Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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[Serena Hotels: Opulence amidst squalor and bloodshed]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/29/serena-hotels-opulence-amidst-squalor-and-bloodshed/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/29/serena-hotels-opulence-amidst-squalor-and-bloodshed/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/29/serena-hotels-opulence-amidst-squalor-and-bloodshed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Anyone for a game of badminton and a round of emerald-hunting in Pakistan's Swat Valley? Or perhaps you fancy a beach resort on the shores of Lake Kivu, just minutes from the Democratic Republic of Congo?

The March/April issue of Foreign Policy features an interesting story and photo gallery on the luxury Serena hotel chain, which they dub the "Ritz Carlton of Failed States." The chain, which originated in Africa in the 70s, operates luxury hotels in a variety of dodgy places, including Pakistan, Kabul, Rwanda, Tajikistan, Mozambique and others. The Serena hotels are operated by an economic development fund founded by the Aga Khan, a spiritual leader for Shia Ismaili Muslims.

FP reports the Kabul Serena (see photo above), which has been attacked three times has rooms that start at $356 per night. The chain has been criticized for partnering with the Assad regime in Syria on the development of hotels in Damascus and Aleppo, but Aga Khan told FP that the company's involvement in conflict zones brings "an investment seal of approval" that helps attract more foreign investment. The hotels also create jobs in countries with high unemployment.

But is there something unseemly about a luxury hotel which features "holistic health and wellness services," a pastry shop, swimming pool, a "mind, body and spirit spa," and other amenities in an impoverished, failed state like Afghanistan? FP's slideshow juxtaposes scenes of opulence at the Serena hotels with images of children sorting through trash, smoldering buildings, and tin roof shacks.

One can certainly quibble with the high prices and unnecessary luxuries of these hotels, but the notion that aid workers, journalists, government officials, and businessmen should stay in slum-like conditions while traveling to conflict states is far-fetched. The reality is that many of these people are stuck in very primitive, dangerous conditions, sometimes for weeks, months or even years, and only get to repair to places like the Serena hotels for well-deserved R & R's.

I certainly wouldn't begrudge a Medicins Sans Frontieres volunteer who spent the last six months treating sick children in the Congo a long weekend at the luxury Serena resort in Rwanda. That said, a case can be made that holing foreigners up in luxury hotels allows them to exist in a fairytale bubble, where they are insulated from what's going on in the country at large. What do you think?

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

View Poll

Serena Hotels: Opulence amidst squalor and bloodshed originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistancongoluxuryluxury travelLuxuryTravelpakistanserena hotelSerenaHotelwarwar zonesWarZonesWed, 29 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

world's worst places

What comes to mind when you think of the world's worst place? While it is easy to complain about rural Wal-marts, La Guardia, Applebee's, and any government office with motor vehicle in its title, none of those places escalate the game from nuisance to immediate danger. All of them can be horrible, yes, but a threatened existence they do not pose.

The places on this list are the bad places. Some have run out of hope. Others have fought war for so long it is the new normal. Most are exceptionally dangerous and heartbreaking. And while none of them are fighting for write-ups by travel bloggers or inspiring travel with the NetJet set, some of these locations may someday be on the travel map. After all, it was not long ago that current hot-spots like Cambodia and Croatia would have made such a list.

Gallery: World's worst cities

10. Harare, Zimbabwe9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (ship)

Continue reading World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012

World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanbrasilBrazilCite SoleilCiteSoleilciudad juarezCiudadJuarezDemocratic Republic of the CongoDemocraticRepublicOfTheCongodrcfaminehaitiharareJustin DelaneyJustinDelaneykandaharKinshasaLiberiaMexicoMOGmogadishumonroviapapua new guineaPapuaNewGuineaport au princeport moresbyPortAuPrincePortMoresbyrio de janeiroRioDeJaneirorocinhasanaaSocotrasomaliatop 10Top10warworlds worst placesWorldsWorstPlacesYemenzimbabweFri, 06 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten big travel adventures for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/ten-big-travel-adventures-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/ten-big-travel-adventures-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/03/ten-big-travel-adventures-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ten big travel adventures for 2012A new year always brings new possibilities, particularly in the realm of travel. With 2012 now officially underway, it is time to start plotting our adventures for the year ahead. This year, rather than share yet another top ten list of adventure travel destinations, we thought it would be fun to recommend some highly specific adventures instead. These are unique journeys that will take you to the very ends of the Earth and deliver a travel experience that simply can't be easily found elsewhere.

Visit Yellowstone in Winter
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most breathtakingly scenic destinations in all of North America, and well worth a visit any time of the year. But in the heart of winter, it takes on a whole new level of beauty and wonder. With fewer than 100,000 visitors during the colder months, the park offers plenty of solitude as well, making it the perfect winter wonderland for those looking for a true wilderness adventure in the snow. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife spotting are amongst the best activities, and Austin Lehman Adventures offers fantastic itineraries that provide all of that and much more.

Explore Botswana's Okavango Delta By Canoe
Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, which is formed when waters from the Okavango River empty into the flat-lands near the base of the Kalahari Desert. The result is a fertile piece of swampland that attracts all manner of African wildlife, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and much more. The best way to explore that expanse of wetlands is in a traditional dugout canoe, which puts you in very close proximity with those amazing animals. National Geographic Expeditions has a unique itinerary that allows travelers to do just that, while learning to track game with the famed Kalahari Bushmen and wander the Makgadikgadi salt flats on horseback. This is truly an amazing, once in a lifetime, journey to the very heart of Africa.

Cycle The Silk Road
Stretching across Europe and Asia, the Silk Road was once one of the most important trading routes in the entire world. Today it serves as the dramatic and historic backdrop for one of the longest, and most epic, annual cycling trips that any adventure traveler could ever ask for. The Silk Route Tour, which is designed by the team behind the amazing Tour d'Afrique, stretches from Shanghai to Istanbul, covering a distance of more than 7450 miles and requiring 129 days to complete. This year's route takes riders into Iran for the first time and will test their legs on Tajikistan's Pamir Highway, which rises above 15,000 feet. Don't have time to commit to the full tour? Then ride any combination of the individual legs instead.

Continue reading Ten big travel adventures for 2012

Ten big travel adventures for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTraveldivingmountaineeringpumoriTravel adventuresTravelAdventurestrekkingwakhan corridorWakhanCorridorTue, 03 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Medieval Islamic manuscripts on display at the Morgan, NYC]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/21/medieval-islamic-manuscripts-on-display-at-the-morgan-nyc/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/21/medieval-islamic-manuscripts-on-display-at-the-morgan-nyc/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/21/medieval-islamic-manuscripts-on-display-at-the-morgan-nyc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

medieval
The Middle Ages produced some amazing works of art. Some of the best are the illuminated manuscripts from the Islamic world.

The above image, courtesy Graham S. Haber and the Morgan Library & Museum shows a woman relaxing after her bath. It was painted in Herat, Afghanistan. In many parts of the medieval Islamic world it was forbidden to create images of living things, but in other regions it was common.

The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City has an extensive collection of these works of art and now they're on display in an exhibition called Treasures of Islamic Manuscript Painting from the Morgan. The earliest manuscript in the exhibition is a late-thirteenth century treatise on animals and their uses considered by some experts as one of the most important medieval Islamic manuscripts. There's also a biography of the poet Rumi, several richly decorated Korans, and illustrations from the story of Majnun and Laila, the Islamic Romeo and Juliet.

There's even a treatise on demonology, but sadly not a copy of the Necronomicon.

Treasures of Islamic Manuscript Painting from the Morgan runs from 21 October 2011 to 29 January 2012.

Medieval Islamic manuscripts on display at the Morgan, NYC originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart newsArtNewsH.P. LovecraftH.p.Lovecraftilluminated manuscriptsIlluminatedManuscriptsIslamicIslamic artIslamicArtLovecraftmedievalmedieval artMedievalArtMiddle AgesMiddleAgesMorgan LibraryMorgan Library MuseumMorganLibraryMorganLibraryMuseummuseummuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumsNecronomiconNew YorkNew York CityNew York City tourismNew York City travelNewYorkNewYorkCityNewYorkCityTourismNewYorkCityTravelFri, 21 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Major tourist site restored in Herat, Afghanistan. Please send me there!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/19/major-tourist-site-restored-in-herat-afghanistan-please-send-m/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/19/major-tourist-site-restored-in-herat-afghanistan-please-send-m/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/19/major-tourist-site-restored-in-herat-afghanistan-please-send-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Herat, Herat citadel, Afghanistan
While Afghanistan may not be high on your places-to-go list, the government is trying hard to offer more sightseeing opportunities.

A giant citadel overlooking the city of Herat has just reopened after several years and $2.4 million of restoration. The citadel dates back to when Alexander the Great's armies marched across Afghanistan on their way to India in 330 BC. It was used by a succession of dynasties and cultures before being destroyed by the Mongols. Most of the current citadel dates to the 14th and 15th centuries.

The restoration was done with the help of the U.S. and German governments and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The National Museum of Herat has opened inside the citadel, showcasing artifacts from the region's long history.

The citadel was a favorite stop on the old Asian overland hippie trail in the 1960s and 70s popularized by Lonely Planet. While Afghanistan is courting tourists once again and a few hardy adventure travel companies such as Hinterland Travel are offering tours, only a trickle of visitors are coming to this ancient region.

Afghanistan has always been at the top of my list of places to go. I visited Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province in the 1990's and spent several pleasant weeks among the Afghan communities there. Afghanistan's long history and varied cultures would make a great Gadling series. I gave you Ethiopia, I gave you Somaliland, and I'd love to give you Afghanistan. . .

. . .but I can't afford it. So I'm asking for your help. If you'd like to see a boots-on-the-ground series on Afghanistan written by yours truly, say so in the comments section and tell AOL to be my sugar daddy. I really want to go, and if enough of you vote, maybe they'll send me! Tell your friends to vote too!


[Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons]

Major tourist site restored in Herat, Afghanistan. Please send me there! originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure activitiesadventure traveladventure travelsadventure vacationadventure-travelAdventureActivitiesadventuresAdventureTravelAdventureTravelsAdventureVacationAfghanistanAfghanistan tourismAfghanistanTourismAga Khan Trust for CultureAgaKhanTrustForCultureAlexander the GreatAlexanderTheGreatarchaeologyarcheologyarcheology newsArcheologyNewsarchitectureAsian overland routeAsianOverlandRoutecastlecastlesHerathippie trailHippieTrailhistoryLonely PlanetLonelyPlanetMongolspreservationrestorationUNESCOUnescoWorldHeritageSiteUnescoWorldHeritageSitesworld heritageworld heritage sitesWorldHeritageWorldHeritageSitesWed, 19 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

advance visaWe live in an increasingly borderless world and we have access to many countries that were closed (or non-existent) 20 years ago. As reported earlier this week, Americans are especially lucky with access to 169 countries visa free. Still, there are still many countries that Americans need advance visas to visit. Visa applications and processing services can cost several hundreds of dollars and take a lot of time and energy to obtain, so figure in that into your travel planning but don't let it discourage you from visiting.

Nearly all countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, Western Europe, and the Middle East will give you a visa free or for a fee on arrival. See below for our guide to countries you will need to apply for advance visas, along with fees, useful information and links to consular websites.

Continue reading 10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit

10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance visaadvance visasAdvanceVisaAdvanceVisasAfghanistanaustraliaAzerbaijanbelarusBhutanbrazilCentral AmericaCubaHong KongIndiairanMacauMiddle Eastnews:topic:travelNigeriaNorth KoreaParaguayrussiaSaudi ArabiaSurinameTurkeyVietnamvisavisa freeVisaFreevisasWestern EuropeWorldWed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Visa-free travel by the numbers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/15/visa-free-travel-by-the-numbers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/15/visa-free-travel-by-the-numbers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/15/visa-free-travel-by-the-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

visa-free travel

Visa-free travel is easy travel. Procuring visas takes time, energy, and money, and is beyond debate a pain for frequent travelers. The erection of visa barriers responds to a number of factors, though it can be said without too many qualifications that the citizens of rich countries tend to have a much easier time accessing the world visa-free than do the citizens of poor countries.

The Henley Visa Restrictions Index Global Ranking 2011, excerpted in the Economist last week, was just published by Henley & Partners, an international law firm specializing in "international residence and citizenship planning." Henley & Partners divide the world into 223 countries and territories.

And who gets to travel with few visa restrictions? The best citizenships for visa-free travel belong to nationals of Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, at 173 apiece. On their Nordic heels is Germany at 172 and a mess of countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom) at 171. The United States isn't too far down the list, tied in fifth place with Ireland at 169. The US comes in ahead of Switzerland (167), Canada (164), New Zealand (166), and Australia (166).

Some of the least lucky countries, according to the Henley Visa Restrictions Index survey: India (53), China (40), Iran (36), Lebanon (33), and Afghanistan (24).

[Image: Flickr | megoizzy]

Visa-free travel by the numbers originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumcanadafinlandfrancegermanyhenley partnersHenleyPartnersirelanditalyluxembourgNetherlandsnorwayPassportpassportsswedenunited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesVisavisa-free travelVisa-freeTravelvisasMon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Afghanistan reopens tallest mountain to climbers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/13/afghanistan-reopens-tallest-mountain-to-climbers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/13/afghanistan-reopens-tallest-mountain-to-climbers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/13/afghanistan-reopens-tallest-mountain-to-climbers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The tallest mountain in Afghanistan, Mt. Noshaq, has reopened to climbersIn an effort to boost adventure tourism, and show off its spectacular natural wonders, Afghanistan has reopened its tallest mountain to climbers after years of conflict prevented travel in the region. The country now hopes to become a popular destination for mountaineers and adventure travelers seeking new challenges and unique experiences in remote places.

The 24,580-foot Mt. Noshaq is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Afghanistan, falling along its shared border with Pakistan. According to National Geographic, a team of climbers traveled to the mountain in late July to commemorate the reopening by making the first ascent of the mountain by foreigners in more than three decades. Noshaq was climbed by an all Afghani team for the first time in 2009 as well.

Noshaq is located inside the Hindu Kush, a spectacular chain of snow capped peaks that run across much of central Afghanistan and into northern Pakistan. Due to the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, however, many of those peaks have been off limits since the Soviet Union invaded back in 1979. Now that a level of stability and security has returned to much of the region, the country is hoping to lure climbers and mountaineers looking for new mountains to explore.

Mountain climbers aren't the only ones to find new adventures in Afghanistan however. Trekking the Wakhan Corridor has also become an attractive option for adventure travelers looking for an escape to a very remote destination. This narrow strip of land runs between two towering mountain ranges and was once part of the famed Silk Road, an historical trading route that Marco Polo may (or may not) have used when traveling to China. The entire route takes a couple of weeks to complete, during which time hikers cross through high mountain passes, visit tiny villages inhabited by sheep herders, and witness some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet.

Obviously Afghanistan still has a long way to go to convince travelers that it is a safe place to visit. But by reopening Mt. Noshaq and promoting treks like the Wakhan Valley, they have taken steps to demonstrate to the world that they are a first class adventure travel destination with untapped natural resources for those bold enough to experience it.

I'm definitely ready to go!

[Photo credit: Noshaq.com]

Afghanistan reopens tallest mountain to climbers originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelafghanistan tallest mountainAfghanistanTallestMountainhindu kushHinduKushmt noshaqMtNoshaqnoshaqsilk roadSilkRoadtrekkingwakhanwakhan corridorWakhanCorridorWakhanValleySat, 13 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Congressman talks Delta baggage-gate, supports soldiers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/08/congressman-joins-delta-baggagegate-supports-soldiers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/08/congressman-joins-delta-baggagegate-supports-soldiers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/08/congressman-joins-delta-baggagegate-supports-soldiers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've been following the unfolding events in a story that Gadling helped break on Tuesday where a group of soldiers returning from Afghanistan were charged $200 each to check their required luggage on Delta Air Lines.

Since then, the airline has taken several conciliatory measures and even changed their baggage policy, documenting all of the transition over on their blog.

Now, Iowa's representation from the 1st congressional district Bruce Braley has jumped into the fray, issuing the below press release as well as a strongly worded letter (opens in PDF) to Delta's CEO Richard Anderson:

"I'm deeply disappointed by this news that Delta Airlines charged soldiers returning from war such excessive baggage fees. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for our safety and security, and this is no way to welcome them home. I'm calling on Delta to immediately reimburse these soldiers for the extra baggage fees.

"Even if Delta was operating within its current baggage policy, I believe we all have an obligation to returning service members - not just to thank them for their service, but to also ensure that they're not faced with any undue burden on their return.

"Since being elected to Congress, I have logged hundreds of thousands of miles on Delta - the only carrier serving my home airport in Waterloo. If Delta doesn't reimburse these soldiers and reconsider its approach to servicing our troops, I'll have to reconsider using their service."

Though we're certain that the airline is already well on the way to reimbursing the service members, Congressman Braley's support only underscores the importance of the issue. Perhaps he'll also help forge a better relationship between the airlines and the military so that issues like this don't happen in the future.

Congressman talks Delta baggage-gate, supports soldiers originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baggagedeltadelta air linesDeltaAirLinesluggageWed, 08 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Delta Air Lines charges returning soldiers for checked bags]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/07/delta-air-lines-charges-returning-soldiers-for-checked-bags/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/07/delta-air-lines-charges-returning-soldiers-for-checked-bags/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/07/delta-air-lines-charges-returning-soldiers-for-checked-bags/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A team of returning soldiers from Afghanistan was hit with an unpleasant surprise upon their arrival into the United States yesterday morning. The squadron, bringing a full load of gear with them back from the Central Asia was sacked with the baggage fees in place at Delta Air Lines, which, despite the agreement that they have with the armed forces charged the soldiers extra baggage fees.

In sum, the group spent nearly $2800 in baggage fees for their gear, money that had to come straight out of their pockets.


Obviously a policy is in place between the airline and the armed services that permits soldiers returning from war to bring back all of their gear without cost. What's likely is that an uninformed agent at the connecting airport didn't know about the rule and charged the group. Either way, Delta should fix the error and refund the fees.

UPDATE: Delta's policy states that for military members, THREE checked bags are allowed in coach and FOUR checked bags are allowed in first, so the baggage fees may actually be correct. Whether Delta's policy is palatable or not is another question, but it appears that the agents were charging the servicemen properly.

UPDATE 2, 11:34PM EST, 6/7: Delta just posted a blog article discussing today's situation in which they discuss their policy. Specifically they state:

In the case of today's situation, we would like to publicly apologize to those service men and women for any miscommunication regarding our current policies as well as any inconvenience we may have caused. We are currently looking further into the situation, and will be reaching out to each of them personally to address their concerns and work to correct any issues they have faced.

You can read Delta's full post here.

UPDATE 3, 12:47pm EST, 6/8: Delta has updated their baggage policy:


ATLANTA, June 8, 2011 - Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today increased its free checked baggage allotment for U.S. Military traveling on orders in Economy Class to four checked bags.

Delta's revised baggage policy also allows U.S.military personnel travelingon orders in First and Business Class to check up to five bags at no charge. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers will accept up to four bags at no charge.

For personal travel, active military presenting military identification may now check up to two bags weighing 50 pounds (23 kg) or less and measuring 62 inches (158 linear cm) or less in combined length, width and height without charge.

Previously, Delta's policy allotted three free checked bags in Economy Class and four in First and Business Class for military members traveling on orders.

Details of Delta's baggage policy are available on delta.com.


[thanks to reddit user redheaddeb for the tip]

Delta Air Lines charges returning soldiers for checked bags originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bagage feeBagageFeebaggagedeltadelta air linesDeltaAirLinesTue, 07 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crowds flocking to Navy SEAL Museum]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/04/crowds-flocking-to-navy-seal-museum/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/04/crowds-flocking-to-navy-seal-museum/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/04/crowds-flocking-to-navy-seal-museum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Navy SEAL
While Navy SEALs normally work in the shadows, they came into the international limelight on May 2 when they killed Osama bin Laden.

Now the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum has seen its daily attendance triple. The museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, documents the history of the SEALs from their humble beginnings in 1943 as the Naval Combat Demolition Teams and Underwater Demolition Teams to the cutting-edge special ops force it is today.

Yet what will surely go down in history as one of the SEAL's greatest hits isn't covered by the museum yet. It's too recent. That will soon change if the museum raises $1.5 million to set up permanent exhibits in its new wing.

On memorial Day about 2,000 people attended services at the museum, and the SEAL team that killed bin Laden got special attention.

"The signal was sent that you cannot attack the U.S. and murder innocent women and children with impunity, that we will find you and get you and win this war," said Admiral Thomas L. Brown II.


[Photo of SEALs in Afghanistan courtesy U.S. Navy]

Crowds flocking to Navy SEAL Museum originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bin ladenBinLadenFloridaFort PierceFortPiercemilitarymilitary historyMilitaryHistorymuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumsmusuemnavalNavyNavy SealNavy SEALSNavySealNavySealsOsamaOsama bin ladenOsamaBinLadenSEALSEALSsoldiersoldiersspecial opsSpecialOpsterrorterrorismterroriststerrroristveteranveteranswarSat, 04 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel group promoting Trusted Traveler Program]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/travel-group-promoting-trusted-traveler-program/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/travel-group-promoting-trusted-traveler-program/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/travel-group-promoting-trusted-traveler-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Trusted Traveler ProgramShould frequent flyers and business travelers get through airports faster than everybody else? Yes! says the U.S. Travel Association who is trying to convince lawmakers that big airport users need special attention.

"Travelers encounter much hassle at our nation's airports, and it's time for Congress to act," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "A one size fits all approach to security is inefficient. If Congress implements a trusted traveler program, we'll see more Americans traveling - and that will create more American jobs.

Continue reading Travel group promoting Trusted Traveler Program

Travel group promoting Trusted Traveler Program originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportairport hasslesairport securityairport security checksairport security nightmareAirportHasslesAirportSecurityAirportSecurityChecksAirportSecurityNightmaresecurity checksSecurityChecksTrusted Traveler ProgramTrustedTravelerProgramTSAMon, 25 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Three Cups of Tea</i> author under scrutiny]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/20/three-cups-of-tea-author-under-scrutiny/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/20/three-cups-of-tea-author-under-scrutiny/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/20/three-cups-of-tea-author-under-scrutiny/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson has come under intense scrutinyHis books have inspired millions with their tales of generosity, both given and received, but following a scathing 60 Minutes segment that aired this past weekend, author and philanthropist Greg Mortenson finds himself at the center of a controversy. The investigative piece put together by the staff at CBS alleges that Mortenson has fabricated key parts of his stories and profited from his charitable organization, the Central Asia Institute.

For those not familiar with Mortenson's story, back in 1993 he was climbing in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan. After a failed attempt to climb K2, he found himself lost, and wandering in a remote region of the country. Mortenson says that at one point he stumbled into the village of Korphe, where the villagers welcomed him warmly, sharing their food and water, and helping him to regain his bearings so he could find his way home. The mountaineer was so moved by their generosity that he vowed to repay their kindness by building them a school.

Fast forward a decade and Mortenson would write his bestselling book Three Cups of Tea, which shared the details of his story with the world. He would follow it up with another bestseller, Stones into Schools, and then building CAI into a $20 million a year non-profit organization. The charity is credited with building a number of schools throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan, enriching the lives many children in both countries. Mortenson has been lauded for his work the world over, and many people donate to his organization based on the stories they are told in his books.

But what if those stories weren't exactly true? What if elements of them were exaggerated to enhance their dramatic value? What if the author too major liberties with his own exploits?

Continue reading Three Cups of Tea author under scrutiny

Three Cups of Tea author under scrutiny originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60 Minutes60Minutesadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelcentral asia instituteCentralAsiaInstitutegreg mortensonGregMortensonhimalayasinto thin airIntoThinAirJon KrakauerJonKrakauerk2three cups of teaThreeCupsOfTeaWed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prince Harry begins arctic trek]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/06/prince-harry-begins-arctic-trek/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/06/prince-harry-begins-arctic-trek/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/06/prince-harry-begins-arctic-trek/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Prince Harry is on an Arctic trek for charityWay back in January we posted a story about the possibility of Britain's Prince Harry going to the North Pole as part of a fund raising effort for charity. While the prince won't actually be heading to 90ºN as predicted, he did embark on an Arctic trek this week with a team of disabled veterans from the U.K.

After a number of weather delays, Harry and the rest of his group, were finally able to get underway on Monday. The journey began with a flight from Spitsbergen to the Barneo Ice Camp, a temporary base built on the Arctic Ocean that is annually constructed by a team of Russian paratroopers. After a very brief stay at the station, the group was shuttled off 87ºN, where most of the team began their 200 mile journey to the North Pole.

I say most of the team, because Harry won't be making that journey with the vets. Instead, he'll be picked up from the ice in a couple of days. The 25-year old prince was given special leave from his military duties to accompany the squad, but he is due back on base, where he'll continue his training to become an Apache helicopter pilot. There is also the small matter of a wedding in the family soon as well.

The expedition is being undertaken to raise funds for the Walking with the Wounded foundation. The team hopes to raise as much as $3.2 million for the organization, which is dedicated to helping soldiers injured in military service to recover from their wounds and get on with their lives. Four of the men on the expedition were injured during the war in Afghanistan, with two of those being amputees. Prince Harry serves as a patron for Walking with the Wounded, which made it of utmost importance to him that he get to take part in the trek, even if it was only for a few days.

If all goes as scheduled, the team should arrive at the North Pole around the 25th of the month. Harry will be back in warmer climes by the weekend however.

[Photo credit: The Mirror]

Prince Harry begins arctic trek originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelarcticarctic oceanArcticOceanbareno ice campBarenoIceCampbarneo stationBarneoStationDisabled veteransDisabledVeteransnorth poleNorthPoleprince harryprince harry arcticPrinceHarryPrinceHarryArcticroyal weddingRoyalWeddingskiingspitsbergenwalking with the woundedWalkingWithTheWoundedWed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buzkashi - goats and gladiators]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/03/buzkashi-goats-and-gladiators/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/03/buzkashi-goats-and-gladiators/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/03/buzkashi-goats-and-gladiators/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Buzkashi
In central Asia, men play a strange game on horseback. Instead of a ball, they use a goat carcass. Instead of goals, they must ride until free of challengers. Instead of minutes, the game can be measured in days. This is Buzkashi - goat grabbing.

Long established as the national sport of Afghanistan, Buzkashi is polo's drunken uncle. The sport is also played in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. It is a sport of the Stans - where the masters have ridden for centuries, gloriously along the steppes they call home. The game starts with the placement of a goat carcass in the center of a horse circle, and from there, the riders stare each other down while gripping tightly wound whips in their gleaming teeth.

Gallery: The Sporting Bazaar - Goats and Gladiators

Buzkashi at the Warlord'sBuzkashi RiderBuzkashi Riders compete for the goatBuzkashi Rider preparesBuzkashi

Continue reading Buzkashi - goats and gladiators

Buzkashi - goats and gladiators originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanbishkekbuzkashicentral asiaCentralAsiaKyrgyzstanuzbekistanThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The burqa and niqab: can travelers get used to anything? Should they?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/the-burqa-and-niqab-can-travelers-get-used-to-anything-should/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/the-burqa-and-niqab-can-travelers-get-used-to-anything-should/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/the-burqa-and-niqab-can-travelers-get-used-to-anything-should/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

burqa, burka, niqab, Somaliland, somaliland
Travel broadens the mind, at least for most people. As we explore different cultures and beliefs we see that for the most part they're OK. While there are always local customs we just can't follow, in general the more we travel, the more accepting we become.

But how accepting should we get? I've traveled extensively in the Muslim world and I've yet to figure out exactly how I feel about the burqa and niqab, two types of female Islamic clothing that cover the face. For the vast majority of the world's population, the face is a key to identity. We look at the face to tell what a person is thinking and feeling. It's how we spot friends and enemies at a distance. To see a covered face makes many people suspicious. In most cultures, it means the person has something to hide.

Here in Europe a debate is raging over whether the face veil should be banned. Some politicians say it's oppressive and against Western values, while others defend it as part of a cultural heritage that needs to be tolerated in a free society. One thing these pundits have in common is that they talk about women who cover their faces, but very few actually talk with them. Regarding the burqa ban in France, one female friend quipped, "It's just another case of men telling women what to wear." Here's a video from the BBC program Newsnight that interviews Muslim women both for and against veils.



This video makes two important points: that opinion is divided in the Muslim community over face covering, and that there are thinking, educated people under those veils.

Continue reading The burqa and niqab: can travelers get used to anything? Should they?

The burqa and niqab: can travelers get used to anything? Should they? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanburkaburka banburka ban franceBurkaBanBurkaBanFranceburkasburqaburqa banburqa bansburqa fineBurqaBanBurqaBansBurqaFineburqasEnglandEthiopiaFranceislamislamicislamic dressislamic fundamentalismislamic lawIslamicDressIslamicFundamentalismIslamicLawmodestymuslimmuslim americansmuslim womenMuslimAmericansMuslimDressmuslimsMuslimWomenOxfordreligionreligion and travelReligionAndTravelSomalilandUnitedKingdomMon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Christmas in Afghanistan: Safer than New York City?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/22/christmas-in-afghanistan-safer-than-new-york-city/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/22/christmas-in-afghanistan-safer-than-new-york-city/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/22/christmas-in-afghanistan-safer-than-new-york-city/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nothing beats Manhattan for the holidays. I'm already seeing signs of Christmas appear all over the city. Lights are already wrapped around trees on W. 58th Street, and gigantic fir candy cane sculptures are beginning to adorn the city's skyscrapers. There's no doubt that the holiday season is nothing short of magical in New York City, and if you're looking to experience Christmas away from home, this is the place to do it ... unless you're listening to the NATO.

Mark Sedwill, NATO's senior civilian representative, has called Kabul, Afghanistan a safe place for kids, saying they "are probably safer here than they would be in London, New York or Glasgow or many other cities," according to The Independent.

Of course, Sedwill is already backing away from his original comment, saying, "I was trying to explain to an audience of British children how uneven violence is across Afghanistan."

Gallery: Corruption: The world's 10 worst countries

1. Somalia2. Myanmar3. Afghanistan4. Iraq5. Uzbekistan

Continue reading Christmas in Afghanistan: Safer than New York City?

Christmas in Afghanistan: Safer than New York City? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Christmasglasgowkabullondonnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitysafetysecurityMon, 22 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Afghan archaeologists race to study Buddhist site before destruction]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/16/afghan-archaeologists-race-to-study-buddhist-site-before-destruc/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/16/afghan-archaeologists-race-to-study-buddhist-site-before-destruc/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/16/afghan-archaeologists-race-to-study-buddhist-site-before-destruc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We all remember the Bamiyan statues, those giant stone Buddhas the Taliban blew up in 2001. One of the 1,500 year-old statues is pictured here. Pictures are all we have left of them.

Now another Buddhist site in Afghanistan is under threat of destruction. This time the danger isn't the Taliban, but a Chinese mining company. The site of Mes Aynak in eastern Afghanistan was home to a thriving Buddhist monastery in the seventh century. It's also right next to an abandoned Soviet mine that may have the world's second-largest reserve of copper. A Chinese mining company has invested $3.5 billion to exploit the mine and Afghan officials are eager for work to get underway.

A team of Afghani archaeologists is busy excavating the site and has found an entire monastery complex with more than 150 statues. They were originally given three years, a woefully inadequate length of time for a team of barely forty people, and now they're being pressured to finish by the end of this year. The archaeologists fear that once the miners move in, the monastery will get wrecked.

The mine will bring much-needed jobs and wealth to Afghanistan, which is also courting adventure tours, so the in the rush to yank copper out of their land they might want to think about preserving some of their past.


[Photo courtesy Marco Bonavoglia via Wikimedia Commons]

Afghan archaeologists race to study Buddhist site before destruction originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure tourerAdventure Touringadventure tourismadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTourerAdventureTouringAdventureTourismAdventureTravelAl Qaedaal qaidaal queda terroristsal-qaedaal-qaidaAlQaedaAlQaidaAlQuedaTerroristsarchaeologistarchaeologistsarchaeologyarchaeology newsArchaeologyNewsarcheologyArcheologyNewsbuddhabuddhasbuddhismbuddhistbuddhist monkbuddhist templeBuddhistMonkbuddhistsBuddhistTempleeconomicsmineminesminingmonasteriesmonasterypreservationreligionsciencescience newsScienceNewstalibanTue, 16 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five ways to get to Kabul, Afghanistan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/02/five-ways-to-get-to-kabul-afghanistan/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/02/five-ways-to-get-to-kabul-afghanistan/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/02/five-ways-to-get-to-kabul-afghanistan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Does your definition of "adventure travel" involve a safety briefing and equipment to keep you safe? If so, there's a hard-core version of the concept that you've been missing. Chase the ultimate thrill in Afghanistan, and your world will never be the same. In case you haven't heard, there's a war going on, not to mention plenty of corruption. You will have an adventure to talk about when if you get home.

So, how do you get there?

Unsurprisingly, there isn't a lot of demand for travel to Afghanistan. It looks like your best (and sometimes only) bet is to fly into Kabul and branch out from there. Flight availability varies with the fighting and willingness of air carriers to assume the attendant risk, so you may need to hunt around a bit and be flexible. The good news, though, is that the flights appear to be relatively inexpensive.

Below, you'll find five ways to get to Kabul. The rest is up to you.

Gallery: Afghanistan

Continue reading Five ways to get to Kabul, Afghanistan

Five ways to get to Kabul, Afghanistan originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairlinesdubaiIslamabadkabulNew DelhiNewDelhipeshawarTehranTue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten most corrupt countries of the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/10/28/ten-most-corrupt-countries-of-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/10/28/ten-most-corrupt-countries-of-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/10/28/ten-most-corrupt-countries-of-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

You spend every holiday weekend annoyed that you can't talk your way out of a speeding ticket. If only there were some way out of that predicament ... aside from taking your lead foot off the gas, right? You may be out of luck on the New Jersey Turnpike, but there are plenty of places in the world where money talks, according to a new study by Transparency International. So, if you tend to disregard local laws and customs, you may want to pick one of the 10 countries below for your next vacation.

WARNING: You may need to bring a bit of fire power for some of these destinations.

1. Somalia: Is this even a country? It has no real government to speak of, not to mention a history of piracy, mob violence, warlord brutality and kidnapping. So, chew a little khat to take the edge off.

The Good News: You can't really break any laws where there aren't any.

2. Myanmar: Okay, the human rights issue here is pretty severe, and the military regime is known for being among the most repressive and abusive in the world. So, don't complain about the thread-count in your hotel.

The Good News: There's plenty of wildlife to enjoy as a result of slow economic growth. A bleak financial outlook is good for the environment!

Gallery: Corruption: The world's 10 worst countries

1. Somalia2. Myanmar3. Afghanistan4. Iraq5. Uzbekistan

Continue reading Ten most corrupt countries of the world

Ten most corrupt countries of the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baghdadbribebriberybribesbribingburmaCIAconflictcorruptioncrimedrugdrug traffickingdrugsDrugTraffickingEquatorial GuineaEquatorialGuineaheroinhuman rightsHuman TraffickingHumanRightsHumanTraffickingkidnapkidnappedkidnappingLake TanganyikaLakeTanganyikamyanmarStrifeterrorterrorismviolencewarwarlordsThu, 28 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST