Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[10 Reasons You Must Revisit - what to see when revisiting a destination]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/10-reasons-you-must-revisit-what-to-see-when-revisiting-a-dest/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/10-reasons-you-must-revisit-what-to-see-when-revisiting-a-dest/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/10-reasons-you-must-revisit-what-to-see-when-revisiting-a-dest/#commentsFiled under: ,

Revisiting a DestinationRevisiting a destination is essential to understanding it. Traveling the world is a marvelous thing, but if you've only been everywhere once, how can you have a true sense of the nature of any of those places?

Change is one of the few things you can count on in this world. When it comes to destinations, revisiting after a year, or five, ten, even twenty, can be an incredible lesson in what is permanent and what isn't. What a culture chooses to preserve speaks volumes about that culture, as does what it chooses to demolish. Furthermore, the rate at which technology and commercialism progress is different in different regions; a phenomenon which is fascinating at the very least.

We've all had the experience of saying "Oh, I've been there," only to hear that major attractions sprang up in our wake. That's #1. Here are 10 Reasons You Must Revisit:

1. To see a new attraction.

This was one of the major reasons I chose to revisit Liverpool last year. After attending school there for three years, I revisited to take a look at Liverpool One, the mega-shopping center, as well as the Echo Arena and the burgeoning gastronomic scene. As I wrote in my article Visiting the new Liverpool, it was like a "spaceship [had] landed in the town center." I could hardly speak about Liverpool with anyone who had lived or traveled there in the past few years if I hadn't revisited. Its entire town center is completely different, attracting a completely different crowd.

Continue reading 10 Reasons You Must Revisit - what to see when revisiting a destination

10 Reasons You Must Revisit - what to see when revisiting a destination originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>old-and-newrevisitrevisitingrevisiting a destinationRevisitingADestinationtop 10top tenTop10TopTentraveloldandnewTue, 01 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 reasons to choose the cheaper hotel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/23/10-reasons-to-choose-the-cheaper-hotel/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/23/10-reasons-to-choose-the-cheaper-hotel/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/23/10-reasons-to-choose-the-cheaper-hotel/#commentsFiled under:

Top 10 reasons to choose the cheaper hotel
So. You've got your upcoming trip narrowed down to a handful of hotels. Do you reward yourself with the loveliest luxury hotel you can afford, or do you quietly, triumphantly select the cheaper hotel?

The quandary itself can feel like a moral dilemma. Websites are designed, whether intentionally or not, to encourage you to buy spendier things. You, the frugal shopper, click "List by Price - Ascending" and immediately assume that the first couple of options listed are below any discerning human being's taste level. For heaven's sake, some of them don't even include photos. Sound familiar? Well, stop right there and check in with what you already know: more expensive does not always mean better quality, and it certainly doesn't always mean better value for your dollar.

Before you go shelling out for your top or mid-range options, consider why you were shopping online in the first place: to get a good deal. As for that lack of photos, there can be any number of reasons a hotel booking company doesn't host the cheapest hotels' photographs ("the hotel didn't pay to have them hosted" is one of the most common), and you can certainly find photos of it on Flickr or TripAdvisor.

Even if you are looking for luxury, it's a mistake to assume that the most expensive hotel is going to be the best experience. Here are the 10 reasons to choose the cheaper hotel:

1. You can get a better room.

Do you want the tiniest room in the fanciest hotel, or a fabulous suite in a less expensive hotel? Think about it.

Continue reading 10 reasons to choose the cheaper hotel

10 reasons to choose the cheaper hotel originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelcheap hotelcheap hotelscheaper hotelcheaper hotel roomscheaper hotelsCheaperHotelCheaperHotelRoomsCheaperHotelsCheapHotelCheapHotelshotelhotelstop 10Top10Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[State Department issues Libya travel warning - read more about this forbidden destination]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/state-department-issues-libya-travel-warning-read-more-about-t/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/state-department-issues-libya-travel-warning-read-more-about-t/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/state-department-issues-libya-travel-warning-read-more-about-t/#commentsFiled under: ,

Libya travel warning
As the unrest in the Middle East continues, the US Department of State has issued a Libya travel warning, advising Americans to steer clear of the country, and especially of "gatherings" there. The Wall Street Journal reports:

"'U.S. citizens in Libya should minimize overall travel in-country, exercise extreme caution when traveling, and limit all travel after dark,' the US said in a travel advisory. It said demonstrations, violence and looting were all possible over the next several days, and urged US citizens to stay away from any gatherings.

'Even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment, or worse,' according to the State Department advisory."

I know I'm not the only one who will have no trouble staying out of Libya in the near future. Confession time: I had never considered going there. So, why do people travel to Libya? Gadling's Tom Johansmeyer posted about a package deal there back in August 2010 (An easy way to get to Libya), with quotes about its "archaeological riches" and "a sense of discovery in a land virtually unknown to the modern world." Libya also reportedly has 1250 miles of coastline "teeming with underwater wrecks, ruins and Nazi gold," making it a highly-prized scuba diving destination (see: Diving in Libya). Furthermore, it's a popular cruise ship port for the British and Italians (see: Will Libya Again Open to US Cruise Passengers?).

In case you or any of your friends were already in-the-know about the secret wonders of Libya, Americans in Libya are being urged to contact the embassy in Tripoli with the following contact details:

  • +218 (0)21-337-3250
  • After business hours: 091-220-5207
  • LibyaEmergencyUSC@state.gov

[Source: WSJ]

[Photo by anniemullinsuk via Flickr.]

Continue reading State Department issues Libya travel warning - read more about this forbidden destination

State Department issues Libya travel warning - read more about this forbidden destination originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Department of StateDepartmentOfStategovernmentLibya Travel WarningLibyaTravelWarningmiddle eastMiddleEaststate departmentStateDepartmenttravel warningTravelWarningunrestUS State DepartmentUsStateDepartmentMon, 21 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[De Odor Works product review - can a slab of stainless steel eliminate body odor?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/16/de-odor-works-product-review-body-odor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/16/de-odor-works-product-review-body-odor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/16/de-odor-works-product-review-body-odor/#commentsFiled under:

De Odor WorksDe Odor Works is a stainless steel ... object, for lack of a better word, which claims to be able to eliminate all bodily odors with nothing more than running water. I have trouble believing this could be true, but hey -- I'm still totally interested. If it works, it could be really helpful on trips to regions where toiletries are hard to come by, and possibly replace some of the everyday de-odorizing potions like foot odor spray or even anti-perspirant. Right? Well, let's give it a whirl!

From the manual:

"Body odor comes from bacteria growing on the body. These bacteria multiply rapidly in the presence of sweat (which is odorless). Body odor may be present in your under arm, feet, groin, anus, genitals and public area. What one smells is the bacteria multiplying on the skin in the presence of sweat. Washing with soap and water does not eliminate these odor-causing bacteria but using De Odor Works with tap water will remove the odor."

Really?

Scientific test time. As directed, I took a shower and rubbed this stainless steel thingamajig under my underarms for thirty seconds at a time, as well as on the soles of my feet. Now, all I have to do is wait.

Continue reading De Odor Works product review - can a slab of stainless steel eliminate body odor?

De Odor Works product review - can a slab of stainless steel eliminate body odor? originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti perspirantAntiPerspirantbody odorBodyOdorDe Odor WorksdeoDeOdorWorkshealthproduct reviewProductReviewtoiletriestravel-techWed, 16 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily Pampering: Betrothal Butlers at Woodlands Inn help you pop the question]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/betrothal-butlers-at-woodlands-inn-help-you-pop/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/betrothal-butlers-at-woodlands-inn-help-you-pop/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/betrothal-butlers-at-woodlands-inn-help-you-pop/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Betrothal ButlersPlanning to pop the question? Woodlands Inn, a five-star, five-diamond Salamander Hospitality property in Summerville, South Carolina (just a short drive from Charleston) has enlisted a team of Betrothal Butlers to be at your beck and call as you plan your perfect proposal.

This special service is launching for Valentine's Day, but will be available throughout 2011, so if you're considering an "engagement-cation" this year, but overwhelmed by the planning it requires, this may be exactly what you need! Here's just some of what the Betrothal Butlers can do to help in this gorgeously traditional setting:
  • Provide expert advice with all aspects of proposal planning. People propose at hotels all the time. These guys know what's up and what works best.
  • Special delivery of the ring. Hiding the ring can be hugely stressful when all you've got is a suitcase. Let the Betrothal Butlers help you out -- they can even deliver the ring in a glass of champagne, movie-style.
  • Creative dinner menu choices. Obviously, you want your beloved to have pretty much the best dinner ever. Inject extra romance with personalized selections.
  • Capture the moment on camera. So many of us wish the moment of our engagement could have been captured on camera! The Betrothal Butlers are totally on this. And they're discreet.
The Betrothal Butler service is complimentary for dining and overnight guests of Woodlands Inn -- and we love its formalization as a "service;" sometimes you feel like you're driving a hotel crazy or like you're the first person who's ever requested help with a proposal when asking for help. This is one of those few situations where you do deserve special treatment, and so does your intended!

If you are intending to head to Woodlands Inn for Valentine's Day, they have a Romance Package for Febraury 11-14, which includes overnight accommodations, champagne and chocolate upon arrival, a three-course dinner for two with wine, and breakfast for two the next morning (in the room or the resturant) starting at $599. Not too shabby. Call (800) 774-9999 to book the package.

Daily Pampering: Betrothal Butlers at Woodlands Inn help you pop the question originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Charlestondaily-pamperingfive diamondfive starFiveDiamondFiveStarsalamander hospitalitySalamanderHospitalitySouth CarolinaSouthCarolinaSummervilleValentines DayValentinesDayMon, 31 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten passport photos that look like mug shots]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/28/ten-passport-photos-that-look-like-mug-shots/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/28/ten-passport-photos-that-look-like-mug-shots/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/28/ten-passport-photos-that-look-like-mug-shots/#commentsFiled under:

passport photos that look like mug shots - whoopsNo one really knows how to take the best passport photos. To smile, or not to smile? It's a question we all ask ourselves, but usually not until we're half a second from that snap of the camera which will define our official "look" for the next ten years. The result? We tend to look confused, undecided, and in some cases, mildly criminal.

Click through the gallery below for ten passport photos which look like they were taken in the clink, and the crimes the "offenders" look like they committed.

(Sorry, but if you post your passport photo on Flickr under the creative commons license, you are kind of asking for this):


Gallery: Ten Passport Photos that Look Like Mug Shots

False accusation: picked up for TPing your house.False accusation: Ponzi scheme. And he's not telling you where the money is.False accusation: hacking.False accusation: charged with having multiple identities.False accustion: charged with annoying a police officer.


You can avoid this fate. While most of us go to the local drug store or the post office to get the picture done (we want to make sure all the guidelines are met), you can take the passport photo in the comfort of your own home. Here are the official passport photo guidelines (via travel.state.gov):

Continue reading Ten passport photos that look like mug shots

Ten passport photos that look like mug shots originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funfunnyguidelinesmug shotmug shotsMugShotMugShotspassportpassport photopassport photosPassportPhotoPassportPhotospassportstop 10top tenTop10TopTenFri, 28 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Habitat for Humanity building an eco-tourism village in Indonesia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/24/habitat-for-humanity-building-an-eco-tourism-village-in-indonesi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/24/habitat-for-humanity-building-an-eco-tourism-village-in-indonesi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/24/habitat-for-humanity-building-an-eco-tourism-village-in-indonesi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Asia Pulp & Paper, one of the world's largest paper producers, to bring a struggling village in Indonesia out of poverty in an unusual way: by making it into an eco-tourism destination where visitors can stay with families.

This controversial conversion will take place in Soran, a village where 60 percent of the resident families live below the poverty line, despite their long traditions of creating crafts and music, and their location near to one of Indonesia's most precious attractions, Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Central Java region.

The Soran project will improve living quarters for most families by adding guest accommodations, expanding kitchens for the preparation of guest meals, earthquake proofing and adding laundry facilities. Furthermore, the project will train-to-employ over 250 villagers as laundry management workers (50), cooks of traditional foods (100) and performers and marketers of the village's traditional arts (100 families). Over 100 villagers will also be trained in "disaster risk mitigation."

You can watch Habitat for Humanity coordinator Johannes Sigit P. talk about this first-of-its-kind for HfH project in the video above. What do you think?

View Poll

Habitat for Humanity building an eco-tourism village in Indonesia originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asia Pulp PaperAsiaPulpPaperCentral JavaCentralJavaeco-tourismHabitat for HumanityHabitatForHumanityJavaPrambanan TemplePrambananTempleSoranUNESCOUNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO World Heritage SitesUnescoWorldHeritageSiteUnescoWorldHeritageSitesMon, 24 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tin Soldier Museum in Valencia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/28/tin-soldier-museum-in-valencia/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/28/tin-soldier-museum-in-valencia/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/28/tin-soldier-museum-in-valencia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tin Soldier MuseumValencia, Spain is home to the Tin Soldier Museum, Museo L'Iber, the world's largest collection of tin soldiers (they have over 80,000). They have tin dinosaurs, tin designer fashions, tin Iraq war scenes and tin royalty. The museum is actually an amazing historical resource, as important political and international scenes from across the ages are set up and portrayed as accurately as possible in tin and toys. Naturally, Spain gets the most attention. If you're going for a visit, which costs just €4, bring a guide who can translate for you; they don't have English descriptions for the exhibits. And, if you're a collector, bring your wallet -- there's an impressive gift shop with miniature treasures you won't likely be able to resist.

The Tin Soldier Museum collection belongs to D. Alvaro Noguera Gimenez. The Gimenez family bought the building which houses the museum around the time of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The building has an event space and apartments which the family rents to keep the museum afloat. Pretty smart!

The Tin Soldier Museum contains reportedly over 1 million tin and toy soldiers, though just 80,000 are on display. Here are some highlights from the collection:

General Franco
Tin Soldier Museum

Continue reading Tin Soldier Museum in Valencia

Tin Soldier Museum in Valencia originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GimenezmuseummuseumsSpaintin soldiertin soldier museumtin soldiersTinSoldierTinSoldierMuseumTinSoldiersValenciaValencia-travelTue, 28 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten clear signs you're in the wrong city for Christmas]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/23/wrong-city-for-christmas-fail/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/23/wrong-city-for-christmas-fail/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/23/wrong-city-for-christmas-fail/#commentsFiled under:

Christmas trees - you're doing it wrong. Wrong city for ChristmasChristmastime is a special time for Christians, and also for non-Christians who don't mind the excuse to decorate, eat, and exchange presents. One of the main chagrins of perpetual travelers is that they often find themselves in the wrong city for Christmas. Being away from family is one thing, but sometimes, December 25 can roll by without feeling like a "real Christmas" at all. I feel weird even celebrating sans snow.

I understand that not all Gadling readers observe the Christmas holiday, but I do, and this is for those of you who do, too -- and who knows? Maybe even some people who don't celebrate Christmas can appreciate this article in the spirit in which it was intended: lightheartedly. Here are 10 clear signs you're in the wrong city for Christmas.

You know you're in the wrong city for Christmas when...

Continue reading Ten clear signs you're in the wrong city for Christmas

Ten clear signs you're in the wrong city for Christmas originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christianitychristiansChristmaschristmas failChristmasFailcity for christmasCityForChristmasfailholidayholidaysreligionwrong christmasWrongChristmasyoure doing it wrongYoureDoingItWrongThu, 23 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten awesome things in the Valencia riverbed]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/ten-awesome-things-in-the-valencia-riverbed/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/ten-awesome-things-in-the-valencia-riverbed/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/ten-awesome-things-in-the-valencia-riverbed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Valencia riverbed - The former Turia River
Once upon a time, the Turia River ran through Valencia, Spain, cradling the Old Town and flowing into the Mediterranean Sea just to the east. The river was prone to floods, and in 1957, a particularly nasty one did massive damage to the city and even killed many of its citizens. The Valencians had had enough and decided to show mother nature who's boss. They diverted the river out of the city and turned the riverbed into a fabulous eco-park.

Bit by bit over the years, they have added things to the riverbed garden park, from playgrounds to fountains and even major buildings. The influences of the Arabs, Romans and Christians are all present, and the bridges, some of which date back to the 15th century, still cross the river, so you won't find any cars disturbing the peace.

I took a bike tour through the riverbed in Valencia and encountered all sorts of unexpected and awesome things. Here are ten of them.

Continue reading Ten awesome things in the Valencia riverbed

Ten awesome things in the Valencia riverbed originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City of Arts and SciencesCityOfArtsAndSciencesHemisfericOceanograficPrincipe Felipe Science MuseumPrincipeFelipeScienceMuseumriverbedSpainTuriaTuria riverTuriaRiverValenciaValencia riverbedValencia-travelValenciaRiverbedTue, 21 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lladro - a visit to the City of Porcelain]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/20/lladro-a-visit-to-the-city-of-porcelain/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/20/lladro-a-visit-to-the-city-of-porcelain/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/20/lladro-a-visit-to-the-city-of-porcelain/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lladro - not just Grandma's porcelain
Lladró (pronounced "YAH-drow") is a design house which has been creating coveted works of high porcelain since 1953. The company was founded by three brothers whose combined passion for porcelain has led to the genesis of a ceramic sculpture empire. You may recognize the name Lladro from a friend's collection, from their stores in major cities across the world, or from browsing your parents' or grandma's mantle. That's not to say "porcelain is for old people," it's just that it's expensive, and perhaps an acquired taste.

A taste I had not acquired.

I was planning a trip to Valencia, Spain and I learned that it was home to Lladro's infamous "City of Porcelain," where all their works are designed and created. I decided to go check it out. Why not? Perhaps I could gain an appreciation for something new. The truth is, I didn't get porcelain figurines. There. I said it. I thought of them as being unnecessarily feminine and dated.

Then I went to the City of Porcelain.

Gallery: Lladro - Not just your Grandma's Porcelain

Lladro DragonLladro Cleopatra SceneLladro Cleopatra SceneLladro Cleopatra SceneLladro

Continue reading Lladro - a visit to the City of Porcelain

Lladro - a visit to the City of Porcelain originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartworklladrolladro figurinesLladroFigurinesporcelainstatuesValenciaValencia-travelMon, 20 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five things to eat in Valencia, Spain]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/16/five-things-to-eat-in-valencia-spain/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/16/five-things-to-eat-in-valencia-spain/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/16/five-things-to-eat-in-valencia-spain/#commentsFiled under: ,

Eat in Valencia
Valencia, Spain is a beautiful place to be and a wonderful place to eat. From the fresh produce markets to the chic restaurants, you'll have no trouble finding all manner of delicious cuisine, but if you want to know what you should definitely eat in Valencia, look no further.

Five things to eat in Valencia, Spain

1. Oranges

Obviously, in Valencia, you should eat Valencian oranges. In fact, go to Central Market and you can indulge in all manner of terrifically fresh and flavorful produce. Don't try to eat an orange off a tree in the city; they may look pretty, as you can see above, but they taste sour. Head out to an orange grove if you must pick your own oranges.

Gallery: 5 Things to Eat in Valencia, Spain

1. Oranges2. Horchata3. Paella4. Fideua4. Fideua


[Photos by Annie Scott.]

Read more about Valencia here!

This trip was sponsored by Cool Capitals and Tourismo Valencia, but the ideas and opinions expressed in this article are 100 percent my own.

Five things to eat in Valencia, Spain originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eat in ValenciaEatInValenciafideuahorchataorangespaellaSpainstreet cornStreetCornValenciaValencia-travelThu, 16 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What to pack in a carry on - ten things Gadling readers actually use]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/what-to-pack-in-a-carry-on-ten-things-gadling-readers-actually/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/what-to-pack-in-a-carry-on-ten-things-gadling-readers-actually/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/what-to-pack-in-a-carry-on-ten-things-gadling-readers-actually/#commentsFiled under: ,

What to packSo, you've got yourself the ultimate carry on for your upcoming air travel. Now, you have to figure out what to pack in it.

For those of us who check a bag, it can be hard to decide what, exactly, to bring on the plane with us. Valuables and documents are a must, for safety, but do you really need that computer cable? Do you need Bandaids? Did you splurge on a stupid gadget you'll never use? Traveling light is key; it's no fun lugging a full, heavy carry on around. We asked our readers on Facebook what they actually use during their flights. Take a look at this list before you overpack and weigh yourself down.

Ten things Gadling readers actually use from their carry ons:

1. Kindle - Marsha, Christine, Martha and Max

2. Book and/or magazine - Saadia, Amy, Karen, Despina, Norma and Nicole

3. Noise canceling or other headphones - Christine, Arun, Norma and Shelby

Continue reading What to pack in a carry on - ten things Gadling readers actually use

What to pack in a carry on - ten things Gadling readers actually use originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carry oncarry on bagsCarryOnCarryOnBagsfacebookgadling readersGadlingReaderspackingpacking tipsPackingTipswhat to packWhatToPackWed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Night at the Valencia Aquarium - Videos and More]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/night-at-the-valencia-aquarium-videos-and-more/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/night-at-the-valencia-aquarium-videos-and-more/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/night-at-the-valencia-aquarium-videos-and-more/#commentsFiled under:

Oceanografic, the Valencia Aquarium
It was a dark and stormy night when I visited the Valencia Aquarium, The Oceanografic in the outlandish City of Arts and Sciences complex. No really, it was dark and stormy. When I arrived at around 6 PM, the sun had set, and it was raining intermittently. I was cold and worn out and definitely ready for a couple of hours of underwater magic.

The Oceanografic closes at 8, but I had a 9 PM reservation at L'Oceanografic Submarino Restaurant, a suprising gem hidden beneath the strange, intriguing building above at the right (designed by Felix Candela to resemble a water lily). I figured I'd arrive at 6 and kill the hour in between, not realizing that meant I'd be visiting an aquarium in the dark. Had I known that many of the exhibits are outdoors, or that natural light illuminates some of the enclosures, I'm not sure I would have chosen to visit at night, but I did -- and I'm glad. There was an esoteric thrill to the ambience. As people poured out of the last dolphin show holding jackets over their heads to stay dry, I couldn't help but feel like I was participating in some kind of secret aquarium lock-in. And, the other-worldly atmosphere of the restaurant at the end of the evening felt all the more exclusive.

The Oceanografic has to be one of the finest aquariums I've seen anywhere. It's beautifully, artistically designed, and I never felt like I was in a preschool, which is what aquariums often feel like to me. Let's start with a video of one of the most wonderful sights at the Oceanografic: the jellyfish (be sure and select the HD option!).

Continue reading Night at the Valencia Aquarium - Videos and More

Night at the Valencia Aquarium - Videos and More originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Felix CandelaFelixCandelajellyfishLOceanograficnight tourNightTourOceanograficSpainSubmarinounderwaterValenciaValencia AquariumValencia-travelValenciaAquariumWed, 15 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top ten cutest residents of the Valencia Bioparc]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/14/top-ten-cutest-residents-of-the-valencia-bioparc/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/14/top-ten-cutest-residents-of-the-valencia-bioparc/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/14/top-ten-cutest-residents-of-the-valencia-bioparc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valencia Bioparc - lemurs in trees!The zoo in Valencia, Spain, known as Bioparc Valencia, is full of wonderful animals in deluxe, non-depressing enclosures. You'll find it on the western border of the city, easily reachable by bus or subway (you'll have to walk about 15-20 minutes if you take the subway).

Bioparc Valencia is a new zoo which opened in March 2008, and its philosophies include sustainable design, scientifically-created habitats to ensure the well-being of the animals, specialized animal care provided by teams of both biologists and veterinarians and a concept called zoo-immersion for guests. Zoo-immersion means that when you enter an area of the zoo, which is divided into geographical ecosystems (currently only the African savannah is open, but Southeast Asia and the Neotropics are next), you will be surrounded by vegetation and landscaping appropriate to the animals you're viewing, and in some cases, like with the ring-tailed lemurs, you'll be inside an enclosure with the animals. The lemurs run all around their habitat, jumping over your head and crossing your path like cats.

And that brings us to #1 of our Top Ten Cutest Residents of the Valencia Bioparc: lemurs in trees (above and below)!

Continue reading Top ten cutest residents of the Valencia Bioparc

Top ten cutest residents of the Valencia Bioparc originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioparc valenciaBioparcValenciacutephotosSpaintop tenTopTenValenciavalencia bioparcValencia-travelValenciaBioparcvideozooTue, 14 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mama hippo and baby hippo swimming together - cutest video ever]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/13/mama-hippo-and-baby-hippo-swimming-together-cutest-video-ever/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/13/mama-hippo-and-baby-hippo-swimming-together-cutest-video-ever/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/13/mama-hippo-and-baby-hippo-swimming-together-cutest-video-ever/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mama hippo and baby hippo swimmingIn case you missed it, last Friday, we published Mother hippo rescues a baby wildebeest in Kenya - African wildlife. Today we have yet more hippo love to share: a video of a mother hippo and baby hippo swimming together at the Bioparc Valencia, the smashing zoo in Valencia, Spain. I think it's safe to say we love hippos.

I filmed this myself with an HD Flip camera on my latest trip to Valencia, Spain. Having recently visited Zambia on a safari, I thought the African animals at the zoo might not impress me as much as usual. Boy, was I wrong.

Bioparc Valenica allows you to get so close to the animals -- and not because the enclosures are small (they're actually larger than most I've seen). Furthermore, it provides you with experiences you definitely wouldn't have on a safari, like watching hippos swim underwater right in front of you.

Continue reading Mama hippo and baby hippo swimming together - cutest video ever

Mama hippo and baby hippo swimming together - cutest video ever originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby hippobaby hipposBabyHippoBabyHipposbioparcBioparc ValenciaBioparcValenciacutehippoSpainunderwaterValenciaValencia-travelzooMon, 13 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mother hippo rescues a baby wildebeest in Kenya - African wildlife]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/10/mother-hippo-rescues-a-baby-wildebeest-kenya-african-wildlife/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/10/mother-hippo-rescues-a-baby-wildebeest-kenya-african-wildlife/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/10/mother-hippo-rescues-a-baby-wildebeest-kenya-african-wildlife/#commentsFiled under: , ,

African wildlife - Mother hippo rescues a baby wildebeest in KenyaSometimes, strange and wonderful things happen within the world of African wildlife. A few weeks ago at Sanctuary Olonana, a luxury camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Mother Nature looked the other way while the nature of a mother hippo took over.

An infant wildebeest accidentally ended up in the middle of the Mara River, helpless and gangly and unable to swim. The calf had been crossing the river with its own mother (as part of the wildebeest migration, one of the natural wonders of the world), but was swept away by the strong current. The little guy wasn't doing too well and a crocodile began to circle.


A nearby female hippo caught sight of the struggling calf and nearby croc, and swam to his rescue. Guests watched anxiously for an intense fifteen minutes as she gently pushed the baby wildebeest to the shore where his mother was waiting -- a heroic and noble act by a notably aggressive animal. There's no actual proof that she's a mother hippo, but with maternal instincts like that, which stretched even beyond her species, I'm guessing that either she is, or she's going to be.

These touching photos were taken by the Sanctuary Olonana camp manager, who watched along with the guests and staff of the camp. I can only imagine the cheering when the baby wildebeest was finally brought to safety.

Continue reading Mother hippo rescues a baby wildebeest in Kenya - African wildlife

Mother hippo rescues a baby wildebeest in Kenya - African wildlife originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>African animalsAfrican wildlifeAfricanAnimalsAfricanWildlifeanimalshipporescuesafarisanctuary retreatsSanctuaryRetreatswildebeestFri, 10 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top five best carry on bags for travel gifts]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/09/top-five-best-carry-on-bags-for-travel-gifts/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/09/top-five-best-carry-on-bags-for-travel-gifts/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/09/top-five-best-carry-on-bags-for-travel-gifts/#commentsFiled under:

Top Five Carry On BagsIf you're looking for a gift for a traveler this year, consider getting them a stylish, utilitarian carry on bag. Carry on bags make great travel gifts, because not only are they useful, but travelers are happy to have more than one -- there's nothing more depressing than having no options.

Carry on bags, in this traveler's opinion, need to have a few basic things:
  • a slot for easy access to travel documents
  • multiple compartments to keep things organized
  • space for a laptop in a sleeve
  • lightweight build
  • space for at least one change of clothes
As long as it meets those basic criteria, any bag at all can be used as a carry on. Still, some are far and away better than others. Check out the gallery below for Gadling's Top Five Best Carry On Bags for Travel Gifts -- these are sure to delight the recipient's aesthetic and pragmatic desires.

Gallery: Top Five Carry Ons for the Holidays 2010

The Sharper Image Speedway Convertible - $219.99The Longchamp Legende - $1,075.00Malcom Fontier The Getaway - $280.00Malcom Fontier - The Getaway - $280.00The Tom Bihn Tri-Star Carry-On Travel Bag - $250.00

Top five best carry on bags for travel gifts originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carry oncarry on bagscarry-onCarryOnCarryOnBagsgiftsholidaytravel gifttravel gift ideastravel giftsTravelGiftTravelGiftIdeasTravelGiftsThu, 09 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arcade Fire video uses Google Maps to personalize 'We Used to Wait']]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/02/arcade-fire-video-uses-google-maps-to-personalize-we-used-to-wa/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/02/arcade-fire-video-uses-google-maps-to-personalize-we-used-to-wa/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/02/arcade-fire-video-uses-google-maps-to-personalize-we-used-to-wa/#commentsFiled under: ,

Arcade Fire VideoArcade Fire has taken the music video genre to a brand new level with their latest achievement: an interactive video/film by Chris Milk, entitled The Wilderness Downtown featuring "We Used to Wait." This Arcade Fire video also features something you might not have expectd: the street where you grew up.

Milk, Arcade Fire and Google have teamed up to create something far more personal than say, Elf Yourself. By prompting you to enter the address of the house where you grew up, they are able to generate a music video which takes place on your street and features shots of your own house (if it's still standing there -- mine's had a third garage added, I noticed).

We love this. We think it could do without all the random windows popping up, but understand the utility of that, as well. The song is perfect for a stroll down Memory Lane and the concept uses Google Maps in a way we had never imagined. For fun, why not enter in the address of a hotel where you've stayed and watch the video as it takes place somewhere across the world?

To experience this awesome internet collaboration, which debuted at the end of the summer but seems somehow more poignant around the holidays, visit TheWildernessDowntown.com. The site is best viewed with Google Chrome.

[Photo via TheWildernessDowntown.com.]

Arcade Fire video uses Google Maps to personalize 'We Used to Wait' originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade firearcade fire videoArcadeFireArcadeFireVideoChris MilkChrisMilkgoogle mapsGoogleMapsinteractivemusic videoMusicVideoWe Used to WaitWeUsedToWaitThu, 02 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten brilliant ideas for your travel collection by Gadling readers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/01/ten-brilliant-ideas-for-your-travel-collection-by-gadling-reader/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/01/ten-brilliant-ideas-for-your-travel-collection-by-gadling-reader/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/01/ten-brilliant-ideas-for-your-travel-collection-by-gadling-reader/#commentsFiled under:

Items for your travel collectionDo you have a travel collection? I do. I collect thimbles everywhere I go. I like to put them in an antique wooden drawer which has been repainted and hung on the wall, and I hope one day my grandchildren will play with them and ask me what the different destinations were like back when I ... could see/could walk/had teeth.

Collecting something small on your travels is budget friendly (unless you collect something extravagant, but that's up to you) and makes finding your souvenir a lot of fun. It's less like looking for a needle in a stack of needles, which is what looking for "something special" can feel like, and more like a quick, satisfying errand you can check of your list in no time. If you only stay in destinations for a short time, a travel collection is gratifyingly doable, and you'll be able to relive your amazing journeys (and remember the ones you totally forgot about) for years and years.

We wanted to know what you collect, so we asked our readers on Facebook what they collect. We received some brilliant responses and wanted to tell you what some of the best were, in case you haven't started your travel collection yet!

Continue reading Ten brilliant ideas for your travel collection by Gadling readers

Ten brilliant ideas for your travel collection by Gadling readers originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelcollectioncollectionsfacebookfeaturedshoppingsouvenirstravel collectionWed, 01 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST