Gadling

"What are you doing?"

We at Gadling want to know about the little things that happen in your life, particularly those little things surrounding travel. We want to know if you're packing for a four-wheeling trip to Utah, relaxing on the beach in Cancun, or stranded at the airport in New York. We're curious to hear if your road trip to Colorado is going well, if you're waiting for a train to Midway, or whether you just scored an awesome wooden carving from a vendor in Lusaka.

How can we do this? Follow Gadling on Twitter. Once you follow us, we'll help you connect with other travelers, and with other people who love to think and talk about travel. We'll also keep you up-to-date on breaking news, fill in the gaps on some of the travel news that can't fit on our blog, and share all sorts of (short) travel tips there.
If you don't know what Twitter is, watch this short tutorial, which explains it very clearly. If you do know what Twitter is, then what are you waiting for? Follow us!

Rolf Potts, author of the great philosophical/travel/how-to book Vagabonding, has just wrapped his "virtual book tour," in support of his new book, Marco Polo Didn't Go There.

On his tour, he chatted with various people about life as a travel writer, the themes he explores in his new book, and much more. If you want to see where he's been and who he's talked to -- well worth your time, whether you're an aspiring writer or a travel junkie! -- be sure to check the links below.

Now that Rolf's virtual book tour is complete, he'll be embarking on a real book tour, and on that tour, he'll be keeping a virtual diary -- right here at Gadling! Starting very soon, Rolf will be joining Gadling to discuss, among other things:

• what it's like to travel around the US and talk about one's travel writing;
• the bad reputation travel writing tends to get in the critical milieu;
• how to deal with the occasional oddball at book readings (i.e. people who ask 10-minute questions that aren't really questions);
• getting drunk in the homes of famous people;
• the worst diseases he's suffered on the road, the worst border crossings and bureaucracy, the most overrated and underrated fellow travelers by nationality, his weaknesses as a travel writer, and more.

Visit Gadling to see what Rolf has to say! If you have any questions for Rolf, let us know, and maybe -- if you're really, really lucky -- he'll answer them.

Alternatively, you can see Rolf in person at one of 20 cities nationwide as he celebrates the release of Marco Polo Didn't Go There (Travelers' Tales, 2008). We encourage you to ask for the book at your favorite local bookstore or Amazon.com.

GADLING'S NWA WORLDCLUB GIVEAWAY

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE REQUIRED TO ENTER OR WIN

1. ELIGIBILITY: Gadling's NWA WorldClub Giveaway (the "Giveaway") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) and are 21 years of age or older. Employees of WL Acquisition LLC, AOL LLC, its advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Giveaway, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with Giveaway (collectively "Giveaway Entities") and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are not eligible. Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.

1. SPONSOR: The Giveaway is sponsored by WL Acquisition LLC, 22000 AOL Way, Dulles, VA 20166 ("Sponsor").

2. AGREEMENT TO OFFICIAL RULES: Participation in the Giveaway constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

3. ENTRY PERIOD: The Giveaway begins at 3pm EST, on Monday, March 10, 2008 and ends at midnight on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.

4. ENTRY: During the Entry Period, go to http://www.gadling.com/2008/03/10/anyone-want-a-free-northwest-airlines-worldclub-pass/ and leave a comment on the post (using a valid email address). Submission will result in one (1) entry. Limit one (1) entry per person. Subsequent entries from the same person will be removed from the entry database. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person.

5. DRAWING: On or about March 14, 2008, sponsor will select the name of one (1) potential winner in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during the Entry Period. Potential winner will be contacted via email and will be asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the email notification, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period. .

6. PRIZE: One (1) Winner will receive a Northwest Airlines WorldClub pass (valid until March 31, 2008). Approximate Retail Value: $45. Pass is subject to Northwest Airlines' terms and conditions. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winner is responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize.

7. GENERAL CONDITIONS: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

8. RELEASE AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Giveaway Entities' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the Giveaway Entities be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

9. DISPUTES: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant's rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsors in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

10. GIVEAWAY RESULTS: To request the name of the winner, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Gadling's NWA WorldPass Winner's List, 22070 Broderick Drive -- 12D:G09, Dulles, VA 20166. Requests must be received by April 30, 2008.

Finland was recently named the best place in the world to live, thanks largely to great air and water quality, low rates of infant diseases, and protection from water pollution and natural disasters. What else is great about Finland? Well, for starters, Finland ...

• Boasts the Northern Lights
• Hosts the Sauna World Championships
• Offers sleddog vacations
• Is home to the Ice Hotel

Plus, it's gorgeous.


Iceland also made the list of the world's best places to live. Despite it's name, Iceland is not made entirely of ice. In fact, Iceland offers:

• Opportunities to surf
• Excursions to the Icelandic Phallological Museum
• Some of the most gorgeous valleys in the world
• Scuba diving

Iceland has all this, plus ... it's stunningly beautiful.


Norway made the cut, too. Despite it's reputation as being expensive, Norway has:

• Amazing views
• Amazing coasts
• The amazing Hurtigruten
• Some of the world's most amazing islands

Don't believe us? Check out this amazing gallery.


Ahhhh ... Sweden. There are so many reasons to love this nation:

• It's home to one of the world's top tech cities.
• You can see the world's longest art gallery here.
• It'll soon have an ABBA museum!
• They even have Swedish tacos.

Yup ... it wouldn't be hard to live here.


Austria rounds out the list of the five most liveable countries. However, just because it came in at number five -- and just because it has controversial urinals -- don't dismiss this nation. Austria is the proud home of:

• The world's largest ice caves
• One of the world's most elegant Easter festivals
• Entire villages you can RENT!
• One of the world's most unusual spas

Of course, the nation is lovely to look at, too.


Don't feel like living outside the U.S.? Be sure to check out Money's list of the best places to live in America!

I stumbled over this image just now, and it took my breath away.

Everything about the image is just so amazing: The poof-y shapes of the clouds in the background... The electric blue line that marks the boundary of the atmosphere... The absolute void of color that is space juxtaposed against the brilliant white space suit... The fact that you can see the photographer's reflection in the mask of the astronaut... The slight, slo-mo wave the astronaut is giving, as if to say, "Tell my wife I love her very much, she knows..."

In my opinion, this may be the greatest travel photo of all time. I love it.

Be sure to check out the larger image here. And for other great travel photos -- none of which were taken in space -- be sure to browse through our Photos of the Day.

For me, a dream vacation involves a wide, white, sandy beach for relaxing on; bathtub-warm, blue water for scuba diving in (or sailing over); a very funny book for transporting me a bit further from home; and a bar nearby that serves frozen drinks -- for all the rest of the time. While I certainly enjoy active vacations, I also enjoy laying around a bit. Consequently, I'm always on the lookout for ideas about islands worth visiting.

According to this list, the Top 20 islands in the world -- based on Activities, Beaches, Culture/Sites, Lodging, Restaurants, and Scenery are:

• Bali
• Kauai
• Maui
• Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
• Mount Desert, Maine
• Tasmania
• Hawaii
• Galapagos
• Santorini
• Santo Stefano
• Phuket, Thailand
• Thatch Cay
• Blue Lagoon
• Grand Bogue Caye
• Allan
• Caritas
• Cerralvo
• Pakatoa
• Isla de sa Ferradura

The site provides details about what makes each island special, though some of the descriptions are as spare as the islands themselves. Nevertheless, the list makes a nice jumping-off-point if you're dreaming about island travel...

I spent my formative years in a sleepy little hamlet north of Atlanta known as the only city in America that required all city residents to own a handgun. We all felt safe, and nervous, and protected, and just a little bit skittish. It was nice.

An hour-or-so north of my well-armed town was an even tinier hamlet: Helen. Designed to resemble a Bavarian village (seriously!), Helen is a draw for shop-happy grannies (thanks to its novelty) and outdoorsy types (thanks to its remoteness).

Evidently, ex-Marine Chris Everheart (not a shop-happy granny) was camping near Helen with his three children when a 300-pound bear snuck into their campsite. When the bear lunged for Everheart's six-year-old boy, the former military man "picked up a log and threw it at it. It happened to hit the bear in the head. I thought it just knocked it out but it actually ended up killing the bear." Everhart was later cited for not storing his food properly.

No doubt Everheart's boys are bragging to all their friends: "My daddy can beat up a black bear!" It's cool now, kids, but wait'll you try to sneak in after curfew and daddy's eyes start gleaming...

[Via Get Outdoors]

I visited one nude beach, once.

Cape Town's secluded Sandy Bay is a wind-protected cove that our friend told us was great for letting it all hang out. After spending a few days at the gorgeous, trendy, topless-friendly (but ridiculously overcrowded) Clifton Beach, we decided to mix things up and head farther afield. Sandy Bay was, as promised, remote, quiet, and pristine. It was also filled with creepily bronzed, withered middle-aged men who were so evidently trying to ogle my junk that I couldn't relax. In short, it was fun, it was different -- but it was time to go.

If the thought of getting your daily dose of Vitamin D in the buff titillates you, you might want to check out USA Today's picks for the world's best nude beaches:

• Hawaii's Little Beach
• Vancouver's Wreck Beach
• France's Cap d'Agde
• Antigua's Hawksbill Bay
• Miami's Haulover Beach
• Oregon's Rooster Rock State Park AND Collins Beach
• St. Martin's Orient Bay
• Australia's Samurai Beach
• San Diego's Black Beach

Prefer your nudism a little more active? Why not try nude skydiving, nude dining, nude discoing, nude bungee jumping, or nude running?

In Bangladesh, it's common to see people riding on the roofs of trains. No, it's not some crazy stunt; due to the huge population in the country, an inadequate number of seats on the local trains, and punishing poverty, some people are forced to "borrow" a ride now and then. I'm sure they'll pay it back.

GMB Akash is a Bangladeshi photographer whose work captures the culture and experiences of many different kinds of Bangladeshis. One of his photo essays shows these train riders clinging to the rickety, rocketing engines. Some of the riders appear perfectly content -- and some are even able to sleep on the roofs of these moving trains!

Akash is a genius at capturing motion with the lens, and his camera provides a fascinating look at a completely different world. I was amazed by the photos, and I'm sure you will be, too.

Quick: When you read the word "Amsterdam," what springs to mind?

Right! All those funny little glasses from which the Dutch drink beer. Those crazy Hollanders.

Those crazy Hollanders will soon be drinking their beer in smoke-free bars, after a smoking ban comes into effect in July 2008. The ban covers all restaurants and cafes -- including the city's 300+ coffee shops, those gezellig little haunts where people go specifically TO smoke.

So how does a business founded on providing an environment in which to smoke survive if said business must be smoke-free? Fortunately, the proprietors of pot will be allowed to set up a separate room or glass partition behind which people can smoke. Customers will not be served behind the partition. The government says this will protect staff from the effects of second-hand pot smoke.

Protect staff from the effects of second-hand pot smoke? Um, isn't that why staff applied to work there in the first place?