Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Sunset At Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/30/photo-of-the-day-sunset-at-kiyomizu-dera-kyoto/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/30/photo-of-the-day-sunset-at-kiyomizu-dera-kyoto/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/30/photo-of-the-day-sunset-at-kiyomizu-dera-kyoto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's difficult to describe the magic of Kyoto, Japan, but today's Photo of the Day comes awfully close. Taken at sunset from the Kiyomizu-dera temple, the image showcases the traditional architecture of the temple, the bright reds and oranges of the fall foliage, the city below and the mountains in the distance. Capturing the shot wasn't a simple endeavor, but Flickr user Chung Hu persisted:

It seemed like the whole Japan was there the day that we went. We managed to squeeze ourselves up to the edge of a viewing platform during sunset. No tripod use was allowed. I took a few bracketing shots, but in the end, decided to go with the single shot exposure with my trusty grad filter.

Do you have any great travel photos? You now have two options to enter your snapshots into the running for Gadling's Photo of the Day. Upload your shots to the Gadling Flickr Pool, or mention @GadlingTravel and use hashtag #gadling in the caption or comments for your post on Instagram. Don't forget to give us a follow too!

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Sunset At Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Photo Of The Day: Sunset At Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When driving from New York City to Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains, it's hard not to be struck by how green everything is compared to the urban jungle of Manhattan. And now, this corner of the Adirondacks is promoting another kind of greenness in its quest to earn the title of America's most environmentally friendly travel destination. This Earth Day and week, I'm exploring this fascinating region, as well as the components of an eco-conscious vacation. It's not just about hanging up your towels if you don't want them washed; it's a whole state of mind. Feel free to follow my #OnTheRoad adventure on Instagram at @GadlingTravel.

Continue reading #OnTheRoad On Instagram: Lake Placid, New York

#OnTheRoad On Instagram: Lake Placid, New York originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each spring, Washington, D.C., transforms from a city of grey to a city of pink during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual springtime celebration of the capital's most famous flower. This year's "Peak Bloom Date" fell on April 9; today's Photo of the Day, from Flickr user Christopher Skillman, was taken a day later.

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: The Cherry Blossoms Are Here

Photo Of The Day: The Cherry Blossoms Are Here originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you are seeking an authentic and affordable taste of Mexico, look no further than Oaxaca.

The southwestern Mexican city has come a long way since the political protests of 2006, where non-violent activists clashed with corrupt government officials and militia in the streets. The protests led to a renewed sense of self-awareness and confidence for the city, and today, Oaxaca is once again a safe and welcoming place for tourists. The city boasts a strong cultural heritage, exciting contemporary art scene and deserved place as the gastronomic capital of Mexico. Central Oaxaca's colonial buildings and cobblestoned streets have earned the historic district a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, and its many monuments are being spiffied up for the World Congress of World Heritage Cities, which the city will host in November.

Along with the old, there is also the new. Oaxaca's universities imbue the city with a spirit of youth, creativity and entrepreneurial energy. In addition to the traditional markets and restaurants, there are plenty of exciting start-up businesses as well: affordable pop-up restaurants, yoga studios, mezcal tasting libraries and city cycling associations, to name a few.

Visitors to Oaxaca find a cultural experience that can't be found in over-touristed resort towns like Cancun and Cabo. It is very much a city on the verge.

Continue reading International Budget Guide 2013: Oaxaca, Mexico

International Budget Guide 2013: Oaxaca, Mexico originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice watersAliceWatersbike toursBikeToursbiznagabudget guide 2013budget-travelBudgetGuide2013el olivoElOlivointernational budget guide 2013InternationalBudgetGuide2013itanonimexicomezcalmonte albanMonteAlbanoaxacaunesco world heritage siteUnescoWorldHeritageSitezocaloMon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[International Budget Guide 2013: Hong Kong]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/11/international-budget-guide-2013-hong-kong/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/11/international-budget-guide-2013-hong-kong/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/11/international-budget-guide-2013-hong-kong/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hong Kong may be the most expensive city in the world to set up an office, buy a luxury home and open a retail location, but it also offers surprising values for the budget traveler. For every five-star hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury emporium, there is a budget guesthouse, hole-in-the-wall noodle joint and back-alley marketplace waiting in the wings. Don't believe us? Check out our Budget Hong Kong series, which ran earlier this year and featured ways to enjoy the Chinese special administrative region on a shoestring.

One trick is to venture beyond the heavily congested districts of Central, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, which tend to cater to the expense accounts of the business and finance set. Take a pilgrimage to the Olympian City mall in West Kowloon for a taste of Chef Mak Kwai Pui's famous Michelin-starred dim sum at the newly expanded Tim Ho Wan. Or, head to the less-touristed Southern District to trek the famous Dragon's Back, named Asia's best urban hike by Time Magazine.

Though it is traditionally known as finance hub, Hong Kong has also emerged as a world-class center for contemporary art. The city held six art fairs in 2012, including the renowned Art HK, and this year sees the launch of the inaugural Art Basel Hong Kong, which will bring together artists and collectors from around the world in May. While purchasing the artwork may cost a pretty penny, the cost to attend and appreciate is minimal.

Continue reading International Budget Guide 2013: Hong Kong

International Budget Guide 2013: Hong Kong originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelcauseway bayCausewayBaychinadragons backDragonsBackhong konghong kong museum of historyHongKongHongKongMuseumOfHistoryinternational budget guide 2013InternationalBudgetGuide2013symphony of lightsSymphonyOfLightstim ho wanTimHoWantsim sha tsuiTsimShaTsuiThu, 11 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Parc Güell In Barcelona]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/09/photo-of-the-day-parc-guell-in-barcelona/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/09/photo-of-the-day-parc-guell-in-barcelona/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/09/photo-of-the-day-parc-guell-in-barcelona/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Parc Güell is one of artist Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces: a 17-hectare garden complex with whimsical architectural elements overlooking the city of Barcelona. One of the park's many highlights is the preponderance of Gaudí's famous tiled mosaics, one of which is captured in all of its multicolored glory in today's Photo of the Day from Flickr user Gus NYC.

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Parc Güell In Barcelona

Photo Of The Day: Parc Güell In Barcelona originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antoni gaudiAntoniGaudiarchitecturebarcelonagaudimosaicsparc guellParcGuellphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaypotdspainTue, 09 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Plane's Wing In The Air]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/02/photo-of-the-day-planes-wing-in-the-air/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/02/photo-of-the-day-planes-wing-in-the-air/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/02/photo-of-the-day-planes-wing-in-the-air/#commentsFiled under: , ,



OK, so it may be one of the ultimate Instagram cliches. But sometimes, the right plane wing set against the right sky can really make you appreciate the joy of travel. Take this mobile photograph from Instagram user beriggio, taken from an airplane window at sunrise. It's hard not to marvel at the image of the mountainous landscape meeting the still ocean from 30,000 feet in the air - cliché or not.

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Plane's Wing In The Air

Photo Of The Day: Plane's Wing In The Air originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneinstagramphoto of the dayphotographyPhotoOfTheDaypotdTue, 02 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[International Adventure Guide 2013: Singapore]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/02/international-adventure-guide-2013-singapore/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/02/international-adventure-guide-2013-singapore/http://www.gadling.com/2013/04/02/international-adventure-guide-2013-singapore/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Contrary to popular belief, Singapore offers more than just skyscrapers and street food. In the last few years, the Asian city-state has transformed itself into a premiere destination for adventure and nature lovers. Singapore doesn't just have gardens; it is a city within a garden. Plus, its tropical climate makes it the perfect place to indulge in outdoor pursuits year round.

What does this mean for adventure travelers? The unique opportunity to indulge in world-class adventures from the comfort of one of the world's most well ordered cities. Care to go under the sea? Reef diving is available just 30 minutes off the coast. Looking to be airborne? Try zip-lining on Sentosa Island.

For Singaporeans, active pursuits aren't just a luxury; they are seen as crucial for a higher quality of life. As a result, the city has invested heavily in outdoor attractions in recent years. Last year saw the opening of Gardens By The Bay, a horticultural theme park with futuristic "supertrees" and conservatories. And this year, the team behind the popular Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will unveil River Safari, Asia's first river-themed wildlife park featuring recreated habitats from the Yangtze to the Congo to the Mighty Mississippi. Also in 2013, Singapore will host the World Street Food Congress, with celebrity chefs and foodies from around the globe - an adventure of a different variety, but an adventure nonetheless.

Continue reading International Adventure Guide 2013: Singapore

International Adventure Guide 2013: Singapore originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure guide 2013adventure-travelAdventureGuide2013beachchangicitygardens by the bayGardensByTheBayhikinginternational adventure guide 2013InternationalAdventureGuide2013islandjunglenight safariNightSafaripulau ubinPulauUbinriver safariRiverSafarisegwaysentosasingaporeskydivingwanderlust hotelWanderlustHotelzorbingTue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[5 Odor-Free Active Travel Clothing Lines For Women]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/31/5-odor-free-active-travel-clothing-lines-for-women/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/31/5-odor-free-active-travel-clothing-lines-for-women/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/31/5-odor-free-active-travel-clothing-lines-for-women/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


After you've been traveling for a long period of time, there invariably comes the day when your suitcase starts to ... well, it starts to stink.

That's where a new generation of breathable, odor-free clothing comes in. Brands like Ibex, Patagonia, PrAna, Icebreaker and Horny Toad are coming out with exciting new fabrics like Ibex's Synergy (a blend of merino wool and GOTS-certified organic cotton), PrAna's Bliss (a nylon-spandex blend with UV protection) and Horny Toad's Samba (a wrinkle-free blend of Tencel, organic cotton and spandex). Such fabrics were particularly developed for versatility and multiple wears - perfect for the pack-and-go nature of the road.

A bonus? In addition to keeping you free from sweat, the brands highlighted below are also sweatshop-free and committed to ethical and sustainable production. Read on and prepare to have your packing routine revolutionized.

Ibex

Vermont-based Ibex describes itself as a "hiking-before-dawn," "bike-to-work," "coffee-in-front-of-the-woodstove" kind of company. Sounds like our kind of people!

Beyond that, Ibex produces a thoughtfully designed collection of activewear made from wool and natural fibers. Its new spring collection features a brand new fabric called "Synergy," made from a blend of about 49% GOTS-certified organic cotton, 48% New Zealand merino wool and 4% Lycra. In particular, the merino wool helps your body manage moisture, regulate temperature and resist odors, while the cotton provides comfort and support, and the Lycra adds a touch of stretch.

Favorites: Synergy X Tank, Synergy Fit Pant

Gallery: Odor-Free Active Clothing Lines For Women

Synergy X Tank by IbexSynergy Fit Pant by IbexWomen's Light Flyer JacketWomen's Triolet Jacket by PatagoniaBliss Capri by PrAna

Continue reading 5 Odor-Free Active Travel Clothing Lines For Women

5 Odor-Free Active Travel Clothing Lines For Women originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-fashionhorny toadHornyToadibexicebreakerodor-freepatagoniapranasweat-freetravel clothingtravel gearTravelClothingTravelGearSun, 31 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three New Experiential Eco-Fashion Trips Taking Off This Summer]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/28/three-new-experiential-eco-fashion-trips-taking-off-this-summer/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/28/three-new-experiential-eco-fashion-trips-taking-off-this-summer/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/28/three-new-experiential-eco-fashion-trips-taking-off-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


This summer, three new eco-fashion-oriented package tours will offer the chance for ethical designers, makers and consumers to meet artisan communities, take workshops in craft production and see the impact of their conscious purchasing decisions.

While different in structure, these trips all offer the chance to travel along an artisan product's supply chain, from visiting farming communities in Ecuador, to knitting with naturally dyed alpaca yarn in Peru, to shopping finished products in Guatemalan boutiques.

Even for people who don't geek out on beautiful textiles and hand looms, these trips offer a different way to travel, one that emphasizes connections with the people behind your souvenirs.

Awamaki-Kollabora Collaborative Crafting Workshop

When: May 25 to June 2, 2013
Where: Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Peru
Perfect for: Students, or travelers who seek an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience
What: "A cross-cultural tour pairing you with a Rumira knitter to develop a Kollabora knit item using local, hand-spun alpaca yarn. We trace the entire creation of your project through hands-on engagement: visiting alpaca farms high in the Andes to source fleece, learning to spin fleece into soft yarns, dyeing yarn skeins with native plant dyes alongside Quecha weavers, and studying the local backstrap loom."
Accommodations: Home-stays with Awamaki's host families.
Side trips: Incan ruins, markets in Cusco, Machu Picchu.
Organized by: Kollabora, an online community for DIY inspiration, projects, skills and supplies, in partnership with Awamaki, a non-profit that supports artisan groups in Peru's Sacred Valley.
Price: $1,799, which includes home-stay accommodations, most meals, day trips, guides and crafting materials. Fee does not cover international airfare to/from Cusco, visas, travel or health insurance, tips and personal purchases.
For more information: Visit the trip description page or email peru@kollabora.com.

Continue reading Three New Experiential Eco-Fashion Trips Taking Off This Summer

Three New Experiential Eco-Fashion Trips Taking Off This Summer originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpacaantiguaartawamakicraftcuscoecofashionecotourismecuadorethical fashionEthicalFashionexperiential travelExperientialTravelfashionfashion designers without bordersFashionDesignersWithoutBordersguatemalajewelryknittingkollaboralake atitlanLakeAtitlanmercado globalMercadoGlobalollantaytambootavaloperuquitosacred valleySacredValleytenathe supply changeTheSupplyChangeweavingwoolThu, 28 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: The Old And The New In Seoul, South Korea]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/26/photo-of-the-day-the-old-and-the-new-in-seoul-south-korea/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/26/photo-of-the-day-the-old-and-the-new-in-seoul-south-korea/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/26/photo-of-the-day-the-old-and-the-new-in-seoul-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As we've seen in Jonathan Kramer's "The Kimchi-ite" series, South Korea is a country that embraces both its past and its future. That notion is captured perfectly in this Photo of the Day from Flickr user and photographer Ohad Ben-Yoseph, which depicts a colorful old temple set against a sparkling new skyscraper in perfect juxtaposition. Ben-Yoseph's Flickr photo stream is filled with similarly evocative photographs, showing a country in transition.

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: The Old And The New In Seoul, South Korea

Photo Of The Day: The Old And The New In Seoul, South Korea originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three years ago, adventurer, entrepreneur and activist David de Rothschild sailed from San Francisco to Sydney on a catamaran made of 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles.

His goal with the Plastiki project was to bring awareness to environmental issues like global warming and plastic pollution, and he has continued to stay active in the environmental movement. Most recently, de Rothschild signed on as an advisor to WHOLE WORLD Water, a three-year campaign that aims to unite the hospitality and tourism industry to combat global clean water issues.

Launched on March 22 to coincide with World Water Day, WHOLE WORLD Water uses a social enterprise model to generate funds for the clean water movement. The process of signing on is relatively simple. First, hotels and restaurants sign on to the WHOLE WORLD Water campaign for a nominal per-property fee. Then, they use the suggested Vivreau water filtration system to filter, bottle and sell their own water to guests. Finally, they donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the WHOLE WORLD Water fund, which benefits safe, sustainable clean water projects in the places that need it most.

Founders Karena Albers and Jenifer Willig estimate that if the world's three largest hotel groups joined the campaign and sold just one bottle of water per day, the campaign could raise up to $1 billion for its mission, while contributing up to 25 percent toward the company's bottom line. The campaign has already signed on a number of well-known hotel groups, including Virgin, Dusit and Banyan Tree, along with a number of restaurants, nightclubs and Ritz Carlton properties. Advisors include high-profile names like Virgin mogul Sir Richard Branson, designer Yves Behar, actor and filmmaker Edward Norton and de Rothschild.

Continue reading A Q&A With Plastiki Adventurer David de Rothschild On The WHOLE WORLD Water Campaign

A Q&A With Plastiki Adventurer David de Rothschild On The WHOLE WORLD Water Campaign originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banyan treeBanyanTreeclean waterCleanWaterdavid de rothschildDavidDeRothschilddusithospitalityhotelsphilanthropyritz carltonRitzCarltonsocial enterpriseSocialEnterprisetourismvirginwhole world waterWholeWorldWaterTue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Camel Safari In Jaisalmer]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/19/photo-of-the-day-camel-safari-in-jaisalmer/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/19/photo-of-the-day-camel-safari-in-jaisalmer/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/19/photo-of-the-day-camel-safari-in-jaisalmer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Today's multi-image Photo of the Day features scenes from an overnight camel safari in the desert surrounding Jaisalmer, India. Instagram user LankaEdited used a photo collage smartphone app to share different snapshots from her adventure, then added the "Rise" filter to the finished collage for a vintage effect. Apps like PhotoGrid or InstaPicFrame make it easy to achieve this type of multi-image storytelling, which is becoming ubiquitous on platforms like Instagram.

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Camel Safari In Jaisalmer

Photo Of The Day: Camel Safari In Jaisalmer originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelcampingindiainstagraminstapicframejaisalmerphoto of the dayphotogridPhotoOfTheDaypotdrise filterRiseFiltersafariTue, 19 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Saturday With The Giraffes In Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/12/photo-of-the-day-saturday-with-the-giraffes-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/12/photo-of-the-day-saturday-with-the-giraffes-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/12/photo-of-the-day-saturday-with-the-giraffes-in-abu-dhabi/#commentsFiled under: ,



Today's safari-themed Photo of the Day was taken with Instagram and submitted by The Purple Passport, a travel start-up that publishes web-based guidebooks on the world's most exciting cities. The Purple Passport already has guides to New York, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Beijing and Taipei. Might Abu Dhabi be next?

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Saturday With The Giraffes In Abu Dhabi

Photo Of The Day: Saturday With The Giraffes In Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsFlickrgiraffesInstagramLondonLos AngelesParisphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaypotdsafariSci/TechThe Purple PassportUnited Arab EmiratesTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunday At The Market In Tlacolula]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/10/sunday-at-the-market-in-tlacolula/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/10/sunday-at-the-market-in-tlacolula/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/10/sunday-at-the-market-in-tlacolula/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


"Donde esta el autobus por Tlocolula?"

The question was met with a quizzical look. Where was this gringa trying to go?

Perhaps I wasn't pronouncing it correctly.

"Tloco... Toco... Tlaca..." I stammered.

"Ah, Tlacolula."

Si. There.

I don't suppose the makeshift bus stops on the highways of Oaxaca state see many tourists. But somehow, through a series of bumpy bus rides and a long stretch of walking along the side of the road, I had arrived at one.

Earlier in the day, I had decided to escape Oaxaca city for the villages of the Valle de Oaxaca, a vibrant region filled with talented craftsmen, small workshops and stunning scenery. I had discovered that the Tlacolula held a weekly Sunday market, but all attempts to secure a private bus in town had failed - not many tourists visit the small town, about an hour and a half east of the city.

So instead, I decided to try public transport. In time, I found the right bus, and after a cramped hour-long ride I disembarked at a small, dusty station.

Gallery: Sunday Market in Tlacolula, Mexico

Mezcal Vendor, Tlacolula Sunday MarketFruit Vendor, Tlacolula Sunday MarketTlacolula Sunday MarketHorchata Vendor, Tlacolula Sunday MarketWoven Textile Vendor, Tlacolula Sunday Market

Continue reading Sunday At The Market In Tlacolula

Sunday At The Market In Tlacolula originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelfestivalflea marketFleaMarketfood marketFoodMarkethorchatamarketmexicomezcaloaxacaoaxaca2013tamaletextilestlacolulaSun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GetGoing Promises Deep Discounts For Flexible Travelers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/07/getgoing-promises-deep-discounts-for-flexible-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/07/getgoing-promises-deep-discounts-for-flexible-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/07/getgoing-promises-deep-discounts-for-flexible-travelers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sometimes, you just need to get out of town. It doesn't matter where, so long as it's far away.

For these kinds of trips, flexible travelers can now avail themselves of a new booking platform: GetGoing.com.

The site, which celebrated its public launch yesterday, features an innovative Pick Two Get One platform, which provides airfare discounts of up to 40% if travelers can prove that they are flying for leisure by being flexible about their destination.

Here's how it works:

- Search for the type of trip you want to go on. It can be a geographic region, like Europe or Asia, or a more general theme, like "History and Culture" or "Beaches and Sun."

- Select two destinations from the options provided to you, then select two potential itineraries. At this point, you can see the discounted fare you will receive, but not the airline.

- Fill in your traveler details and credit information, then hit "complete this purchase" and let GetGoing decide where you'll go.

I recently test-run the platform for an upcoming trip to Europe in May. Some of the discounts were significant, like $854 to Tel Aviv ($211 discount) and $631 to Moscow ($146 discount). But most fares were about on par with what I found by searching discount engines like Skyscanner and Kayak. And since the engine is airline-blind until the deal is done, you can't factor frequent flier mileage programs into your deal search equation.

Continue reading GetGoing Promises Deep Discounts For Flexible Travelers

GetGoing Promises Deep Discounts For Flexible Travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelBudgetTravelEuropeflexible travelFlexibleTravelgetgoinginternetSci/TechSkyscannertravel dealsTravelDealswebsiteThu, 07 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Surfing Near San Francisco]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/05/photo-of-the-day-surfing-near-san-francisco/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/05/photo-of-the-day-surfing-near-san-francisco/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/05/photo-of-the-day-surfing-near-san-francisco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"Sometimes in the morning, when it's a good surf, I go out there, and I don't feel like it's a bad world," Nobel Prize-winning chemist Kary Mullis famously said.

Today's Photo of the Day from Flickr user Jason Rodman captures the essence of that quote. Somewhere north of San Francisco, a lone surfer prepares to enter an ocean devoid of worries and distractions. There aren't any surf-worthy waves, but if you look hard enough you can glimpse the ripple of one on the horizon. It's a photo filled with hope and possibility; a photo that evokes the spirit of the sport.

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Surfing Near San Francisco

Photo Of The Day: Surfing Near San Francisco originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bay areaBayAreabeachcaliforniapacific oceanPacificOceanphoto of the dayphotographyPhotoOfTheDaypotdsan franciscoSanFranciscosurfsurfersurfingunited statesUnitedStateswaterTue, 05 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Biking In Guatemala City? One Group Is Proving It's Possible]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/04/biking-in-guatemala-city-one-group-is-proving-its-possible/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/04/biking-in-guatemala-city-one-group-is-proving-its-possible/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/04/biking-in-guatemala-city-one-group-is-proving-its-possible/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


On a recent Saturday, the streets were filled with bicycles. Bells rang and horns sounded as the cyclists wound their way throughout the city like a moving train of youth and energy.

This wasn't in Portland, or Paris, or any of dozens of bicycle-friendly cities around the world. This was in Guatemala City, a city known more for its violent crime rates than its progressive bike culture.

But one group is trying to change that. Biketun is a new organization started by Javier Mata and Lucia Pivaral with the purpose of promoting a more sustainable way of life and transport in Guatemala.

The group's signature event is a nighttime bicycle tour of Guatemala City. The first was held in December and drew around 250 people. The second, held in February, drew more than 500. The goal is to one day attract 10,000 cyclists to Guatemala's streets.

According to Pivaral, Biketun's mission is to show the country that a better lifestyle is possible - "a lifestyle in which Guatemalans own not only public spaces, but most of all, our freedom. A lifestyle in which we can go out on our bicycles, go to the park, walk on the streets, and interact with different people without any worries."


Gallery: Biketun in Guatemala City

Biketun in Guatemala CityBiketun in Guatemala CityBiketun in Guatemala CityBiketun in Guatemala CityBiketun in Guatemala City

Continue reading Biking In Guatemala City? One Group Is Proving It's Possible

Biking In Guatemala City? One Group Is Proving It's Possible originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activismbicyclebikebike safetyBikeSafetybiketunbikingcitiescyclecyclingguatemalaguatemala cityGuatemalaCitypublic spacesPublicSpacesurbanMon, 04 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An Education In Mezcal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/28/an-education-in-mezcal/http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/28/an-education-in-mezcal/http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/28/an-education-in-mezcal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

mezcal

I inhale. The scent is earthy, smoky. I take a sip, rolling the liquid around my tongue, exploring its flavors. Per instruction, I gurgle. My mouth explodes, the alcohol transforming into a liquid fireball that burns the insides of my cheeks. It takes a few minutes before the sensation expires.

There is a saying: "para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo bien también."

For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good too.

In Oaxaca, mezcal is as much a part of the landscape as the mountains, textiles and colonial architecture. Legend has it that a form of the tequila-like liquor existed prior to the Spanish conquest of Mexico, but mezcal as we know it was first distilled by the conquistadors in the 17th century. It is a generic name for spirits distilled from the agave plant, or maguey as it is traditionally called, of which there are 11 types. The state of Oaxaca is the traditional home of mezcal, and the countryside is littered with small family distilleries.

But not all mezcal is created equal. There is a difference between artisanal mezcal and the touristy stuff sold in bodegas across the city. I learned the difference at the Mezcaloteca, a tasting library run by a group dedicated to the preservation of traditional mezcal production.

Continue reading An Education In Mezcal

An Education In Mezcal originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholbardrinkinglibraryliquormescalmexicomezcalmezcalotecaoaxacaoaxaca2013tequilaThu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Buddha On The Beach In Bali]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/26/photo-of-the-day-buddha-on-the-beach-in-bali/http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/26/photo-of-the-day-buddha-on-the-beach-in-bali/http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/26/photo-of-the-day-buddha-on-the-beach-in-bali/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now try saying that five times fast.

This Photo of the Day, from Instagram user terra_tripper, features a golden Buddha statue nestled in the sands of Sanur, Bali.

Ostensibly, he's there to imbue the beach with peace and zen. We just think it makes for a cool picture.

Do you have any great travel photos? You now have two options to enter your snapshots into the running for Gadling's Photo of the Day. Upload your shots to the Gadling Flickr Pool, or mention @GadlingTravel and use hashtag #gadling in the caption or comments for your post on Instagram. Don't forget to give us a follow too!

Continue reading Photo Of The Day: Buddha On The Beach In Bali

Photo Of The Day: Buddha On The Beach In Bali originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balibeachbuddhaindonesiaphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaypotdsanurTue, 26 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST