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[Loyalty program wins call for a clear strategy]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/22/loyalty-program-wins-call-for-a-clear-strategy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/22/loyalty-program-wins-call-for-a-clear-strategy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/22/loyalty-program-wins-call-for-a-clear-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LoyaltyWorking loyalty programs for airlines, cruise lines, hotels or rental car agencies can be tricky business. Core benefits of one program are often overshadowed by promotional offers from another. Navigating our way around them in an organized manner to get the most benefit, then keeping track of what we earn can take a lot of time that few are willing to invest. Those who do not travel all that much often find themselves belonging to a bunch of programs with little value racked up on any of them. Still, the benefits of being a member can be worth our time, even for an occasional traveler, armed with the right strategy.

"To make sure you get more benefits, either in free flights or elite traveler perks, consolidate your miles into as few airlines as possible," recommends iFly. "The more miles that you can build on one card, by using that airline or its partners, the faster you get your rewards."

That strategy works for hotel chains as well and focusing on programs that offer more can help. Third-party web sites like FindTheBest rank airlines, hotels and others for us, consolidating benefits, perk thresholds and more to easily see which programs are a good fit for an individual's travel profile.

"At FindTheBest, we present you with the facts - stripped of any marketing influence - so that you can make quick and informed decisions. We present the facts in easy-to-use tables with smart filters, so that you can decide what is best,"says FindTheBest on its web site.

Once points start coming in, another helpful website, AwardWallet, can make keeping track of them easy. AwardWallet is a free service that helps us manage reward balances, supporting over 400 loyalty programs. AwardWallet is also used by businesses to manage their corporate reward balances.

Continue reading Loyalty program wins call for a clear strategy

Loyalty program wins call for a clear strategy originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AwardWalletBest WesternBest Western HotelsBestWesternBestWesternHotelsBoardingAreaCoreFinanceFindTheBestFlickrFrequent flyer strategyFrequentFlyerStrategyLoyaltyloyalty programLoyaltyProgramSci/TechStarwood HotelsStarwood preferred guestStarwoodHotelsStarwoodPreferredGuestTracking frequent flyer milesTrackingFrequentFlyerMilesWed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveling turtle finds new home in Arizona]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/traveling-turtle-finds-new-home-in-arizona/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/traveling-turtle-finds-new-home-in-arizona/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/traveling-turtle-finds-new-home-in-arizona/#commentsFiled under: , ,

turtlesGreen Sea Turtles travel great distances in their lifetime with a range that reaches as far north as the southern coast of Alaska and as far south as Chile. In the water. On land is an unlikely place to find a sea turtle but this week one will settle into her new permanent home at the Sea Life aquarium in Tempe, Arizona.

The green sea turtle, Ziva, sustained serious injuries after being struck by a boat off the coast of Florida in 2010. Ziva has spent the past two years receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the internationally acclaimed Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC). She sustained such extensive damage to her shell and skull that she requires specialized weights to swim and dive correctly. Because of these injuries, Ziva will never be healthy enough to survive in the wild but Sea Life Arizona will provide her a safe and permanent home and will ensure she receives the experienced care she needs.

"Having Ziva at Sea Life Arizona gives our guests the opportunity to see something that can't be seen anywhere else in the state," said Hayley Townsend, Sea Life Arizona general manager. "We are excited to help rescue an incredible sea creature and share a message of hope and ocean conservation."

Continue reading Traveling turtle finds new home in Arizona

Traveling turtle finds new home in Arizona originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlaskaChilesave sea turtleSaveSeaTurtleturtleTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Space travel Code of Conduct aims to limit junk in orbit]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/space-travel-code-of-conduct-aims-to-limit-junk-in-orbit/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/space-travel-code-of-conduct-aims-to-limit-junk-in-orbit/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/space-travel-code-of-conduct-aims-to-limit-junk-in-orbit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

space travelDecades of space travel activities have the Earth's orbit littered with space junk. As the world's nations continue activity in space, the space junk pile increases and along with it the chances of a deadly collision. Now, the United States and other nations are doing something about it.

"Space is no longer an environment accessed nearly exclusively by two superpowers or a few countries. Barriers to entry are lower than ever, and many countries are enjoying access to, and the benefits of, space in unprecedented numbers," said Frank A. Rose, the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance in a speech at the 15th annual FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference last week.

The U.S. Department of Defense tracks about 22,000 objects in orbit, only 1,100 of which are active satellites. The rest are things like dead satellites, spent booster rockets or orbiting debris. Experts are concerned that the man-made debris increases the odds of future damaging collisions, a situation that will only worsen as more nations explore space travel.

Continue reading Space travel Code of Conduct aims to limit junk in orbit

Space travel Code of Conduct aims to limit junk in orbit originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earth's orbitFlickrNASAsafe space travelSafeSpaceTravelSci/TechSpace debrisspace travelSpaceDebrisSpaceTravelTue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnaval Mazatlan a festive celebration, but safe?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/20/carnaval-mazatlan-a-festive-celebration-but-safe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/20/carnaval-mazatlan-a-festive-celebration-but-safe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/20/carnaval-mazatlan-a-festive-celebration-but-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

carnaval mazatlanCarnaval Mazatlan started this week and runs through February 21. Like other celebrations, glittering costumes, exotic foods and dancing street musicians are all part of the festivities. But this year's Carnaval, while featuring a full program of activities designed for the whole family, comes on the heels of a renewed travel warning to Mexico questioning the safety of a visit south of the border.

"Thousands of North American visitors will join in the full array of festivities, which celebrate Mazatlan's rich heritage, authentic cuisine, music and welcoming spirit of its residents," says GoMazatlan, the marketing arm of the Mazatlan Hotel Association.

But will Americans traveling to Mexico be safe?

The U.S Department of State's updated warning on travel to Mexico points out "an increasing number of innocent people are being targeted by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs)", something that Mexican President Felipe Calderón generally doesn't like to acknowledge or discuss says HSsecuritytoday, a web site targeting news and analysis on homeland security affairs.

Issuing a "strong caution" against "nonessential travel to areas within 16 of Mexico's 31 states," Spring break trips to Mexico are being discouraged. In fact, National Public Radio (NPR) says Mexican drug wars have gotten so bad that the Mexican people are out on strike - not because they need better wages, but because of crime that's nearly shut down the country's tourism industry. In turn, NPR reported how locals and tourists have been "extorted, kidnapped and intimidated by local gangs," said Huliq just this week.

Continue reading Carnaval Mazatlan a festive celebration, but safe?

Carnaval Mazatlan a festive celebration, but safe? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Calgarycarnaval mazatlanCarnavalMazatlanCarnival MazatlanCarnivalMazatlancrime in mexicoCrimeInMexicoMazatlan crimeMazatlanCrimeMexicoRio de JaneiroWorldMon, 20 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disaster vehicle allows travel to remote locations]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/19/disaster-vehicle-allows-travel-to-remote-locations/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/19/disaster-vehicle-allows-travel-to-remote-locations/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/19/disaster-vehicle-allows-travel-to-remote-locations/#comments disasterWhen a natural disaster strikes at remote locations around the world, first-responders, relief workers and businesses with operations in the area are challenged to be at the right place at the right time. Earthquakes, tsunamis and other weather-related events can crumble infrastructure, complicating transportation. Now, American ingenuity has come up with a new amphibious vehicle that can travel easily on land and water and is capable of many uses, including military and rescue roles.

"Natural disasters in recent memory, such as the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and elsewhere in Asia; as well as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, illustrate the need for amphibians," said Gibbs' Chairman, Neil Jenkins.

Gibbs Amphibians, an Auburn Hills, Michigan company,has a new pair of high-speed amphitrucks called the Phibian and Humdinga. Both vehicles are designed to work both on- and off-road, can transport many passengers, are useful for military use and first responders and are configurable to meet varying sets of specifications.

Continue reading Disaster vehicle allows travel to remote locations

Disaster vehicle allows travel to remote locations originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The adventures of the island interns]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/19/the-adventures-of-the-island-interns/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/19/the-adventures-of-the-island-interns/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/19/the-adventures-of-the-island-interns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

adventuresThe Adventures of the Island Interns is a new online travel video series following the life-changing journey of Ben Brown and Luke Hansen, winners of the first-ever Island Intern Contest.

Held last Spring and hosted by Amble Resorts, the eco-development company searched for an intern to live on the site of their flagship eco-development, Isla Palenque, a 400-acre private island/ecotourism playground featuring twelve beaches, volcanic bluffs and abundant wildlife.

This week, the first episode, "The Opportunity of a Lifetime," shows the excitement and life-changing outcome of the Island Intern Contest that sent Hansen and Brown to live on tropical Isla Palenque, Panama for six weeks last summer to document their experience.

This contest is part of Amble's mission to shine a light on emerging destinations like Panama's Chiriqui province while emphasizing the importance of preserving the world's most spectacular natural and cultural wonders.

The 12-part online travel video series will be released Mondays.


Photo: Amble Resorts

The adventures of the island interns originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuresBen BrownChiriquí Provinceintern contestInternContestinternet travel guideinternet travel showInternetTravelGuideInternetTravelShowPanamathe adventures of the island internsTheAdventuresOfTheIslandInternstravel contestTravelContestSun, 19 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Seaspan Sunset]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/18/photo-of-the-day-seaspan-sunset/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/18/photo-of-the-day-seaspan-sunset/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/18/photo-of-the-day-seaspan-sunset/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Photo of the Day
This Photo of the Day comes from Gadling Flickr pool member James Wheeler. Using a Nikon D5000 camera equipped with a Tokina 12-24mm f/4 lens, James processed the photo with Adobe Photoshop, Photomatix and Nik Colo.

Wreck Beach is a popular clothing-optional beach located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, just west of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. James says feel free to download the full size version of Seaspan Sunset from my blog for personal use.

James also tells us "Wreck beach gets pretty busy in the summer but on this clear December day there weren't many people around."

Upload your best shots to the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. Several times a week we choose our favorite images from the pool as Photos of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Seaspan Sunset originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adobe PhotoshopBritish ColumbiaCanadaJames WheelerNikon D5000Pacific Spirit Regional ParkPhoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaySci/TechVancouverWreck BeachSat, 18 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We complained, they listened, legroom is on the way]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/18/we-complained-they-listened-legroom-is-on-the-way/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/18/we-complained-they-listened-legroom-is-on-the-way/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/18/we-complained-they-listened-legroom-is-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

complainedAirline passengers have complained about a variety of things over the years but some nagging topics rise to the top and just won't go away, prompting airlines to do something about them. Eventually. Common to surveys of airline passengers and no big news to many frequent flyers, a great percentage of travelers said that limited legroom was one of their biggest gripes about air travel. When asked what airlines should offer to make the in-flight experience better, a high number lobbied for more legroom and requested roomier seats.

Delta Air Lines is in the process of making a $2 billion investment in its product and customer experience. In progress right now, Delta is renovating its Boeing 747-400 aircraft fleet to include full flat-bed seats in the Business Elite cabin and new "slim line" seats offering more personal space and individual in-seat entertainment throughout the Economy cabin.

"Our best customers want a full flat-bed seat with direct aisle access and the new Business Elite configuration our 747s provide," Glen Hauenstein, Delta executive vice president told Travel News Daily.

Each 747 will have 48 Business Elite full flat-bed seats on the upper and lower deck of the aircraft with direct aisle access for every seat, a 110-volt universal power outlet, USB port and a personal LED reading lamp. Each seat also comes with a 15.4 inch wide screen video monitor with access to more than 1,000 entertainment options including more than 300 films, 88 hours of television programming, HBO and Showtime, 27 video games and more than 5,000 digital music tracks.

"The days of having to step over a sleeping customer in the seat next to you are over," said Hauenstein. "These upgrades will make the 747 the premier aircraft in our international fleet and customers will immediately notice the improved experience."

To date, more than one-third of Delta's wide body international fleet have been upgraded and the airline's entire wide body international fleet of more than 140 aircraft will be flying with full flat-bed seats in Business Elite by 2014.

Continue reading We complained, they listened, legroom is on the way

We complained, they listened, legroom is on the way originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airline complaintsairline surveyAirlineComplaintsAirlineSurveycomplainedDelta Air Lines IncFinancemore leg roomMoreLegRoompassengers complainedPassengersComplainedSci/TechShowtimeTime Warner IncSat, 18 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American workers protest, say company is blaming labor AgAAin]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/16/american-workers-protest-say-company-is-blaming-labor-agaain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/16/american-workers-protest-say-company-is-blaming-labor-agaain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/16/american-workers-protest-say-company-is-blaming-labor-agaain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

AmericanJust a couple weeks ago, American Airlines revealed its restructuring plan, proposing to lay off 13,000 employees, terminating pensions and shutting down its Alliance base in Dallas-Fort Worth. Worried about losing their jobs, American employees are protesting.

"I understand it somewhat," 24-year mechanic Greg Cooke, one of 300 American workers protesting at DFW this week told Star-Telegram. "But I don't want to have to move again just to put another four years in before I retire. I'm tired of them taking and asking off of the backs of the employees."

Protesters including pilots and members of other unions, showing their support, marched in front the DFW terminal holding signs saying "Blaming Labor AgAAin."

Workers believe the airline needs to pay its pensions and called for an end to the "corporate greed" of executive bonuses in previous years.

American, meeting now with union leaders, said that the restructuring process is difficult but necessary and will affect all employee groups, union and nonunion alike.

"We are meeting with representatives from each union to negotiate the changes needed to make us successful, and are focused on reaching consensual agreements in the next few weeks," spokesman Bruce Hicks said. "Our goal is to exit as a growing, profitable company that preserves tens of thousands of jobs."

Bankruptcy for American Airlines


Flickr photo by wbaiv

American workers protest, say company is blaming labor AgAAin originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAAirline employeesAirlineEmployeesAlliance BaseAmericanAmerican AirlinesAmericanAirlinesAMR CorpDallas–Fort Worth metropolitan areaFinanceFort Worth Star-TelegramLocalU.S.Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trekking mobility chairs make planet accessible to all]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/16/trekking-mobility-chairs-make-planet-accessible-to-all/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/16/trekking-mobility-chairs-make-planet-accessible-to-all/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/16/trekking-mobility-chairs-make-planet-accessible-to-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mobilityTravelers challenged with mobility issues often had to take a back seat to adventure travelers in the past, viewing dreams-of-a-lifetime from a distance. Now, dedicated companies and organizations are making destinations around the planet accessible to all, even in unlikely places.

Visiting Italy's iconic attractions can be a daunting task for the handicapped. Ancient ruins, preserved and protected to maintain their integrity, are far-removed from today's accessibility laws that bring ramps, assistance and modified facilities. In the past, challenged travelers would most commonly view popular sites such as the Roman Forum, Pompeii and Herculaneum from a distance. Now, a specially designed trekking-wheelchair makes destination immersion possible for many disabled travelers.

"It is our great pleasure to make all of Italy accessible to everyone who would like to visit. This chair is the first of its kind and opens doors to those challenged by walking on our country's ancient streets," says Program Director Stefano Sghinolfi of Rome and Italy Tourist Services.

mobilityUsing a one-of-a-kind chair, every Italian archaeological site can be visited by those with mobility challenges, no matter what the ground surface might be. Using a seat and frame with only one wheel, two arms in the front and back to support the chair when not in motion and allow for movement up or down hills.

Continue reading Trekking mobility chairs make planet accessible to all

Trekking mobility chairs make planet accessible to all originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AfricaCanadaFlickrHerculaneumHimalayasmobilityMount KilimanjaroPompeiiRoman ForumRomeSci/TechVancouverWorldThu, 16 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Recycled travel trailers get new life, decades later]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/recycled-travel-trailers-get-new-life-decades-later/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/recycled-travel-trailers-get-new-life-decades-later/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/recycled-travel-trailers-get-new-life-decades-later/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

travel trailerTravel Trailers, once a big part of American family vacations, have been all but forgotten by a world of weekend getaways, packaged vacations and rides on luxury cruise ships. In the past, travel trailers have been most commonly found parked on back lots or on their way to a land fill. Now, a renaissance of sorts is going on as travel rediscovers the value of bringing a place to stay along for the ride.

Rescued from curb sides and junkyards, castaway classic campers are getting a new life in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where Richard and Vicky Nash restore 1960s vintage travel trailers. A recent addition to their collection, a fully rebuilt 13-foot 1962 Shasta Airflyte was bought for $100. Doing the work themselves, nine months later, the couple had a mobile hotel that costs little to maintain.

"When we drive around with the 1962 Shasta, people smile and give us the 'thumbs up' signal all the time. Everyone wants to know what year it is and what it looks like inside," says Richard.

Its not just them either, on Tricked Out Trailers, an episode of the Travel Channel's popular Ultimate Travel Series, travel trailers include everything from a double-decker mansion on wheels to a bulletproof trailer built for the ultimate globetrotter.




Flickr photo by terrybone

Recycled travel trailers get new life, decades later originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Glenwood Springs, ColoradoRVingTravel Channeltravel trailersTravel traliersTravelTrailersTravelTraliersWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Experiential travelers get more with new iPhone app]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/experiential-travelers-get-more-with-new-iphone-app/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/experiential-travelers-get-more-with-new-iphone-app/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/experiential-travelers-get-more-with-new-iphone-app/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

experientialExperiential travel is growing as travelers seek to enrich their lives with a collection of experiences. For experiential travelers, just seeing the sights is no longer enough. They want to go beyond the tourist areas and immerse themselves into authentic local culture to connect with people in ways that enrich their lives and create lasting memories. Now, a new iPhone app aims to deliver just that.

Afar is focused on experiential travel and has a new iPhone app that they consider "the antidote to clunky travel guidebooks and sites like TripAdvisor," says Venturebeat. Afar started as a travel magazine offering in-depth articles about different locations and cultures. Their new app, released this week, goes a different direction with user-generated content.

"What is experiential travel? Experiences that connect you with the essence of a place and its people ... simply seeing the sights is no longer enough," says Tim Peck, chairman of OBMI, a firm that plans things like hotels and resorts. "Experiential travelers want to venture beyond the beaten tourist paths and dive deeper into authentic, local, culture, connecting with people from other cultures in ways that enrich their lives and create lasting memories."

The Afar app lets users take a photo with their iPhone, type up a quick description, and add it to Afar's library of travel experiences or check out the photos submitted by other users and start planning their next trip.

Continue reading Experiential travelers get more with new iPhone app

Experiential travelers get more with new iPhone app originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>experientialexperiential travelExperientialTravelIPhoneSci/TechTim PeckTripAdvisorWed, 15 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Couple to visit most of planet on 424 day tour]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/couple-to-visit-most-of-planet-on-424-day-tour/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/couple-to-visit-most-of-planet-on-424-day-tour/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/couple-to-visit-most-of-planet-on-424-day-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

coupleDarren and Sandy Van Soye, a couple from Southern California, have started on a global adventure to raise awareness about world geography and make the subject more accessible to children. Visiting fifty countries on six continents in 424 days, they will share the journey with more than 700 classrooms representing 50,000 students.

"Our dream is to educate children about geography and world cultures so we've planned the ultimate trek around the world to do just that," said Sandy Van Soye.

Chronicling the journey on their TrekkingthePlanet web site, they were inspired to plan the year+ trip after experiencing first-hand the positive impact of a previous family journey around the globe. Traveling a total of 12 legs by rail, bus, air and ship, they plan to see some of the most remote and unspoiled places in the world, by visiting sites of cultural and natural significance, to instill a greater awareness and curiosity about Earth geography in as many people as possible.

To make efficient use of their time and set an eco-friendly travel example, several legs of the journey will be traveled using Princess cruise ships.

"We wanted to use cruise ships as part of our travel method because they offer an efficient way to reach all the different stops on our voyage while minimizing our global footprint," said Sandy in a statement.

Their full at-sea travel itinerary incorporates five different Princess Cruises voyages, totaling 96 days sea. Both the first and last legs of their journey, plus three legs in between, will be aboard a Princess cruise ship.

Continue reading Couple to visit most of planet on 424 day tour

Couple to visit most of planet on 424 day tour originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air travelAirTravelcouplecruise travelCruiseTraveleco-friendly travelEco-friendlyTravelEntertainmentFacebookPrincess CruisesPrincessCruisesrail trekRailTrekSouthern Californiatravel around the worldTravelAroundTheWorldworld tourworld travelWorldTourWorldTravelWed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red light traffic camera debate heats up]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/14/red-light-traffic-camera-debate-heats-up/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/14/red-light-traffic-camera-debate-heats-up/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/14/red-light-traffic-camera-debate-heats-up/#commentsRed light traffic cameras serve as a deterrent to motorists traveling on the streets of many cities. During tough economic times, they can be a source of revenue as well. For the most part, local governments love them and motorists hate them. But Boulder, Colorado is going against the trend to add more cameras with legislation aimed and eliminating them altogether.

"I think when you look at the role of government within this, we should be about safety and not about generating revenue," Colorado Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe, sponsor of the bill, told the Durango Herald. "And I think the data is really starting to fall out that red-light cameras are more of a revenue source than increase of safety."

The new bill going through the Colorado state legislature would prohibit municipalities from using "automated vehicle identification systems to identify violators of traffic regulations and issue citations based on photographic evidence."

Its an ongoing issue nationwide that commonly brings criticism and the argument that automated enforcement programs should be geared to promoting safety, not simply generating revenue.

"You would decrease safety on the streets if (photo enforcement) was something that was prohibited," said Mike Sweeney, the Boulder's transportation planning and operations coordinator. The city is fighting the bill, saying they are worried about making intersections more dangerous, losing revenue and undoing years of work training driver behavior.

Continue reading Red light traffic camera debate heats up

Red light traffic camera debate heats up originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Venice to cruise ships: Get out please]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/14/venice-to-cruise-ships-get-out-please/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/14/venice-to-cruise-ships-get-out-please/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/14/venice-to-cruise-ships-get-out-please/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

CruiseVenice is proud of its heritage. Home to beautiful architecture, canals, bridges, gondolas, the annual Venice Film Festival, the Basilica and many other churches along with museums like the Guggenheim, its probably no surprise that cruise ships are not on the top of their list of things to add to the mix. In the wake of the Concordia grounding, considering the threat of accidents, air and water pollution, and an additional 2 million more visitors a year into a city already maxed out with tourists, Venice has a plan to keep cruise ships away.

The city does not want cruise ships in their lagoon at all but as a first step to keep them away, wants to reroute ships arriving in Venice so they stay farther from St. Mark's and other prominent monuments as a possible step toward keeping them out of the lagoon altogether.

"This is one of the hypotheses we're working on," Environmental Minister Corrado Clini told the Associated Press. "In the meantime we should take precautionary measures to progressively reduce risk."

The Venice Port Authority opposes moves against cruise traffic saying the cruise industry employs thousands of Venetians and believes Venice is not a candidate for cruise ships to run aground like the Concordia did last month, not all that far away.

In addition, a team of 25 cruise ship captains work around the clock as pilots of a sort, assigned to board cruise ships outside the lagoon and oversee their passage through Venice, accompanied by a pair of tug boats.

Continue reading Venice to cruise ships: Get out please

Venice to cruise ships: Get out please originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cruisecruise portscruise ship impacecruise ship pollutioncruise shipscruise vacationsCruisePortscruisesCruiseShipImpaceCruiseShipPollutionCruiseShipsCruiseVacationsGuggenheim MuseumGuggenheimMuseumUNESCOVeniceVenice Film FestivalWorldTue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying a dream: Urban Side]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/13/flying-a-dream-urban-side/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/13/flying-a-dream-urban-side/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/13/flying-a-dream-urban-side/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In this flying video we see Jean-Baptiste Chandelier who has been a paraglidiing pilot since 2004 and wants to inspire us all.

"My goal is to share my paragliding universe with my videos, for make everyone dream of flying," says Chandelier on his website.

Specializing in acro flight, Chandelier flys through Peru, France and Chile using a variety of aero-acrobatic maneuvers and stunt flying, taking advantage of thermal properties of air by bodies of water, beaches, mountains and urban city areas.

"I am happy to present you a video really important for me, the Urban Side. In this video i flight on some really interresting places, and i play with the people. I hope the people inside and out of the paragliding world will like it and share it."

Urban Side from Jean-Baptiste Chandelier JB prod on Vimeo.

Flying a dream: Urban Side originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acroflightChileFlyingFranceJean-Baptiste ChandelierJean-Baptiste MartinoliJean-baptisteChandelierJean-baptisteMartinoliparaglidingparagliding videoParaglidingVideoPeruMon, 13 Feb 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Valentine's Day package for Bachelor fans]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/a-valentines-day-package-for-bachelor-fans/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/a-valentines-day-package-for-bachelor-fans/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/a-valentines-day-package-for-bachelor-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is coming up really fast and those stuck without plans may think they are out of time to do anything memorable. Think again. Luxury hotels still have some packages available for those a bit light on the thoughtfulness with heavy, deep pockets.

The Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower in Panama is among the romantic destinations included in the 16th season of ABC's The Bachelor and luxury resort is offering guests who book their stay now through March 31, 2012, the opportunity to experience the utmost in romance with the "Live Like The Bachelor" package.

Offering exclusive amenities, experiential activities and a savings of about 50 percent off rates, the package provides guests with the same romantic escape seen on The Bachelor. The "Live like The Bachelor" package includes:
  • Four-night stay in a spacious Executive Suite
  • Round-trip private transfer to and from the airport
  • Welcome bottle of champagne and rose petal turndown
  • Daily breakfast at BARcelona Restaurant
  • Romantic dinner for two at Tejas Restaurant
  • VIP helicopter excursion
  • Private tour of Panama City including visits to the Old Panama Ruins, Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal and Mi Pueblito
  • Signautre 60 minute couples massage
  • Exotic island expedition on a private yacht, including food, beverages and fishing equipment
  • Complimentary shuttle service to nearby shopping centers
  • $1,000 worth in shopping cards
The price? Rates start at $7,999, plus tax and service charge.

Too much?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is a luxury oceanfront hotel on Florida's Gold Coast that has water views from every room, balconies in every room, and legendary service plus two Valentine's Day packages.

A Valentines Day One-Night Escape is $549 plus tax and includes a luxurious Partial Ocean View accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale along with a gourmet three-course Italian-inspired dinner and breakfast for two in the oceanfront Via Luna restaurant, or in the privacy of your luxurious guestroom and an assortment of romantic welcome gifts including a bottle of fine champagne.

An Ultimate Valentine's Day One-Night Escape with concert tickets is $1,999 plus tax and includes a One-Bedroom Oceanfront Residential Suite with Club Lounge Access and a dedicated concierge to assist with any reservations or travel plans, Two VIP tickets to the one-night only Andrea Bocelli Valentine's Day concert, Tuesday, February 14 at the Bank Atlantic Center, private roundtrip transportation to the concert, breakfast for two in Via Luna or in the privacy of your guestroom and romantic welcome gifts of limited edition Jean-Paul Gaultier-designed, fishnet-laced Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and more romantic presents.

Still too much?

Continue reading A Valentine's Day package for Bachelor fans

A Valentine's Day package for Bachelor fans originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrea BocelliAvis Budget Group IncBest WesternCasco ViejoEntertainmentFacebookFort Lauderdale, FloridaGold CoastJean PaulPanama CanalPanama CityRoderick VonhögenValentines DayValentinesDaySun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Caught]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/photo-of-the-day-caught/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/photo-of-the-day-caught/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/photo-of-the-day-caught/#comments Photo of the Day
This Photo of the Day comes from Gadling Flickr Pool member BaboMike who shot this Storm Trooper from the 501st Legion raising money for Heart Kids at Josef Chromy Vineyards in Lauceston in Tasmania, Australia with a Canon EOS 40D. Mike tells us "The police were on hand to keep law and order."

Heart Kids provides support, encouragement and hope to families of children with Heart Disease, while raising awareness and vital funding into the causes of this chronic disease. While for many families of these children the future is clouded with uncertainty, our goal is to secure the futures of our very special kids.

Upload your best shots to the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. Several times a week we choose our favorite images from the pool as Photos of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Caught originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pets travel safe, near or far]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/pets-travel-safe-near-or-far/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/pets-travel-safe-near-or-far/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/pets-travel-safe-near-or-far/#commentsFiled under: ,

petsAmericans love their pets and more pet owners than ever are traveling with them. Spending over $50 billion on pets in 2011, the pet business is booming and so is the business of keeping pets safe and secure when traveling.

"Pet identification, whether at home or abroad, is an important part of keeping pets safe," says Susan Smith, President of Pet Travel that has on file entry requirements for countries all around the world, is familiar with airline regulations and serves as a Pet Travel Agent.

Pet Travel encourages the extra security provided by a microchip implant, based on a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, making pets traceable worldwide.

If international travel with a pet is not in the budget, staycations are available too at destinations like A Dog's Day Out in Alexandria, Virginia, where people bring in their dogs to stay either for the day or overnight.

Continue reading Pets travel safe, near or far

Pets travel safe, near or far originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlexandriaHotel PennsylvaniaLocalMadison Square GardenNew YorkpetsRadio-frequency identificationSusan SmithU.S.Westminster Kennel Club Dog ShowSat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Renewed Mexico travel warning threatens spring break travel plans]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/renewed-mexico-travel-warning-threatens-spring-break-travel-plan/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/renewed-mexico-travel-warning-threatens-spring-break-travel-plan/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/renewed-mexico-travel-warning-threatens-spring-break-travel-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MexicoThe U.S. State Department has issued a new Mexico travel warning, superseding last April's warning. Apparently, cartel violence stemming from drug trafficking, specifically violent struggles among the criminal organizations for control of trafficking routes, has resulted in a rising number of carjackings, kidnappings and gun battles throughout Mexico.

"U.S. travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter TCOs (Transnational Criminal Organizations) which engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico, says the State Department in the new warning posted on their website today.

Detailing the problem, the State Department says "The TCOs themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. As a result, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country and can occur anywhere. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to TCO activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery."

Mexico government figures indicate that 47,515 people were killed in narcotics-related violence between December 1, 2006 and September 30, 2011, the warning states. Most of those killed were members of the criminal organizations.

The big problem: State Department numbers indicate that 120 U.S. citizens were murdered in Mexico in 2011, up from 35 in 2007, according to the warning.

Bad news for college students, the government says spring break destination Rocky Point is a key area in the international drug and human trafficking trades and can be extremely dangerous.

Continue reading Renewed Mexico travel warning threatens spring break travel plans

Renewed Mexico travel warning threatens spring break travel plans originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcapulcoArizonaCabo San LucasCancúnColimaCozumelGuadalajara, JaliscoGuanajuatoLocalMexicoMexico CityMonterreyPlaya del CarmenPuerto VallartaQuintana RooRiviera MayaRiviera NayaritaRocky PointSan Miguel de AllendeTulumU.S.University of ArizonaVeracruzZacatecasSat, 11 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST