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[Hotel Review: The Verdanza Hotel in Puerto Rico]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/31/hotel-review-the-verdanza-hotel-in-puerto-rico/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/31/hotel-review-the-verdanza-hotel-in-puerto-rico/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/31/hotel-review-the-verdanza-hotel-in-puerto-rico/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Formerly a Holiday Inn (and long before that, a 60's era tennis club and hotel), the Verdanza Hotel in Puerto Rico underwent major renovations as it transitioned from chain to independent hotel. The local ownership remained the same, but the decor, attitude, and commitment to the environment is all new.

The vibe here is young - both the GM and the chef are the youngest to hold those titles in any hotels in the San Juan area. The sleek lobby features a colorful hanging chandelier as its focal point, and the bar, Coladas, is full of the hip and sexy people until late every night. The rooms have been completely redone, with the addition of mini-fridges, LCD TVs, iPod docks, better-quality bedding, and organic bath products.

Additional green features have also been implemented. The staff uniforms are made from recycled polyester, the used cooking oil from the kitchen is converted to biodiesel, the stationary is both recycled and recyclable, and the water used in the kiddie water park adjacent to the pool is reused. In the year that all lights have been replaced with LED lights, energy consumption has decreased by 50%.

We recently stayed at the Verdanza Hotel and discovered that, while the vibe is sleek and sexy on the surface, traces of the old Holiday Inn still seem to linger. The parking lot clearly visible from the pool's green vinyl lounge chairs suggest its former incarnation, while the white and orange pod-like chairs in the Eighty 20 Bistro and the complementary wired internet access point to the future. The added services and special events go above and beyond what you'd find at any Holiday Inn as well.

Continue reading Hotel Review: The Verdanza Hotel in Puerto Rico

Hotel Review: The Verdanza Hotel in Puerto Rico originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco friendlyEcoFriendlygreenholidayisla verdeislandIslaVerdepuerto ricoPuertoRicorenovationrenovationssan juanSan Juan Puerto RicoSanJuanSanJuanPuertoRicoSun, 31 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hostel World names world's best hostels]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/31/hostel-world-names-worlds-best-hostels/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/31/hostel-world-names-worlds-best-hostels/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/31/hostel-world-names-worlds-best-hostels/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TripAdvisor recently released its list of the best and worst in the hotel industry. Now it's the hostel industry's turn. Hostel World just announced the winners of the "Hoscars", their annual ranking of the world's best and worst hostels, rated by cleanliness, location, staff, fun, security, and character.

Over 20,000 properties around the world were eligible for the awards, yet because most of the 900,000 or so Hostel World users who may have voted are from Europe, the world's best top ten seems to be a bit skewed geographically. All ten are located in Europe. Five of the top ten are located in Portugal.

This year's winner, The Traveller's House in Lisbon, won last year as well and is the first hostel to win two years in a row.

In other locations - the US, Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania - the top three hostels are listed. Additional awards were given out for categories such as best location, most fun, best character, most improved, cleanest, most secure, best small/large hotel, and best chain.

[via Guardian]

Hostel World names world's best hostels originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbesthostelHostelworldHostelworld.comlisbonportugalrateTripAdvisorSun, 31 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[National Archives to ban photography]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/30/national-archives-to-ban-photography/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/30/national-archives-to-ban-photography/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/30/national-archives-to-ban-photography/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tourists at the National Archives will no longer be able to document their visit, once a ban on photography inside the building goes into effect.

About a million people visit the National Archives each year and though flash photography is already banned inside because of the damage the ultraviolet radiation can cause to the old documents, it's estimated that 50,000 flashbulbs still go off each year (according to USA Today).

The National Archives, located in Washington, DC, houses important documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

The ban on photos will go into effect on February 24. After that date, those who want a souvenir of their visit can obtain a replica of one of the documents from the gift shop, for a fee of course.

National Archives to ban photography originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Declaration of DependenceDeclaration of IndependenceDeclarationOfDependenceDeclarationOfIndependencedocumentshistoricalhistorymuseumNational ArchivesNationalArchivesphotophotographyphotoswashingtonwashington dcWashingtonDcSat, 30 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Four tips for staying healthy on a road trip]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/30/four-tips-four-staying-healthy-on-a-road-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/30/four-tips-four-staying-healthy-on-a-road-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/30/four-tips-four-staying-healthy-on-a-road-trip/#commentsFiled under: ,

Finding the willpower to eat healthy while traveling is hard enough when you have access to fresh markets and cooking utensils. It becomes even more of a challenge when you're on a road trip, trapped in a car for hours on end, with nothing but fast food restaurants and greasy spoon diners for roadside dining options. But with a little planning, a little extra time, and a lot of self-control, you can eat healthy while on a road trip. Here are few tips.

Start your day off right.
Begin your day with a carbohydrate feast and you'll be craving carbs again in a few hours. Put down the donut and instead, take the time to have a healthy breakfast at your hotel. Eat a good mix of whole grains and protein and you'll ingest fewer calories while staying full later into the afternoon.

Get some exercise.
Spending eight hours or more being sedentary in the car means that your body may be burning a lot fewer calories than normal. Reduce your intake accordingly and try to get a nominal amount of exercise. Even if all you do is take a 15-minute walk in the morning and then do a few bonus laps every time you stop along your route, you'll feel good having stretched your legs. Even better: plan your stops around scenic walks or hikes so you can do a little sightseeing while you get moving.

Continue reading Four tips for staying healthy on a road trip

Four tips for staying healthy on a road trip originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diningdrive thruDriveThrudrivingeatingeating healthyeating outEatingHealthyEatingOutexercisefast foodFastFoodhealthyhealthy travelHealthyTravelroad tripRoadTripstaying healthyStayingHealthySat, 30 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New tour takes visitors into LA's ganglands]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/29/new-tour-takes-visitors-into-las-ganglands/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/29/new-tour-takes-visitors-into-las-ganglands/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/29/new-tour-takes-visitors-into-las-ganglands/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tourists looking for a thrill in Los Angeles can now take a bus tour of the city's most dangerous ganglands. For $65, LA Gang Tours takes visitors around the city, pointing out gang graffiti and stopping at sights like the Los Angeles Riverbed, Florence Avenue, and the Pico Union Graffiti Lab.

It seems tourists are always drawn to places with a dangerous auras and violent pasts, places that are the complete opposite of our comfortable lives at home. The question is, do we go to these places, places like the slums of Mumbai, the townships of Johannesburg or the streets of South Central LA, because we want to understand what life is like for the people there, or do we go to gawk or just so we can say "I've been there"? And do these tours actually help the communities that are put on display, or do they make them a spectacle?

LA Gang Tours was created by Alfred Lomas, a former gang member, who says the tour will create 10 part-time jobs for ex-gang members who will lead tours and share their own stories. He says his goal is to help residents of South Central,"to give profits from the tours back to these areas for economic growth and development, provide job/entrepreneur training, micro-financing opportunities and to specialize in educating people from around the world about the Los Angeles inner city lifestyle, gang involvement and solutions."

Continue reading New tour takes visitors into LA's ganglands

New tour takes visitors into LA's ganglands originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bus tourBusTourgangganglandgangsgrafittilos angelesLosAngelespoverty tourPoverty TourismPovertyTourPovertyTourismslum tourismslum toursslumsSlumTourismSlumToursSouth CentralSouth Central Los AngelesSouthCentralSouthCentralLosAngelestourFri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Thursday, 1.28.2010]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/gadlinks-for-thursday-1-28-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/gadlinks-for-thursday-1-28-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/gadlinks-for-thursday-1-28-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The weekend is almost here! Are you headed anywhere fun? I'm off to sunny Puerto Rico to escape Chicago's latest cold snap. Here are a few bonus travel stories to keep you dreaming of warmer days.

  • Winter in the northern hemisphere means summer in Buenos Aires. If you're headed down south, here are a few places to gorge yourself silly, courtesy of Matador writer Tom Gates. [via Matador Nights]

  • Nothing says summer like the sight of tan surfers catching some waves. How does a pro surfer globe-trot? Find out with BootsnAll's How I Travel profile of surfer Holly Beck. [via BootsnAll]

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Thursday, 1.28.2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andazbootsnallbuenos airesBuenosAirescosta ricaCostaRicahotelHotel ChatterHotelChatterhotelsmatadoroutsidepuerto ricoPuertoRicosummersurfsurferwarmwinterThu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ABBAworld opens in London]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/abbaworld-opens-in-london/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/abbaworld-opens-in-london/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/abbaworld-opens-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Get ready, ABBA fans, because ABBAworld, the first official (and band-supported) ABBA museum has just opened in London.

The interactive museum will contain 25 rooms full of ABBA memorabilia, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, never-before-seen music videos and photos, and clothes, instruments, and personal belongings from each member of the band. In one room, you'll even find the helicopter pictured on the cover of the "Arrival" album.

Visitors will have the chance to feel like a part of the group too, as they see images of themselves projected into music videos and photos and onto album covers (which fans can then access online afterwards). The can test their trivia knowledge with quizzes, remix their own ABBA tunes and even be a "dancing queen" up on stage with a holographic projection of the band.

The exhibit is open daily now through March 28. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster for £21.45 per adult and £14.30 for kids.

The exhibition is expected to visit other cities, but so far no others have been announced.

ABBAworld opens in London originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbaexhibitexhibitionfanslondonmemorabiliamuseummusicpoppop musicPopMusicsuper groupSuperGroupunited kingdomUnitedKingdomThu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[8 tips for surviving a visit with the in-laws]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/8-tips-for-surviving-a-visit-with-the-in-laws/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/8-tips-for-surviving-a-visit-with-the-in-laws/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/8-tips-for-surviving-a-visit-with-the-in-laws/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sometimes your travels take you around the world, to dangerous locales where you don't know the customs and need to always be on your guard to ensure your safety. And sometimes, they just take you to a visit with the in-laws, which can be equally awkward, confusing, and downright dangerous. Here are eight tips to help you survive a visit with you in-laws with your dignity, and your relationship, intact.

Bring a gift.
Whether this is your first time visiting your significant other's family or your tenth, it's always nice to bring a small token of your gratitude as thanks for the family's hospitality. Flowers or a nice bottle of wine is a good, safe first time gift (unless the family doesn't drink, then nix the wine idea), but you'll earn bonus points if you bring something a little more personal.

Ask your significant other for details about his or her parents and buy them something that you think they will enjoy - perhaps a favorite bottle of scotch for Dad or the latest cookbook for a Mom who fancies herself as the next Martha Stewart. If the two of you have recently been on a trip, be sure to bring back a few little souvenirs for the family. Keep the gift to a reasonable amount though, generally under $20. Showing up for a first meeting bearing elaborate or expensive gifts screams "desperate to be liked."

Continue reading 8 tips for surviving a visit with the in-laws

8 tips for surviving a visit with the in-laws originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyin lawsin-lawsInLawsmother in lawMotherInLawpartnersignificant otherSignificantOtherspousesurvivalvisiting relativesVisitingFamilyVisitingRelativesThu, 28 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Best restaurant in the world" El Bulli to close for two years]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/best-restaurant-in-the-world-el-bulli-to-close-for-two-years/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/best-restaurant-in-the-world-el-bulli-to-close-for-two-years/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/best-restaurant-in-the-world-el-bulli-to-close-for-two-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dedicated foodies with dreams of dining at El Bulli, long considered to be one of the best (and often the best) restaurants in the world, are in for some disappointment. The mecca of molecular gastronomy will be closing for two years, in 2012 and 2013.

The restaurant, which is located on the Catalan coast of Spain and has received the coveted Michelin 3-star rating, was named the best restaurant in the world for the fourth straight year by Britain's Restaurant magazine and is considered to be one the places any food-lover must dine at before dying. Chef Ferran Adria assured devoted fans that though El Bulli will close temporarily, it isn't gone for good. He did say that there may be some major changes in store though. "In 2014, we will serve food somehow. I don't know if it will be for one guest or 1,000," he said.

What's the reason behind the closure? The Guardian cites Adria as saying that the long hours - he regularly puts in 15-hour days - were getting to him. Though Adria has also said before that El Bulli is not a profitable business, due to the limited seatings and the labor required to do each one. Perhaps the new model will be a better moneymaker.

Thinking you can try to get in before El Bulli shuts its doors? Think again. Seatings for 2010 have already sold out, so unless you are extremely well connected, you're out of luck. Not that you had much chance of getting a seat anyways. The restaurant only serves 50 guests per night, six months out of the year, and according the UK Guardian, more than 2 million people have vied for a mere 8,000 seats over the past few years.

"Best restaurant in the world" El Bulli to close for two years originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best restaurantsBestRestaurantsclosedclosingel bulliElBulliexclusiveFerran AdriaFerranAdriafoodiefoodiesGastronomymolecular gastronomyMolecularGastronomyrestaurantrestaurantsspainWorlds BestWorldsBestWed, 27 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hundreds of tourists stranded at Machu Picchu after flooding]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/hundreds-of-tourists-stranded-at-machu-picchu-after-flooding/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/hundreds-of-tourists-stranded-at-machu-picchu-after-flooding/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/hundreds-of-tourists-stranded-at-machu-picchu-after-flooding/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Severe flooding in Peru has caused several landslides that have left hundreds (reports range from 1500 to 2500) of people stranded at Machu Picchu. Many of the landslides happened on Saturday, killing one tourist and his guide, and leaving others stuck in spots along the Inca Trail that leads to the site. The 40-mile railway that connects the ancient site to Cuzco was also blocked by the landslides, leaving tourists stranded and the city's only hotel overwhelmed as it tries to care for everyone.

According to the UK's Guardian, helicopters are the only option for getting supplies in and getting people out right now. Unfortunately, the going is slow and supplies at Machu Picchu are dwindling. And, says the AFP, some of those stranded are concerned that others are bribing officials in order to be rescued first. In the meantime, those who can't find accommodation are camping out by the train station or in the city square.

Over 1300 homes have been destroyed because of the flooding and landslides, which have been called the worst in 15 years. A 60-day state of emergency has been declared.

Hundreds of tourists stranded at Machu Picchu after flooding originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cuzcoemergencyfloodfloodinginca trailIncaTraillandslidelandslidesMachu PicchuMachu PiccuMachuPicchuMachuPiccuperurailwaystrandedWed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Island Hawaii: A budget travel guide]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/big-island-hawaii-a-budget-travel-guide/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/big-island-hawaii-a-budget-travel-guide/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/27/big-island-hawaii-a-budget-travel-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Adrift in the Pacific, Hawaii is expensive. It costs more to get there, it costs more to ship goods there. It just costs more. Looking at the websites of the many luxury hotels on the Big Island, you might think you can't afford it. But you can visit the Big Island of Hawaii on a smaller budget. Here are a few tips to help you do it.

Forget the luxury hotels.
At $300, $500, or even more per night, staying in a luxury hotel will add up quickly. Try VRBO or Home Away to score a rental home on the cheap, or Couchsurf and stay with a local for free. For cheap accommodations, try a backpacker's lodge like Arnott's where private double rooms are $70 and dorm bunks are $25. You can even camp at ten locations around the island for a permit fee of $5 per adult per night.

If you still want some degree of luxury without the accompanying price tag, stay at a hotel off the beach. A one bedroom cottage with kitchen at Nancy's Hideaway near Volcanoes National Park will run you just over $100 per night. If you want to be closer to the action, check out the Kona Tiki Hotel, a mile outside of town. It's definitely "no-frills" but costs only $72 per night and is a short taxi ride from the beach. Across the island in Hilo, the Hilo Bay Hostel offers dorm beds for $25 and private doubles for $65, one block away from the ocean.

Continue reading Big Island Hawaii: A budget travel guide

Big Island Hawaii: A budget travel guide originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbig islandBigIslandbudgetbudget travelbudget-travelBudgetTravelcampingfarmers marketFarmersMarkethawaiihilokonamauna keaMaunaKeastargazingvolcanoesvolcanoes national parkVolcanoesNationalParkwine tastingwineryWineTastingWed, 27 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Tuesday, 1.26.2010]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/26/gadlinks-for-tuesday-1-26-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/26/gadlinks-for-tuesday-1-26-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/26/gadlinks-for-tuesday-1-26-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Happy Tuesday, Gadling fans! Here are a few more travel tidbits to help you through the week.

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Tuesday, 1.26.2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootsnallcartagenachicagoDisabilitiesdisabilitydisabledeuropeangadlinksgamesNational GeographicNationalGeographicpiratePiratesTue, 26 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore the Arctic with Hurtigruten Tours]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/explore-the-arctic-with-hurtigruten-tours/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/explore-the-arctic-with-hurtigruten-tours/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/explore-the-arctic-with-hurtigruten-tours/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spitsbergen is the "last stop before the North Pole," a cold, remote landscape of snow, ice, and arctic wildlife. And you can explore it with Hurtigruten, an adventure tour company.

While some of their longer tours may be prohibitively expensive for a lot of travelers (9-day tours cost around $5000 per person). they do offer a much more affordable 6-day Polar Encounters cruise starting at just over $1300 per person, plus airfare.

Passengers on the cruise will go ashore twice per day with an experienced guide, looking for glaciers, fjords, seals, whales, walruses, and polar bears. Stops include the towns of Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Ny-Alesund, which vary in size for two thousand to less than two dozen residents.

Hurtigruten also offers cruises around Norway, Greenland, Antartica, the Baltics, and Western Europe.

[via Camels and Chocolate]

Explore the Arctic with Hurtigruten Tours originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelarcticarctic circleArcticCirclecruisefjordsglaciersnorth poleNorthPolenorwayPolarpolar bearsPolarBearsremotesealsspitsbergenwalruswildernessMon, 25 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The "girly-girl's" guide to packing for adventure travel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/the-girly-girls-guide-to-packing-for-adventure-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/the-girly-girls-guide-to-packing-for-adventure-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/the-girly-girls-guide-to-packing-for-adventure-travel/#commentsFiled under:

I'll admit it. I'm what you would call a "girly-girl". I like to dress up, I'm most comfortable in heels, and, ironically, I don't feel quite myself when I'm not wearing at least a little makeup (and yes, I am fully aware of how ridiculous that is). Despite my disdain for getting wet, sweaty, stinky or dirty, I love taking part in adventure activities when I travel. I like to do things like hike, ride horses and zipline. I just like to look good (though I'll usually settle for "not gross") while I do them.

Aside from the obvious vanity issues, this wouldn't be a huge problem, except that I stubbornly refuse to pack more than a carry-on for any trip, and so bulky adventure gear gets left behind to make room for yet another pair of cute high heels. This means I've ended up exploring a cave in Iceland in skinny jeans, knee-high boots and a wool trench coat, and have hiked in the humid Costa Rican rainforest during the muddy rainy season in jeans and running shoes with no traction. But I've finally figured out how I can bring both the clothes that make me feel good, and the ones that I need to survive as an active traveler. I've learned what I absolutely have to bring to enjoy myself on adventures, and how to fit it in my limited space along with my stylish clothes. If you're a "girly-girl" like me but still want to get active with the boys, here's what you need to know.

Continue reading The "girly-girl's" guide to packing for adventure travel

The "girly-girl's" guide to packing for adventure travel originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure traveladventure-outdoorsadventure-travelAdventureTravelbootsgeargirlgirlygirly stuffGirlyGirlGirlyStuffhikingoutdooroutdoor activitiesoutdoor adventureOutdoorActivitiesOutdoorAdventurepackingquick dryQuickDryshoesVanityMon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Italy battles buffalo mozzarella fraud]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/22/italy-battles-buffalo-mozzarella-fraud/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/22/italy-battles-buffalo-mozzarella-fraud/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/22/italy-battles-buffalo-mozzarella-fraud/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's a cheese scandal brewing in Italy, and it involves buffalo mozzarella, one of the country's most famous foods. Served on pizzas and pastas, with antipasti, in salads or just enjoyed by the handful (what? I'm the only person that does that?), the cheese is known for its quality and purity. But it seems that much of the cheese passed off as 100% from buffalo milk actually contains trace amounts of cow's milk. In some cases, it was even as much as 30%.

So what's the big deal? I'm not sure I could discern the taste difference between pure buffalo mozz and one with cow's milk. The problem is that Italy's authentic buffalo mozzarella is produced under the EU's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal, meaning that all products bearing that seal need to be produced using certain ingredients and procedures. According to LeaderPost.com, the concern is not about health issues or taste, but rather " to protect the "Made in Italy" label."

It seems the scandal even reaches to the highest levels. The president of the consortium of buffalo mozzarella was also found to have watered down his cheese. He was removed from his post by the Italian Minister for Agriculture and replaced with a temporary leadership group.

Until the problem has been solved, visitors to Italy may (unbeknownst to them) wind up eating cheese that isn't 100% buffalo milk. Of course, it will probably be just as delicious anyways.

[via NPR]

Italy battles buffalo mozzarella fraud originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffalobuffalo milkBuffaloMilkcheesefrauditalian cheeseItalianCheeseitalymilkmozzarellascandalFri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Miracle on the Hudson" plane up for auction]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/22/miracle-on-the-hudson-plane-up-for-auction/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/22/miracle-on-the-hudson-plane-up-for-auction/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/22/miracle-on-the-hudson-plane-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The plane that Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger landed safely in the Hudson River just over a year ago is going up for auction. Chartis Aerospace Insurance Services is accepting bids on the plane, which is described as "having severe water damage throughout the airframe and impact damage to its underside" according to USA Today, though March 27.

Unfortunately, as celeb-gossip site TMZ points out, the survivors of the harrowing water landing won't be able to take home a memento from the plane. The plane is being auctioned off in its entirety so those hoping to snag just a small piece cannot do so. Looks like they'll have only their memories. The survivors recently got together on the anniversary of the crash landing and toasted with champagne and Grey Goose vodka (a nod to the flock of birds that downed the plane) at the moment of impact.

"Miracle on the Hudson" plane up for auction originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionCaptain Sullenbergercaptain sullyCaptainSullenbergerCaptainSullyCrash survivorCrashSurvivorHudsonhudson riverHudsonRivermiracle on the hudsonMiracleOnTheHudsonplaneplane crashPlaneCrashSullysully sullenbergerSullySullenbergersurvivorstmzFri, 22 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Thursday, 1.21.2010]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/gadlinks-for-thursday-1-21-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/gadlinks-for-thursday-1-21-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/gadlinks-for-thursday-1-21-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Can't get enough travel news? Fear not, here is some more travel talk from around the web.

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Thursday, 1.21.2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocolateculture shockCultureShockgadlinkshotelquotesromanceromanticvalentines dayValentinesDaywineThu, 21 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ski for free at Stowe when you stay at Topnotch Resort]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/ski-for-free-at-stowe-when-you-stay-at-topnotch-resort/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/ski-for-free-at-stowe-when-you-stay-at-topnotch-resort/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/21/ski-for-free-at-stowe-when-you-stay-at-topnotch-resort/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ski season is in full swing at resorts throughout the US, and now through April 10, you can "ski for free" at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. The resort sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, which reaches nearly 5,000 feet. It offers luxury accommodations on 120 acres, 40 minutes from Burlington Airport. .

This season, included in accommodations rates, you'll also receive two adult lifts tickets to Stowe Mountain delivered by the resort's "Ski Concierge", shuttle service to and from the mountain, and overnight ski storage. Rentals are available from the resort's Nordic Barn. In addition to skiing, the resort offers tennis, a spa, and horseback trail rides.

Rates start at $250 (plus tax) for weekdays and $350 for weekends. Blackout dates include January 28-30, February 7-20, February 25-27, and March 21-23. Rate outside of the promotion start at $300 per night, and lift tickets at Stowe can cost $84 per day per person, so this deal would save you around $200 per day for two skiers....which means more money for apres ski fun and hot toddies by the fire.

Ski for free at Stowe when you stay at Topnotch Resort originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTravelburlingtonfreefree stuffFreeStuffhotelhotel dealsHotelDealshotelslift ticketLiftTicketresortski liftski resortski resortsskiingSkiLiftSkiResortSkiResortssnow skiingSnowSkiingstoweStowe VermontStoweVermontvermontThu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get warm with a free trip to the Cayman Islands]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/20/get-warm-with-a-free-trip-to-the-cayman-islands/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/20/get-warm-with-a-free-trip-to-the-cayman-islands/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/20/get-warm-with-a-free-trip-to-the-cayman-islands/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been a doozy of a winter so far, and there are no signs that the temps are suddenly going to increase. You've got a long few months to go before you get warm again....unless you happen to win the Cayman Island's new contest. The lucky winner will receive a trip for four, including air and hotel, to the tropical Cayman Islands.

The winner and friends will stay at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort on Seven Mile Beach, and will receive a free boat and snorkel trip to Stingray City, where they'll swim with massive stingrays.

To enter, you'll need to upload your best photo that shows one of your coldest winter moments. Upload it by March 1 and encourage all your friends to vote for you. The ten entries with the most votes will move on to the final judging, and a winner will be announced by March 10. You must be 18 or older and a resident of the US to enter and travel must take place by December 31, 2011.

Of course, for many people, the worst of winter will be over by March 10. So maybe the contest won't help you escape the cold right away, at least not in the most literal sense. But maybe the thought of a Cayman Islands vacation - especially a free one - will warm your heart just a bit.

Get warm with a free trip to the Cayman Islands originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caymancayman islandsCaymanIslandsCaymanScoldcontestcontestsenter to winEnterToWinfreefree travelfree tripFreeTravelFreeTripMarriottphotosprizetropicalwarmwinnerWed, 20 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stay at a Sage hotel, donate to Haiti relief]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/20/stay-at-a-sage-hotel-donate-to-haiti-relief/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/20/stay-at-a-sage-hotel-donate-to-haiti-relief/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/20/stay-at-a-sage-hotel-donate-to-haiti-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are countless ways you can donate money and supplies to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Here's one more way you can help, just by going about your travels. Stay at a Sage Hospitality Group hotel, now through the end of January, and the company will give $10 per room, per night to the Red Cross.

54 Sage hotels throughout the US are participating in the promotion. Guests do need to book the special "Help Haiti" rate, which has limited availability, in order to make the donation.

The Sage group is offering a few other promotions that benefit victims of the disaster. Coco Key Water Resorts, a division of the hotel group, will offer 1% of all food and beverage purchases to the Red Cross, and will offer a $5 pass on January 26, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.

Sage has a history of offering great rates and promotions to help others. In the past, they've offered free nights to volunteers, service-people, and teachers.

Stay at a Sage hotel, donate to Haiti relief originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AiddonationdonationshaitiHaiti aidhaiti earthquakehaiti reliefHaitiAidHaitiEarthquakeHaitiReliefhotelHotelDealshotelsred crossRedCrossreliefsage hotelsSageHotelsWed, 20 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST