Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Video: "Stuff" skiers say]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/video-stuff-skiers-say/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/video-stuff-skiers-say/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/video-stuff-skiers-say/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm in Lake Tahoe--California and Nevada's premier ski destination--visiting my brother and his family. My teenage nephew, a member of the Olympic Valley Freeride & Freestyle Team, turned me on to this farcical video about things skiers say. If you're a skier--or snowboarder--you're fully aware that there are certain phrases ubiquitous to those who spend their days on the slopes--even if the language between the two sports differs slightly.

Even if you don't dig snow, you'll likely appreciate this. And if you're a flatlander heading to the mountains for a weekend of shreddin'....please...don't act like a gaper. "Now go get your sesh on."

Warning: this clip contains language that may be offensive to some.

Video: "Stuff" skiers say originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaLake TahoeLakeTahoelanguageparodiesski resortsski teamsski videosskiersskiiingSkiResortsSkiTeamsSkiVideosslangsnow sportssnowboardingSnowSportsSquaw ValleySquawValleytourismtouristsvideoswhistler blackcombWhistlerBlackcombwinter sportswinter tourismwinter travelWinterSportsWinterTourismWinterTravelSat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten bizarre travel diseases that can ruin your next vacation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/ten-bizarre-travel-diseases-that-can-ruin/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/ten-bizarre-travel-diseases-that-can-ruin/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/ten-bizarre-travel-diseases-that-can-ruin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel diseasesOn some level, catching a weird disease or picking up a little-known tropical parasite on your travels gives you bragging rights. "Look at me, I'm so hardcore!" Trust me, I've been there. But with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) making headlines worldwide, I'd like to remind fellow travelers that these diseases are no joke, and even those of us with healthy immune systems and access to industrialized medicine aren't impervious.

The reality is, you never know what you might be susceptible to. In my case, my doctors and medical research indicate that I may be lacking an enzyme that made me vulnerable to an extremely rare but serious tropical disease caused by the bacteria Bartonella bacilliformis, which causes Oroya Fever (and its precursor, Verruga Peruana). I'm still recovering from a three-year battle with the disease that has resulted in permanent organ damage because of a failure to protect myself against sand flies in the Amazon Basin region of Ecuador. Regular applications of DEET could have prevented that, as well as the various misdiagnoses of tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, but that's another story.

A lot of tropical and uncommon travel-related ailments are difficult to diagnose, and sometimes even more problematic to cure (if they don't kill you, first). Statistically, however, most travelers--even if they're in extremely sketchy parts of the world--will stay healthy if they take the necessary precautions. Having a trustworthy travel doctor is also helpful if you spend a lot of time in developing nations.

Continue reading Ten bizarre travel diseases that can ruin your next vacation

Ten bizarre travel diseases that can ruin your next vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>African sleeping sicknessAfricanSleepingSicknessAmazon BasinAmazonBasinantibioticsbartonellaCDCciguateradiseasefatal diseaseFatalDiseasefilariasisfoodborne illnessFoodborneIllnesshistoplasmosisJapanese EncephalitisJapaneseEncephalitismalariamds roboticsMdsRoboticsmisdiagnosismosquito borne diseaseMosquitoBorneDiseaseOroya feverOroyaFeverparasitesparasitic diseaseParasiticDiseaseTBtravel disease preventiontravel innoculationstravel medicinetravel vaccinationstravel wellnessTravelDiseasePreventionTravelInnoculationsTravelMedicineTravelVaccinationsTravelWellnesstropical diseasetropical medicineTropicalDiseaseTropicalMedicinetsetse fliesTsetseFliestuberculosisvaccinationsvector borne diseaseVectorBorneDiseaseverruga peruanaVerrugaPeruanaTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trek the Colombian Andes in El Cocuy National Park with Mountain Madness]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

colombia adventure travelAcclaimed Seattle-based adventure travel company and guide service Mountain Madness debuts its newest trip on February 4th: an excursion to Colombia's El Cocuy National Park. Although Colombia is often characterized as being mostly tropical jungle or coastline, the Andean Cordillera Oriental crosses a significant portion of the country. The El Cocuy trip will allow trekkers to explore glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote colonial villages.

Mountain Madness owner and president Mark Gunlogson has years of experience as a mountaineering guide all over the world, and the company is renowned for its reputable and distinctive trekking trips and alpine climbing schools, particularly in South America and the Himalayas. For this inaugural El Cocuy adventure, Gunglogson will lead five other trekkers and climbers as they "explore this area's potential for adventure travel. The team hopes to dispel the myth of danger with travel in Colombia and open up a new, cutting-edge trip."

Activities will include mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing, and cultural exchange, a Mountain Madness hallmark. Check out the company's blog for dispatches from El Cocuy. Buena suerte, team!

Video: How to self-arrest with an ice ax

How to Self Arrest with an Ice Axe

Trek the Colombian Andes in El Cocuy National Park with Mountain Madness originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure travel companiesAdventureTravelAdventureTravelCompaniesalpine climbingalpine climbing schoolsAlpineClimbingAlpineClimbingSchoolsandesbest travel companiesBestTravelCompaniesclimbing schoolsClimbingSchoolscolombiacolombian parksColombianParksEAel cocuy national parkElCocuyNationalParkglaciersguideshimalayashow to choose travel guideHowToChooseTravelGuidemountaineeringnew adventure tripsNewAdventureTripsSeattletravel companiontravel guidestravel outfitterstravel safetyTravelCompanionTravelGuidesTravelOutfittersTravelSafetytrendsWashington stateWashingtonStateFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Food poisoning! What to watch out for in 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/ten-ways-travel-will-give-you-food-poisoning-in-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/ten-ways-travel-will-give-you-food-poisoning-in-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/ten-ways-travel-will-give-you-food-poisoning-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

food poisoningFor many people--myself included--one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is experiencing how other cultures eat. Even if you're only traveling as far as the other end of the state, chances are there's a regional specialty, street food, farmers market, or restaurant that's a destination in its own right.

Sometimes, however, the pickings are slim, or no matter how delicious the food, the odds are just stacked against you. As Anthony Bourdain put it on a recent episode of his new series, The Layover, "...if there's not a 50-percent chance of diarrhea, it's not worth eating."

Gross, perhaps, but gluttonous travelers know there's truth in those words. Bourdain happened to be referring to a late-night drunk binge at one of Amsterdam's infamous FEBO fast food automats (above), so with that in mind, I present this photographic homage to the things we eat on the road, despite knowing better. Walk softly, and carry a big bottle of Imodium

Gallery: Ten places to get food poisoning in 2012



[Photo credit: Flickr user .waldec]

Food poisoning! What to watch out for in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-seriesAmsterdamasian foodAsianFoodbudget diningBudgetDiningbuffetscharcuteriecheap foodcheap restaurantsCheapFoodCheapRestaurantsChicharitoHernandezChinese foodChineseFoodculinary travelCulinaryTravele.colieconomyfarmers marketsFarmersMarketsfast foodFastFoodfood on a stickfood stallsfood standsfood to gofood tourismfood trucksfoodborne illnessFoodborneIllnessfoodiesFoodOnAStickFoodStallsFoodStandsFoodToGoFoodTourismFoodTruckshawker centershawker centresHawkerCentersHawkerCentreshot dogsHotDogsLas VegasLasVegaslisteriamontezumas revengeMontezumasRevengeNevadapop-upsregional foodRegionalFoodrestaurantssalmonellasalumiSingaporestreet foodStreetFoodsushitakeaway foodTakeawayFoodtravelers diarrheaTravelersDiarrheaturistasvending machinesVendingMachinesThu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

chile skiingDedicated pow hounds tend to hightail it to the Southern Hemisphere once summer rears its sunny head. Chile is justly famous for its snow, as well as its lack of crowds, above-timberline terrain, and epic backcountry and vertical accessible via heli-skiing.

Valle Nevado, located 20 miles east of Santiago, is already the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, during its June 22-October 2nd winter season, it has even more enticements to offer.

North American and UK guests who book and pay before March 31st, 2012, will receive up to 50% off a season-long package that includes a seven-night stay at any of Valle Nevado's three hotels (which range from high-end to budget), and two interconnect tickets for the neighboring resorts of La Parva and El Colorado, which opens 7,400 acres of skiable terrain (that's more than Vail, for you ski and snowboard die-hards).

The promotion also includes 25% off equipment rental, a complimentary 30-minute massage, and free attendance at the weekly Thursday Wine Festival. Look for forthcoming announcements on heli-skiing packages, as well. To book, call 1-800-669-0554 from the U.S., or email reservas@vallenevado.com.

Tips for Powder Skiing

Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best ski resortsBestSkiResortsChilean wine regionsChileanWineRegionsColoradoheliskingPortilloSantiagoski dealsski packagesski rentalsski resortsski southern hemisphereSkiDealsSkiPackagesSkiRentalsSkiResortsSkiSouthernHemispheresnowboardingsouth american wineSouthAmericanWineSouthern HemisphereSouthernHemisphereVailValle NevadoValleNevadowinewine festivalsWineFestivalswinter sportsWinterSportsWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel bloggers conferenceIf the word "conference" immediately conjures images of tipsy, poly-suit clad conventioneers, comic book geeks, or coma-inducing workshops, you obviously haven't attended a travel blogger gathering.

'Tis the season for some of the year's biggest travel industry blowouts. Each has a different focus--some are for accredited travel writers, others hone in on the burgeoning travel blogging industry or events tailored for the public. What they all share is an emphasis on networking with industry professionals, travel trends, and continuing education in the form of field trips, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and yes, a fair bit of partying.

Below, our picks for the best in travel industry camaraderie and information exchange:

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX)
The year's most anticipated travel scribe gathering will be held June 15-17 in Keystone, Colorado. Expect a mix of over 350 fledgling and veteran writers, PR and travel industry experts, guest speakers, and workshops. In your downtime, take advantage of Keystone resort and environs by hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fly-fishing, or riding. Psst. Europe TBEX will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, October 11-13.

New York Times Travel Show (NYT)
Held March 2-4 at Manhattan's Jacob C. Javits Convention Center, this is a great event if you're an accredited writer with a specific niche (Industry Professional Sessions include topics like "Focus on Africa," and "Focus on Travel Media"); there's also a "trade-only" day. The public and and newbie writers can explore the Exhibition Hall, check out a variety of cultural events to be held on five stages, and let the kids run amok in the Family Fun Pavilion. Bonus: Accredited travel professionals can attend the Friday Exhibition Hall and travel industry welcome reception, and Saturday and Sunday seminars and Exhibition Hall free of charge.

Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU)
Feel like a tax write-off trip to Umbria, Italy (did I just say that)? From April 20-22, this UK-organized conference unites travel writers and bloggers with travel PR experts, tourism boards, and travel companies. Seminars include photo walks and workshops, and using social media. Best of all, delegates will be able take free post-conference tours of Umbria.

Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Lonely Planet guru/Gadling editor Don George co-founded this renown industry event with Book Passage owner Elaine Petrocelli in 1991. Held annually at Petrocelli's Marin County bookstore (located 15 minutes north of San Franciso; the other Book Passage is a tiny shop in San Francisco's Ferry Building). The event has attracted in the past luminaries such as Tim Cahill, Larry Habegger, and Gadling's David Farley. This year, esteemed writer Susan Orlean will be in attendance, and the schedule includes four days of seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and optional evening field trips. If you're serious about travel writing--and few places provide as much topical diversity as the Bay Area--sign up, stat.

Be sure to check out Don's article on "Top tips for TBEX and other writers' conferences" before you sign up or get on a plane (they say advice doesn't come cheap, but this is free, baby).

[Photo credit: Flickr user Dia[TM]]

Presenting Xtranormal's "I want to be a travel writer"

Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelBay AreaBayAreabloggersbloggingblogsbook storesBookStoresconference centersConferenceCentersconferencesconventionsculinary travelCulinaryTravelLausanneManhattanNew YorkNewYorkphotographySan FranciscoSanFranciscotravel bookstravel companiestravel conferencestravel conventionstravel journaliststravel lecturestravel literaturetravel seminarstravel workshopstravel writerstravel writingTravelBooksTravelCompaniesTravelConferencesTravelConventionsTravelJournalistsTravelLecturesTravelLiteratureTravelSeminarsTravelWorkshopsTravelWritersTravelWritingUmbriawriterswritiers workshopsWritiersWorkshopswritingMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/video-regular-ordinary-swedish-meal-time/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/video-regular-ordinary-swedish-meal-time/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/video-regular-ordinary-swedish-meal-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

"Sometimes when you cook swedishly, the meal is destroyed. This is natural."

Did you grow up watching the Swedish Chef on "The Muppet Show?" I loved that guy. Do you find everything about "foodies" and the Food Network obnoxious and tedious? Yeah, me too. Allow me then, to turn you on to a little Internet sensation called "Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time (ROSMT)."

The mad, brilliant brainchild of a group of Swedish university students, ROSMT started out as a hungover, 2011 New Year's Day lark. It was filmed in the apartment of "chef" Niclas Lundberg, with the aid of his friend and ROSMT co-founder Isak Anklew.

The resulting "Spaghetti Explosion" was inspired by the spoofy, Canadian YouTube cooking show hit "Epic Meal Time." Lundberg has taken culinary instruction to a new level, spicing things up with signature moves like hurling ingredients into walls, ripping off hunks of raw meat with his teeth, and using his fists as everything from potato mashers to mixing spoons.

"Spaghetti Explosion" was such a success, Lundberg and friends quickly produced "Meatball Massacre," and "Sidepork Pandemonium." The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the guys (five, in all) behind ROSMT are pop-culture icons in Sweden and abroad. Me? I can't get enough of this stuff. It's the Pepto-Bismol to pretentious food culture gastric reflux.

Below, I present to you the "Chop Chop Carnage Stew (Alternative Pyttipanna)" episode. Pyttipanna is a Swedish specialty consisting of potatoes, onion, and meat, with the likely additions of fried egg, chopped pickles and beetroot, and really, god knows what else. Enjoy.

Today's lesson: "Chop Chop Carnage Stew (Alternative Pyttipanna)"

Video: Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian tvCanadianTvcelebrity chefsCelebrityChefschefscookingcooking classescooking showsCookingClassesCookingShowseuropean delicacieseuropean foodeuropean mealsEuropeanDelicaciesEuropeanFoodEuropeanMealsfoodnorwegian foodNorwegianFoodpastaregional foodsRegionalFoodsRegular Ordinary Swedish Meal TimeRegularOrdinarySwedishMealTimescandinaviascandinavian foodsscandinavian mealsScandinavianFoodsScandinavianMealsspaghettiswedish chefsswedish dishesswedish recipesswedish specialtiesswedish tvSwedishChefsSwedishDishesSwedishRecipesSwedishSpecialtiesSwedishTvtraditional foodsTraditionalFoodsYouTubeSun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA["Food" preparation around the world: a video round-up]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/food-preparation-around-the-world-a-video-round-up/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/food-preparation-around-the-world-a-video-round-up/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/food-preparation-around-the-world-a-video-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Every savvy traveler knows that meals that are considered taboo (pets), weird (ingredients that are still alive), or gross (insectia, specific animal innards) at home are likely what's for dinner elsewhere in the world. Even if the food or dish isn't unappetizing by our standards, its means of preparation is often spectacle-worthy.

Thus, the following collection of videos, all devoted to the creation of specific regional delicacies from around the globe. Check them out: next time you down a shot of mezcal or snack on some fried grasshoppers, you'll understand that someone, somewhere, put a lot of hard work into their preparation. Bon appetit!

In Mongolia, where food and other resources are scarce, innovation is crucial:

Making noodles is an art form in many parts of the world, including Xian Province in northern China:

Continue reading "Food" preparation around the world: a video round-up

"Food" preparation around the world: a video round-up originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbizarre foodsBizarreFoodsbudget-travelcookingcooking lessonscooking techniquescooking tipsCookingLessonsCookingTechniquesCookingTipsculinary travelCulinaryTraveldisgusting foodDisgustingFoodeating bugseating insectsEatingBugsEatingInsectsfoodfood festivalsfood videosFoodFestivalsFoodVideosgoatinsectsmezcalmicrowavingnomadsnoodlemakingnoodlesnorthern ChinaNorthernChinaOaxacaoffalrocky mountain oystersRockyMountainOystersstreet foodstreet food vendorsStreetFoodStreetFoodVendorstaco standstacosTacoStandstesticle festivalsTesticleFestivalsThai iced teavideosXian provinceXianProvinceTue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure vacation Guide 2012: Ecuador]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-ecuador/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-ecuador/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-ecuador/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



Most Norteamericanos are hard-pressed to locate Ecuador on the map. Those familiar with this South American country the size of Colorado usually associate it with the (admittedly) spectacular Galapagos Islands. Yet Ecuador has so much more offer besides the Galapagos, and 2012 is the year to get your hardcore on. Why? Because the country's adventure travel industry is blowing up--but it's still affordable, especially if you opt for independent travel or book certain activities through domestic outfitters or U.S. travel companies that work directly with Ecuadorean guides.

Whatever your recreational interests, budget, or experience, odds are Ecuador has it: mountaineering, glacier climbing, and volcano bagging; trekking on foot or horseback; Class III to VI whitewater kayaking and rafting; sea kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling; surfing; remote jungle lodges and endemic wildlife, and agritourism. Need more convincing? Ecuador's adventure tourism increasingly has an emphasis on sustainability. When it comes to protecting its fragile ecosystem and indigenous communities, Ecuador has become quite progressive for a developing nation, which hasn't always been the case.

If you like a cultural or culinary component to your travels, there's that, too. You can opt for an active, educational trip to indigenous-owned and -operated Amazonian eco-lodges, or play in the Pacific regions, which retain a strong Afro-Ecuadorean influence.

Agritourism is also hot in Ecuador, most notably at centuries-old haciendas, although there are also coffee and cacao plantation tours. Ecuadorean food is a diverse melding of indigenous and outside ethnic influences that's regionally influenced: be sure to patronize markets, roadside restaurants, and street food stalls for some of the most memorable eats.



[flickr image via Rinaldo W]

Adventure vacation Guide 2012: Ecuador originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travel companiesadventure travel guidesadventure-travelAdventureGuide2012AdventureTravelCompaniesAdventureTravelGuidesAmazonAndesBioWarebudget-travelculinary travelCulinaryTravelcultural travelCulturalTraveleco-lodgesGalapagosIslandsglacier climbingGlacierClimbingguide servicesGuideServiceshaciendashorseback ridingHorsebackRidingindigenous communitiesIndigenousCommunitiesjungle lodgesJungleLodgeskayakingmountaineeringoutfittersraftingrainforestsea kayakingSeaKayakingstreet foodStreetFoodtravel companiesTravelCompaniestropicsUnescoWorldHeritageSitesvolcanoeswhitewaterwildlife viewingWildlifeViewingTue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Boulder's mixology scene the place for holiday spirit(s)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/21/boulders-mixology-scene-the-place-for-holiday-spirit-s/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/21/boulders-mixology-scene-the-place-for-holiday-spirit-s/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/21/boulders-mixology-scene-the-place-for-holiday-spirit-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

mixologyBy now, we're well into the Third Wave of the mixology craze. Cosmopolitans begat new types of martinis begat the revival of pre-Prohibition-era cocktails (which begat bartenders donning suspenders or dapper suit vests).

The revival of classic cocktails and trending toward intelligent, seasonally-driven mixology made with craft-distilled spirits has been driven by America's mania for all things artisanal and/or local.

Ignore the pretentious b.s. that muddies the waters of the food and wine et al. industries. You'll find that most consumers, chefs, farmers, and food artisans are merely interested in the provenance of certain ingredients, and the traditional methods used to produce or prepare products like cheese, charcuterie, boutique wine, craft beer, and distilled spirits. This is a good thing. And, I might add, who doesn't appreciate a great meal or well-made beverage?

That, in a nutshell, is why Boulder, Colorado has been making headlines as one of America's most progressive dining destinations. As a former resident, (I've said it before, I'll say it again: I move. A lot.), I can attest that Boulder is on the cutting edge of conscious eating. But where it really shines, in my opinion, is its mixology scene.

Bonus: Boulder's best drinking spots are located on or just one block off of Pearl Street, which runs through the heart of downtown and the pedestrian mall. This time of year, Pearl is aglow with fairy lights adorning the trees, and (if you're lucky) snowfall: it's a wonderful place to spend the holidays. If you like to imbibe, try a glass (or three) of good cheer at any of the restaurant/bars following the jump.

Continue reading Boulder's mixology scene the place for holiday spirit(s)

Boulder's mixology scene the place for holiday spirit(s) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barsbeerBoulderBoulder barsBoulder restaurantsBoulderBarsBoulderRestaurantsChristmascocktailsColoradoColorado restaurantsColoradoRestaurantscommunal diningCommunalDiningcraft beercraft cocktailsCraftBeerCraftCocktailsdistilleriesfarmers marketsFarmersMarketsfine dining restaurantsFineDiningRestaurantsgastropubsholiday entertainingHolidayEntertaininglocal foodLocalFoodrestaurantsseasonal drinksseasonal foodSeasonalDrinksSeasonalFoodwinewine pairingwine tastingWinePairingWineTastingwinter sportsWinterSportsWed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the day: Flyboard lets you swim like a dolphin]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/video-of-the-day-flyboard-lets-you-swim-like-a-dolphin/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/video-of-the-day-flyboard-lets-you-swim-like-a-dolphin/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/video-of-the-day-flyboard-lets-you-swim-like-a-dolphin/#commentsFiled under: ,

The first time I saw this video clip, I thought, "I can't believe Mike Barish hasn't covered this for SkyMall Monday." This was before I realized that unlike, say, Nuddle Blankets, this is a completely impractical (but totally for-reals) product. The $5,000-plus price tag also makes it a tad inaccessible for most of us, but it's still on my holiday wish list.

French pro jet skier Franky Zapata is the inventor of the flyboard, a water jetpack that lets you "swim like dolphin." The force of the jets enable you to arc out of the water and turn somersaults, as well as blast 30 feet up in the air. Try that in a Nuddle.

Video of the day: Flyboard lets you swim like a dolphin originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dolphinsextreme sportsExtremeSportsFranceholiday giftsHolidayGiftsjet skiingjetpacksjetskiiersJetSkiingMarseillesSkymall MondaySkymallMondaysports equipmentSportsEquipmentswimmingswimming with dolphinsSwimmingWithDolphinswater jetpackwater sportsWaterJetpackWaterSportsSun, 18 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day: Salt boarding]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/16/video-of-the-day-salt-boarding/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/16/video-of-the-day-salt-boarding/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/16/video-of-the-day-salt-boarding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some people love winter sports so much, they don't give a hang if there's an absence of snow. Check out this epic video, where a group of shredders hit the Utah Salt Flats for kicks at speeds up to 50 mph. The boards were supplied by snowboard company BLANK; no word on who handed out the road rash salve.

Video of the Day: Salt boarding originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure sportsadventure-travelAdventureSportsextreme sportsExtremeSportssalt flatsSaltFlatssnowsnow sportssnowboard companiesSnowboardCompaniessnowboardingsnowboardsSnowSportsUtahUtah Salt FlatsUtahSaltFlatswinter sportsWinterSportsFri, 16 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Telluride's Hotel Madeline gives the gift of all-inclusive holiday ski packages]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/10/tellurides-hotel-madeline-gives-the-gift-of-all-inclusive-holid/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/10/tellurides-hotel-madeline-gives-the-gift-of-all-inclusive-holid/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/10/tellurides-hotel-madeline-gives-the-gift-of-all-inclusive-holid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ski packages coloradoI don't know about you, but all I want for Christmas is a ski holiday in Telluride, Colorado. Call me biased, but as an on-and-off resident for five years, I consider it the most beautiful, authentically Western ski town in the Rockies, and the top resort in the U.S..

When it comes to actual skiing, there's 2,000-plus acres, never a lift line, and if you love steeps, off-piste, moguls, and serious pow, this is the place. Did I mention the annual average of 300 inches of snow and 300 days of sun? Located at the end of a box canyon in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, Telluride is remote, but worth the effort to get there.

The actual "ski resort" area in Telluride is Mountain Village, a 15-minute ride up the free gondola, or a seven-mile drive up Hwy 145. Mountain Village is actually an incorporated town, an "affluent" community with a handful of luxury hotels and condos, rental homes, and McMansions, and shopping, dining and apres-ski venues. If you're debating which town to stay in, it depends upon what you're looking for. If you want a true local's experience, and the convenience of being stumbling distance from apres-ski to dinner to bars to bed, choose Telluride. It's also worth noting you can catch the gondola or two chairslifts if you stay in Telluride.

If you're looking for a full-on luxury ski holiday and a ski-in/out property (or one with a spa), get up to Mountain Village and book yourself into Hotel Madeline. The luxury property was rebranded in February, 2011, and it's a gem. Done up in a quasi-Euro-mod style, it's located in the heart of the Village, and offers spectacular mountain views from every angle.

With 100 condominium hotel rooms and 60, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom condo residences, the Madeline also features spacious, quiet rooms in soothing natural tones, spectacular customer service, the Spa Linnea, indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, a ski valet, the swanky Bar M (popular for apres-ski), fine-dining at M's Restaurant, climate-controlled parking (these things matter, trust me), and free candy by the fistful in the hotel lounge. What's not to love?

More to love are this ski season's specials, which include an "All-Inclusive Holiday Package" of six nights in a King room; round-trip transportation to Montrose Airport (70 miles p/w); two, five-day lift passes; daily breakfast or dinner for two; Performance Package equipment rentals from on-site Neve Sports, and a resort credit of $100.00 for use in the hotel Spa, bar, or restaurant, or at 9545 Restaurant at venerable sister hotel Inn at Lost Creek, a few minutes walk away. Package price for two is $3,737.00/$1,868.50 p/p, valid December 19 through January 2, 2012, taxes included.

Other winter specials include the "Just One More Night" package: stay seven nights and receive eighth night free, as well as similar attributes to the Holiday Package; pricing for two from $6,500/$3,250.00 p/p. Valid December 19 through January 2, 2012, and February 17-25, 2012, taxes and gratuities included.

Check Hotel Madeline's website for more specials applicable through the end of the season (April 8th), or go to the Inn at Lost Creek website for their ski season specials. There, all guests have access to complimentary daily ski waxing, edge de-burning, and on-slope valet service with immediate lift access and trail access, and individually-designed suites with stone fireplaces, jetted tubs and steam showers, and kitchenettes.

For more information on Telluride Ski Resort, click here.

Gallery: Hotel Madeline, Telluride

Telluride's Hotel Madeline gives the gift of all-inclusive holiday ski packages originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apres skiApresSkibackcountry skiingBackcountrySkiingbest ski resortsBestSkiResortsColoradocolorado ski resortsColoradoSkiResortsgondolashistoricalmnstmountain villageMountainVillagenordic skiingNordicSkiingnorth american ski resortsNorthAmericanSkiResortsoff-piste skiingOff-pisteSkiingski holidaysski packski rentalsski schoolski townsSkiHolidaysSkiPackSkiRentalsSkiSchoolSkiTownssnowshoeingSouthwestsouthwestern coloradoSouthwestern u.s.SouthwesternColoradoSouthwesternU.s.TellTale-GamesTelluridetelluride restaurantsTellurideRestaurantsu.s. ski resortsU.s.SkiResortswinter activitieswinter hotel packageswinter sportsWinterActivitiesWinterHotelPackagesWinterSportsSat, 10 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gusta: your online community for food events, worldwide]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/gusta-your-online-community-for-food-events-worldwide/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/gusta-your-online-community-for-food-events-worldwide/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/gusta-your-online-community-for-food-events-worldwide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

food eventsWhat happens when two former food-loving Airbnb.com employees get together and create a company? You get Gusta, an online global community of chefs, venues, food enthusiasts, and events.

Founders Chris Collins and Carly Chamberlain wanted an outlet for world and armchair travelers to find out about food events and dining locales in specific regions, and enable them to purchase tickets or make reservations directly from their site.

How it works: industry peeps go to Gusta and post events for supper clubs, food tours, food trucks, cheese shops, wine bars, cooking classes, pop-up and traditional restaurants, food festivals, event spaces, or any other creative food endeavors. You go to Gusta, create a free account, select your city of choice, and see what's going on when you're in town.

Just looking for a great meal? Use Gusta to find, review, and book dining experiences in your home city and when you travel. Want to automatically receive a $10 coupon for any one event posted on Gusta? Click here. Happy holidays!

Gusta: your online community for food events, worldwide originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barsbeer tastingsBeerTastingscheese shopsCheeseShopscooking classescooking schoolCookingClassesCookingSchoolculinary travelCulinaryTravelfine diningFineDiningfood festivalsfood sitesfood stampsfood trucksFoodFestivalsFoodSitesFoodStampsFoodTruckslocal foodLocalFoodpop up restaurantspopularPopUpRestaurantsrestaurant reservationsRestaurantReservationsrestaurantsstreet foodStreetFoodwine barwine pairingwine shopswine tastingWineBarWinePairingWineShopsWineTastingFri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Horse slaughter: the meat of the matter now that Congress has lifted controversial ban]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/04/horse-slaughter-the-meat-of-the-matter-now-that-congress-has-li/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/04/horse-slaughter-the-meat-of-the-matter-now-that-congress-has-li/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/04/horse-slaughter-the-meat-of-the-matter-now-that-congress-has-li/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

horse meatIf you're of a certain age, you might recall that until the 1940's, horse was eaten in the United States--most notably during World War II, when beef prices rose and supply dwindled. By the eighties, dining on Mr. Ed definitely wasn't culturally acceptable, even if purchased for "pet food," and in 1998, California Proposition 6 outlawed horse meat and slaughter for human consumption.

Why, when so much of the world--including much of the EU, Central Asia, Polynesia, Latin America, and Japan--routinely dines upon this delicious, lean, low cholesterol, abundant meat, do we shun it? Blame anthropomorphism and our fervent equestrian culture. Like dogs, cats, guinea pig, alpaca, and other cute, furry creatures consumed with gusto by other ethnicities, Americans just aren't down with eating what we consider pets.

According to The Chicago Tribune, however, it's likely that at least one national horse abattoir (slaughterhouse) will be opening soon, most likely in the Midwest. As stated in the story, "Congress lifted the ban in a spending bill President Barack Obama signed into law Nov. 18 to keep the government afloat until mid-December."

Before you get on your high horse (sorry) over this seemingly inhumane turn of events, let's examine why the ban was passed in the first place, and why reversing it isn't necessarily a bad thing. I should also state that I grew up on a horse ranch, and to me, meat is meat. My issues regarding its consumption have and always will lie with humane treatment of said animals during their life up until what should be a quick, merciful death. Is there such a thing as a humane death? Let's just say that some methods of livestock slaughter are less traumatic than others. But that's a separate issue, and not the point of this piece.

Despite our cultural aversion to eating horse, the U.S. still slaughtered old, sick,and injured animals, as well as retired racehorses and wild horses and burros (it's necessary to cull wild herds to keep mustang and burro populations sustainable, and starvation and predation are a far crueler demise than the abattoir). Even young healthy animals were sent to slaughter for a variety of reasons including overbreeding, profit, or abandonment.

The U.S. exported horse meat to countries that do consume it, although it was also sold domestically to feed zoo animals. In 2007, the last horse slaughterhouse in the U.S., in DeKalb, Illinois, was shut down by court order, and that was that until the ban was lifted last month.

Photo credit: Flicker user Atli Harðarson]

Continue reading Horse slaughter: the meat of the matter now that Congress has lifted controversial ban

Horse slaughter: the meat of the matter now that Congress has lifted controversial ban originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abattoiranimal abuseanimal rescuesanimal slaughteranimal welfareAnimalAbuseAnimalRescuesanimalsAnimalSlaughterAnimalWelfareBLMcertified humane raised and handledCertifiedHumaneRaisedAndHandledColoradocuyDeKalbdog meatDogMeathorsehorse adoptionshorse auctionshorse meathorse racinghorse rescueshorse slaughterhorse slaughter billHorseAdoptionsHorseAuctionsHorseMeatHorseRacingHorseRescueshorsesHorseSlaughterHorseSlaughterBillhumane livestock managmentHumaneLivestockManagmentIllinoislivestocklivestock fairsLivestockFairsmeat consumptionMeatConsumptionMidwestMidwestern U.S.MidwesternU.s.mustrangsnonprofitsoklahomaracehorsesRanchingslaughterhousesspay and neuter petsSpayAndNeuterPetsSPCAsustainable agricultureSustainableAgriculturewild burroswild horsesWildBurrosWildHorsesSun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[January is California Restaurant Month]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/02/january-is-california-restaurant-month/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/02/january-is-california-restaurant-month/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/02/january-is-california-restaurant-month/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

california restaurantsAs a native Californian and longtime former Bay Area resident, I have to confess there's no place like home when it comes to the American food/dining/wine scene (New Yorkers, feel free to sharpen your knives...).

California's always been progressive when it comes to food and drink, from the early days of the vaqueros and Gold Rush-era San Francisco, right up to today's never-ending parade of talented food artisans, chefs, farmers, and mixologists. It's only fitting then, to feature a California Restaurant Month.

In January, the second annual statewide celebration is back and better than ever. Presented by Visit California, nearly 30 destinations across the Golden State are creating special restaurant week or month-long promotions and deals, including celebrity chef, prix fixe, and wine pairing dinners, and a series of "Dine and Drive Itineraries" that map out the culinary and scenic highlights of specific regions. Included are "Wine Country Fresh," "Food Lover's Classic Coast Drive: San Francisco to L.A.," and "A Taste of San Diego." Participating regions for events include cities and counties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and Northern and Southern California.

If you're worried about the calories, California Restaurant Month also offers travel tips on where the best skiing, surfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities are to be found, regardless of your itinerary. And that's the thing about California. As my dad always said, "What other state offers so much diversity?" Whether bagging peaks, scuba-diving, camping in the desert, or having a blow-out shopping spree is your thing, California's got it.

[Photo credit: Flickr user Stuck in Customs]

January is California Restaurant Month originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bay area restaurantsBayAreaRestaurantsbig surBigSurCalfirorniacalifornia drivescalifornia wine countrycalifornia wineriesCaliforniaDrivesCaliforniaWineCountryCaliforniaWineriescelebrity chefsCelebrityChefscentral coastCentralCoastculinary travelCulinaryTravelfarmers marketsFarmersMarketsfine diningFineDiningfoodfood and drinkFoodAndDrinkhighway 101Highway101los angelesLosAngelesnapa valleyNapaValleynorthern californiaNorthernCaliforniasan diegoSan Franciscosan francisco restaurantsSanDiegoSanFranciscoSanFranciscoRestaurantssonomasouthern californiaSouthernCaliforniawine countrywine tastingWineCountryWineTastingFri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Traditional holiday beverages from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/30/traditional-holiday-beverages-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/30/traditional-holiday-beverages-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/30/traditional-holiday-beverages-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

holiday beveragesAmericans aren't very creative when it comes to traditional holiday beverages (do, however, look for my upcoming story on Boulder's banging mixology scene, which includes some killer contemporary winter cocktails). Historically, though, we're more of an eggnog/mulled cider/hot chocolate kind of society.

I'm not knocking our Christmas beverages of choice. Properly made, they're delicious, and certainly festive. But some countries really know how to roll when it comes to holiday imbibing (especially Latin America. One word: rum.).

Below, a compilation of some of the more interesting boozy holiday beverages from around the world that can be easily recreated in your own kitchen. Online recipes abound, and all of these are (almost) as tasty sans alcohol.

Coquito: Puerto Ricans are great because they're not afraid to embrace their love of saturated fats (lard, coconut milk, etc.) or rum. In case you've been living under a rock, coconut is the new fat du jour (read more about its health attributes here). Everything in moderation, including moderation, as I always say.

Coquito recipes vary, but in general, this rich, blended Christmas concoction is a froth of spiced rum, condensed milk, coconut milk or cream of coconut, vanilla, and spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Some versions may include ginger or ground nuts, but it's always served chilled, in a small glass. Heavy, yes, but both sexy and satisfying. Add some eggs, and you'll have ponche, the Venezuelan or Dominican version of eggnog.

Mulled wine: Variations on this warm, spiced, sugared, and otherwise enhanced wine (usually red) are served throughout Europe. There's Nordic gløgg redolent of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and bitter orange (and perhaps a helping of aquavit). It's very similar to German glühwein made with lemon, cinnamon sticks, cardamom or ginger, and cloves; in Alsace (the French region bordering Germany), they also add vanilla bean.

In Bulgaria, greyano vino contains honey, peppercorns, and often, apple or citrus. Polish grzane wino is more of a traditional mulled wine, but they also make grzane piwo, in which mulled beer (try a Hefeweizen or Belgian ale which are lighter and sweeter) is substituted for the wine. Na zdrowie ("To your health")!

[Photo credit: Flicker user Akane86]

Continue reading Traditional holiday beverages from around the world

Traditional holiday beverages from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelChristmasChristmas cocktailsChristmasCocktailscocktailscoconutcoconut milkcoconut waterCoconutMilkCoconutWaterdrinkseggnogglogggluhweinhibiscusholiday cocktailsholiday entertainingholiday punchesHolidayCocktailsHolidayEntertainingHolidayPunchesholidaysJamaicajamaica flowersJamaicaFlowerslardmulled wineMulledWinenavidadNordic foodNordicFoodpiscopisco sourPiscoSourpuerto ricoPuertoRicopunchesrosellasaturated fatSaturatedFatScandinaviaspiceswassailwineWed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five holiday cookies from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/28/five-holiday-cookies-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/28/five-holiday-cookies-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/28/five-holiday-cookies-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

holiday cookiesI love good old American iced sugar cookies as much as the next person. Yet there's a whole world of cookiedom out there, and the holdiays are the best excuse to do a little experimenting.

Whether you prefer your cookies buttery, spiced, crisp, or iced, there's something to suit your...ahem, taste. Check out the following holiday favorites from around the world.

Springerle
These embossed, biscuit-like German cookies--usually flavored with anise--date back to the 14th century. They're traditionally made using a wooden or ceramic mold (human figures are a common theme) or a rolling pin decorated with carved-out depressions. Think of them as edible art, especially if you have the talent and patience to ice them.

Shortbread
For butter sluts like me, few things beat a well-made piece of shortbread. True shortbread is Scottish in origin (the recipe we're most familiar with today--flour, sugar, and butter--is attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots). Because the ingredients were considered luxury goods, shortbread became synonymous with festive occasions, including Christmas.

Shortbread has become ubiquitous throughout the UK, and similar (but inferior, in my humble opinion) cookies are found throughout Scandinavia. What makes good shortbread so special? The quality of the butter is paramount, but also the handling of the dough. Any baked good with a fat content that high is bound to be tasty, but overworking the dough--whether it's rolled or patted out by hand--ensures a cookie the equivalent of a hockey puck. And I'm a purist: no crystallized sugar or fancy shapes for me, please. Just give me the cookie.

[Photo credits: Flickr user JeMaSiDi]

Continue reading Five holiday cookies from around the world

Five holiday cookies from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baked goodsBakedGoodsbakingbiscottiChristmas cookieschristmas giftsChristmasCookiesChristmasGiftscookie recipesCookieRecipescookiesdessertsfoodfood loversFoodLoversgingerbreadHanukkah cookiesHanukkahCookiesJewish cuisineJewish cultureJewish dessertsJewish historyJewishCuisineJewishCultureJewishDessertsJewishHistoryLevantine cultureLevantineCultureLondonmandelbrotmedieval historyMedievalHistoryMiddle Eastern cuisinemiddle eastern sweetsMiddleEasternCuisineMiddleEasternSweetsPersian Gulf statesPersianGulfStatesSabbathspringerlesugar cookiesSugarCookiesMon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel health gift guide: what to get the incessant wanderer on your list]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/22/travel-health-gift-guide-what-to-get-the-incessant-wanderer-on/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/22/travel-health-gift-guide-what-to-get-the-incessant-wanderer-on/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/22/travel-health-gift-guide-what-to-get-the-incessant-wanderer-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel healthTravel junkies are a special breed. Only a very distinct personality type gets a rush from being on the road as much as possible, or relishes the discomforts and situations most people go to lengths to avoid. Homesickness is a foreign concept.

I know, because I too suffer from this malady. It started early, because I have a vivid memory of bursting into tears when I was six or seven, after we dropped a friend off at the airport.

"What's wrong?" my dad asked. "I'm sad because we're not getting on an airplane," was my reply (ironic given my aviophobia, which had its onset about 12 years later).

A paralyzing fear of air travel hasn't stopped me from roaming, however. So, whether you have a loved one who practically lives at Club Med or one actually enjoys sleeping on the ground or in janky Third World hostels rife with cockroaches...lucky you. You have a travel addict in the family or as a friend.

One experience incessant wanderers don't go looking for? Illness or injury. While not inevitable, the more time you spend abroad, the greater the likelihood of suffering from anything from an infected bug bite or Bali Belly to...worse. But as I've always said, you can get hit by a bus crossing the street.

Of course travel isn't inherently unsafe, but there are precautionary measures that minimize the odds of having health issues on the road. Below, my road-tested gift picks for frequent travelers (especially those who visit sub-tropical or tropical climes) and outdoor enthusiasts.

SteriPEN or LifeStraw portable water filter
Reasons why one of these is a worthwhile investment:
  • Saves money on purchasing bottled water in developing nations/places without potable water
  • Better for the environment (see above)
  • You can contract giardia or other nasties from improperly "bottled" water (trust me)
  • You don't have to be out in the backcountry to have a potable water shortage; owning a filtration system is good insurance you stay hydrated and healthy, even in the city.
[Photo credit: Flickr user fauxrealphotos]

Continue reading Travel health gift guide: what to get the incessant wanderer on your list

Travel health gift guide: what to get the incessant wanderer on your list originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-malrialsaviophobiabear attacksbear bellsbear safetybear sprayBearAttacksBearBellsBearSafetyBearSprayCPR classesCprClassesDEETeco-travelfirst aid classesfirst-aid kitsFirst-aidKitsFirstAidClassesfoodborne illnessFoodborneIllnessfrequent travelersFrequentTravelersgifts for travelersGiftsForTravelersheat exhaustionheat strokeHeatExhaustionHeatStrokeholiday giftsHolidayGiftshyperthermiahypothermiaInsect Shield Repellent ApparelInsectShieldRepellentApparelLariamlong underwearLongUnderwearmalariamarlaria prophylaxisMarlariaProphylaxismerino woolMerinoWoolRed CrossRedCrosssocksSteriENstreet foodStreetFoodsun protective clothingSunProtectiveClothingsunscreentravelers diarrheaTravelersDiarrheaunder layersUnderLayerswater filterswater filtrationwater filtration technologywater purifiersWaterFiltersWaterFiltrationWaterFiltrationTechnologyWaterPurifierswilderness first aidWildernessFirstAidTue, 22 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holiday gifts for food (and drink)-loving travelers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/holiday-gifts-for-food-and-drink-loving-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/holiday-gifts-for-food-and-drink-loving-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/holiday-gifts-for-food-and-drink-loving-travelers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gifts for food loversHoliday shopping is easy if the people on your list like to eat and/or imbibe. If they're into travel--be it armchair or the real deal--the options are endless This year, think beyond the predictable bottle of wine or pricey "artisan" cookies and give reusable, portable, eco-friendly gifts or small-batch edibles that are the taste equivalent of a trip abroad.

As for where to get these items, look at farmers and flea markets, street fairs, specialty food shops, wineries/distilleries, and boutiques. One of my favorite spots to shop: foreign supermarkets.

For the green at heart

An inflatable wine bag is ideal for wine and spirit-loving travelers. They're multi-use and work equally well for olive oil, vinegar, or other fluid specialty products.

A logo tote bag (preferably made from recycled materials) from a specialty food shop, winery, etc. is great for practical recipients. A co-worker recently brought me a signature navy blue number from Neal's Yard Dairy, a famous cheese shop in London. In two months, it's traveled to South America and across the U.S., doing time as a souvenir satchel, laundry and grocery bag, and all-purpose carry-on. When I don't need it, i just roll it up and stash it in my duffel bag or day pack. Love it.

Gift a wine key (opener) salad tongs or bowl, chopsticks, or other kitchen utensils made from local, sustainable materials such as wood, antler, bone, bamboo, or shell. Do a quick online search or ask (I've said it before, I'll say it again: phrasebooks) about the origins of said object. If you have any qualms about the eco-aspect, don't buy it and let the shopkeeper know why.

[Photo credit: Flickr user noramunro]

Continue reading Holiday gifts for food (and drink)-loving travelers

Holiday gifts for food (and drink)-loving travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antique mallsAntiqueMallsantiquesBarack ObamaBarackObamabeerbreweriescarbon footprintCarbonFootprintchristmas presentsChristmasPresentscocktailscookingcooking ingredientsCookingIngredientscookwareculinary travelCulinaryTravelcustomsdistilleriesecofriendly giftsEcofriendlyGiftsendangered speciesEndangeredSpeciesfarmers marketsFarmersMarketsflea marketsFleaMarketsFood co-opsfood giftsFoodCo-opsFoodGiftsgift ideasGiftIdeasgreen giftsGreenGiftsholiday foodholiday giftsHolidayFoodHolidayGiftshoneyjamkitchen gadgetsKitchenGadgetskitchenwarelocal foodLocalFoodlocavoresNew Mexican foodNew MexicoNewMexicanFoodNewMexicopicklespreservessouvenirsspiritsstreet fairsStreetFairssupermarketssustainable agricultureSustainableAgriculturetravel souvenirsTravelSouvenirsvintage storesVintageStoreswinewineriesWed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST