Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Top ten alternative lodging options]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/top-ten-alternative-lodging-options/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/top-ten-alternative-lodging-options/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/top-ten-alternative-lodging-options/#commentsFiled under: ,



When it comes to lodging, most people automatically look for a hotel. And if you want room service, a business center, gym, and all the other perks that come with a hotel, that may be your best bet. But if you're looking for a more unique place to stay, if you want to save money, or if you want to experience a destination in an entirely new way, you have a whole range of options outside the sphere of Marriotts, Hiltons, and Four Seasons. Here are the top ten alternative lodging options.

Bed and Breakfasts/Guesthouses
A bed and breakfast (which in some countries, goes by the name guesthouse) is always my first choice for accommodation. Do I have a deep-seeded fetish for doilies, furniture that looks like it belongs in my grandma's house, and forced interaction over tea and scones? Definitely not. Luckily, not all B&Bs fit that stereotype. Many offer chic, modern décor and accommodations that are just as luxurious and stylish as their hotel counterparts.

The reason I choose these types of bed and breakfasts is this: generally, as it's a small business, the owners are very hands on and present. You don't feel so much like another anonymous customer as a welcomed guest. At bed and breakfasts I've stayed at, the hosts have been more than happy to sit down and give me personalized recommendations for the city I was visiting, to offer champagne toasts on New Year's Eve, and even to provide me with a ride to the airport when my cab didn't show up on time.

Continue reading Top ten alternative lodging options

Top ten alternative lodging options originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accomodationsagritourismapartmentapartmentsbbbed and breakfastbed and breakfastsBedAndBreakfastBedAndBreakfastsboutique hotelBoutiqueHotelbudgetBudgetTravelcheapCouch SurfingCouchSurfingfarm stayFarmStayguesthouseshome swapHomeSwaphostelhotelinnslodgingservasFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter to win a Washington State New Moon package]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/enter-to-win-a-washington-state-new-moon-package/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/enter-to-win-a-washington-state-new-moon-package/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/enter-to-win-a-washington-state-new-moon-package/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New Moon comes out in theaters tomorrow, and to capitalize on the excitement, Washington State is offering a New Moon themed package to one lucky winner as part of its "Experience More" giveaway. Each month from November to April, one grand prize and one mini-prize will be awarded.

The grand prize for November is two nights at the Quileute Oceanside Resort, located near La Push Beach (featured in the Twilight books), in a luxury oceanfront cabin with a Jacuzzi tub and fireplace. The package continues with one night at the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles, two Twilight Tour tickets, and a complimentary fire permit and bundle of wood for a fire on First Beach.

A second prize includes a night at the Red Lion in Port Angeles and a kayak excursion on the Olympic Peninsula. Other prizes offered over the next few months include adventures in Leavenworth, Seattle, and Yakima Valley's wine country.

To enter, just fill out the online form by April 18, 2010. Entrants must be 18 years old and residents of the US or Canada.

Enter to win a Washington State New Moon package originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegiveawayLeavenworth WashingtonLeavenworthWashingtonNew MoonNewMoonOlympic PeninsulaOlympicPeninsulapacific northwestPacificNorthwestprizePuget SoundPugetSoundseattletwilightwashingtonyakimaThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawaiian airlines offers free flights to the mainland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/hawaiian-airlines-offers-free-flights-to-the-mainland/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/hawaiian-airlines-offers-free-flights-to-the-mainland/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/hawaiian-airlines-offers-free-flights-to-the-mainland/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hawaii seems like a beautiful place to live - great coffee, awesome surf conditions, nearly perfect weather at all times. But, hundreds of miles out in the Pacific, I imagine it starts to feel a bit isolated, especially with the high cost of flights from the islands back to the mainland US. But for those Hawaiian islanders looking to get away to the rest of the US for a while, Hawaiian airlines, has a pretty great deal.

For every inter-island round trip flight you book on Hawaiian Airlines, you'll get a discount on your flight from Hawaii to other destinations in the US. The discount starts at 10% (for one round trip flight) and goes all the way up to 100% (yep, a free flight!) after you've taken 10 round trip flights around the islands.

Inter-island flights began racking up points towards the discounts on August 3 and will continue through December 31, 2009. The discount can be applied towards flights booked for now through June 15, 2010.

The discount applies to flights to select cities in California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.

Hawaiian airlines offers free flights to the mainland originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelbudget-travelBudgetTravelcaliforniacheapdealdealsdiscountdiscountsflightflightsfree flightsFreeFlightshawaiihawaiianhawaiian airlineshawaiian islandsHawaiianAirlinesHawaiianIslandsislandIslandersislandsmainlandnevadaoregonwashingtonTue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Score deals to site of 2010 Olympics now]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/score-deals-to-site-of-2010-olympics-now/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/score-deals-to-site-of-2010-olympics-now/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/score-deals-to-site-of-2010-olympics-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As excitement for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver builds, most people who haven't planned ahead are looking for last minute accommodations for the event and finding rates to be quite pricey. During the Games, costs will be as high as the demand, but it seems that in the weeks leading up the event, there are plenty of deals to be had.

Right now though December 17, Whistler-Blackcomb, the official Alpine Skiing venue for the Games, is offering the third night free at many of its best resorts and hotels. The average nightly rate with the promotion works out to just $66 (CAD) for many properties in Whistler Village. Package deals that include two nights of lodging and two days of lift tickets start at $103 per person per night through December 21.

Travelzoo has put together a comprehensive list of the other discounts available in the area and the deals don't stop at accommodations and skiing. Flights, shuttles, and activities like snowmobiling are also on sale.

The games run February 12-28, and chances are they'll be even more discounts announced between now and then. So if you've got your heart set on a winter wonderland vacation in Vancouver but don't have a fortune to spend, plan your visit just before the Olympics to take advantage of these great deals.

Score deals to site of 2010 Olympics now originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadealdealsdiscountdiscountshotelresortresortsski resortski resortsskiingSkiResortSkiResortsvancouverVancouver BCvancouver2010VancouverBcwhistlerwhistler blackcombWhistlerBlackcombTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bourbon, beer, wine, and equines in Kentucky's Bluegrass region]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/bourbon-beer-wine-and-equines-in-kentuckys-bluegrass-region/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/bourbon-beer-wine-and-equines-in-kentuckys-bluegrass-region/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/bourbon-beer-wine-and-equines-in-kentuckys-bluegrass-region/#commentsFiled under: , ,


My desire to take advantage of flight deals and see new places often takes me to destinations I might not have otherwise considered. An $89 round trip flight from Chicago to Louisville, for example, is how I ended up discovering that there's a lot more to Kentucky's Bluegrass region than horses.

Louisville
The Louisville airport is larger than Lexington and receives more daily flights, which means for most people, it will be cheaper to fly into Louisville than Lexington. The two cities are an hour's drive away from each other, so you can easily see both over a long weekend, no matter which airport you fly into. Louisville is the larger of the two cities- actually it is the largest in Kentucky. It's not a major city though, and if you come expecting a Bluegrass Chicago, you may be disappointed.

That's not to say there aren't plenty of things to do in Louisville though. Boxing fans will want to visit the Muhammad Ali Center and baseball lovers can't miss the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. The West Main area, also known as museum row, is home to several impressive art, history and science museums. Fort Knox and the Belle of Louisville (the oldest Mississippi-style steamboat still in use in the US) are also popular attractions.

Continue reading Bourbon, beer, wine, and equines in Kentucky's Bluegrass region

Bourbon, beer, wine, and equines in Kentucky's Bluegrass region originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluegrassbourbonbourbon trailBourbonTrailbudgetBudgetTravelfamily travelFamilyTravelhorsehorse farmhorse racinghorseback ridingHorsebackRidingHorseFarmhorseracinghorseskeenlandkentuckykentucky bourbon trailKentucky horse racingKentuckyBourbonTrailKentuckyHorseRacinglexingtonlong weekendLongWeekendlouisvillelouisville sluggerLouisvilleSluggerMuhammad AliMuhammadAliwinewine tastingwineryWineTastingTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Understanding the wild west: Visiting a Native American pueblo]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/understanding-the-wild-west-visiting-a-native-american-pueblo/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/understanding-the-wild-west-visiting-a-native-american-pueblo/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/understanding-the-wild-west-visiting-a-native-american-pueblo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



New Mexico, like much of the western US, has long been home to many Native American tribes who shaped the history of the region every bit as much as the white settlers and cowboys who came after them.

Around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, you can't drive more than a dozen or so miles before you see another sign pointing the way to a Pueblo that is open to visitors. Each of these can provide a window into the Native American culture, as residents are often willing to show visitors around and tell them all about the Native heritage. Two of the most fascinating and unique Pueblos in the area that are open to visitors are the Taos Pueblo and Acoma Sky City.

Taos Pueblo, Taos, New Mexico
Located just outside the small, quirky town of Taos, Taos Pueblo's claim to fame is that it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America. People have been living here for over 1,000 years, and it's both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Continue reading Understanding the wild west: Visiting a Native American pueblo

Understanding the wild west: Visiting a Native American pueblo originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acomaAlbuquerqueAlbuquerque New MexicoAlbuquerqueNewMexiconative americannative american artnative american historyNative American IndiansNative AmericansNativeAmericanNativeAmericanArtNativeAmericanHistoryNativeAmericanIndiansNativeAmericansNew MexicoNewMexicoPueblopueblossanta feSantaFesky citySkyCitytaosTaos PuebloTaosPuebloUNESCOUNESCO World Heritage SitesUnescoWorldHeritageSiteUnescoWorldHeritageSiteswild westwild wild westWildWestWildWildWestMon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3 unexpected destinations for riding like a wild west cowboy]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/3-unexpected-destinations-for-riding-like-a-wild-west-cowboy/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/3-unexpected-destinations-for-riding-like-a-wild-west-cowboy/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/3-unexpected-destinations-for-riding-like-a-wild-west-cowboy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The wild west cowboy is an American icon. Buffalo Bill. John Wayne. The Marlboro Man. These guys were as tough, rugged and wild as the west itself. They represented everything exciting and romantic about the undiscovered western half of the country. But this area of the US isn't the only place where cowboys roam the range. Here are are few more places where you can rope and ride alongside real cowboys.

South America - The Pampas of Argentina
Someone has to wrangle the cows that make that famously tender Argentine beef, and that's the job of Argentina's gauchos, the South American cowboys who run the country's estancias (or ranches). Many, like Estancia los dos Hermanos, are now open to tourism. Just an hour or so outside of Buenos Aires, you can gallop alongside the gauchos for hours, and then return to the ranch for a filling meal of juicy local beef.

Other cowboy outposts in the region include Uruguay, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.

Central America - The Hills of Honduras
The hilly region of northwest Honduras, close to the border with Guatemala, is pure cowboy country. Outside of the small town of Copan, near the Mayan ruins, coffee plantations and cattle farms cover the land. Most of these are purely working operations, but a select few, like Finca el Cisne, have caught on to the agri-tourism trend and offer horseback tours of their properties. Here you can learn all about how coffee is produced and then enjoy an exhilarating ride through the misty green hills.

You can also find cowboy culture alive and well in parts of Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Continue reading 3 unexpected destinations for riding like a wild west cowboy

3 unexpected destinations for riding like a wild west cowboy originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argentinabuenos airesBuenosAirescattle ranchCattleRanchcopancowboygauchogauchoshawaiihondurashorsehorseback ridingHorsebackRidinghorsespampaspanioloranchridingwesternwild westWildWestMon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore London with Sherlock Holmes]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/explore-london-with-sherlock-holmes/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/explore-london-with-sherlock-holmes/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/explore-london-with-sherlock-holmes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In anticipation of the Christmas Day release of the new Sherlock Holmes movie (starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law), Visit Britain has developed a microsite to help guide fans to the London locations used in the film. The site also offers possible itineraries for a Holmes-themed tour of London.

The list of London stops on the Holmes tour includes St. Paul's Cathedral, Simpson's-in-the-Strand, Freemason's Hall, Brompton Cemetery, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. The site also suggests a drink at the Sherlock Holmes Pub (decorated with Holmes memorabilia) or walking tour, "In the Footsteps of Sherlock Holmes", offered by London Walks.

For those venturing out of London, there are additional filming locations in Manchester. Cheshire, Kent, Leeds and Suffolk in England, plus spots in Scotland and Wales.

Explore London with Sherlock Holmes originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincelebrityenglandfilmingfilming locationsFilmingLocationsJude LawJudeLawLeedslondonmanchestermoviemovie location tourmovie locationsMovieLocationsMovieLocationTourmoviesrobert downey jr.RobertDowneyJr.scotlandSherlock Holmessherlock-holmesSherlockHolmesSt. Pauls CathedralSt.PaulsCathedraltourWaleswebsiteSun, 15 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Delta joins the ranks of "cashless cabins"]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/delta-joins-the-ranks-of-cashless-cabins/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/delta-joins-the-ranks-of-cashless-cabins/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/15/delta-joins-the-ranks-of-cashless-cabins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I can't remember the last time I paid with cash for a drink on a domestic flight. Even on my last few international flights, I pulled out the plastic when it was time for a nerve-calming vodka-cran. So I was actually kind of surprised at the announcement that Delta Airlines would no longer be accepting cash on flights in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. I didn't even realize cash was still an option.

But if you haven't yet joined the plastic revolution, or if you just prefer to pay with cash, be warned. As of December 1, you must use debit or credit cards only for all purchases made onboard Delta and Northwest flights, with the exception of trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific, and South American flights (where both options will be available). You'll also still be able to use cash (or your card) for onboard duty-free purchases.

Continue reading Delta joins the ranks of "cashless cabins"

Delta joins the ranks of "cashless cabins" originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cashcashlessCashlessCabincreditcredit cardcredit cardsCreditCardCreditCardsdebitdebit cardDebit CardsDebitCardDebitCardsdeltaDelta AirlinesDeltaAirlinesNorthwestnorthwest airlinesNorthwestAirlinesOnBoardSun, 15 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free wi-fi in Times Square]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/free-wi-fi-in-times-square/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/free-wi-fi-in-times-square/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/free-wi-fi-in-times-square/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been quite the week for free wi-fi announcements. Airlines and airports seem to be offering it up like mad, to much thanks from travelers who need to stay connected. The latest hotspot for free wi-fi: New York's Time Square.
Yahoo!, in cooperation with Times Square Alliance, is now offering free wi-fi in the pedestrian-only area of Times Square. Just get online and head to http://m.yahoo.com. Laptop users will see a welcome screen and can then select "Times Sq Free Wifi" to connect to the web (you can use any site to search the web, not just Yahoo!).

The contract for free wi-fi in the area will last at least one year, with the possibility of a three year extension.

Now, if only we could get hotels to take note. . . .

Free wi-fi in Times Square originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeFree Wi Fifree wi-fifree wififree wifi accessFreeWi-fiFreeWifiFreeWifiAccessInternetinternet accessInternetAccessmanhattannew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitypedestrianTime SquareTimeSquarewi fiWiFiYahooSat, 14 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Venice hosts its own funeral]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/venice-hosts-its-own-funeral/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/venice-hosts-its-own-funeral/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/venice-hosts-its-own-funeral/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Venice is dying. At least, according to Newsweek it is. The population has been shrinking so rapidly (it dropped below 60,000 this year) that the mag predicts there won't be a single full-time resident in the city by 2030. A city that sees millions of visitors per year, an average of 55,000 per day, won't be home to a single person. Yeah, I'd call that a dead city.

To draw attention to the issue, residents of Venice have organized a mock funeral in which three gondolas will pull a red coffin through the city's canals on Saturday, November 14th.

In addition to the flood of tourists who make the city nearly unlivable during summer months, other factors such as increasing home prices and a shrinking tax base, have combined to result in the mass exodus of long-time Venetians.

One of the organizers of the "funeral" says this doesn't have to be the end though. He hopes that by drawing attention to the issue, some of the problems can be addressed and new citizens will be lured to Venice. "It might be the beginning; it could even spur a rebirth. Now we just have to create a Venice [people] will want to stay in. We have to give them a reason not to leave."

[via Budget Travel]

Venice hosts its own funeral originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citizenscoffincrowdcrowdsdeathdyingdying citiesDyingCitiesfuneralgondolagondolasgondoliersitalyleavinglocalsmockovercrowdedovercrowdingresidentsstagetourismtouristtouristsVeniceSat, 14 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kids fly free to Vail this winter]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/kids-fly-free-to-vail-this-winter/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/kids-fly-free-to-vail-this-winter/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/14/kids-fly-free-to-vail-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Skiing is not a cheap hobby. For those who don't live close to the slopes, just getting to their favorite ski resort can cost hundreds of dollars, especially for families. But those going to Vail may find it a little more affordable. . . well at least for the flights.

American Airlines, which operates several nonstop routes to Eagle Airport (30 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek), is offering free flights for kids traveling with adults this winter. Each paid adult can bring one child for free on flights departing Sunday through Wednesday and returning Monday through Friday, from December 1 to 17 and January 3 to February 10. Within the selected date ranges, there are no blackout dates.

The offer is good on connecting flights to Eagle Airport as well. Kids also ski free on the day of arrival and get free transport to Vail or Beaver Creek from the airport.

Kids fly free to Vail this winter originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American airlineamerican airlinesAmericanAirlineAmericanAirlinesbeaver creekbeaver-creekBeaverCreekchildchildrencoloradofreekidsskiingvailvail coloradoVail ResortsVailColoradoVailResortsSat, 14 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pablo Escobar's Hacienda popular with tourists]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/pablo-escobars-hacienda-popular-with-tourists/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/pablo-escobars-hacienda-popular-with-tourists/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/pablo-escobars-hacienda-popular-with-tourists/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Visiting the former home of a famous person is pretty common. Tourists flock to Elvis' Graceland and who wouldn't love a look inside the creepy world of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch? But exploring the former compound of a Colombian drug lord....well that seems a little less likely. Yet aparently Pablo Escobar's Hacienda Napoles, located outside of Bogota, Colombia, is a hit with tourists.

Though Escobar was shot to death sixteen years ago, he lives on in infamy in the country. Tourists who have an affinity for over-the-top tacky "narco-deco" style or who can't resist a look at Escobar's lavish estate (which is now owned by the state) can visit the compound for about $10 US. The ranch is considered an "anti-crime museum" and sells replica guns and fake Escobar mustaches.

The compound is being re-purposed as an eco-tourism park, though many of the eccentric features added by Escobar remain. Nearly 30 hippos still wander the property, which includes Jurassico Park - a park featuring life-size models of dinosaurs - plus a go-kart track and private landing strip.

The compound also features horseback riding and hiking trails around the large property, butterfly and bird sanctuaries and a wildlife reserve.

[via News.com.au]

Pablo Escobar's Hacienda popular with tourists originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1980sbogotabutterflycelebritycocainecolombiacriminaldrug lordDrugLordeco tourismEcoTourismEscobarhaciendaHippohippopotamusInfamouslavishpablo escobarPabloEscobarwildlife preserveWildlifePreserveWed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[United Airlines adds flights to Africa, the Middle East and Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/united-airlines-adds-flights-to-africa-the-middle-east-and-euro/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/united-airlines-adds-flights-to-africa-the-middle-east-and-euro/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/united-airlines-adds-flights-to-africa-the-middle-east-and-euro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Starting May 2, 2010, United Airlines fans can fly the carrier from the US to Africa for the first time in the company's history. United will offer flights from DC to Accra, Ghana (and then on to Lagos, Nigeria). Beginning April 18, 2010, passengers flying from DC to Kuwait can also continue on to Bahrain.

Chicago to Brussels nonstop on March 28, 2010. The carrier also added several other new routes this year, including DC to Moscow, and DC to Geneva.

"Our first-ever non-stop service to Africa will offer customers convenient and comfortable travel opportunities to visit two of the fastest-growing cities in the continent," United's senior VP of planning said in a press release. "In addition, our new services to Bahrain and Brussels will open more international routes to our customers throughout Europe and the Middle East."

United Airlines adds flights to Africa, the Middle East and Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accra ghanaAccraGhanaairlineairlinesbahrainchicagodullesGhanakuwaitLagosroutesunionUnited AirlinesUnitedAirlineswashington dcWashingtonDcTue, 10 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 7 adventure activities near Arenal, Costa Rica]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/top-7-adventure-activities-near-arenal-costa-rica/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/top-7-adventure-activities-near-arenal-costa-rica/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/top-7-adventure-activities-near-arenal-costa-rica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


For travelers in search of a little adrenaline, the Arenal region of Costa Rica serves up adventure any way you like it.
The area around the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica, about 80 miles north of San Jose in the center of the narrow country, is known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica. With a diverse landscape that features erupting volcanoes, rainforests full of life, and cascading waterfalls, it's a land perfect for active explorers. Here are the top adventure activities in the area.

Volcano Hikes
Just over 10 miles west of the small tourist town of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park is home to the big daddy of Costa Rican volcanoes. Those papier mâché volcanoes you made in 4th grade, with their perfectly formed cones, were probably modeled on Arenal. It's everything you expect a volcano to be - lush and green on the bottom, gently sloping up its black rock sides to a pointed top with a near constant wisp of smoke wafting from its mouth.

Arenal isn't the only volcano in the area, but it is the most impressive. It's the youngest and most active. It's been erupting daily since 1968.

On clear days (which are never guaranteed in the rainy season from May to November) you can see it from miles around and its fiery lava lights up the night sky like a fireworks show. Guides will lead hikes into the rainforest around the base of the volcano, though you can also drive yourself to the observation deck for a day or night viewing.

Continue reading Top 7 adventure activities near Arenal, Costa Rica

Top 7 adventure activities near Arenal, Costa Rica originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activityadventureadventure-travelarenalcanopyCanopyTourscanyoncanyoningcosta ricaCostaRicahanging bridgesHangingBridgeshikingHikingTrailsHot SpringsHotSpringsla fortunaLaFortunanational parksNationalParksrainforestRainForestsvolcanovolcanoeswaterfallwaterfallswhite water raftingWhiteWaterRaftingZipLineZiplineToursTue, 10 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Plan a luxury safari in the US with American Safari Cruises]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/plan-a-luxury-safari-in-the-us-with-american-safari-cruises/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/plan-a-luxury-safari-in-the-us-with-american-safari-cruises/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/plan-a-luxury-safari-in-the-us-with-american-safari-cruises/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When most people think of a "safari" they think of hiking through the bush of South Africa or trekking through the jungles of Costa Rica in search of exotic animals native to the region.

But here in the US we have plenty of our own wild animals to see and going "on safari" here doesn't have to mean doing one of those drive-though "wild animal" parks where non-native animals like zebras and giraffes flock to your car for the food they know you're going to throw at them through your open window.

For a more upscale safari trip in the United States, check out American Safari Cruises, which offers small-group ultra-luxury all-inclusive sailings around North America. There's aren't your typical mega-cruises. The vessels are yatchs and are limited to 12, 22 or 36 guests. All meals, airport transfers, alcoholic drinks and shores excursions are included in the price. And according to the company's website, they institute green and sustainable practices, and give back to the communities they visit on each safari.

Some of the safaris offered include spotting whales, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, mountain goats and wolves in Alaska, birdwatching and snorkeling with sea turtles and exotic fish in Hawaii, and looking for whales, sea lions, seals, black bears and deer in the Pacific Northwest.

Cruises range from 7 to 14 nights and rates start at about $5000 per person.

Plan a luxury safari in the US with American Safari Cruises originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskaalaska cruisealaska cruise vacationsAlaska CruisesAlaskaCruiseAlaskaCruisesAlaskaCruiseVacationsblack bearblack bearsBlackBearBlackBearscruisegrizzly bearGrizzlyBearhawaiiluxuryluxury cruisesLuxuryCruisespacific northwestPacificNorthwestsafarisnorkelingturtleturtleswhalewhale watchingwhalesWhaleWatchingwild animalswildamericaWildAnimalswildlifeyachtyatchMon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Going to Yosemite? Don't take the minivan!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/going-to-yosemite-dont-take-the-minivan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/going-to-yosemite-dont-take-the-minivan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/going-to-yosemite-dont-take-the-minivan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the great draws of visiting a National Park like Yosemite in California is that you can get very close to nature and see animals in their own habitat. But there is a limit to just how close you want to get to certain animals, especially black bears, which can be dangerous to both humans and cars as they look for food.

There are several ways to reduce your risk of having an unpleasant encounter with a black bear, and as it turns out, not driving a mini van may be one of them.

A study done by the Journal Mammology over a 7 year period in Yosemite has shown that black bears in the region seem to prefer minivans as their vehicle of choice when looking for a snack. But, the study reveals, it's not actually the car style and size the bears are attracted to (and no, they don't care about the car's crash safety ratings either), it's more about fuel efficiency. And by "fuel efficiency", they mean which cars provide the most food for the bears.

It seems that minivan drivers are more likely to be traveling with a family and toting around small children - children who inevitably leave open snack containers in the car or who leave a trail of chips and cookies behind them.

Continue reading Going to Yosemite? Don't take the minivan!

Going to Yosemite? Don't take the minivan! originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bearBear-proofCoolersbearsblack bearblack bearsBlackBearBlackBearscaliforniacampingcarschinacoolerdangerousminivanminivansnationalnational parksNationalParkstraveling with childrenTravelingWithChildrenwild animalwild animalswildamericaWildAnimalWildAnimalswildlifeyosemiteYosemite National ParkYosemiteNationalParkMon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Galavanting Girls help the children of Roatan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/the-galavanting-girls-help-the-children-of-roatan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/the-galavanting-girls-help-the-children-of-roatan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/the-galavanting-girls-help-the-children-of-roatan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Travel writer, founder of The Galavanting Girls, and creator of the Travel Blog Exchange conference, Kim Mance will soon be setting off on a cruise to visit, among other places, the island of Roatan in Honduras. Rather than spend her time in port sunning on the beautiful West Bay or browsing the new shops at the Port of Roatan, Kim and her crew decided to do something a little more constructive with their time.

While their Princess Cruises ship is in port on November 11, Kim and the other Galavanting Girls will head to Elfrida Brooks School in the area's capital city of Coxen Hole. Honduras is the second-poorest Caribbean nation (behind only Haiti) and the school, which educates 180 children, is desperately in need of funding.

The Galavanting Girls will be spending the day at the school and dropping off supplies they've rounded up. They're also taking online donations, as little as $5 per person, through the Roatan Children's Fund on the secure First Giving website. The Girls have already raised $550 for the project, more than double the goal. They'll be videotaping their visit to the school and will post the footage on their website after November 11.

The Galavanting Girls help the children of Roatan originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caribbeancharitycruisedonatedonationdonationshondurasislandpoorroatanschooltbextravel blog exchangeTravelBlogExchangevolunteervolunteeringvolunteerismvolunteersSat, 07 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oprah says good-bye to Chicago]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/oprah-says-good-bye-to-chicago/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/oprah-says-good-bye-to-chicago/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/oprah-says-good-bye-to-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Did you hear the new rumor about Oprah Winfrey? No, not that one! This one says that come 2011, her daytime talk show will leave Chicago and be based out of Los Angeles.

According to Deadline Hollywood, the big O planned on calling it quits way back in 2002, then again in 2006. At that point she renewed her syndication contracts through 2011. But now, it looks like she'll be moving the show from national syndication to her very own OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) station.

While there's no denying that Oprah's success is a positive force for Chicago tourism (even those who can't get the coveted tickets for her show will make the pilgrimage out to Harpo Studios to take a tour or shop at the Oprah Store), the daytime diva hasn't really been all that connected with Chicago for many years. Sure, she tapes the show here, she flies in for special events, and she lobbied (unsuccessfully) for Chicago's Olympic bid, but other than that, she doesn't spend a whole lot of time here, preferring instead her gigantic estate in Montecito, California.

For tourists and die-hard Oprah fans, I'm sure she will be missed. For residents (especially those who had their commutes disrupted when she closed down the streets for her massive season launch party), it's sad to lose an icon, but hey, we've still got the Sears Tower.....oh, wait, nevermind.

According to "entertainment insiders", Oprah's company will make the announcement outlining her plans to move, sometime in the next six months.

Oprah says good-bye to Chicago originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagolos angelesLosAngelesolympicsoprahoprah winfreyOprah Winfrey ShowOprahWinfreyOprahWinfreyShowtourismtvTV showtv showsTvShowTvShowsFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive a rental car to Florida for $1]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/drive-a-rental-car-to-florida-for-1/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/drive-a-rental-car-to-florida-for-1/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/drive-a-rental-car-to-florida-for-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I agree with Mike Barish's recent post. Road trips do rock. I love grabbing some friends, jumping in the car, and blasting great music as we cruise down the highway or along back roads. If you love a good road trip.....and you happen to live in Texas or on the east coast......and you want to drive one-way to Florida.....and you just happen to plan on going before November 15, well then Thrifty Car Rental has a deal for you.

The car rental company is offering the rock-bottom-rate of $1 per day for renters willing to pick up the car at Houston Hobby, Houston International, Corpus Christi, Boston, Burlington, or Providence airports and drive it to one of nine airports in Florida before November 15.

Odds are that not many people will be able to take advantage of this offer, except perhaps some of the snowbirds, like my grandmother, who head south every winter. But if the circumstances are right for you, it is an awesome deal.

There are some additional restrictions though (yes even more than those above!). Availability is limited and you must make the transfer within seven days. Drive fast, grandma!

Continue reading Drive a rental car to Florida for $1

Drive a rental car to Florida for $1 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportbostonburlingtoncheapcorpus christiCorpusChristidealdiscountdriveeast coastEastCoastfloridahoustonprovidencerentalrental carrental carsRentalCarRentalCarsrentalsroad tripRoadTripsnowbirdsnowbirdstexasthriftyFri, 06 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST