Daily Pampering: The Chanel J12 diving watch

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Gear, Luxury TravelDon't you just hate it when you're planning your diving trip and you realize your watch doesn't match your diving gear? Just because you're under water doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fashion. Leave it to Chanel to create an accessory that is spectacular both on land and at sea. Chanel recently unveiled a...

Ghost Forest brings attention to rainforest threat

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Africa, Europe, Ghana, Denmark, United Kingdom, Ecotourism A Ghost Forest is stalking Europe. Giant trees from Ghana have appeared in Copenhagen, Trafalgar Square in London, and now Oxford. It's called the Ghost Forest Art Project, and it's an innovative way to bring the plight of the world's rainforests to public...

Photo of the Day (07.12.10)

Filed under: Photo of the Day According to the Daily News, big butts are very popular this summer. From Kim Kardashian to Serena Williams, all the stars are sporting delicious derrieres. It's about time that the world got on board with Sir Mix-A-Lot's way of thinking. The toosh has been so overlooked through the years while breasts and legs get all the...

Travel + Leisure picks the best tour operators and safari outfitters

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, Camping, Middle East, Central America, CaribbeanA few days back we told you about Travel + Leisure magazine's picks for the world's best hotels, which are part of their annual World's Best...

Gaddafi's kid on the hook for half million dollar Italian hotel bill

Filed under: Europe, Libya, Italy, NewsHave you ever stiffed the hotel on the bill? They might be able to slap it on your credit card while you're making a getaway, but a few thousand dollars is easy to recover. When the tab starts creeping toward half a million dollars, though, courts start getting involved ... especially in Italy and especially when your father...

Rare, really smelly Sumatran "Corpse Flower" to bloom at Houston museum

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Asia, North America, Indonesia, Thailand, United States, Ecotourism, NewsThe botanical world is a fascinating thing, but fans of "Little Shop of Horrors" will be especially excited about the eminent blooming of the endangered Amorphophallus titanum, at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at Houston's Museum of...

Hotel review: RIU Palace Paradise Island, Bahamas

Filed under: Bahamas, Hotels and Accommodations, CaribbeanIs it really better in the Bahamas? The archipelago located in the Caribbean is a U.S. favorite for a quick beach getaway, but does it really stand up to the hype? The Bahamas is home to gorgeous beaches, shopping options ranging from t-shirt stands to Gucci stores, and a nightlife to rival some of...

Terrible seat assignment kills airline passenger

Filed under: Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Airlines, News, Middle EastWhen Nas Air flight XY 720 from Beirut landed in Riyadh, airport workers found just how severe having the worst seat on the flight can be. The passenger wasn't alive any more, of course ... oh, and he was found on the landing gear. The corpse, ostensibly cold, has been shipped off to forensic...

Barefoot Bandit has travel cred

Filed under: Stories, North America, Bahamas, Canada, United States, Camping, NewsNow that Colton Harris-Moore has been nabbed by the prim and humorless Bahamian police, it's open season on psychologically dissecting the teen robber and analyzing his high-jinks artistry. Love him or hate him, hero or criminal, one thing is certain: this kid gets around. If...

Grant's Farm in St. Louis may become the next national park

Filed under: North America, United States The Busch family, of Anheuser-Busch fame, is considering transferring their 273-acre animal preserve, Grant's Farm, to the National Park Service. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the National Park Service has completed a reconnaisance study of the property, which is the initial step in considering a new...

Airlines rejoice at return of business travelers

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, AirlinesBusiness travelers are giving the airline industry a reason to be hopeful ... which is strange. Usually, those guys are such a drag. Trust me; I was one of them for a while. Business travelers aren't much fun at parties or anywhere else. Nonetheless, their presence on planes means more cash in the till...

First look inside the Diane von Furstenberg hotel guestrooms

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelDiane von Furstenberg, the iconic designer of the wrap-dress, has taken her designs from the catwalk to Claridge's. Now, one of the world's most revered fashion icons is collaborating with one of London's most glamorous hotels to design a series of 20 guestrooms and suites, the first of which were...

Vail: Eight free ways to rock snowless slopes

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsYour skis are jammed in the closet, and you're more concerned about traffic en route to the beach than you are about getting out to the Rockies. Well, it's time to change your thinking. Dash off to Colorado this summer, and you can escape the heat and find some...

Virgin America hooks up with Joie De Vivre Hotels

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, AirlinesIt's not quite the hotel announcement we were hoping for, but this news is pretty cool, too. Virgin America will partner Joie de Vivre Hotels to allow Virgin America's Elevate members to earn points when they join the boutique hotelier's Joy of Life Club loyalty program. To...

Airline fines and delays: The world didn't end

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesHow many planes were stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours in May? You can count 'em on one hand: five. This is the second lowest result since the feds began monitoring this metric back in October 2008. A year earlier, 34 planes sat on the ground loaded with passengers for more than three hours,...

Hotel employees nailed in $20 million airline ticket scam

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsThe feds just threw down indictments against 38 people accused of pushing fraudulent airline tickets at hefty discounts. They were slashing between $100 and $200, usually, from the normal price of a (real) ticket. And at least two of them worked in hotels, where they were accused of swiping credit card and debit card...

Photo of the Day (7.11.10)

Filed under: Food and Drink, Photo of the Day Does all this sweltering Summer weather have you feeling sweaty this week? Why not cool off for a second with today's refreshing Gelato photo, courtesy of Flickr user Leslie at The L-List. Taking photos of your food while you travel can be a fun way to remember a particularly great meal or a special ingredient you...

Badwater Ultramarathon begins today in Death Valley

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, North America, United States80 of the world's top endurance athletes have descended on Badwater, California, located in Death Valley, to take part in the 33rd annual Badwater Ultramarathon, which gets underway at 6AM local time today. Known as "the world's toughest footrace", the Badwater is one of the most grueling...

Weekend travel media top five

Filed under: Africa, Asia, North America, Oceania, South America, Egypt, Philippines, Singapore, United States, Australia, Chile, CaribbeanThis weekend's most interesting travel stories include a look at Egypt's seldom explored coast west of Alexandria, a long weekend guide to Singapore, a travel guide to solar eclipse runs, a...

WWII submarine struggles to survive

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomEngland's last submarine built during World War Two needs £1.5 million ($2.7 million) to avoid ending up on the scrapheap of history. The HMS Alliance was launched just weeks before the end of the war and never saw action. It is the last surviving Amphion class submarine specially designed for...

Top ten art museums you haven't been to

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, China, France, Iceland, Ukraine, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Hong KongIf you wanna see inside someone's brain, stick 'em in an art museum and then leave them there for an hour. Some will feign interest for at least 10 minutes and then start looking for the bathroom. Others...

Woman dies after falling out of roller coaster in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsA 21-year-old Lafayette, Louisiana, woman has died after an accident at Dixie Landin' amusement park in Baton Rouge. Witnesses said Lindsay Zeno fell about 30 feet from the Xtreme roller coaster at the park late Sunday afternoon. State fire officials, who are charged with regulating the park, have...

Car rental tactics that will cost you money

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Transportation, NewsThere's nothing like hitting the open road in summer, but before you get that rental car, there are a few things you should know. National Geographic Traveler ombudsman Christopher Elliot tells all in a recent CNN piece that reveals sneaky ploys rental agencies use to jack up the...

Illinois hotel backs out of hosting Muslim group conference

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsA Muslim group canceled its annual U.S. conference after the Marriott hotel in Oak Brook, a suburb of Chicago, backed out of hosting the event. American members of Hizb ut-Tahrir planned to hold their annual conference on Sunday, but according to the Chicago Tribune, the hotel sent a...

J. Lo faces possible lawsuit from Cyprus hotel

Filed under: Cyprus, Turkey, Hotels and AccommodationsJenny from the Block might lose some of those killer rocks she's got. A luxury hotel in northern Cyprus is threatening to sue Jennifer Lopez for $40 million after the pop star canceled a concert there, citing political reasons, according to Sky News. Lopez was scheduled to perform at the Cratos Premium hotel...

Daily gear deals - $49 HD camcorder, $10 noise isolating headphones and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Monday July 12, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from the Creative Outlet Store where you'll find their VADO HD Camcorder for $49.99. Or, if you'd rather get even cheaper, a non HD...

Gaylord Opryland hotel to re-open Nov. 15 in Nashville

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsThe clean-up work is done at the Gaylord Opryland hotel, and construction crews have moved on to the rebuilding and renovating. Hotel officials say Nashville's largest hotel will re-open on Nov. 15, six months after the Cumberland River overflowed its banks and flooded the hotel's common areas. The photo below, which was released by the Gaylord Opryland, shows that the water also rose within a foot or so of the ceiling in some guestrooms in the...

SkyMall Monday: The Drib

Filed under: Food and DrinkAn awful lot of attention is being paid these days to the dangers of texting and driving. Heck, even Oprah has a No Phone Zone pledge on her website. If Oprah's covering it, it must be big. However, there's a much more pressing issue facing drivers that is often overlooked. It destroys lives. It tears apart families. It creates...

The world's longest and shortest flights

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, Singapore, United Kingdom, St. Kitts & Nevis, United States, Airlines, Transportation, Travel Trivia, CaribbeanBecause you're just apoplectic to find out how you can maximize your time on an airplane, right? We covered this a while back, but things keep changing: planes keep getting bigger, stronger, and faster,...

Boston gets first luxury hotel for dogs

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe Boston hotel industry is going to the dogs. News from the Bay State is that Urban Hound Daycare will open later this month marking the city's first luxury hotel for dogs. The 8,500 square foot space will be located in a two-story building in Boston's South End. Plans for the canine campground...

Photo of the Day (7.10.10)

Filed under: Asia, Burma (Myanmar), Photo of the Day One of my favorite things about traveling in Asia is seeing the way waterways are incorporated into daily life: laundry, travel, bathing, dishes, playing and, in India, releasing the dead. This photo, taken by Flickr user Michael Joesph Goldst... etc in Burma (Myanmar), captures almost all of those...

UNESCO ponders new World Heritage sites

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Asia, Oceania, South America, Tajikistan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, BrazilThe United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, better known as UNESCO, has announced that it will consider expanding their list of World Heritage Sites when the...

Australian flight attendants object to airline ad of flight crew sponging down airplane

Filed under: Airlines Using sexy flight attendants to advertise an airline is nothing new, but the Flight Attendants Association of Australia says it has had enough of them. According to the FAAA, the ads are demeaning, and increase the risk of sexual harassment. One of the clips that triggered their outrage can be seen above. The clip, made for Russian low cost airline AviaNova, shows the flight crew stripping down and sponging off the airplane. A spokeswoman for the FAAA said: "It is a...

Daily gear deals - free travel grooming kit, $73 Heys luggage and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday July 11, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a free AVON travel grooming kit. This freebie comes with 2 nail clippers, nail scissors and a nail file, all in a convenient pouch....

The naughty postcard museum

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, United KingdomThe British have always been famous for their humor, both dry wit and the naughtier brand. One man who combined the two is being celebrated in a new museum that opened in Ryde in the Isle if Wight yesterday. Donald McGill, Britain's "king of vulgarity", illustrated thousands of postcards over an...

Wildebeest migration one of the natural wonders of the world

Filed under: Africa, Kenya, TanzaniaEvery year during this season, millions of wildebeest migrate northwards from Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. It's part of their annual cycle of looking for green pastures and plentiful waters. Zebras, antelopes, and other animals come along too, with predators like lions and...

Vietnam Vet opens Carousel of Happiness attraction in Nederland, Colorado

Filed under: North America, United StatesIt started in Vietnam. With a music box. Marine machine gunner Scott Harrison used to listen to the music and picture a carousel in the mountains to cope with the stress of the Vietnam war. Now more than 40 years later, he has created that carousel in the mountains and opened it for the world to ride. The...

Daily Pampering: The crystal camcorder for women

Filed under: Gear, Luxury TravelYou're going to want some pictures and videos from your next trip, so why not take them yourself? After all, every time "he" has the camera someone's head just gets cut off so you might as well take matters into your own hands. But you're a stylish woman! The basic black camcorder is too boring for you. Good news pampered...

Wine vending machines debut in Pennsylvania

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United StatesYes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus... and he seems to favor Pennsylvania. The state known for its tough liquor laws is testing out a rather casual convenience: wine vending machines. The Associated Press reports that these wine kiosks are located in two of Pennsylvania's grocery stores...

Discovery Cove plans new saltwater reef attraction in Orlando

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsSeaWorld Orlando's Discovery Cove is known as the place where you can swim with the dolphins, but starting in 2011, visitors will be able to swim among sharks, tropical fish and other sea life, as well. The theme park has not made an official announcement about the reef, but it did confirm the project to...

Photo of the day 7.9.10

Filed under: Nicaragua, Photo of the Day, Central America This image jumps vividly, something that may have to do with how many impressions it casts simultaneously. It speaks immediately to the promise of a road trip and the lure of the open road. Its vibrant, humid greens place it in a tropical region, as does the bright sky, which looks downright...

Yellowstone sets new record for visitors in June

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, North America, United States, CampingIt seems that the sluggish economy isn't preventing Americans from traveling this summer, at least not to one of our favorite adventure destinations. The National Park Service announced earlier this week that more than 694,000 people visited...

Daily gear deals - free car power splitter, $48 Bluetooth hands free kit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Saturday July 10, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a Belkin MP3 accessory kit. Unlike the one we featured earlier this week, this one comes with a universal FM transmitter, a home...

From the shores of Louisiana: What fuels energy change?

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, Ecotourism, Consumer ActivismBorn in the Natal province of South Africa, Ivor van Heerden has been an adopted Louisianan for more than thirty years. During his years here he's been head of the state's coastal restoration program, on the staff at LSU, co-director of the state's...

D.C. area airports pet relief areas - fake fire hydrant included

Filed under: North America, United States, AirportsI am not a pet owner - so I never thought about the challenges involved in letting Fifi or Mr. Bigglesworth relieve themselves during a trip. Apparently, the Washington D.C. airports did consider these challenges, because they just opened several designated pet relief areas. At Dulles, two...

British fashion site to men: Don't pack the Speedos on your summer holidays

Filed under: Europe, United KingdomOnline fashion store Very says it surveyed 3,000 people to find the worst male summer fashion sins and Speedos and other men's bikini bathing suits topped the list. So, Very is urging the so-called "vacuum-packers" who wear the tight suits to leave them at home, and buy a new swimsuit from them, of course. "As...

New management, no sexy skin at Mandalay Bay

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, NightlifeThe peaks will now be capped, so to speak, at the Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Once one of the adults-only pools in Sin City where ladies could sunbathe sans top, a new sheriff in town has forced some modesty on the facility. Across the country, frat boys and men...

No guidebook required: the joys of ditching an itinerary

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, Japan, United States, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Women's TravelItineraries and guidebooks can be both a blessing and a curse, when it comes to travel. If you're the free-spirited, adventurous sort, it sucks to lug a book around, but it's a good...

Travel + Leisure names the world's best hotels

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Hotels and Accommodations, Middle East, CaribbeanYou deserve the very best. You've worked hard, probably played a little hard, and you're ready to reward yourself by splurging on a much-needed gateway. So, where do the best of the best go when they want to escape? With the help of their readers,...

Five Manhattan cafes with free Wi-Fi

Filed under: North America, United States, Budget TravelOn Tuesday, I looked at Brooklyn cafés with free Wi-Fi. Here I turn to a few Manhattan cafés that have come to the obvious conclusion that free Wi-Fi translates into happier and more loyal customers. Anyone interested exclusively in free Wi-Fi and less in small, locally run...

Daily Pampering: Guided walks around the world

Filed under: Morocco, Vietnam, Croatia, Italy, Switzerland, Peru, Travel Deals, Luxury TravelUsually when we discuss the luxe life, we talk about things being brought to us, not about things we have to go out and get ourselves. After all, the very foundation of 'pampering' comes from people being waited on, so why would anything in Daily Pampering...

Mother attempts to flush newborn baby down airplane toilet

Filed under: Asia, India, Turkmenistan, Airlines, Airports, NewsA 25-year-old medical student has been arrested in Northern India after attempting to flush her newborn baby down the toilet. The woman was flying home from Turkmenistan when she gave birth in the bathroom. Upon landing, she left the plane, leaving the baby in the toilet....

Photo of the Day (7.8.10)

Filed under: Asia, Thailand, United Kingdom, Photo of the Day Delays happen. Sometimes there are mechanical issues. Other times, weather plays a role in the form of ash clouds or blizzards. And other times, your flight crew just needs to sample every flavor of Jelly Babies, the UK equivalent of Gummy Bears. This Flickr shot from OurManWhere captures a...

Woman begins canoe trip from Seattle to San Diego

Filed under: Activism, Paddling, North America, United StatesMargo Pellagrino describes herself as "a stay-at-home mom who doesn't do a very good job at staying home." That seems an apt description considering she has just set off on a epic canoe trip that will see her paddling from Seattle to San Diego over the next couple of months, while raising...

Airline fees: Please don't lie, don't be moronic

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, NewsAs much as you may hate ancillary fees on airlines, they're clearly making a difference. The nickel-and-diming of the average passenger was good for a whopping $7.8 billion last year ... up 42 percent from 2008. Airlines are making serious cash on inconvenient fees, which means they aren't going away....

Ten reasons to have your wedding reception at a hotel

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Hotels and Accommodations I'm getting married this fall, and I chose to have my wedding reception at a hotel. This is not because I'm a travel writer (and they have no idea that's what I do; I'm not getting any special treatment). The reason was actually that I'm getting married in my hometown of...

Pittsburgh restaurant features 'conflict cuisine'

Filed under: Food and Drink, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, News, Middle EastMost American travelers will never set foot in Iran, but at least now if they make it to Pittsburgh, they can enjoy some of the country's delicious cuisine. It's the idea behind a new take-out restaurant called Conflict Kitchen, a new eatery that's...

New UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Ireland?

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, IrelandThe Republic of Ireland has a well-deserved reputation for beautiful landscapes and ancient monuments, so you might be surprised to learn that it has only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are the Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne, which includes megalithic sites such...

Daily gear deals - $8 4GB Shuffle MP3 player, $18 backup battery pack and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday July 9, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal adds 200 watts of AC power to your car - simply plug this Wagan inverter into your outlet, and you'll have power for many lower powered products....

Wizarding World of Harry Potter souvenirs now available online

Filed under: North America, United StatesUniversal Orlando's online store is now selling some of the exclusive Harry Potter merchandise available in the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme-park stores. Seven categories of Harry Potter merchandise are available: accessories (including this Gryffindor backpack - one of my faves - for $39.95),...

Hyatt Regency to reopen New Orleans hotel

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe Hyatt Regency New Orleans closed its doors after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, but five years later the hotel is poised for a grand reopening. The New Orleans Hyatt was a familiar fixture during the city's coverage of Katrina. The hotel, located near the Louisiana...

On Your Side by Christopher Elliott helps with travel customer service issues

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines, Airline ReviewsIn the travel world, Christopher Elliott is a bit of a hero - on his blog, he regularly saves passengers from lost tickets, rental car horrors and other travel mishaps. Since there is only one Christopher Elliott, he's started a site designed to aid travelers in resolving some...

Travel writer and publisher Q&A: Julie Schwietert

Filed under: Blogs, North America, Cuba, Mexico, United States, Books, Budget Travel, Central America, CaribbeanJulie Schwietert, known for her work with MatadorNetwork and Collazo Projects, is a writer, editor, and translator whose work bridges the worlds of service travel writing, culture, and politics. Though travel writing is a big piece...

World's tallest tent opens in Kazakhstan

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Asia, Kazakhstan When you think of Kazakhstan you probably think of nomads living in tents, but today's Kazakhstan is rapidly modernizing thanks to an oil boom, so it's appropriate that the Central Asian nation is now home to the world's tallest tent. Technically, it's the world's largest "tensile structure",...

Luanda, Angola: The world's most expensive city for expats

Filed under: Business, Africa, Angola, Budget TravelLondon. Tokyo. New York. Hong Kong. Luanda? When you think of expensive places to live, Luanda, Angola, probably doesn't come to mind. But according to a recent study by the consulting firm Mercer, the Angolan capital is the world's most expensive city...

Top 10 things to taste in Belize

Filed under: Food and Drink, Belize, Central AmericaThe Central American country of Belize, still identified on many maps and globes as British Honduras, will not officially turn 30 until next year. However, in less than three decades as a nation, Belize has developed a cuisine all its own based on influences from the Spanish, the Caribbean and the British....

Boingo and Samsung team up for a WiFi enabled camera - and you can win one!

Filed under: Gear Two of my favorite technology firms have teamed up to bring travelers a new product - the Samsung CL80 digital camera. This innovative camera features built in WiFi, and can wirelessly transfer your photos any time it is in range of a Boingo WiFi hotspot. To celebrate the launch, Boingo is giving away four of these cameras, worth...

Photo of the Day (7.7.10)

Filed under: Photo of the DayLove is, quite literally, in the air in Tzukik. A snapshot from Flavio@Flickr, this photo captures the hearts of onlookers everywhere. Seems the Tzukik sent their heartfelt love to everyone during their last appearance as the official jet of the Israeli Aerobatic Display Team. Thanks, Flavio@Flickr for sharing!...

Take a cycling tour with Trek Travel

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Paddling, Festivals and Events, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South Africa, France, United States, Central AmericaIf you've been watching the Tour de France this week, you've no doubt seen Lance Armstrong and the rest of Team Radioshack riding their beautiful Trek bikes as they've rolled across the Netherlands,...

From the shores of Louisiana -- A conversation with Paul Templet

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, Ecotourism, Consumer ActivismBaton Rouge, Louisiana - Standing in the heart of the bucolic, green LSU campus, where Paul Templet taught environmental science for more than twenty years, it's hard to imagine that the worst ecologic disaster perhaps ever is ongoing just a couple hours away. It's...

USBCELL rechargeable AA batteries recharge using USB

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Sorry for the silly title, but there is no easier way to describe this product. USBCELL batteries are regular AA batteries, with a removable cap and USB jack. We mentioned these neat batteries back in 2007, and I recently took a set for a real test. The batteries are nickel metal hydride, like most rechargeable batteries, but...

Why Luxembourg matters

Filed under: Hiking, Europe, Andorra, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Vatican City Europe has lots of tiny countries. The rest of the world reminds itself of this fact periodically, almost as a running joke. How Vatican City is the smallest "independent" state, but (come on people), is it really a country? Andorra sounds charming, too, until...

Tahitian dance chronicles, part three: Dancing towards a new adventure (video)

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Oceania, French PolynesiaTo'ata Amphitheater, French Polynesia's biggest Tahitian dance venue, is an open-air wooden stage surrounded by a half-circle of tiered seating for about 4000 people. High-tech lighting on adjustable steel scaffolding surrounds the arena and the stage is backed by a covered, elevated platform for the orchestra. From the stage, the seats seem very close and standing there before the show made me nervous -- would I be busting my...

Daily gear deals - $20 headphones, $80 HD camcorder and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday July 8, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for an accessory pack from Griffin. In the deal, you get an iPod/iPhone car charger, cup holder dock and an audio cable. There may be...

So google is buying ITA Software. What does it mean for you, air traveler?

Filed under: Blogs, AirlinesFirst of all, what is ITA Software? Briefly, it's a technology company based in Cambridge, MA that provides the airfare search software behind such sites as Orbitz, Kayak and many airline web sites. Its claim to fame is that it digs deeper into airline reservation systems than some other technologies, and usually finds fares that are...

Cathay Pacific to launch in-flight WiFi; mobile device connectivity

Filed under: Asia, North America, China, Airlines, Hong KongIt's one thing to connect in-flight from coast-to-coast, it's another thing to connect when you're flying across the world! Travel writers, business executives, and Internet-junkies rejoice: Cathay Pacific has just announced it will launch long-haul in-flight WiFi in 2012! The Hong Kong-based...

A seasoned traveler's top ten hotel peeves

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations Hotels are marvelous things. For a price, you can eat and sleep there, bathe, do whatever you do in your personal time and even order services like food and massages delivered to your door. Still, little things can spoil even the best hotel experiences. Even if you end up saying that, overall, you had...

Ancient Egyptian tombs discovered

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Africa, EgyptTwo painted tombs have been discovered at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Saqqara, twenty miles south of Cairo. The rock-hewn tombs belong to a royal official named Shendwa and his son Khonsu. Both men lived in the Sixth Dynasty (2345-2181 BC) of the Old Kingdom. The pharaohs of this dynasty...

Cheap eats in Paris: dining in the Japanese quarter for under €10

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, France, Budget TravelEating well in Paris isn't hard to do, but it can easily cost more than you originally budgeted. After a week of dining on foie gras, duck, and cheese plates, I was ready for something simple -- and cheap. Less than a five-minute walk from the Louvre, the Japanese quarter is just that kind of place....

Solar-powered plane flies at night

Filed under: Europe, Switzerland, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, News An airplane that relies entirely on solar energy has flown for 24 hours straight, cruising along happily through the darkness and emerging into the dawn with three hours left in its batteries. Once the sun rose, of course, the batteries immediately began to...

Survival guide app

Filed under: Gear, United Kingdom, Camping, Internet ToolsNo one likes to think of the bad things that could happen on a trip. But what would you do if you survived a plane crash, were caught in a terrorist attack, or encountered a tsunami while on vacation? Well wonder no more iphone users. The SAS Survival Guide has been around in book form for over...

Virgin America launches 7-hour fare sale to say 'thanks' to flyers

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesEveryone says 'thank you' in their own special way, but Virgin America is saying "you really like us!" with a last-minute fare sale. Clearly overwhelmed with gratitude from being honored as "Best Domestic Airline" in the Travel + Leisure Annual World's Best Awards readers' survey, the airline is thanking...

Scammer convicted for trying to sell London Ritz

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and Accommodations, NewsGot a few extra bucks to invest? Well, be wary of truck drivers selling hotels. Of course, if I need to tell you this, you should stop dining on paste for lunch. Not only is the hospitality industry going to be under pressure for the rest of the year, which makes such an investment difficult,...

Daily Pampering: Relaxed French dining ... in Brooklyn

Filed under: Food and Drink, France, United StatesSometimes, the lap of luxury pops up in unexpected places. Moutarde, Le Bistro de la Rue, a fine French restaurant in Brooklyn, is a perfect example of this phenomenon. Previously known simply as Cafe Moutarde, the Park Slope bistro has recently received a makeover and new moniker inspired by...

Summer reminder: keep track of your mileage and points accounts

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines When on vacation this summer, pay close attention to your mileage and points accounts - despite all the advances in reservation technology, hotels, airlines and rental car firms regularly manage to "forget" crediting your account. Especially when you are enrolled in promotions, getting correct credit for your stay or...

Photo of the Day (7.6.10)

Filed under: Photos, North America, Canada, Photo of the Day, Airlines This week I went aboard Virgin America's inaugural flight from San Francisco to Toronto; and having visited Toronto only once before when I was young, I didn't have very high expectations for Canada's largest city. On this visit, I took the time to explore some of the outlying...

California campground closed due to to the plague!

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States, Camping, Travel HealthThe Los Alamos Campground, located in the Angeles National Forest, has been closed after a ground squirrel found there tested positive for the plague. Let me say that again, it tested positive for the plague! The park was officially shut down on Saturday and will...

How to pick the perfect travel netbook

Filed under: Gear, Gadling Gear Review The world of portable computer has changed immensely in the past three or four years. For ages, the majority of portable computers came in just a few sizes, with the smallest starting at 12". In 2007, Asus introduced the Eee PC, and that 7" $300 computer started a revolution that benefited travelers more than any other...

Galley Gossip: 5 tips for traveling with a wedding dress

Filed under: Airlines, Transportation, Galley GossipFrom the moment my husband got down on one knee and proposed in the sand at sundown, I knew I wanted a destination wedding. When it came time to choose a wedding dress, I only considered styles that were sleek and simple. Basically I had to find something I could pack inside...

Tahitian dance chronicles, part two: Going to To'ata

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Oceania, French PolynesiaIt was February and I'd been taking Tahitian dance classes for six months. I was now loving my twice-weekly wiggle as well as hanging out with my sometimes cranky but always lively retired Tahitian classmates. My hips were really starting to move and my rolling ueue shake was getting so fast that the teacher grouped me into the more competent half of our class. Now the warm-ups were more complicated, with moves like the afata (hips like...

Daily gear deals - $45 sports camcorder, $7 noise canceling headphones and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday July 7, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Oregon Scientific ATC2K waterproof helmet camcorder. This camera runs off 2 AA batteries, and records to SD memory...

SteriPEN Traveler review - using the power of Ultraviolet light to purify water

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Clean and reliable water may be a given when you open the tap back home, but when you are on the road, it isn't always readily available. On some trips, you may be trying to locate clean water in the wilderness, on others it may be the tap water that needs some extra attention. SteriPEN water purifiers use ultraviolet (UV)...

Win free Hyatt resort stays in their "Best Of All Worlds" challenge

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations Now the Hyatt "Big Welcome Back" promotion is over, Hyatt has launched another way for you to win free nights. This time, they are promoting their resort properties, and by heading on over to their Facebook page and uploading a photo, five lucky winners will win a two night stay at...

Ask Gadling: Making a five-year travel plan

Filed under: Learning This week's Ask Gadling question comes from Ryan in San Diego. "How do you choose where to go? I haven't traveled all that much, but I want to. My friends all just want to go to Hawaii to relax and I don't really know where to start. Are there certain places I have to go to be considered "well-traveled"? I'm not rich,...

Open Letter to Hotel GMs: Mistakes your employees make that will cost you money

Filed under: Hotels and AccommodationsThe travel industry suffered its own setbacks over the past few years, but thankfully, it's rebounding and more U.S. travelers are finally packing their bags and heading out of town for a much-needed vacation. They've saved their money, planned carefully and are ready for a few days of rest and relaxation in their destination...

RoboForm Online offers secure access to your passwords - anywhere in the world

Filed under: Internet Tools, Gadling Gear Review For the past couple of weeks, I've been using a beta version of RoboForm Online to manage my passwords. RoboForm has been around for years, and is one of the most reliable Internet password managers around. The Online version of RoboForm syncs all your site logins, and sends them encrypted to the RoboForm servers. For...

Starwood Hotels launches travel booking site

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, AirlinesBooking vacations just got a bit easier for Starwood loyalty members. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. just launched Starwood Hotels PlusStarwood Hotels launches travel booking site originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of...

Ten creative things to do with hotel bathroom amenities

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations When your travels regularly take you to hotels, you'll no doubt have a collection of small amenities. I'm pretty weird, because I'll take whatever I can get. Of course, with the TSA liquid rules, the amount you can take back home is limited, but if you are traveling by car, or checking bags, there is almost limit to what...

Battleship New Jersey saved from funding cut

Filed under: History, Learning, North America, United StatesThe battleship USS New Jersey saw service in World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, and Lebanon and proved unstoppable, but one dangerous foe almost shut it down for good--budget cuts. A couple of months ago New Jersey Governor Chris Christie passed a state budget that did not include $1.7 million...

Daily Pampering: Frappuccinos in the Lazy River at The Four Seasons Punta Mita

Filed under: Mexico, Luxury Travel When you think of The Four Seasons, you probably think of class, elegance, and fabulous upholstery. One of the last things you might expect? A Lazy River. The Four Seasons in Punta Mita, Mexico has a Lazy River which tunnels (lazily) through masses of greens. The...

A tale of two brunches: Two of Chicago's finest brunches

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America Here in Chicago we take our brunches seriously -- perhaps because our winter nights are long and we need something to shake the cobwebs of sleep from our weekends, or perhaps because we just need a good hangover cure. From Lincoln Park to Bucktown to Pilsen each neighborhood has its favorite haunt, Midwest sized stacks of...

Photo of the Day (07.05.10)

Filed under: Photo of the Day You don't need fireworks to color the sky. Sometimes Mother Nature does it for you. Whether it's an epic storm rolling through, a breathtaking sunset or just the coming apocalypse, the sky can take on all sorts of crazy hues. Flickr user Chris Maki captured this photograph of a pretty fantastic storm heading over the Rocky...

Blogger Meg Nesterov

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, Japan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ireland, Nicaragua, United States, Chile, About The Bloggers, Central America, Caribbean Where was your photo taken: On a plane bound for Tokyo from JFK, taken to join the elite ranks of Heather Poole's laviators. Where do you live now: Istanbul, Turkey. I arrived here in May...

Save the Serengeti from a new highway

Filed under: Activism, Africa, Tanzania, EcotourismOne of the world's greatest natural wonders, the Serengeti is under threat from a new source after the Tanzanian government approved construction of a highway that would pass through the iconic African plains. The new highway would be built directly through the Serengeti National Park, and could have devastating...

From the shores of Louisiana: The oil spill's effect on fishing

Filed under: Learning, North America, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Barataria, Louisiana - It is the perfect blue-sky, humidity-less spring day in bayou country that makes you feel like everything should be all right in the world. The intercoastal waterway leading to the Gulf of Mexico is calm, the canals that host fishing boats behind each...

Tahitian dance chronicles, part one: Getting hooked

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Oceania, French PolynesiaEarly explorers were struck by its sensuality, Christian missionaries banned it shortly after their arrival, and the open-minded 1960s began to revive it. Today, the uber-fast hip shaking of Tahitian dance is again ever-present in French Polynesia. The best performances can be seen at the Heiva I Tahiti festival at Papeete's Toa'ata Amphitheater in July, when locals and foreigners flock to watch some of humankind's...

Five Brooklyn cafes with free wi-fi

Filed under: North America, United StatesBrooklyn is full of cafés offering their patrons free wi-fi. Here are five particularly distinctive cafés with free wi-fi, strewn across Brooklyn, from neighborhoods ranging from Fort Greene (Smooch) to Ditmas Park (Vox Pop) to Red Hook (Baked). Are you more of a Manhattan girl or a...

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival single-day tickets on sale now

Filed under: Biking, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Camping, Budget TravelEven in a town famous for its festivals, Telluride's Blues & Brews is one hell of a party. The 17th annual, beery, bluesy weekend takes place September 17-19th in Town Park, but if you're short of cash or time, single-day tickets from $55...

Daily gear deals - $18 hands-free carkit, $0.66 travel power adapter and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Tuesday July 6, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the BluAce text to speech Bluetooth hands-free carkit. This device clips to your sun visor, and lets you make and receive...

Blackberry Bold 9650 - global email powerhouse

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review With all the recent talk of the new iPhone and snazzy new Android devices, you'd be forgiven if you forgot that the U.S. smartphone market is still dominated by RIM and their lineup of Blackberry phones. For many corporate users, the Blackberry still rules, and even though it may lack the sex appeal of the iPhone 4, the newest...

Infographic: The bad and the ugly of boating accidents

Filed under: Surfing, North America Summer is a fine time of year, but out on the water, things can be pretty dangerous. This past weekend, a man was killed when his boat was hit by a drunk driver operating another boat. Sadly, boating accidents like this are quite frequent; in 2008, there were just under 3000 boating accidents. In those accidents, 614...

Cable cars to cross the Thames

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, TransportationLondon has been preparing for the 2012 Olympics by going on a huge building boom. Sports facilities have been sprouting up like mushrooms, and the organizers have just announced the latest planned addition--cable car rides over the Thames. The cable cars will run from the Greenwich peninsula to the...

Finding the expat community and what travelers can learn from them

Filed under: Asia, Europe, South America, Japan, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, CaribbeanNo matter how well-traveled you are, moving to a foreign country and living as an expat is a whole new ballgame. Your priorities and standards change, and hours that you may have spent as a traveler in a museum or wandering a beach are now spent in as an expat search of...

New York airport police turning theft complaints into lost property complaints

Filed under: North America, United States, AirportsSomething fishy is taking place at New York area airports. According to the New York Post, New York Port Authority cops regularly downgrade theft at the airport to "lost property" cases, artificially lowering the crime rates at the airports they protect. By changing the statistics, crimes...

Need summer year-round? Check-in to one of these indoor water parks in Ohio

Filed under: North America, United StatesWhat do you do in Ohio when you're hot and bored? Good news summer lovers: Ohio has some of the best indoor water parks in the country! Grab your suit, gas up the car and head to one of these hot spots to cool off any time of year: Kalahari Resort boasts Ohio's largest indoor water park as well as a new, thrilling...

Benjamin Franklin's historic London home

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomOf all the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin was perhaps the most interesting. A true genius, he was a printer, writer, scientist, philosopher, ladies man, politician, businessman, inventor, and much more. Despite his crucial role in the development of...

Photo of the Day (7.4.10)

Filed under: North America, United States, Photo of the Day Happy birthday, America. What better way to celebrate this great day than with some fireworks? While we've seen plenty of stellar fireworks photos over the years, we've got to hand it to Flickr user ohad*, who captured this quirky shot during a visit to Delray Beach, Florida. True, the fireworks in...

Adventurer trekking solo across Mongolia

Filed under: Hiking, Asia, Mongolia, NewsBritish adventurer Ripley Davenport is in the middle of a spectacular solo journey. One that if he finishes, will put him the record books for the longest solo and unsupported trek in history. But before he's done, he'll face harsh weather conditions, inhospitable terrain, and one of the most demanding routes...

Five hot weekend travel media stories

Filed under: Africa, Europe, North America, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, United StatesIn today's round-up of the weekend's newspaper media travel stories: delicious pork, among other edibles, in the French Basque Country; American summer road trips; the Italian border city of Ventimiglia; biking along the Danube; and a guide to the...

Food, glorious food! photography contest presented by Tamrac

To celebrate the beginning of summer, we've teamed up with photography gear company Tamrac to see just how creative your photography skills are. We are looking for photos of food, taken during your adventures. The more interesting and delectable, the better. But of course, photos of fried bugs or other grossness are also going to be quite popular....

Monster Power Outlets To Go - the $13 "must have gadget" for any traveler

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review In my collection of travel gadgets, not many products serve me as well as my Monster Power Outlets To Go. The product isn't much more than a portable power tap, but since many hotels seem to think that no guest should ever need more than one outlet, having access to something that lets me plug more of my gear in, is if vital...

Taste of the Hawaiian Range Festival celebrates local food culture, sustainability

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States, EcotourismMost people don't associate Hawaii with cowboys, but the paniolo is an iconic and enduring symbol of the state's ranching and agricultural heritage. On September 10th, Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range and...

Daily gear deals - $13 luggage scales, $2 Bluetooth headset and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Monday July 5, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Fujifilm Finepix Z37 digital camera. This camera shoots in 10 megapixels and features a 3x internal optical zoom. The...

Alitalia joins Air France, Delta and KLM to form trans-Atlantic joint venture

Filed under: Europe, North America, Airlines Several of the largest airlines in the world have teamed up to combine routes, creating the world's largest trans-Atlantic flight network. Alitalia signed an agreement to join Air France, Delta and KLM and share revenue and costs. The new combination will operate 26% of all trans-Atlantic flights, with almost...

Listen up: America's top 10 outdoor concert venues

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United StatesOutdoor arenas, beach-side stages, amphitheaters under the stars - the sounds of summer are everywhere, you just have to buy a ticket. So where do you go to hear the best music and see the best concerts? Next time you want a little groove in your summer night, take a trip to one of the...

SkyMall Monday: Edge Baking Pan ACTUAL REVIEW (ft. the Garden Yeti)

Filed under: Food and Drink Last month we had a little poll to see which SkyMall dessert pan was the king of confections. The Edge Baking Pan won in a landslide. I'll be the first to admit that I was skeptical about whether brownies sporting heaps of edges could be good. I like my brownies like I like my women: moist and packed with M&Ms. However, you voted and I listened. I got my hands on an Edge Baking Pan immediately and put it to the test. Well, to be honest, my Garden Yeti, Calvin,...

Archaeologists explore stone circle ten times larger than Stonehenge

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomMove over Stonehenge, there's a bigger stone circle in town. Archaeologists are busy excavating Marden Henge, a giant stone circle and earthwork ten times larger than its more famous cousin. It's not nearly as well-known, however, because all of its stones have been lost or buried. Traces of a...

U.S. travel abroad slips, spending plummets

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, News The number of travelers leaving the United States fell 3 percent from 2008 to 2008. According to the latest data from the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, 61.5 million people comprised the outbound market in 2009. Travel Mexico was off 4 percent year over...

Photo of the Day (7.3.10)

Filed under: North America, United States, Photo of the Day A Seattle morning like this equals a guessing game for its residents: is it going to be sunny today? Do I dare leave the house without my raincoat? It's probably better to be safe than sorry, as Flickr user Andy Bokanev notes: five minutes after he captured this scene he could no longer see the city for all...

30 years of Airplane! - still the best travel comedy ever made

Can you believe that is has already been 30 years since Airplane! hit movie theaters? Sadly, Peter Graves did not live long enough to enjoy the moment, but he'll be in our memories forever, asking us to refrain from calling him Shirley. There are so many funny moments in the movie that it is impossible to pick one favorite, and to celebrate, I'll be popping the movie in my DVD player this evening. They just don't seem to make movies like this anymore, but I'm sure some day, someone will...

The national parks celebrate July 4th

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Festivals and Events, North America, United StatesLooking for things to do today to help celebrate the fourth of July? Then look no further than the U.S. National Parks, many of which are hosting special events to celebrate Independence Day. For example, Mt. Rushmore has a full schedule of activities set for the day that includes folk dancing, autographs from historical figures, music, and informational talks given by the rangers. In the...

A Dozen Ways to Save in New England

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel Deals Looking to make your travel bucks go a bit further this summer? Well, there are a dozen ways you can do it in New England. Twelve properties in the New England Inns & Resorts Association are kicking in extra nights, meal vouchers upgrades and comp'ed rounds of golf to get you under...

Benjamin Franklin, Traveler

Filed under: History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Stories, Europe, North America, France, United Kingdom, Travel Trivia "Traveling is one way of lengthening life," remarked Benjamin Franklin, after returning from his very first visit to France. The gentleman from Pennsylvania had only gone for two weeks but felt that his time in Paris was so pleasant and full...

Daily gear deals - $14 MP3 accessory kit, $9 leather iPad case and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday July 4, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from Yugster.com where you'll find a Belkin MP3 accessories kit on sale for $13.99. In the kit, you get an AC charger, car charger...

Beach-bound? Head to these best beaches on the west coast

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Surfing, North America, United StatesHanging 10 in Hawaii? Settling along the California coast? If the West is your destination this summer, don't miss a day at one of these fabulous west coast beaches. Not only are they free, they offer plenty to do if a day in the sand gets dull (although, we can't imagine it would)!...

Daily Pampering: Private opera in London

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and AccommodationsWhat better way to experience the opera than nestled in your own private balcony under a starry night in London? Central London's The Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate is offering just that for opera lovers, or for those who want to experience the opera in uniquely intimate way....

Five fantastic Chicagoland kid-friendly trips for the holiday weekend

Filed under: North America, United States Stuck in Chicagoland in need of some inspiration for the upcoming holiday weekend? With so much to do in the city, it isn't hard to find a way to entertain your family, but if you'd rather escape the traffic, heat and crowds, consider one of these five tips. All locations are very kid friendly, and won't...

The Tour de France begins today!

Filed under: Biking, Festivals and Events, Europe, Nepal, Belgium, FranceThe world's greatest cycling event, the Tour de France, gets underway today when the best riders on the planet descend on Rotterdam in the Netherlands for a short 8.9km (5.5 mile) prologue that will help set the early tone to this year's event. Ahead of the teams sits 20 more grueling stages,...

Scottevest sneak peak shows a carry-on jacket with a built in wardrobe!

Filed under: Gear We've been longtime fans of Scottevest products here on Gadling - for a reason. Their travel garments provide the ultimate in storage, with some products offering travelers up to 25 pockets. On Twitter, Scott Jordan (the Scott in Scottevest) revealed some upcoming products that take things to the next level. Annie already showed off how...

Video captures the essence of climbing Mt. Shasta

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, North America, United StatesMt. Shasta is a 14,179 foot tall volcano located in California's Cascade Mountains. The peak is a popular one with climbers, who generally attempt the mountain between April and October, although winter summits are not out of the question. The climb is a challenging one that requires more than 6300 feet of vertical gain, while crossing over snowfields and treacherous glacial moraines, which makes it the perfect peak for tuning up for...

Daily gear deals - $30 HD camcorder, $3 flashlight/toolkit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Saturday July 3, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Bestbuy deal site Cowboom.com has the honor of bringing us the first ever sub $30 HD camcorder - it is one of their private brand products, so I can't...

Chicago solution to budget problems: get passengers liquored up at O'Hare

Filed under: North America, United States, AirportsChicago's Mayor Daley has come up with a creative way to deal with his constant budget issues - introduce alcohol carts at Chicago O'Hare. The plan would allow current liquor license holders to sell booze at spots where there are no nearby restaurants or bars. Thankfully, the idea isn't as...

White Collar Travel: How Important Is That Phone Call?

Filed under: Business, North America, United StatesThe biggest complaint that non-business travelers have about the white collar folks likely involves cell phones. Our reluctance to turn the off at the appointed time is probably the greatest annoyance to those around us, though the Gordon Gekko-style pacing and posing at the gate tends to ruffle some feathers,...

Daily Pampering: Boston shopping spree with the Four Seasons Boston

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThe words "shopping spree" send shivers up my spine. What's better than someone handing over discount cards to some of the most elite boutiques in Boston, headlined with clothes from some of the world's most sought-out designers? Nothing, unless you couple it...

STA takes $200 off of ANY FLIGHT until 11AM on Friday

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Middle EastIt took us a bit of time to suss out the details, but we've now verified it. STA Travel has is having an epic sale on airfares. Basically, they're offering $200 off of any airplane ticket you can find, provided you book it through an STA agent over the phone or in person. Here's how it works: From 11AM...

Is it the end of the line for Antarctic cruise ships?

Filed under: Activism, Antarctica, Transportation, Ecotourism, CruisesOver the past decade, Antarctica has become an increasingly popular destination for adventure travelers with a penchant for visiting remote places that few others have the opportunity to see. To meet that demand, more and more ships have ventured into the frigid and treacherous waters...

Gadling reviews ZOMM - a brilliant Bluetooth accessory with a great story

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review For the past couple of days, I've been carrying a new Bluetooth accessory around with me - ZOMM. ZOMM stands for "Zac, Olivia and Madison's Mom" and is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Laurie Penix. The device is simple in design, but rich in features, and in one single product, manages to take care of several mobile phone...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - On Par in Catalina

Filed under: Stories, North America, United States, Video, Ecotourism, Budget Travel In continuation of our series on Catalina Island, we decided to settle the score on our golf skills once and for all! After brushing up on our swings in Orlando, it was time to take our game to the links of Catalina, where the green is only minutes away from the shores of the Pacific and the course is welcome to golfers of all levels (thankfully). Check out this bonus clip to see who came out ahead.Continue...

Ten wondrous things you can get away with at the beach

Filed under: Arts and Culture Going to the beach affords us all kind of freedoms. Just the hot sand and crashing waves can send people into spiritual abandon. That feeling is not solely internally manifested; there are genuine external freedoms we experience at the beach. Not all, but many social rules are gleefully shed when you hit seashore....

Daily gear deals - $90 Widescreen GPS unit, $10 travel umbrella and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday July 2, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a refurbished version of the Garmin Nuvi 260W. This widescreen GPS comes with spoken street names and a massive database of points of...

Google acquires ITA: the search for bargain airline deals is about to get even easier

Filed under: Learning, Business, Airlines, Transportation, Budget Travel, NewsYou're an avid traveler, right? Sure, why else would you be reading this? Chances are that you've spent some quality time at either Kayak, Airfare Watchdog, Bing Travel or one of the many other niche ticketing sites in search of deals over the past few months. To that end, you've...

Top Fourth of July fireworks spots across the US

Filed under: North America, United States Here are ten of the biggest and best (as well as some smaller and more regionally or otherwise distinctive) fireworks displays to anticipate this Fourth of July across the United States. And even if you can't be in ten places across a continent in a single day (you can't? weird!) these spots might just provide a...

Making a wish in Aruba

Filed under: Stories, Netherlands There is a tradition along the rocky northern shores of Aruba, but it was not inspired by a local custom. This tradition was created and is maintained by the island's mostly American tourists: wishing on stacks of rocks.

Ask Gadling: How do I pack for a trip to Antarctica?

Filed under: Gear, Antarctica, CruisesNo matter where you go, packing right is the first step to ensuring a positive travel experience. So, what if you're heading off to a more extreme destination, one that very few people have ever been to? This week's question comes from Cedric in Amarillo, Texas: "I've just found out that I may be...

Himalayan High: dangers of the trek

Filed under: Hiking, Asia, Nepal, Travel HealthOver the past few weeks I've shared all kinds of thoughts on an Everest Base Camp trek, one of the best long distance hikes anywhere in the world. I've also shared my thoughts on the best ways to prepare for the trek and which gear items you should bring along with you to the Himalaya. In this, the final article in the Himalayan High series, I'll share some thoughts on the potential dangers of the trek. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the biggest...

Summertime, and the maggots are easy

Filed under: North America, United StatesIt's summertime, which means that for people in many parts of North America, certain types of vermin are particularly well-represented in kitchen cupboards, bathroom corners, basement nooks and, heck, just about everywhere. Mosquitoes, cockroaches, water bugs, and other little flying and scurrying insects make...

Ryanair pushing ahead with $6 standing room only seats and paid bathrooms

Filed under: Europe, Airlines, Airline ReviewsLast year, Ryanair first mentioned their concept for several rows of standing only seats. The idea back then was to install special standing seats and offer them for a reduced fee. The new seating innovation has not been implemented yet, but Michael O'Leary wants everyone to know that he is...

An open love letter to İskender kebab

Filed under: Food and Drink, Turkey Dear İskender kebab, I know we only recently met, but, well, I love you. Whoa, whoa, don't freak out. I'm sure you get this a lot. I mean, you're pretty lovable. Turkish delight might be more famous (and have better PR people), but you're my own personal Turkish treasure. Don't get freaked out. I just really enjoyed our time...

Top Ten Reasons to Travel to Canada

Filed under: North America, CanadaHappy Canada Day! Bonne Fête du Canada! Today's the day that we celebrate that time when the Canadians defeated the British, uh, declared their independence, uh, were made the subject of a British parliamentary act (?). Whatever the celebration is for, dedicated travelers all love Canada simply...

Daily gear deals - free USB flashlight, $15 iPhone solar case and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday July 1, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a rechargeable USB flashlight. Disguised as a flash drive, this LED flashlight charges in your USB port. The product is free, but...

Disney Hawaii hotel to start accepting reservations for August 2011

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsReady to trade in palm trees for orchid leis? If Orlando is getting stale, but you still want the magic of Walt Disney, it's time to start thinking ahead to Hawaii. Word on the Disney blog is that Disney plans to begin accepting reservations for its new Hawaii resort hotel in a...

What's the worst part of going on vacation?

Filed under: Arts and CultureAccording to some psychologists, it might be the part when you're actually on vacation. A slew of recent studies have found that people are less happy while vacationing than they are while planning and remembering their trips. A study from 1997 analyzed survey results from people who went on several different trips - including a...

Daily Pampering: Champagne brunch at Arabelle Restaurant at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, New York

Filed under: Food and Drink Everyone likes a champagne brunch, but it's infinitely better when you've got champagne surroundings, as well. Arabelle Restaurant (above) at Hôtel Plaza Athénée in NYC is offering a Sunday brunch you're likely to treasure well into the following week. The brunch, described as...

Own a mountain village in New Zealand!

Filed under: Business, Stories, Oceania, New Zealand, Hotels and Accommodations, NewsBudding real estate moguls listen up, as I've got quite the deal for you. The New Zealand mountain village of Otira is up for sale, and is currently seeking new ownership. The asking price of NZ$1 million (roughly $690,000) gets you all kinds of amenities, including a...

Verizon Wireless HTC Droid Incredible review

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review In this (brief) review, we'll show off the Verizon Droid Incredible. The Incredible is the Verizon answer to the Nexus One - both phones have very similar specifications, but Verizon managed to add a couple of tasty treats to their device. On the outside, the Droid Incredible is a sleek looking Android powered phone - a red...

Galley Gossip: Seattle - places to stay & things to do (with a 13 year-old boy)

Filed under: Food and Drink, Hotels and Accommodations, Galley GossipAre you familiar with downtown Seattle? My 13 year-old son and I are going there for 5 nights in late August. What do you think is the coolest downtown hotel? We are looking at Hotel 100 and The W but can't decide. We are open to all suggestions as well as...

Ten of the best (and worst) airline safety videos ever made

The humble airline safety video will never be up for any Oscars, and seldom will you hear people saying they really enjoyed the production values in the 4 minute clip telling them what they need to do in order to prevent certain death. Still, some airlines manage to put some creativity into their safety clips, while others settled for the bare minimum, or worse. Here are ten of the best and worst airline safety video clips we could find. Air New Zealand - "bares all" Yes - nudity...

Awesome virtual tour of Target Field (with my dad)

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Photos, United States I grew up going to the Metrodome, that is to say, I grew up going to baseball games inside of an inflatable moonwalk where all the seats faced the 50 yard line. There was a lot of controversy when the Twins wanted a new stadium, as there always is in every city. Now that I've visited Target...

Daily gear deals - $4 headphones, $13 luggage set and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday June 30, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a pair of noise isolating headphones. The Elago E3 headphones feature a gold plated connector, and an included assortment of...

Virgin Hotels? Sir Richard Branson's newest project gives travelers a 'suite' escape

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines, Luxury TravelNothing is out of reach for Virgin-founder Sir Richard Branson. On yesterday's inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Toronto, Branson dished on all things Virgin, including the upcoming 'rumored' Virgin Hotels. Our friends at HotelChatter.com report that Branson is close to making an...

Five great Fourth of July destinations

Filed under: North America, United StatesArguably the most American holiday of all (sorry, Thanksgiving!) the Fourth of July occupies an undeniably special place in the hearts of millions. Remarkably, the enthusiasm of so many for the holiday seemingly floats independently of patriotism. It's a family holiday, a time for picnics and fireworks and...

Letter from Kamakura (or, how London and Japan are the same but different)

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Asia, JapanI've never been in Asia before, and right now I'm standing at the very front of a train, riding from Tokyo's Narita airport towards the first Japanese city I've ever visited, Kamakura. There's a window straight into the driver's cabin, and through his windshield down the track ahead, where...

Cathay Pacific donates travel package to Los Angeles music charity

Filed under: AirlinesIn celebration of Cathay Pacific Airways' 20 years of nonstop flights between Hong Kong and the United States, the airline is awarding an Anniversary Giveaway package to Education Through Music - Los Angeles. The prize: 200,000 Asia Miles, a Business Class dinner for 20 volunteers, and $2,000 in cash. Charities from throughout the...

SkyMall Monday Bonus: Mike Barish on CBS Up to the Minute

If you enjoy reading SkyMall Monday, then you'll get a kick out of me appearing on CBS News Up to the Minute last week discussing some of my favorite SkyMall products. Gadling is proud of the cadre of experts that fill its pages with travel news, stories and features. Lest you think I'm just some kook with a SkyMall fetish, this video proves that I, too, am an expert.SkyMall Monday Bonus: Mike Barish on CBS Up to the Minute originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST....

Bargain hunting in Madrid's famous Rastro market

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Spain Shopping is a fun part of any trip, yet sometimes it's hard to find something truly unique, something that tells a bit about the culture but stands out from what 10,000 other tourists bought that year. Finding a good souvenir can be a real problem. In Madrid, you'll never have that problem. At El Rastro, a giant...

Daily Pampering: Unlimited wine for ladies at Sugar Ridge Antigua

Filed under: Food and Drink, Antigua and Barbuda Sugar Ridge Antigua wants to host your "Girlfriends Getaway" and is totally trying to entice you with wine. I feel okay with that, don't you? Ladies booking the Girlfriends Getaway package, a four-night all-inclusive, will get two one-hour massages per person, free breakfast, lunch and...

Hotel staffers sentenced to prison for stealing World Cup souvenirs

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Africa, South Africa, Hotels and AccommodationsThere's the exciting side of sports and there's the crazy side of sports, and sometimes, crazy just goes too far. According to reports from South Africa, the cleaning staff of an unidentified luxury hotel were sentenced to three years in...

Photo of the Day (06.28.10)

Filed under: Asia, China, Photo of the Day I like when people argue over who would win in a race between the Flash and Superman. Not that I'm a comic book geek, but it's always a fun debate. It sure beats listening to people drone on about politics or religion. So, the Flash is super fast. But Superman is faster than a speeding bullet. Would it have to be a foot race?...

Himalayan High: gear for the trek

Filed under: Hiking, Gear, Asia, Nepal, CampingIn my last post on my recent trek to Everest Base Camp I wrote about ways to prepare for the trek, physically getting yourself ready to handle the demands of the hike. It is my opinion that anyone who makes this trip will have a far better experience, and can save themselves quite a bit of grief, if they are well prepared for the trail. That same philosophy carries over to the gear that you choose to bring along on the trek as well. The proper...

Accor Hotels launches online game; winner wins trip to Europe

Filed under: Photos, Europe, France, Germany, Spain, Hotels and AccommodationsWe love a good game of hide and seek at Gadling, so when we heard about Accor Hotels' new online game called "Around the World Photo Hunt" we had to investigate further. Seems the social media managers at the hotel are working to build brand awareness in North America by...

Going back to basics on the road - when high tech becomes high burden

In the past two decades, the high tech arsenal of the frequent traveler has gone through some major upgrades. What started with the brick phone, has evolved into a package of smartphone-digital-camera-socialmedia-netbook -3G equipment. On any given day, even the most amateur of travelers may be carrying over $1000 in high-tech gear. During one of my...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - Zip Lining on Catalina Island

Filed under: Hiking, History, Scuba Diving, Podcasts, North America, United States, Video, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Trivia GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 21 - Click above to watch video after the jump In part one of our Catalina adventure, we surprised Aaron with a trip to the island for some quality undersea exploration. Now, join us as we explore more of the...

Daily gear deals - $10 netbook charger, $20 laptop bag and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Tuesday June 29, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a neat 10-in-1 key chain weather forecast computer. Inside this gadget is a flashlight, compass, alarm clock, thermometer and more. On...

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Hotel officially open for chillin'

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe man who brought you cheeseburgers in paradise and found your lost shaker of salt is now bringing you a place to lay your night after a few too many margaritas. The first Margaritaville Beach Hotel opens June 28 on the barrier island of Pensacola Beach in the Gulf of Mexico. After two...

St. Louis enjoys a craft beer revival

Filed under: North America, United StatesThere's something new brewing in St. Louis these days. Best-known as the home to beer titan Anheuser-Busch, this Midwestern town is enjoying a different type of beer resurgence these days, thanks to a growing number of small breweries that have set up shop around town. A recent news article chronicles the...

Affordable Paris souvenir: glass yogurt containers as candle holders

Filed under: Arts and Culture, North America, United States, Budget TravelSouvenir shopping can be a frustrating and expensive task, but sometimes, you know you've found the perfect souvenir as soon as you see it. On a recent trip to Paris, I was pleased to find that my hotel breakfast included single-size servings of yogurt in adorable little glass...

Relaxing in China Part 2: A Walk in the Park

Filed under: Asia, ChinaThe twitter of birds, the fresh scent of flowers, a picnic on the grass -- is this your idea of an afternoon in the park? If so, you'd better stay far away from China. Recently, I discussed the decidedly non-relaxing experience of a Chinese massage. A walk in the park is another activity that might normally be...

Photo of the Day (6.27.10)

Filed under: Asia, Vietnam, Photo of the Day Vietnam's Halong Bay is natural oddity unlike anything on earth. Huge limestone rock formations surge from the Vietnam's coast like looming sea monsters, lending the landscape an unforgettable visual appeal. Flickr user andreakw has put Halong Bay's unique rock formations to good use in today's photo. The darkened...

Expedition school preps potential explorers

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Europe, France, CampingAre you an adventurous traveler who has ambitions of exploring the world, but you just aren't sure how to put the unique expedition of your dreams together? If so, then perhaps Mark Kalch's Expedition School is for you. This 3-day event is designed to give budding explorers all the skills...

Top five weekend travel media stories

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iceland, Netherlands, United States, New ZealandAmong the travel stories in this weekend's newspaper travel sections, the following articles were especially inspirational. 1. Peter Frick-Wright writes a lip-smacking ode to the Cowboy Dinner Tree steakhouse in Silver Lake,...

Best shoes for summer travel

Filed under: Gear, Gadling Gear ReviewTraveling in the warmer months of the year can present unique apparel challenges. When preparing for a trip to the lower latitudes or destinations where water will be a major factor, certain considerations should be made. One important decision is the choice of footwear. There are few shoes that can do it all, but some can accommodate a variety of warm-weather activities.

Travel industry insider Q&A: Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, United States, Cruises, CaribbeanStewart Chiron, also known as The Cruise Guy, has turned his passion for cruising into a remarkable career. In a way, his is sort of the ultimate travel industry dream story. Kid identifies travel obsession, pursues it, refines it, and then is lucky enough to...

Daily gear deals - $80 wide screen GPS, $50 HD camcorder and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Monday June 28, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Magellan RoadMate 1420 GPS unit. This navigator comes with spoken street names, AAA tourbook, 6 million points of interest and more....

FDA report claims airline food could pose major health hazard

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United StatesAn inspection report by the Food and Drug Administration has uncovered some pretty disgusting finds after visits to airline catering kitchens. The inspections took place at U.S. kitchens of Gate Gourmet, LSG Skychefs and Flying Food Group. These three make up the majority of aviation catering....

SkyMall Monday: Lighted Nail Clipper/Magnifier

I'm going to be honest with you, many of you disgust me. Seriously, you are gross, impolite, awful people. Not all of you. Just those of you who think it's perfectly acceptable clip your toenails in public. You know who you are. I've seen you on the subway. I've heard your clippers in bathroom stalls. Hell, I've seen you on airplanes! How do you sleep...

Hotel room upgrades on the cheap with "Nor1" online service

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations During one of my summer Mattress Runs, the hotel booking process offered something any frequent guest loves to see - the option to request a paid upgrade. Since I had never seen this offered at this particular chain, I decided to dig a little deeper into the feature. As it turns out, there is a third party company...

Photo of the Day (6.26.2010)

Filed under: South America, Brazil, Photo of the Day Order imposed on nature: here, the symmetry of the building highlights the symmetry of the garden (captured by Flickr user AlexSven in Brazil). I think one of my favorite things about gardens such as this one is their keepers' attempts to domesticate the wild world. Shrubs are...

The Gobi March begins today

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Asia, ChinaMore than 150 of the world's top ultra-runners have assembled in the remote city of Turban, located in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in western China, to take part in one of the most challenging foot races on Earth. The event is known as The Gobi March, and over the course of the next week, the competitors will...

Daily gear deals - 10 pack USB wall/car chargers, $20 photo printer and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday June 27, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a ten pack of dual USB/wall chargers. These plug directly in to your car power outlet, or into any regular wall outlet. On sale for $9.99,...

Daily Pampering: Soulful serenading in the Swiss Alps

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, Switzerland, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelWhat's more romantic than a hot summer evening and the smooth sounds of Foreigner? (Cue the high school flashbacks) Outdoor music fans (and children of the 1980s and 1990s) prepare to flock to the Swiss Alps for the "Live at Sunset" concert. If your summer travels...

Photo of the day (6.25.10)

Filed under: South America, Brazil, Photo of the Day Brazil is on the tips of millions, even billions, of tongues these days, and the World Cup, which Brazil stands a good chance of winning, is only partially responsible for all the talk. The last year or two has seen Brazil confidently emerging as a global player. Monocle's coverage in May of Brazil's...

Live out your Twilight fantasies at Olympic National Park

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Travel DealsThe next installment of the Twilight saga is now just a few days away, and fans are already preparing to catch the latest exploits of those kooky vampires and werewolves on the big screen. To celebrate, the release of Eclipse, the Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park...

G20 summit hits Toronto tourism hard

Filed under: Activism, North America, CanadaIf you're in Toronto to sample the Canadian city's great shopping, culture, and nightlife, you picked the wrong weekend. The G20 summit has caused many of the downtown businesses to shut, reports travel site Martini Boys. The site gives an long list of major restaurants, theaters, and other...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - Catalina Island Part 1

Filed under: Biking, Hiking, History, Scuba Diving, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Video, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Trivia GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 20 - Click above to watch video after the jump This week we have an extra special episode - it's Aaron's birthday and we've decided to surprise him by going to one of Southern...

From four-wheeling to cattle roping, saying 'I do' just got a little more adventurous

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsWeddings were never my thing. Between the dress, the invitations, the cakes, the chaos - the concept is too overwhelming for me to digest. I've participated and planned dozens of weddings for my nearest and dearest and while I couldn't be happier...

Flying above Madrid in a cable car

Filed under: Europe, SpainMadrid's museums and bars are a great place to spend a trip, but if you need a quick vacation from your vacation, check out the cable cars between two of Madrid's best parks. Known as the Teleférico, they go from Parque del Oeste to Casa De Campo, Madrid's largest park. Built by a Swiss company and inaugerated in 1969, the...

Environmentalists protest BP art sponsorship

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, United KingdomIf you're planning to see some art in the United Kingdom this summer, you might have to walk through a picket line. Environmental groups are protesting BP's sponsorship of exhibitions and galleries across the UK, saying the oil giant is trying to clean up its image despite being...

White Collar Travel: Stupid things business travelers have done

Filed under: Business, North America, United StatesSometimes you lose your mind when you're on the road. You either develop a highly inappropriate sense of entitlement (this is my seat on my plane) or decide that nothing matters, giving you a blank check to behave like an asshole. The combination of professional pressures - in my day, it was the collapse...

Coast Guard rescues unwitting drunk man one mile offshore, drifting on pool floatie

Filed under: North America, United States, News You heard right: The United States Coast Guard yesterday rescued a Florida man who got drunk, climbed into an inflatable swimming pool ring (the kind little kids use), passed out, and then drifted a mile offshore from Belleair Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately, a concerned boater spotted what he thought was debris and came for a closer look, then called the Coast Guard to report what he thought was a dead body. Despite boat horns and...

Escape the heat at Wentworth by the Sea

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsOn an oppressive day like today (which for me is any day over 80 degrees), New Hampshire starts to sound incredibly attractive. It's a bit cooler than New York - to the point where you can actually feel it. Throw in an upscale dining experience, and that's all the reason you need for a...

Riders of size not welcome on Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park ride

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United States, NewsWhen it comes to overweight guests, none of the magic spells or potions in the world are enough to make them fit in the flagship ride at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The ride, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" is one of the most modern theme park rides in...

Daily Pampering: Miami's 'Rhythm Massage'

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelWhen Dayalis Gonzalez was looking for a way to spice up her daily spa routines, she turned on the music in her car and let the beat guide her. The result? A unique massage that incorporates the rhythm of Latin and Spanish music into massage movements meant to connect your mind and body...

It's the last dam summer at Olympic National Park

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, History, Learning, Paddling, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel DealsThere are big changes in store for Olympic National Park, which is located in the Olympic Peninnorthwest corner of Washington state on the Olympic Peninsula. The park is an interesting...

Galley Gossip: A letter from a flight attendant to Jerry Seinfeld concerning Lady Gaga, bad behavior & free upgrades

Filed under: Galley GossipDear Mr. Seinfeld, May I call you Jerry? After Lady Gaga removed her shirt and held up her middle finger at a Mets game, she was escorted to your private box seats. Later on you complained about the singer's behavior by stating, "I can't believe they put her in my box that I paid for! You give people the finger...

Daily gear deals - free Swiss Tech tool, $4 2-pack USB chargers and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday June 25, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a Swiss Tech keychain multi-tool. This neat little device features four different screwdrivers, and since there is no blade, it'll be safe...

Open skies agreement between EU and US signed

Filed under: Europe, North America, United States, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, NewsThe United States and the European Union have signed an open skies agreement that makes it easier for airlines to buy one another. This is the second open skies agreement between the two governments. The first open skies agreement took effect in 2008 and...

Scottish police called to calm and feed rioting Ryanair passengers

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Airlines, News Once again, Irish low cost carrier Ryanair is in the news with a story involving passenger mistreatment. Yesterday, police were called to assist in calming 168 passengers on a Ryanair plane at Prestwick airport in the UK. The plane was bound for Girona, Spain, but had been stuck on the ground for six...

Harlem welcomes Aloft; first new hotel in more 40 years

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsStarwood's budget brand Aloft will make its New York debut this summer, opening up a stylish hotel in Harlem. The Aloft Harlem will be the first Aloft property in New York City and the first hotel to open in Harlem in more than 40 years. Aloft was created to offer...

Gucci sues over branded hotel in Dubai

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThings are getting catty on the catwalk. Elisabetta Gucci's plans to open a global chain of hotels under the Gucci name may be blocked by the luxury fashion company. Seems Gucci - the goods - doesn't want any affiliation with Gucci - the hotel. "Gucci wants to make clear that it has no relationship to...

Philadelphia's Loews Hotel offers VIP tickets for Cleopatra exhibit

Filed under: Arts and Culture, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, Travel DealsIf you're set on seeing the Cleopatra exhibit in Philadelphia at the Franklin Institute, save some time and money by booking a hotel package that throws in a pair of VIP museum passes. Regular admission to "Cleopatra: the Search for the Last Queen...

Summer lovin: Top seafood shacks in the U.S.

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United StatesLobster rolls, fried clams, fish sandwiches... the tastes of summer comes from the sea at these top seafood shacks in America. Just add lemon or a little drawn butter, and you're good to go. Crabby Bill's, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida: The original real deal in Florida seafood offers four unique...

Sofitel Luxury Hotels hotel signs new Shanghai hotel

Filed under: Asia, China, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelShanghai is becoming quite the envy of hoteliers. Just this week, the Ritz-Carlton opened its second Shanghai property, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, and earlier this year The Peninsula Shanghai opened its doors to China travelers. Both hotels come just in time for the flood of...

Ryanair to open base in Valencia, Spain

Filed under: Business, Europe, Spain, Airlines, Airports, Budget TravelBudget airline Ryanair has announced that it will open a base in Valencia, Spain, Inside Ireland reports. Service will start in November with a total of 260 flights a week to 20 destinations, including popular spots such as Madrid, Barcelona, London-Stansted, Dublin, Brussels,...

Connecticut family spends seven years sailing the world

Filed under: Africa, Asia, North America, South AmericaFor one Connecticut family of four, a sailing vacation turned into a seven year adventure. In 2003 the Hopkins family decided to take their 32-foot boat for a long holiday to visit exotic locations. Seven years later, they are settling back into life in the US. During the voyage the family hit several continents including Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. Their longest stint at sea lasted 36 days and the longest time they...

Startling underwater discovery at Gallipoli battlefield

Filed under: History, Learning, Asia, Turkey Underwater archaeologists exploring off the coast of Gallipoli, Turkey, have found a somber relic from the famous WWI battle. A barge that removed dead and wounded soldiers from the beachhead back to a hospital ship was found at the bottom of the sea. The team also found the wreck of the...

New Spirit Airlines promo invites you to check out the "oil on our beaches"

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesThe cheeky ad designers at Spirit Airlines are at it again - after their "Muff Diving", "DD" and "MILF" promotions, their newest stunt invites you to check out the "oil on our beaches". In this case though, the oil does not show the BP spill, but scantily clad women covering themselves in "Best...

Air Berlin's two-for-one promo

Filed under: Europe, North America, United Arab, Germany, United States, Middle EastAir Berlin, the German low-cost carrier that gets typically great reviews for its various old-school perks seldom associated with budget airlines (assigned seating, checked bags carried through to connecting flights, and free snacks, drinks, and newspapers) is...

New A&E series "The Glades" looking for an extra - flights included!

Filed under: North America, United StatesOn July 11, A&E will premiere their newest show - The Glades. As the name implies, the show takes place in the Everglades, and features everything that makes a crime show a great crime show - a moody Chicago cop exiled to Florida, mysterious murders and plenty of good looking...

Photo of the Day (6.23.10)

Filed under: Photos, Photo of the Day When Mom's not around, the kids will find their own fun. Could this be any cuter? Titled "Sibling Rivalry," Flickr user fiznatty captured the essence of siblings everywhere. Full of love, and also a little fury, these grizzly bear cubs played happily near the Grizzly Lake trailhead, according to the photo caption. Have a fun family...

Himalayan High: preparing for the trek

Filed under: Hiking, Asia, Nepal, Travel HealthTrekking to Everest Base Camp is not a trip for everyone. It is, at times, quite a physically demanding experience, and when you combine high altitude with plenty of challenging climbs, you get a recipe for suffering. When I tell people that I've made that hike, I'm usually asked two questions. First, they almost invariably ask, "Can 'normal' people make the trek?" and secondly they ask, "How did you prepare?" The answer to the first question is...

Intrepid Travel: Not your average tour operator

Filed under: Turkey Tours have a PR problem when it comes to wooing people who define themselves as "travelers." Tours are crowded. Tours are contrived. Tours are for...well...tourists. But are all tours created equally? I've written before about deciding if a tour is right for you, but it had been a while since I actually took one. Since I last wrote about the topic, I...

The mystifying trail up the Uetliberg

Filed under: Switzerland It was a ludicrously foggy day when I rode the train up the Uetliberg and embarked on the trail to Uto Kulm. The Uetliberg is a Swiss mountain known as the "Top of Zürich," crowned with a 236 foot tower which you can climb for panoramic views of Zürich and beyond -- unless it's half as foggy as the day I was there. Uto Kulm, pictured...

New luxury hotel to open in Kuwait

Filed under: Kuwait, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelHotel Missoni announced it will launch its newest luxury property in Kuwait this fall. The hotel, set to open September 2010, will be succeeded by Hotel Missoni openings in South Africa (2011), Brazil (2012) and Oman (2012). The Hotel Missoni Kuwait is the second property and the...

Disney goes luxe: Company plans pricey new vacation homes

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelTaking a hint from other luxury hotels and condo complexes, Walt Disney Co. plans to unveil a pricey vacation-home development in Florida's Walt Disney World. The Wall Street Journal is reporting Disney will offer homes ranging in price from $1.5 million to $8 million....

Only in Alaska: Flight-seeing Mt. McKinley

Filed under: North America, United States, CruisesYesterday we wrote about the tallest mountain in the world: Mt. McKinley (better known as "Denali"). Now, how to view this mighty peak? If you want to see the summit, you have two options: One, you could climb the mountain. But if the training and heights and gear and...

Daily gear deals - $90 iPod Nano, $30 Bluetooth carkit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday June 24, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. On a road trip, you may be traveling with a car full of phones, so consider investing in this $12 4-port USB car charger. You'll need to bring your own USB...

An unforgettable ride on Japan's bullet train

Filed under: Asia, Japan, Video I don't know who's behind the recent glut of Japan-centric videos that's been floating around web. Then again, it doesn't matter, does it? All that matters is the creators behind these short movies are some seriously creative individuals. The video above comes to us courtesy of daihei shibata, a Tokyo resident who decided to film his recent train ride on Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) between Shinosaka and Tokyo. Not only did Daihei film his entire...

Is Thailand Safe Now?

Filed under: Asia, Thailand, Airports, NewsYeah, pretty much. A full month has passed since Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the slightly Orwellian-sounding CRES (Center for...

Naked Cowboy versus Naked Cowgirl

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsThe Naked Cowboy, a Times Square icon, has filed a cease-and-desist order against a fellow public performer for infringing on his trademark. The Naked Cowgirl, a former stripper, has been performing in the cowboy's territory lately and isn't budging. Both performers wear limited clothing, a cowboy hat, and play a guitar for tourists visiting Times Square. The Naked Cowboy, Robert Burck, is reportedly seeking $150,000 from the Cowgirl and has...

Thirsty? Drink up at one of these top 10 roofdeck bars

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsIt's been a long day, it's hot outside, and you need a cold beverage - stat! Maybe you're celebrating a good friend's promotion, or commiserating over a failed board meeting. Whatever the reason, rooftop...

Airbnb founder to eat his own dog food

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet ToolsCouch surfing - or whatever else you'd call the hitchhiking equivalent to sleeping - might work for a few nights, but can you make a career of it? The founder and CEO of a spare room rental service is about to find out. Brian Chesky, one of the minds behind Airbnb,...

St Barths on shoe leather and a thumb

Filed under: Arts and Culture, CaribbeanBefore I left Eden Rock, on St. Barths, in search of the local tobacconist, I was told: "You can't get lost." Usually, when I hear that, I wind up making some wrong turn or other directional blunder. The route from Eden Rock to Village Creole, where I planned to cut and light a cigar at La Casa del Habano,...

Cracks on American Airlines Boeing 767 planes "cause for concern"

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, NewsExperts from American Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing are working overtime to inspect all Boeing 767 aircraft in the AA fleet. The inspections were ordered after cracks were detected on a 767 which regulators say could have resulted in the loss of an engine....

Daily Pampering: "Rough it" in a luxury tent with Thomas Keneally

Filed under: Australia, Luxury Travel Renowned Australian author Thomas Keneally (best known for Schindler's Ark, which served as the basis for a little movie called Schindler's List) is heading to Longitude 131, a luxury tented camp near Uluru July 9-11, and you can be among the lucky few who get to meet him and share stories around...

Photo of the Day (6.22.10)

Filed under: Photos, Africa, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Photo of the Day No matter how remote your current location, it's a pretty safe bet that you've seen some trace of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa over the past 10 days. This humbling shot comes from travel photographer Austin Mann - taken at the Spain v. Switzerland game at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium....

Letter from Japan: Learning the language of silence

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Asia, JapanIn most countries of the world it helps to know the language a little before you arrive; in Japan, it can only be an impediment. Words tend to get in the way, and the ideal conversation for most of the Japanese I've lived among for 22 years is one in which as few words as possible are exchanged. The country fashions itself more as a family than a free-for-all, and as in any close setting, if you really know someone, you listen less to her...

Help build the Flight 93 national memorial

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, North America, United States, Internet ToolsOn 9/11, 40 people died on board United Flight 93 when the plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. We don't know exactly what happened during the plane's final minutes, but we do know that a number of the passengers worked together to prevent hijackers...

PhoneHalo uses Bluetooth to protect your phone and your belongings

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review I've just spent a week playing with testing one of the newest Bluetooth gadgets to hit the market. PhoneHalo is designed to protect your phone and your personal belongings. The product consists of two parts - the PhoneHalo device and the PhoneHalo software. Once installed on your mobile device (currently available for Android...

From the shores of Louisiana: Inside the Atchafalaya water basin

Filed under: North America, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism, Caribbean Dean Wilson guns the outboard engine on his snub-nosed, 17-foot aluminum bateaux through thick water hyacinth. We are in the heart of the 1.4 million acre Atchafalaya water basin which is both his backyard and his preserve - he is its formal "keeper" - when I ask...

Daily gear deals - $1.50 travel comfort kit, $100 rugged GPS and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday June 23, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a "travel comfort pack" - for $1.49, you get an inflatable pillow, eye shades and earplugs. To get the low price, you'll need to...

Strike in Greece leaves tourists stranded

Filed under: Europe, Greece, Transportation, NewsA strike by dock workers in Greece's main port of Piraeus has kept thousands of visitors from boarding ferries to the Greek islands. Greece is trying to impose economic austerity measures that were dictated by the IMF and EU in exchange for a 110 billion euro ($135 billion) bailout. Trade unions...

The Plaza hotel launches first Virtual Concierge app on iPads

Filed under: Gear, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThe iPad is certainly making its way around the hotel circuit. Next on the saucy gadget's list: The Plaza, one of New York City's top luxury hotels. And when the iPad enters the Plaza, the iPad does it in style. The Plaza's iPads will feature the first virtual...

Only in Alaska: The tallest mountain in the world

Filed under: Asia, North America, China, United StatesCan you name the tallest mountain in the world? Did Mt. Everest just pop into your head? If so, you're close - but not totally correct. Mt. Everest, at 29,029ft, is the highest mountain in the world. But Everest's base is way up on the Tibetan Plateau at 17,000 feet. So...

Ask Gadling: How to get a ticking clock through airport security

Filed under: Airports Today's question comes from Joseph, who's currently traveling in Copenhagen. "I recently purchased a late 1920s savings bank clock while antique shopping at the Gammel Strand antiques market in Copenhagen, Denmark. I was wondering if you have any advice for transporting the clock, which is still...

How to buy cheap Broadway tickets this fall

Filed under: Arts and Culture, North America, United States, Budget Travel, Travel DealsCatching a Broadway show may be a quintessential New York experience, but a pair of orchestra tickets can easily cost as much as your hotel room. If your travel plans are flexible, consider waiting until fall to take advantage of Broadway.com's latest promotion, which...

Mixed Messages, Part II: The role of the flight attendant

Filed under: Business, Airlines It's almost embarrassing to admit that the short, comical (and obviously very powerful) JetBlue video that I noticed on a recent flight left me with so much food for thought. Maybe it's the fact that a stick figure chased a little red dot into the overhead compartment ... I'm not sure. What does matter is that it had an effect....

Dutch insurance firm offers world cup finals travel insurance

Filed under: Europe, NetherlandsUnlike, say 98% of Americans, the Dutch are completely in love with football- so much in fact, that many of them would rather cancel their summer vacation than risk being stuck at a foreign camping site without a TV. So, for those travelers, Dutch insurance firm "Europeesche" has introduced the...

Finding the Holy Spirit in Baja: Darwin would be proud

Filed under: Hiking, Paddling, Stories, Mexico, Camping, Ecotourism, Airports, Central America Imagine an uninhabited island with clear bays of turquoise water edged with rocky cliffs. Sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions make their home on its shores. The surrounding waters contain giant manta ray, shark, dolphin, orca, and the mighty pacific gray whale. This...

Video: The weirdest hotels in the world

Filed under: Europe, North America, South America, Japan, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Hotels and AccommodationsWant to try something different this vacation? How about staying in one of the weird hotels in the world? Whether you want to unleash your inner mermaid or spend time repenting your sins in prison, these hotels offer everything for the truly strange-at-heart. On the flip side, at least you don't have to worry about showing your friends boring old vacation...

Buccaneer Bob flies the skull and crossbones aboard the Chicago Wacky Pirate Cruises

Filed under: North America, United States, Cruises Mercury's Chicago Skyline cruises are a fantastic way to see (what I consider to be) the best skyline in the world. Thing is, young kids are usually not all that interested in hearing how Daniel Burnham designed the lake...

Cantabria: Spain's rugged northern coast

Filed under: Europe, Spain Spain is a hugely popular tourist destination, but people tend to go along the same old, same old trail. Either they pop into Madrid for a couple of days to see the art before hitting the southern cities of Seville and Grenada, or they skip culture entirely and go straight to the Costa del Sol to soak up some...

Billings Rimrock Auto Arena shredded by tornado

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Video, NewsThe MetraPark Entertainment and Trade Center in Billings, Montana was ravaged yesterday by a monstrous tornado. Several businesses in the Heights neighborhood also sustained heavy damage. The MetraPark's Rimrock Auto Arena is a major concert and event venue in the region and draws tourists from across Montana and Wyoming. The storm struck around 4:30 PM yesterday and was accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and...

Daily Pampering: St. Vincent's first luxury resort is over the top

Filed under: St. Vincent & Grenadines Welcome to the all-new Buccament Bay Resort, the first 5-star luxury resort in St. Vincent. Here, you will find he Caribbean's first-ever Trader Vic's, the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School, Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Harlequin Fitness Centre and Diving & Water Sports Centre, the Harlequin Performing...

Pianos being installed at NYC landmarks

Filed under: Arts and Culture, North America, United States, NewsThose who love to tickle the ivories will now be able to spread that love in a much more public way thanks to the "Play Me, I'm Yours" project. Sing for Hope has coordinated a public art project which is installing 60 pianos at New York City landmarks. Each instrument was decorated uniquely by local...

Amazon Kindle joins ebook price war - drops to $189

Filed under: Gear, Gadling's Daily DealThe Amazon Kindle (and ebook readers in general) are perfect for travel - they offer instant, often wireless access to online book stores, can carry 100's of books in a single device, and their e-ink displays are easy on the eyes. When Amazon launched their Kindle back in 2007, it cost $399 (and I bought one...

Letter from France: A time tunnel named Cluny

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Europe, FranceSay "Cluny" and most people do not think cowled monks, dunce-cap towers or "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries. They think George Clooney. Who knows, a thousand years ago Clooney's ancestors may have strayed north from a monastic cradle in Cluny. Then as now this picturesque town of 5,000 was cupped by green hills at the extreme southern end of Burgundy, a pleasing location. Clooney's face currently stares out from walls and billboards at...

Photo of the Day (06.21.10)

Filed under: Photo of the Day Youth truly is wasted on the young. When I was a kid, I was thoroughly entertained - for hours! - by simply spinning in circles or making a funny sound. I could kill an evening catching fireflies or jumping from couch to couch while avoiding the "lava" that was the carpet. As an adult, I find myself searching for interesting restaurants,...

Himalayan High: guided vs independent trekking

Filed under: Hiking, Learning, Asia, Nepal, Camping, Budget TravelFor many adventure travelers, the Himalaya represent the ultimate destination. A visit to those mountains combines physical challenges, stunning landscapes, and spectacular cultural experiences. But whether you're making a trek to Everest Base Camp, hiking the Annapurna Circuit, or simply strolling to Namche Bazaar, you'll have to make an important choice before you go - whether to hire a guide or travel independently. If you...

Galley Gossip: Laviators Unite - at flickr.com

Filed under: Photos, Airlines, Video, Transportation, Galley GossipAfter I wrote the article hottest trend on the airplane since the mile high club something odd happened, readers started emailing me photos of themselves in the lav! Of course that prompted me to write Laviators Unite -Mile High Headshots!...

Daily gear deals - $139 Amazon Kindle, $20 Skype cordless phone and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Tuesday June 22, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the Amazon Kindle. Yesterday we mentioned its price drop to $189 - but if that is still too much for you, consider a...

Greece will compensate tourists in case of national strike

Filed under: Activism, Europe, GreeceAs strikes, protests, and other forms of industrial action continue in Greece, tourism officials are scrambling to reassure visitors that the country is open for business. Bookings are down ten percent, and with tourism accounting for twenty percent of the national income, it's the economic equivalent of being...

Report: Summer forecast improves for hotels

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsSummer has always been the peak travel season for U.S. travelers. While the past few summers have kept more Americans at home than usual, the summer of 2010 is shaping up to be a much better travel season, especially for hotels. According to STR's revised 2010 summer forecast, the U.S....

Mixed Messages: How airlines miss the service opportunity

Filed under: Business, AirlinesAs I write this, I'm several thousand feet above the Atlantic Ocean on a JetBlue flight to St. Martin. I looked up from my screen for a moment, just to get a change of scenery from the seemingly endless line of characters that's been manifesting before my eyes. On the small screen housed in the seatback before me, I saw a...

Santander: a beautiful port in northern Spain

Filed under: Europe, SpainYesterday we talked about some of the things to do while visiting Cantabria, Spain's often-overlooked northern province. The best place to use as a base while touring Cantabria is the provincial capital Santander. Santander is a port and owes its life to the sea. It has a northern bay and a southern bay divided by a thin peninsula. The...

Cambridge Hyatt lures Facebook fans with free internet access

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet ToolsDo you like Hyatt? Wait, let me rephrase that: do you "like" Hyatt? Not in that way ... in the Facebook way. Here's the deal: if you like the Hyatt Regency on Cambridge on Facebook (in the manner that used to be called becoming a fan), you'll score a night of free internet...

Next clubbing hotspot--the West Bank?

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Nightlife, Middle EastOne thing that travel teaches you is that wherever you go, people want to have fun. You just don't expect that people are able to have fun in some places. The West Bank is commonly perceived to be one of those places. The Israeli blockade, factional power struggles, terrorism, and...

Photo of the Day (6.20.10)

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Photo of the Day How many times have you seen a photo of Sydney's iconic Opera House? Probably way more than you can count, right? But how many times have you seen the view presented by Flickr user Gus NYC in today's photo? Probably never. His photo offers a great example of how to great creative when framing famous landmarks....

Top five weekend travel media stories

Filed under: Europe, North America, Oceania, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, FijiHere are some of the best travel stories from this weekend's English-speaking newspaper travel media. 1. In the New York Times, Stephen Heyman profiles six moderately-priced New York City boutique hotels. One of the boutique hotels reviewed even has...

U.S. - Mexico to create peace park along border?

Filed under: Activism, Hiking, History, North America, Mexico, United States, Camping, NewsThe U.S. and Mexico have announced plans to move ahead with the creation of a peace park along their shared border. Presidents Obama and Calderon met last month to sign an agreement that would protect the wild and untamed wilderness along both sides of the...

From the shores of Louisiana: through the eyes of an environmental chemist

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism, Caribbean New Iberia, Louisiana -- Traveling around southern Louisiana with Wilma Subra can be both enlightening and depressing. A chemist by training and environmental activist by choice, on every corner, at every railroad...

Luxury travel for pets: Jumeirah Essex House offers canine turndown service

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsHumans aren't the only ones to get treats on their pillows at fancy hotels. The Jumeirah Essex House in New York is throwing candy to the canines with the launch of the iconic hotel's first ever Canine Turndown Program. But this is no ordinary pet-pampering service. The Jumeirah Essex...

Daily gear deals - $4 noise isolating headphones, $8 iPad case/stand and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Monday June 21, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal was picked with road trippers in mind - this Black and Decker jumpstarter/inflater has enough juice to jumpstart your car, and keep your...

SkyMall Monday: Sling Couture Fashion Face Mask ACTUAL REVIEW

Filed under: Gear Travel is a grimy, germ-filled activity that tests the limits of our tolerance for all things bacterial. Recycled plane air, cramped buses and less-than-hygienic hotel rooms all conspire to infect us. Staying healthy on the road is essential if you want to enjoy your holiday or get the job done on a business trip. However, you also want to...

Win a Seacology Expedition with Trazzler!

Filed under: Activism, Scuba Diving, Asia, Tonga, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Did the latest episode of Travel Talk inspire you to dive with whales? Love to travel and learn about the environment at the same time? Then break out your typewriter, because Trazzler has great opportunity for you! Trazzler is partnering up with Seacology, an award-winning...

Skype celebrates the World Cup with a month of free phone calls to one country

Filed under: Gear, Internet Tools Are you a Skype user? If not, you may want to sign up today, because a new promotion from this Internet phone service is giving away a free month of phone calls to one of 32 different countries. In the fine print, you'll see that "a month" actually equals 120 minutes, but if you have someone heading abroad this summer. 120...

Photo of the Day (6.19.2010)

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Photo of the Day A rusty old boat on a nondescript beach: a favorite of photographers, but not always very captivating. This photo, however, does some great stuff with color. The boat and the sand are similar shades, almost as though one has bled into the other. The sky and water are tropically blue, as is the...

Acadamy award winning film 'The Cove' spurs free speech debate in Japan

Filed under: Asia, JapanThe Academy Award winning documentary The Cove is stirring up controversy in Japan, where several theaters, including one on an U.S. Army base, have removed it from their screens, while others decide if they should risk showing it all. Last week, three theaters pulled the film, which depicts the annual dolphin slaughter in a...

From World Cup to contemporary tourist destination: part two

Filed under: Europe, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, SwitzerlandThe World Cup provides an opportunity for participating countries to put their best foot forward and invite visitors in. Earlier I looked at fabulous and in most cases affordable hotels in countries in the World Cup's Groups A through D, hotels that fit their country's national brand well....

Daily gear deals - $13 travel speaker, $30 25-mile radio kit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday June 20, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the T-Mobile Garminfone. This GPS Smartphone launched 2 weeks ago and originally cost $199 (on contract). That price has already...

The Dealmakers' Ballroom: What the future holds

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsRight now, at the hotel a few blocks from where you live or work, there's a good chance that something exciting is happening. It isn't a dropped tray in the restaurant or a housekeeper walking in on a tryst. It's far greater: the future is being planned, defined. Two partners are...

Daily Pampering: Luxury shopping at 35,000-feet

Filed under: Airlines, Luxury TravelDon't you just hate it when you realize your favorite Chloe bag is at home, and you're 35,000 feet in the air? Good news fashionistas: the savvy shoppers at Virgin America have found a way to ensure you aren't without your favorite luxe items. Virgin America and Gilt Groupe, the invitation-only online shopping site...

Finding the Holy Spirit in Baja: A park is born

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Paddling, Stories, Mexico, United States, Ecotourism, Central America Roughly twenty miles off the coast from the Baja town of La Paz lies a desert island no more than ten miles long and four miles wide. For centuries the locals have fished the bountiful waters surrounding Isla Espiritu Santo, or Island of the Holy...

Discounted package at Curacao's new Hyatt Regency

Filed under: CaribbeanCuraçao is holding on to its reputation as an overlooked jewel, despite a slow tide of increased travel media attention. Among other draws, the most populous island in the Netherlands Antilles has its quaint capital Willemstad, good diving, and some lovely restaurants on offer. The 350-room Hyatt Regency...

The Tour Divide mountain bike race is underway

Filed under: Biking, Festivals and Events, North America, Canada, United StatesThe Tour Divide mountain bike race got underway last week in Banff, Alberta, Canada, where nearly 50 hardcore fat tire enthusiasts set off on the longest off road biking trail in the world. They'll now ride the entire length of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, a...

Airport survey reveals huge trade in bushmeat

Filed under: Africa, Europe, France, Airports, NewsResearchers studying customs seizures at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris have discovered that smuggling of illegal meat is a huge problem. Up to 270 tons of illegal meat may be coming into Europe from Africa every year. The study made its estimate based on customs searches over a 17...

Big game hunting means big money in South Africa

Filed under: Africa, South AfricaIt sounds like a throwback to a colonial age of pith helmets and native porters, but big game hunting is still popular in South Africa. In fact, it's on the rise. A recent study by a South African professor says that some 200,000 South Africans engage in the sport, plus an unknown number of tourists. This...

Dubious achievements in travel: the video

Filed under: Video, TransportationThe prince of travel fail is back, this time with a mashup of all of the best travel facepalms from the last few seasons. Doug Lansky, who's built a good chunk of his recent career on the Titanic Awards and other associated travel fiascos brings the pain this time in the form of video, 151 seconds of pure, awkward hilarity. Check it out below. Dubious achievements in travel: the video originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please...

White Collar Travel: Five step to healthier road warrior diets

Filed under: Business, Food and Drink, North America, United StatesSometimes, it seems like the road warrior's diet is relegated to the extremes. When a company executive is in town for a meeting - you're taking your clients out - it's hefty steaks, heavy cabernets and always more appetizers than a third-world country could consume in a lifetime. When there's no...

New Mexico hotel pool closed after 2 guests contract Legionnaire's disease

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsOur friends at USA Today are reporting the Best Western hotel in downtown Socorro, N.M., had to close its pool after health authorities found two people who stayed there contracted Legionnaire's disease. While the New Mexico health department continues to investigate whether or...

The Dealmakers' Ballroom: Pick the right lobby for your meetings

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsIf you want to hold a business meeting in a hotel lobby where you really don't have any reason to be, it's worth doing a little homework. Pick a hotel without doing a little reconnaissance, and you could suffer an embarrassing moment in front of a potential client or investor. You've...

London's The Savoy to reopen Oct. 10, 2010

Filed under: Asia, United Kingdom, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelAlmost three years later, London's famed hotel The Savoy will reopen in the heart of the West End theater district. The landmark hotel opened in 1889 and was shut down in 2007 to undergo a major £100 million (almost $150 million) restoration that includes a complete rebuilding of the property,...

Daily Pampering: World's most expensive iPad

Filed under: Gear, Luxury TravelWhen money is no object, the objects available are endless. While the typical shopper waited in line to buy Apple's iPad, London-based luxury designer Stuart Hughes began working on the ultimate iPad for the luxe-lifestyler. Along with his wife Katherine Hughes, the designer adds gold, platinum and precious stones to the newest...

Neville Longbottom has words for London mayor: Harry Potter belongs in Florida!

Filed under: Europe, North America, United States, Video At this morning's press conference for the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, actor Matthew Lewis, who plays the ever-important Neville Longbottom in the movie series, was asked what he thought about Boris Johnson's recent dig at Orlando. The London mayor complained that the theme park for Harry Potter, as a British property, ought to be in Britain. Lewis doesn't think much of Johnson's media diatribe. And...

The charitable side of social media: When your travels can make a difference

Filed under: Activism, Food and DrinkThere's been a lot of discussion about the benefits of social media in the e-commerce marketplace. What's the return on investment? Who is really listening? How can it really help? The answers aren't always obvious, but over time they become clear. In the travel industry alone, more hotels and airlines have taken to...

14-year old girl denied solo circumnavigation attempt again

Filed under: Europe, Netherlands, News14-year old Laura Dekker, who we first mentioned last year when she first announced that she hoped to circumnavigate the globe at the age of 13, has been denied permission to set sail once again. Yesterday, a Dutch court ruled that Dekker would remain a ward of the state until August 1st, and that...

How to pick the perfect travel smartphone

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Picking the right smartphone for travel can be a major hassle - with so many choices of mobile operators, different phones, different network technologies and different budgets, finding the right one is like finding a needle in a hay stack. Worst of all - with mobile contracts, picking the wrong phone could mean you are stuck...

Prehistoric cave art discovered in Transylvania

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, RomaniaA group of speleologists exploring a cave in the Apuseni Nature Park in Transylvania, Romania, have discovered what could be Central Europe's oldest cave art. Paintings of now-extinct species rhinoceros and cat were found next to images of bison, a horse, a bear's head, and a female torso. While...

Fourteen things you didn't know about Las Vegas

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel The creative minds at Renters Insurance have created a fantastic infographic for us - with 14 things you (probably) didn't know about Las Vegas. For example, did you know that you can rent a hotel room in Las Vegas that comes with its own basketball court? Or a bowling...

Sailor makes epic 1,152 day voyage without touching land

Filed under: NewsAmerican sailor Reid Stowe just finished an endurance test that beats pretty much anything on the high seas. He set off in a sailboat on April 21, 2007 and didn't touch land again until he returned to port in Manhattan on Tuesday. That's 1,152 days at sea. His girlfriend Soanya Ahmad, who had no previous open ocean sailing...

Diane von Furstenberg designs London's Claridge hotel guestrooms

Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelAsk any jetsetter to show you what's in her carry-on bag and it's likely she'll produce a Diane von Furstenberg dress. After all, the iconic fashion designer does have a way with wraps (her legendary wrap-dress caused a sensation back in the 1970s and today,...

Daily gear deals - $8 car power inverter, $5 notebook docking station and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday June 18, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal comes from Woot, where you'll find a 150 watt car AC power inverter. Feed this thing DC power from your car outlet, and it'll give you...

Satworx IsatPhone Pro makes satellite phone service affordable

Filed under: Gear Look - I won't open by pretending everyone could benefit from a Satellite phone, but if you regularly find yourself in the great outdoors, well away from any kind of cellular coverage, the investment could easily be justified. And no - by "no cellular coverage", I don't mean iPhone users in Manhattan. Satellite phones operate exactly...

The essential Western states travel planning tool: Sunset Magazine

Filed under: North America, United StatesSunset, the Menlo Park, California-based lifestyle magazine, is an outstanding regional magazine with excellent tips for travel and dining in the Western and Pacific states. The magazine remains fresh issue after issue, and strikes that essential editorial balance between helping and inspiring readers....

London museum airbrushes out Churchill's cigar

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomWhile there have been a lot of angry comments here on Gadling about Egypt's smoking ban and the even stricter smoking ban in Finland, neither country has tried to pretend people didn't smoke in the past. Now someone at the Winston...

More Americans pay up to get out

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, AirlinesThe outbound non-stop air passenger market grew 6 percent from March 2009 to March 2010, reflecting a 3 percent gain for the first quarter year-over-year. An estimated 3.3 million people hopped flights from the United States in March this year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, with...

Camera travels 1,100 miles by sea... and turtle

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Stories, North America, Netherlands, United States, Video, CaribbeanI dropped my waterproof camera into twenty feet of ocean water once while snorkeling off the coast of Mexico. As I watched my camera drift slowly to the rocky bottom I knew I couldn't hold my breath long enough to retrieve it. Luckily for me a free diver was in our...

The Dealmakers' Ballroom: How to use a hotel lobby and not get caught

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsYou'd figure that hotel management might be a tad irked by squatters. The entrepreneurs who take up space in hotel lobbies generally aren't paying a dime, and there's always the risk that they could get in the way of hotel operations or wandering guests. And, let's get back to that part...

Situational awareness: can you detect danger before it strikes?

Filed under: Learning, Travel HealthThe global intelligence firm Stratfor has published an interesting primer on situational awareness, which is a fancy way of saying that you should pay attention. The article is based on the obvious premise that most crimes such as kidnapping, robberies and terrorist attacks take...

Ritz-Carlton to put environmentally-friendly water bottles in hotel rooms

Filed under: Activism, North America, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism, Caribbean, Luxury TravelThere's a human element to hotels that often goes unnoticed by its guests. Beyond the check-in desk and past the steel "Staff Only" doors are employees with real feelings and concerns about the communities in which they live, and those...

Travel Trends: Theme park attendance down, Disney remains strong

Filed under: Business, North America, United StatesThe outlook for theme parks in 2010 is quite upbeat compared to 2009. Last year, attendance slipped as the rough economy forced millions of people to stay home and snap shut their wallets. This year, the improving economy, coupled with dozens of new attractions opening at parks around the country, is expected to pump up attendance figures at North American theme parks. "The industry is well positioned to have a good year this year," says...

Photo of the Day (6.16.10)

Filed under: Photos, North America, United States, Photo of the Day Every now and then you have to look Mother Nature in the face and just appreciate her value. Case in point: this shot, taken by our own Scott Carmichael, at Haleakala National Park in Maui. The sweeping dunes and low-hanging clouds make a complex statement, but it's nature at its best and it's worth taking a...

Himalayan High: Going Down!

Filed under: Hiking, Asia, NepalWith every journey to Everest, whether it's going to the summit or simply trekking to Base Camp, the focus is always on the journey up. The news stories trumpet the fact that the climbers have reached the summit, rarely mentioning anything about the descent at all. When they do, it is usually because of some tragic accident that occurs on the way down, resulting in severe injuries or even death. But Ed Viesturs, America's premiere mountaineer, is fond of saying...

From World Cup to contemporary tourist destination: part one

Filed under: Europe, North America, South America, Germany, Slovenia, Mexico, ArgentinaThe World Cup is first and foremost a sporting event, though it's also a chance for national brands to be disseminated widely, and for a sense of shared excitement to gather around the countries competing. No country has the opportunity to launch an...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - Behind the Scenes of BBC's 'Life' with Roger Munns!

Filed under: Learning, Scuba Diving, Podcasts, Stories, Asia, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States, Video GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 19 - Click above to watch video after the jump For Roger Munns, jumping in the ocean with 100 ton whales while they fight for the female is just another day at work; come with us as we go behind the scenes of BBC's 'Life' series....

Daily gear deals - $44 helmet camera, $50 GPS unit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday June 17, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a rugged helmet cam - strap this thing to your helmet (or head) and record your antics. Reviews describe the video as "mediocre", but...

Hilton joins Florida hotels in offering "Beach Satisfaction Guarantee"

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsAs the oil spill crisis continues to spark concern in the Gulf, travelers are becoming increasingly worried about their vacation plans. However, Florida hotels are working to offer guests 'guaranteed satisfaction' deals that help alleviate some of the worry. Just in from Hilton Hotels: Beach...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter open for guests tomorrow

Filed under: North America, United States It has taken several years to complete - but the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open its gates to guests tomorrow, June 18. During the past couple of days, the park has hosted members of the press, as well as a few lucky Potter fans for a soft opening. At last nights grand opening celebration, Harry Potter film...

Must have: Swiss fondue

Filed under: Food and Drink, Switzerland If you find yourself in Switzerland, you absolutely must treat yourself to some fondue. The Swiss are known for fondue because they invented it and they do it right. It's tremendous. Swiss fondue is served in earthenware pots with handles, none of that crazy stainless stuff you see nowadays....

Win an exclusive Wizarding World of Harry Potter magic wand!

Filed under: North America, United States On Friday, the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens it doors to the public. As part of the opening celebration, we received a gorgeous boxed wand, along with a few other goodies. To celebrate the opening, we are giving one lucky reader the chance to win the wand - you'll need to be a die-hard Harry Potter fan,...

Watch Darth Vader record spoken directions for TomTom GPS units

Filed under: Gear, Internet Tools One of the more entertaining features of TomTom GPS units is their ability to be outfitted with different voices for spoken directions. Instead of listening to "Jill - US Female Voice", you can be bossed around by Dora The Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Homer Simpson. The newest celebrities to join the lineup of available voices are from Star Wars. $12.95 gets you Darth Vader or C3PO - and in the hilarious video clip above, you'll see "Darth Vader" in...

Southwest Airlines seizes shipment of human heads on Dallas bound plane

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, AirportsView more news videos at: http://www.nbcdfw.com/video. Of all the "baggage issues" we've covered here on Gadling, this is by far the weirdest/most disgusting. A Southwest Airlines employee contacted police when an incorrectly labeled package turned out to contain 40 to 60 human heads. The heads were on their way to a Fort Worth medial research company, but the local coroner says the shipment had "discrepancies". According to NBC...

Thank you Chicago for taking part in the Gadling scavenger hunt!

Last night's first ever Gadling scavenger hunt was a great success. In total, we handed out over $2000 in prizes to more than 20 participants, and judging by the smiles, hugs, free beer and kisses, the prizes went down quite well. Wear those Gadling T-shirts with pride! Thanks to Piece Brewery and Pizzeria for hosting us, and not minding our massive boxes of...

The Dealmakers' Ballroom: Where the future is conceived

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe seeds of economic recovery will be sewn in the travel industry. No, it will not be the hotels that pump new jobs out onto the market, and it certainly won't be the airlines, which seem locked in perpetual battle against any positive influence the economy can have on them. Rather,...

Want your art in the Guggenheim? Here's your chance!

Filed under: Arts and Culture, North America, United States, VideoThe Guggenheim and YouTube have teamed up to find the world's most artistic short videos. YouTube Play is a contest for Youtube videos that show something truly inventive and different. No fan vids or farting dogs need apply. Two hundred finalists will be judged by a panel of...

Orbitz introduces 'Open Beach Guarantee'

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel Orbitz is trying to offer travelers peace of mind this summer through an Open Beach Guarantee. The guarantee offers a full refund on your hotel stay if nearby beaches are closed because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To get this deal, you must book a stay at a...

Photo of the Day (6.15.10)

Filed under: Photos, Asia, Afghanistan, Photo of the Day Even when you think the world has been completely mapped and charted, this week's news that Afghanistan is sitting upon $1 trillion worth of minerals proves otherwise. After decades of war and a crippled economy, this could be a very positive turning point for the country. In light of this, I decided to dig up...

Travel thoughts: Three polished pebbles from Pico Iyer

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Japan, France, Greece, United StatesOne of the most life-enriching treats of this spring for me was the opportunity to interview Pico Iyer on stage in Washington, DC, as part of the National Geographic Traveler Conversations series. If you've never heard Pico in person, it's impossible to convey how...

Spirit Airlines strike continues - 600 flight attendants furloughed

Filed under: North America, United States, AirlinesThe two day strike at Spirit Airlines turned into a three day strike, and then into a five day strike. And with no end in sight, the airline just sent its 600 flight attendants some bad news - they are all furloughed. The move means these staff members will be without a pay check until the 500...

Daily Pampering: Indulge in Guacamology

Filed under: Food and Drink The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas has a new perk we never expected: a Guacamologist. Every night at 6:00 PM in the hotel Lobby Lounge, guests can kiss their workday woes goodbye with a complimentary margarita tasting and fresh-made guacamole. Guests have already caught on, and gather daily around 5:45 to...

EuroCheapo announces the best cheap hotels in Europe

Filed under: Europe, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet ToolsToday is an important day: EuroCheapo has just announced their first ever Cheapo 100 list of the best cheap hotels in Europe. If you're a traveler on a budget and don't know where to go, this is where you should look. Going...

First ever circumnavigation of the Americas ends tomorrow

Filed under: North America, South America, Canada, Mexico, United States, ArgentinaThe Ocean Watch, a 64-foot long rugged sailing ship, is scheduled to arrive back home in Seattle tomorrow after spending nearly 13 months at sea. The yacht, and her four person crew, are about to complete the first circumnavigation of North and South America, a journey...

Richard Branson celebrates ten years of Virgin Atlantic flights to Las Vegas

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, Airports Super entrepreneur Richard Branson just celebrated ten years of his airline flying to Las Vegas. And when Richard Branson celebrates, he does it the only way he knows how - with a hot model, a plane full of VIP's and the mayor of Las Vegas. Virgin Atlantic started flying to Las Vegas in June...

Galley Gossip: Barfing on a plane - the do's and don'ts

Filed under: Airlines, Travel Health, Galley Gossip1. Don't fly - if you feel sick before boarding a flight, talk to an agent about rebooking on a later flight. Trust me, it's better to be sick in the terminal than on an airplane. At least in the terminal you can leave. Once on the plane you're stuck. 2. Don't ask to sit in first class -...

Midsommar: The very best time to visit Stockholm

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, Sweden Deep in the lowest latitudes of the Earth's extremities, the far reaches of the planet where temperatures begin to plunge and where human populations drop precipitously, seasons have deeper meanings. Spring, Winter and Fall are plain, solid facts of life, the cold months during which fires are built, hard work is complete...

Alitalia launches LAX to Rome nonstop!

Filed under: Photos, Europe, North America, Italy, United States, Airlines, Transportation Ever dreamed of making a weekend getaway to see the Vatican, explore the Coliseum, or wine & dine in true Italian fashion? For those of you on the West Coast, it's now easier than ever. Last week, Italian carrier Alitalia became the only airline to...

From the shores of Louisiana: The Louisiana Environmental Action Network

Filed under: Activism, History, Learning, North America, Ecotourism When Marylee Orr started what has become Louisiana's most effective environmental organization she thought it would be a six-month commitment. "I realized how dirty our air and water were at that time and felt it was my civic duty to try and raise awareness of the problems....

Daily gear deals - $60 Leatherman Wave Combo, $20 iPhone battery case and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday June 16, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the latest Leatherman Wave multi-tool with carrying pouch and matching LED flashlight. The tool alone normally retails for around $60,...

Travel Recommendations for The Office

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Morocco, China, India, Kuwait, Philippines, Russian Federation, Thailand, Turkey, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Costa Rica, United States, Australia, Argentina, Central America, Caribbean Back in the olden days, long before the Internet was born,...

Ask Gadling: What if I don't speak the language?

Filed under: Arts and Culture, LearningToday's question comes from Justin in Boise, Idaho: I'm going on a vacation to Zurich next month. My girlfriend chose the place. I don't speak any German. Neither does she. Are we going to die? Gadling: Everyone dies someday, Justin, but not speaking German will probably not be the end of...

Last minute Fathers's Day gift idea? Three hour Manhattan skyline cruise + belly dancer show for $25

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United States, CruisesManaged to finally run out of ideas what to get your dad for Father's day? If he's the kind of guy who already has all the latest gadgets, and doesn't mind getting out of the house for a bit of entertainment, consider this deal from kgb deals. For $25, you get a three hour...

Join Gadling's Chicago scavenger hunt this evening!

Filed under: Festivals and Events, GearIt's a fine, early summer day in the city of Chicago, the perfect sort of day for some laid-back porch sitting, beer chicken barbecuing, roof deck loafing and maybe even some late evening troublemaking. In case you're locked in a cubicle right now, permit us to narrate. The strollers and the farmers...

California "socialite" arrested with 13 suitcases of pot at airport

Filed under: North America, United States, AirportsLisette Lee, a 28 year old "socialite" from Van Nuys, California, has been arrested upon suspicion of transporting 506 pounds of marijuana. Now, I'll admit that I'm no fan of anyone that describes themselves as a "socialite", but I'm fairly sure she didn't make her name using...

Starbucks to offer free WI-Fi at all US locations starting July 1st!

Filed under: Food and Drink, Internet Tools Starting July 1st, finding an online fix will be just as easy as finding your coffee fix. The official Starbucks Twitter account just announced that Wi-Fi will be free of charge at all their US locations. This instantly turns them into one of the largest operators of free Wi-Fi in the world. Best of all, the Twitter...

The Dealmakers' Ballroom: Understanding the hotel lobby phenomenon

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsWhere will the future of our economy - from the global economy, even - come from? Forget about garages in Silicon Valley, illicit side projects in Manhattan cubicle farms and the online tinkering that happens in the Harvard dorms. Instead, take a look at hotels. Specifically, peek into...

Take Slacker on the road this summer with our Slacker car listening giveaway!

Filed under: GearStaying entertained during a (long) summer roadtrip can be a major hassle - if you rely on broadcast radio, you'll be forced to find new stations every couple of hours, and if your tunes come from CD's, you'll need a large stash of them for the trip. Thankfully there is a great alternative - with Slacker personal...

Daily Pampering: Give Dad a round of Caddyshack golf

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Travel DealsFather's Day is June 20th, and if you're still looking for that perfect gift for your dad, check out this luxe and father-friendly package from the Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale just opened in 2008 and is the city's only AAA Five-Diamond hotel. Not...

Atlanta's Glenn Hotel joins Marriott's Autograph collection

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsMarriott's latest addition to its boutique brand is something of a Southern Belle. The Glenn hotel is now part of the Autograph Collection, a group of independent hotels representing upscale and luxury properties with distinctive personalities. Glenn is known for its southern hospitality...

T-Mobile makes it easier (and more expensive) to get online without a data plan

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review Starting today, T-Mobile is offering its "pay monthly" customers a easy way to get online - normally, getting online requires a data plan, but with their new "Mobile Web Pay Per Use Plan", you can add a data option, and pay only for what you use. Getting online is as simple as going to to any web page using your mobile...

Is the new Hotel Palomar the sign of a rooftop pool trend in Chicago?

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations Some cites get the rooftop pool concept right. Chicago is not the first place that would come to mind, but if we're being honest, when summer descends on Chicago, it's like God is smiling. Its winter weather gives the city a bad rap for the rest of the year, but outside of snow season, visitors to...

Photo of the Day (06.14.10)

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Spain, Photo of the Day Ever been in a situation that caused you to analyze every decision you made leading up to you arriving in that moment? I remember one time when I was on stage at a sex show in Amsterdam. There was a man in a gorilla suit that was - shall we say - anatomically correct. And his phallus discharged a liquid that I...

2010 Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Filed under: Arts and Culture, North America, United States, News The annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival will be filling the mountains of Colorado with music this weekend. Unlike last week's Bonnaroo, in Manchester Tennessee, the festival in Telluride draws a much more mellow collection of acts. This years line-up includes - Lyle Lovett, Allison...

Himalayan High: Everest Base Camp

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Asia, NepalStanding in Gorakshep, the tiny Nepali village that sits nestled in the Himalaya at 17,000 feet (5184 meters), it is difficult to not feel an air of excitement. The town is the last stop before climbing up to Everest Base Camp, and while it is spartan in its amenities, the view is one of the most spectacular that you'll find anywhere. Of course, a major part of that excitement stems from the fact that in order to reach Gorakshep, you have to...

Holiday World owner Will Koch dies suddenly

Filed under: North America, United StatesTheme park fans and the attractions industry are mourning the death of Holiday World owner and president Will Koch. Koch died suddenly at his home Sunday night. He was 48. "Will was not only our leader, he was our dear friend," park spokeswoman Paula Werne said in a statement. "Our park family is in mourning for...

Daily gear deals - $120 TomTom GPS, $30 iPhone sports kit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Tuesday June 15, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for the TomTom XXL 540T GPS unit. This widescreen GPS navigator comes with lifetime free traffic updates, spoken street names,...

Transgender American travelers no longer require surgery for passport change

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Business, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Budget Travel, Consumer Activism, Women's TravelIn a landmark move of fair-mindedness, the folks at the U.S. State Department have announced a new passport policy that will make life easier for many transgender travelers. Starting June 17th,...

Where's My Tip - a cashless way to tip when you travel

Filed under: Gear, Internet Tools Tipping when you're traveling can be an uncomfortable situation. For example, you get to a foreign country and, exhausted, you have to get cash and get it changed into small bills or coins immediately so that you can tip whoever takes your bag when you get to the hotel. Half the time, you don't even know what an...

LAX launches iWatch program

Filed under: North America, United States, Transportation, Airports, NewsLos Angeles' community anti-terror program, iWatch, has been expanded to the Los Angeles International Airport. The program, created by the LAPD, is intended to "educate the public about behaviors and activities that may have a connection to terrorism." Launched last October...

Canterbury's medieval town gate saved

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomCanterbury is famous for its beautiful cathedral, but this historic city has lots of other attractions. The old medieval entrance into town called Westgate Towers is the local favorite. Sadly, lack of funding and a dwindling number of visitors to the Westgate Towers Museum...

Road trip: The best roadside attractions on the east and west coasts

Filed under: North America, United States, Budget TravelRoad trips are meant to be fun, meaningful, and inspire some reflection as you set out for the great open roads. When the driving gets a little dull, though, there's plenty to see on the side of the road. The eastern portion of the United States is home to many world-recognized sites, but many of these grandiose tourist destinations overshadow the lesser-known, roadside attractions that are just as worthy of your time. Here's a round up...

Ritz-Carlton gives Cadillac a lesson in customer service

Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Transportation, News, Luxury TravelThe car industry has certainly weathered its fair share of storms this year. From recalls to repairs, car owners have been dealt just about every blow. But things are about to change in the car world, if the Ritz-Carlton has anything to say about it. Bloomberg News reports...

Exciting Repositioning Cruises for the Fall

Filed under: Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Denmark, Italy, Canada, United States, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu, BrazilRepositioning cruises are the leftovers of cruising. When cruise ships need to move from one port to another at seasonal cusps, they take less conventional itineraries to get from one home port to another....

Hampton Inns hands out free food on Thursday in NYC

Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsHampton Inn is teaming up with Guy Fieri to hand out free waffles (and so much more) this Thursday in New York City. Show up at Herald Square park at 6am and register for a plethora of gifts and prizes! Don't worry if you can't drag yourself out of bed that early - the...

Photo of the Day (6.13.10)

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States, Photo of the Day Well doesn't this look refreshing? Flickr user AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker caught this moment of bliss during a recent hiking trip along the border of Arizona and Utah. When you've been hiking all day under the heat of an unrelenting sun, this is apparently what happens - you find a nearby stream...

Other things to do in South Africa

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Festivals and Events, Africa, South AfricaWhile the World Cup is currently taking center stage in South Africa, the country has plenty of other things to offer travelers who venture away from the stadiums to take in some of the amazing culture and adventure there. Here are five other suggestions for...

Top five weekend travel media stories

Filed under: Europe, North America, Antarctica, Croatia, France, Middle EastHere are some of the best travel stories culled from the travel sections of this past weekend's newspapers. 1. In the Financial Times, Claire Wrathall pens a sailing exploration of northern Croatia's Kornati islands, which take a backseat to the country's...

Contest reminder: Enter these three Gadling giveaways!

Filed under: GearGadling is running three contests right now - two of which run until 5pm (EST) this afternoon. If you haven't entered yet, check out the articles, and leave a comment answering the question in each giveaway. With just 30 seconds of work, you'll be entered for almost $1000 in prizes! Dads and Grads giveaway - Win a Flip HD...

A time lapse video journey through Japan

Filed under: Asia, Japan, Video I have fond memories of my visit to Japan two years ago. From the mind-boggling delights of Tokyo to the placid preserves of Kyoto and the no-holds-barred fun fest of Osaka, it's a country that provided some of my greatest travel moments. That's why the video above, created by Vimeo user Brad Kremer, is bringing back strong memories for me today. Brad has made use a photographic technique called time lapse, allowing every day events to happen at breakneck...

OtterBox Commuter Case for Google Nexus One - review

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review If you are one of the lucky few that made the switch to the Google Nexus One Android smartphone, then you'll be well aware of its high price. One of the best ways to protect the phone is with a case - but the number of cases on the market is quite limited, and certainly not as easily available as say, the iPhone. The OtterBox...

StreamThru for iPhone - the ultimate all-in-one trip manager?

Filed under: Airlines, Airports, Gadling Gear ReviewLast week, the developers of a new iPhone app asked me to take a look at their newest creation - now, I'll admit right away that I get about 30 of these requests a week, and a large portion of them are just not "travely" enough for Gadling. But in the case of this app - I've been taken by surprise and...

Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo - a travel must-have?

Filed under: Gear, Women's TravelThe product. I was skeptical when contacted to try out Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo for Gadling. Anything that's not actual shampoo, and claims it can clean my hair sans water, is extremely suspect to me. Nevertheless, the slim spray bottle (4...

Daily gear deals - $7 noise canceling headphones, $8 OtterBox iPhone case and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Monday June 14, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal may appear to be a bit geeky, but it could be a really handy little gadget if you want to watch something decent in your hotel room...

Top items stolen from hotels - from towels to plasma TV's

Filed under: Hotels and AccommodationsDuring the past 18 months, I've been collecting information from every hotel I've visited - I've made it part of my trip to ask the hotel front desk staff what their experiences have been with theft from their rooms. With the exception of 2 properties (one almost called the cops on me), 47 of them were more than...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - Atlantis Launch, Wakeboarding, Seaworld, & Magic Playoffs!

Filed under: Podcasts, North America, United States, Video GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 18 - Click above to watch video after the jump In our last Orlando installment, we showed you the retired side of life in Orlando - and now we're going full throttle. Because Orlando is famous for its theme parks, we discuss the biggest, best, and most bizarre theme parks around...

TripAdvisor leverages the power of Facebook and your friends

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Internet Tools Something very interesting was added to TripAdvisor this morning - the ability to include tips and reviews from Facebook friends. Starting today, when you sign in with Facebook on Tripadvisor, you'll be able to supplement the TripAdvisor reviews with personalized recommendations from your friends. The new feature...

SkyMall Monday: Portable Laptop Desk

Filed under: GearBusiness travel can get lonely. You're either traveling alone or with colleagues whose company you barely enjoy in the office let alone in a Bennigan's in whatever podunk town in which your company's satellite office is located. All too often, business travelers spend their free time in their hotel rooms working, eating...

Sydney hostel more than budget accomodation: Wake Up! backpackers reviewed

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, Women's TravelWhile I don't expect anyone to ooze sympathy for the plight of travel writers, the fact is, when we're not getting hooked up at swanky hotels, we're often left to sleep on airport floors and bus seats. I actually enjoy those experiences; it's the...

Schindler's List factory becomes museum

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, PolandDuring World War Two, German industrialist Oskar Schindler saved some 1,200 of his Jewish workers from extermination. His enamelware and munitions factories were considered vital for the German war effort and he claimed his workers all had special skills vital for the operation of his...

Photo of the Day (6.12.2010)

Filed under: Europe, Lithuania, Photo of the Day, Transportation I look at this photo and I think, "ruh-roh." Besides the fact that the plane is facing the same direction a similar plane was faced in a recent nightmare of mine (I mean come, sign people. What the H happened with this one?), I also really like that the plane and the arrow are facing different...

Nepal plots to regain Everest "youngest" record

Filed under: Climbing, Asia, China, Nepal, NewsYesterday we heard how China was instituting age requirements for mountaineers hoping to climb Everest from the North Side of the mountain. These new restrictions are a direct response to 13-year old Jordan Romero successfully reaching the summit last month, setting off a heated debate in the climbing...

Flight attendant: Packing heat was a mistake

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, Airports, NewsLet's be clear: Amber Robillard said she didn't mean to put a loaded handgun into her carry-on bag. The flight attendant - keeper of order, safety and beverage cart service ... not to mention explainer of the rules - says she accidentally packed heat, without a license, when she went to...

Alabama Adventure theme park offers Father's Day deal: $50 per carload

Filed under: North America, United States, Budget TravelIt's one week until Father's Day. Have you made plans with your dad? The folks at Alabama Adventure near Birmingham suggest a day at the theme park. After all, what says, "I love you, Dad" more than screaming in his ear during a ride on the Rampage wooden roller coaster or digging your...

Spririt Airlines grounded by pilot strike

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, NewsSpirit Airlines has found itself grounded this weekend, after contract negotiations with their pilots failed to result in an agreement. The pilots have been negotiating for four years - and Spirit claims they have offered a 30% pay increase over the next five years, along with several...

Giant photography exhibition opens in Madrid

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Photos, Europe, SpainMadrid is known for its fine art museums displaying paintings by Spanish and Dutch Masters, but every year it also hosts one of the largest photography exhibitions in Europe. PHotoEspaña, the International Festival of Photography and Visual Arts of Madrid, has been...

Daily gear deals - $40 rolling suitcase, $20 LED flashlight and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Sunday June 13, 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a Joby Gorillatorch. This flashlight with flexible legs can be attached to almost anything, or used as a tripod. Currently on...

Hotels explore a la carte pricing

Filed under: Business, Europe, Hotels and Accommodations, NewsWe've spent plenty of electrons over the past two years griping about the almost comstantly arising airline fees. Paying to check bags, get blankets and so on has become part of the misery that comes with getting on a plane these days. Meanwhile, the hospitality industry managed to stay above the...

Andaz 5th Avenue accepting reservations for August 1

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsHot off the hotel presses -- the much-anticipated new Andaz hotel on 5th Avenue is set to open Aug. 1. The celebrate the second Andaz in New York, the hotel is offering a special preview rate of $295. The Andaz 5th Avenue has been in the works since the beginning of the year and devotees of...

From the shores of Louisiana: Exploring the culture of the oil spill

Filed under: North America, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism Breaux Bridge, Louisiana -- I've been coming to the Gulf coast of Louisiana every few months since July 2008, making a film about the relationship between man and the water in a place where everywhere you look there is glimpse of a river, creek, bayou, basin, swamp, the Gulf or the Mississippi River....

Five stylish items that save time in a security check

Filed under: Gear, Airports, Gadling Gear ReviewWe've all been there. A security check procedure goes something like this - untie and remove shoes, unbuckle and remove belt, take out wallet, drop keys in the bowl, dig into your bag for your laptop, then step through the metal detector only to discover you had change in your pocket. It's an...

Gadling's Friday travel tunes - episode 8

Welcome to the eighth episode of our Friday travel tunes. We are a mere ten days away from Summer, even though the temperatures today would trick me into thinking we are in the middle of it. Today's lineup is another big mix of tunes and artists - I'm keeping my fingers crossed there is at least one track you can appreciate. And remember - if you think my taste in music sucks, feel free to post your own picks in the comments section and we may feature it in an upcoming episode!Gadling's...

Daily Pampering: Be it Ever So Barbie, at Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Filed under: Europe, France, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelForget the corvette, this Barbie is heading to Paris for some serious luxury travel. Grab your Barbie bag, Barbie clothes and Barbie iPod, and hop your Barbie plane to Paris for a stay in ultimate Barbie luxury. For the first time in France, Hôtel Plaza Athénée on Avenue...

Swiss town offers "bike hotels"

Filed under: Biking, Europe, Switzerland, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget TravelSwitzerland is a mountainbiker's dream. There are hundreds of miles of trails, beautiful scenery, and a generally bike-friendly culture. One town has decided to get even friendlier. Gstaad, in the Berne canton, has organized "bike hotels" to specifically care for...

China sets age limits for climbing Everest

Filed under: Climbing, Asia, China, Nepal, NewsLast month 13-year old American Jordan Romero climbed Mt. Everest amidst a flurry of media coverage and controversy, with many debating the wisdom of letting a boy his age climb the world's highest mountain. At the time, Romero was forced to climb from the Chinese controlled Tibetan side of the mountain, as Nepal has...

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Watch: June 12th

It is Day 54 of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Here's a collection of links to oil-spill news affecting travelers: This was the last week of school for many students in the Southeast, and Florida Panhandle hotels say they expect rooms to fill up this weekend, as families descend to celebrate. Pensacola Visitors Bureau...

Frequent flier classes help you learn (and game?) the system

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsWho knew a seminar could turn you into Gadling top dog Grant Martin? That isn't the explicit promise of Grant-caliber savvy - nobody would be so bold - but two courses developed by Nicholas Kraley can bring you a little closer to maximizing your miles and taking that all important mileage run in December....

Daily gear deals - $28 Netbook charger, $104 HD camcorder and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday, June 11th 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is perfect if you regularly run into problems getting a reliable Wi-Fi signal when you travel. The BlueProton USB Wi-Fi adapter has a...

Westin hotel to layoff employees after protests over pay cuts

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe Westin Hotel announced it would cut the jobs of almost 50 employees at its Providence, Rhode Island hotel. The layoffs come after several months of demonstrations at the hotel. According to the Providence Journal, the hotel workers were notified Friday that their jobs would be farmed...

Rescue ships reach Abby Sunderland

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, News A French fishing ship reached 16-year old American Abby Sunderland in the Indian Ocean earlier today, bringing a sigh of relief to her friends and family back home in California, who have been waiting for news on her rescue for the past two days. The girl, who had been attempting to sail solo around the world, was feared...

Social media addicts get hotel points when they jones for recognition

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet ToolsDoes check-in mean more to you than a pretty girl at the front desk, fumbling with your credit card and a humble request for an upgrade? If this expression instead reminds you that you've been the uncontested mayor of your tiny cubicle for the past seven and a half months...

Off the beaten path: Road trip to a rarely visited National Park

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget TravelThe big national parks are popular for a reason, but here are 10 other national parks and forests you may not have visited, and some fun activities to do while you are there. Consider one of these...

Surf's up in ... Chicago?

Filed under: Surfing, North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsIt's not the beaches of Hawaii, but Chicago does have its own summertime fun. Now, thanks to the Chicago Kimpton Hotels, you can surf Lake Michigan and hang 10 with your buddies on the beach (or something like that). Apparently, surfing is legal in Chicago at Montrose Beach and 57th...

Daily Pampering: Cathay Pacific Business Class flights

Filed under: Airlines, Luxury TravelIf you're going to fly to China, you might as well fly in style. After all, the 15-18 hour flight (depending on flight path and departure city) can seem like an eternity in a 777. Having just completed a round-trip flight to Australia I was mentally prepared for the long flight across the Pacific. I've learned that if...

Egypt plans smoking ban

Filed under: Africa, Egypt, News, Middle EastSmokers beware--there will soon be nowhere to run. It started in Europe and North America, and now it's spreading around the world. Country after country is banning the use of tobacco in public places. Some countries are going even further. Finland plans to ban smoking entirely, while more limited laws...

16-year old Abby Sunderland found safe at sea

Filed under: Stories, Africa, North America, United States, Australia, News16-year old American Abby Sunderland has been spotted safe at sea by a search plane that flew out of Perth this morning. The California native, who had been attempting to solo circumnavigate the Earth, is reportedly fine, and her ship is upright, although her sails are down, and...

Play like the rich and famous in St. Barths

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Caribbean, Luxury Travel The action may not be as hot in the off season, but you can still hit the spots you're used to seeing festooned with the mightiest of celebs. Get down to the Hotel Christopher on St. Barths this summer, and you can lock in a rate of only $388 a day ... as long as you stay for a minimum of three nights...

Galley Gossip: Blocked ears - how to ease the pain in flight

Filed under: Airlines, Travel Health, Galley GossipYou're on a flight trying to get a little rest when the kid whose been kicking your seat for the last half hour suddenly begins to scream.You do what any normal passenger would do and spin around, shooting the parents an evil look. When that doesn't work you ring your flight...

Shanghai Nights: 24 hours in the Expo City

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, China, Hotels and Accommodations, Nightlife, Luxury Travel Shanghai is a city of complications and successes. It's one of the most modern cities in China, yet still holds sacred its roots in China's history. It's lived in the shadows of Beijing and Hong Kong for centuries but today offers travelers a new...

Daily gear deals - $40 noise isolating headphones, $9 car power inverter and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Friday, June 11th 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a pair of Logitech Ultimate Ears MetroFI noise isolating headphones - at $39.99, this is about the cheapest you'll be able to find...

Las Vegas invites you to get naked

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, NightlifeAre you bold enough? Unlike topless destinations around the world, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino attracts hotties willing to drop their tops and accept fewer tan lines. This stand in stark contrast to most topless beaches, where there's a distinct lack of legitimate eye candy. The...

Top Caribbean bolthole to offer iPads to guests

Filed under: Europe, North America, United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda, United States, CaribbeanLighthouse Bay Resort, an exquisite Barbuda resort recently tipped by Vanity Fair's George Wayne as an appropriately majestic honeymoon location for Prince William and Kate Middleton, already cocoons its guests in utter bliss. It offers isolation along a...

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Watch: June 11th

Filed under: North America, United States, News It's Day 53 of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Here's a roundup of links to the latest news affecting travelers: The glow of a controlled burn on the oil slick could be seen off Pensacola-area beaches today, the Pensacola News-Journal says. The Coast Guard is considering...

Ten kid friendly travel products to calm, soothe and entertain

Filed under: Gear, Hotels and Accommodations, Gadling Gear Review Kids are spoiled nowadays - I used to have to entertain myself with a piece of string and an empty toilet paper tube, but today, even young kids are aware of the coolest technology products and want a piece of the action. In this list, we've gathered ten awesome kid friendly travel...

Cruise art seller, Park West, accused of fraud

Filed under: North America, United States, Consumer Activism, CruisesIt looks like Royal Caribbean just dodged a bullet. The cruise line announced last month that it wasn't going to renew its contract with art auction provider Park West - and the timing couldn't be better. Passengers who have purchased pieces from Park West are coming out of the...

Travel Trends: Caribbean is most popular cruise destination, but niche markets growing fast

Filed under: Business, Europe, North America, Antarctica, Cruises, CaribbeanFor the first nine years of the 21st Century, the Caribbean Islands have been the most popular cruise destination for travelers from around the world, according to figures provided by the Cruise Lines International Association. Each year since 2000, about one-third of people who cruised chose to do so in the Caribbean. However, from a high of 42% in 2002, the number of travelers dropped to 32% in 2009, suggesting...

Review - Samsung SMX-F40 camcorder does video and 65x zoom on a budget

Filed under: Gadling Gear Review The world of budget camcorders just got a new contender - the Samsung SMX-F40. This compact all-digital camcorder records standard definition video to SD memory cards. What sets it apart from most other budget cameras is its 65x zoom (52x optical + IntelliZoom) and Schneider-Kreuznach lens. On the outside, the camera looks...

New hotel in Rome made of garbage from Europe's beaches

Filed under: Activism, Europe, Italy, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Consumer ActivismThat's right - this hotel is, quite literally, garbage. In an effort to raise awareness about the trashy state of Europe's beaches, Rome erected a hotel covered with over 26,000 pounds of debris. The building, located on Capocotta Beach, is aptly named "Save the Beach Hotel" and...

Altamira prehistoric painted cave to reopen

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, Spain, News One of Europe's most breathtaking examples of prehistoric art will soon be accessible to the public. The Paleolithic cave art at Altamira, in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, will soon be open to visitors. Altamira's paintings of bison, deer, and...

Excellent "stay connected abroad" article from our friends at Engadget

Filed under: Gear, Internet ToolsEngadget (and Gadling) writer Darren Murph has posted an excellent overview of your options on how to stay connected when you travel. In the article, you learn about the differences between CDMA and GSM, how Google Voice and Skype can help when you travel, and just how insanely expensive international...

Flickr's New York: A tale of two cities

Filed under: North America, United States, NewsTourists photograph Midtown and Lower Manhattan, while locals click their cameras in the East Village and Chinatown. So, it's clear: tourists and locals don't mix in New York. Eric Fischer, a computer program, used geotagging data from Flickr and Picasa to plot maps of New York and 71 other cities, using a system...

Disneyland to livestream "World of Color" premiere

Filed under: North America, United StatesYou don't have to make a trip to the park to see Disneyland Resort's newest nighttime show, "World of Color." Disney plans to livestream the show's debut Thursday, June 10. The broadcast is set for 8:45 Pacific Thursday night on Disney's official Ustream. It will be a live feed of World of Color's first showing...

Photo of the Day (6.9.10)

Filed under: Asia, China, Photo of the DayMaybe it's in memory of Dennis Hopper, maybe it's my new found fascination with China, or maybe it's that I just think motorcycles are downright sexy - whatever the reason, today's Photo of the Day seems to capture a moment I can't refuse. This cool ride was captured by jrodmanjr and is named 'easy rider' (maybe, again, in honor of...

Concorde Hotels turns up the heat with summer deal

Filed under: Europe, France, Switzerland, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelThe euro has never been lower, and Europe is calling. With the Concorde Hotels & Resorts "Summer Offer," you can get on a plane and out the door without breaking the bank. The Hotel Lutetia in Paris and Hotel de la Paix in Geneva are on the list, with rates as low as $159 a...

Four lesser-known Eurozone islands

Filed under: Europe, Finland, France, Italy, NetherlandsWith the euro continuing its crash against the US dollar, Europe is shaping us this summer and fall to be relatively inexpensive for Americans on the ground. Here are four islands that get little media or guidebook coverage yet offer volumes of quaint, picturesque charm. All use the euro as...

T-Mobile joins industry initiative to standardize phone chargers - and you can win one!

Filed under: Gear The telecommunications industry is working on an initiative that should put a smile on the faces of travelers all around the world - a single mobile phone charger standard. By January 1, 2012, the new "Universal Charging Solution" will become a reality. The format is based upon the MicroUSB plug, and the standard also includes new rules...

Himalayan High: On the trail (part 2)

Filed under: Hiking, Asia, NepalFollowing a rest day in Namche Bazaar, the trek to Everest Base Camp resumes with a 9km (5.5 mile) hike to Tengboche, the next significant village along the route. While 9km doesn't especially sound like a lot, it is the more than 400 meters (1312 ft) of altitude gain that ends up taking it's toll on trekkers. Most of the days that follow are similar in nature; moderate distances that are made all the more challenging by the ever increasing altitude. The...

First Marriott Edition hotel to open on Waikiki Beach

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsThe first new brand of Marriott hotels, EDITION Hotels, will debut in Waikiki Beach this October. The concept, conceived by Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott, will create a hotel brand that provides a "personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience." EDITION will debut...

Daily gear deals - $1.25 iPod dock, $60 HD camcorder and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Thursday, June 10th 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for an iPod charging dock - these things are perfect if you like to use your iPod as an alarm clock. The dock comes with an...

The Gadling 2010 Dads and Grads gift guide and giveaway

Filed under: Gear Yes - you have just over a week left to pick out a great gift for the dad or grad in your life. This summer is tougher than ever to find the right gift, because new gear is being released at a crazy pace. We've teamed up with Office Depot to select 5 fantastic (and affordable) gifts - but the best part is that everything in this...

GadlingTV's Travel Talk - Orlando, Florida

Filed under: History, North America, United States, Video, Travel Trivia GadlingTV's Travel Talk, episode 17 - Click above to watch video after the jump It's no secret that Orlando is the top city for tourism in the United States - but Orlando has more to offer than theme parks & thrill rides. If you're planning a trip to Orlando this summer, then tune in this week as we...

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Watch: June 10th

Filed under: North America, United States, News It's Day 52 of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Here's a look at the latest news about how the spill is affecting travelers: Tar balls have arrived on the beaches in Perdido Key, Florida. The Pensacola News-Journal reports that a mile-long stretch of the beach was covered with greasy clumps about the...

M-EDGE Guardian case brings sun, surf and sand to your Amazon Kindle

Filed under: GearLike most high-tech gadgets, the Amazon Kindle 2 is not really at home on vacation - which is a shame, because it means you'd need to switch to old school paper books for some poolside reading entertainment. Thankfully, case designer M-EDGE has a solution with their new Guardian case for the Amazon Kindle - a case that...

Man flies to London hidden beneath airplane

Filed under: Europe, Romania, United Kingdom, Transportation, Airports A 20-year-old Romanian man is lucky to be alive after he was discovered hidden inside the rear wheel compartment of a jet arriving this week in London. The stowaway, who was apparently looking for work, braved low oxygen and outside air temperatures during the flight as low as...

Scientists explore "Robin Hood's prison"

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, United KingdomScientists in Nottingham, England, are studying nearly 500 man-made caves under the city and surrounding countryside. Some of the caves, hewn into the soft sandstone by generations of laborers, date back to the early Middle Ages. They were used for businesses, storage, shelter,...

Owner of largest fake breasts in Russia sues airline over "trauma"

Filed under: Europe, Russian FederationRussian model Irene Ferrari is having the worst possible year - in June of 2009, she suffered from an exploding boob upon landing in Los Angeles, and now she is suing Swiss International airlines for another boob related incident. According to Ferrari, strong turbulence on her flight made one of her breasts...

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Hotel will open despite oil spill

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsJimmy Buffett isn't going to let a little oil spoil his fun. The margarita-loving crooner is set to open his 162-room Margaritaville Hotel in Pensacola, Florida and said the threat of the BP oil wreaking havoc on his beaches isn't of concern. Buffet's $50 million hotel sits on the Gulf...

Scotland promoting archaeological tourism

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, United Kingdom Forget kilts, haggis, and caber tossing, Scotland's tourism board wants you to delve into the country's past. Tony Robinson, star of Blackadder and Time Team, is the poster boy for Visit Scotland's new push for archaeological tourism. The tourism board has developed several...

Scosche announces pre-sales of eight iPhone 4 cases

Filed under: GearI'm not entirely sure what kind of overtime is involved in designing not one, but eight cases - but to pull this off a mere 24 hours after Apple announced their newest iPhone is quite impressive. Scosche were obviously not content with just one case, so they designed a different case for almost any purpose:...

Daily Pampering: Tcherassi - Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure agree for once

Filed under: Colombia, Hotels and AccommodationsA few months ago, Tom Johansmeyer offered our readers a First look at Tcherassi Hotel. Well, it seems everyone in the industry has been looking -- and liking what they see. Both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure have deemed the luxury Cartagena hotel as one of the best. It...

Win free Inflight Internet for a year from T-Mobile and Gogo Inflight

Filed under: Internet Tools, Gadling Gear ReviewBack in February, we mentioned a neat promotion between T-Mobile and Gogo Inflight where buyers of the new T-Mobile HTC HD2 get 6 months of free access to the Gogo service. Now the two have teamed up again to promote this new Windows Powered smartphone. Sure, the grand prize may be a trip for four to L.A., but...

Photo of the Day (6.8.10)

Filed under: Photos, North America, United States, Photo of the Day, Camping Today's Photo of the Day is a dramatic shot of the Yosemite Valley and ever-famous Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. It's worth taking a look at the full size version of this photo to get the full impact of the detailed rock faces that are enhanced by the desaturation in the photo. It's a shot...

Blogger Jason Heflin

Filed under: About The BloggersIntroducing another new blogger at Gadling, Jason Heflin. . . Where was your photo taken: The Wedge/Little Grand Canyon, Utah Where do you live now: Bowling Green, Kentucky Scariest airline flown: I once flew a short commuter flight from Tanzania to Kenya. The baggage attendants at the gate tried to hustle my travel...

For last second fares, watch for United's Twares

Filed under: Business, Blogs, Airlines, Airports, NewsAs the social media monstrosity known as Twitter continues to grow by the nanosecond (did you know that the Whole Foods in Evanston, IL is now on Twitter?), more and more companies in the travel industry are now taking advantage of their followers to lure in new sales. Sure it's just another marketing...

British Airways' re-launched First is worth every mile

Filed under: United Kingdom, United States, Airlines, Transportation, AirportsRecently, I spent $75 to get a seat in British Airways' new and improved first class cabin from New York to London, and although my original flight was ash-canned, I did eventually get there. And to paraphrase the Beatles, man, I did not have a dreadful flight. To quickly...

Hotel Review: The World Center Hotel, first hotel to open at Ground Zero

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and AccommodationsWhen I told people where I was going and what I was doing, the same three words continued to make their way into different conversations: redevelop, rebuild and revitalization. I hadn't been to lower Manhattan since before Sept. 11, 2001, and quite frankly I had no plans to return. I remember...

Outdoor 'treasure hunt' puts $40k worth of gear up for grabs

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, North America, United StatesNationally syndicated columnist Stephen Regenold, best know by his pseudonym, The Gear Junkie, is hosting a scavenger hunt this July, and 300 lucky participants are going to get the chance to win some very cool outdoor gear in the process. The first ever Gear Junkie...

Daily gear deals - $13 travel shaver, $5 travel cable kit and more

Filed under: Gadling's Daily Deal Here are the hottest gear deals for today, Wednesday, June 9th 2010. Remember, these deals are often valid for just one day, so act fast before they are gone. Today's first deal is for a Panasonic Pro-Curve wet/dry travel shaver. This compact shaver runs off AA batteries and comes with a carrying case. At...

Free museums for soldiers and their families

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, United StatesBeing on active duty is tough. Soldiers spend long periods in dangerous parts of the world and only get a few precious days or weeks to see family and friends. Now the Blue Star Museums initiative is helping them spend some quality time by offering free museum admission to more...

France in summer: Three ways to do it in style

Filed under: Europe, France, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel Deals Skip your usual vacation spot this summer, and go to France. You need a break from the norm (I sure do), and there are some great deals all over the country that make it hard to resist getting on a plane for seven hours of smelling the passenger crammed in next to you. Focus on what happens when you hit...

London mayor rails against Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Florida location

Filed under: