Gadling

The Next Must-Have Adventure Gear? The 'Invisible' Bike Helmet

Melanie Renzulli — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Gear

Hate traveling with a bulky, plastic bike helmet? Say hello to the Hövding Bike Helmet, an ingenious invention out of Sweden that takes up only a sliver of space in your luggage and activates only upon impact, much like a car's airbag.

Reminiscent of the zippered collar of an athletic jacket, the scarf-like Hövding contains a folded-up "invisible" nylon hood whose trigger mechanisms are controlled by sensors that pick up on the abnormal movements of the bike rider wearing it. The sensors are charged via USB port.

Continue reading The Next Must-Have Adventure Gear? The 'Invisible' Bike Helmet

The Next Must-Have Adventure Gear? The 'Invisible' Bike Helmet originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Win A Trip To The Tour de France From Cannondale

Kraig Becker — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Festivals and Events, Europe, France

Are you a cycling fan who has always dreamed of attending the Tour de France? Then Cannondale has a Facebook contest with a prize specifically designed for you. The company is giving one lucky fan a chance to attend the race in July and actually become a member of Team Liquigas-Cannondale for a week.

In order to win the contest you'll first have to "Like" Cannondale on their Facebook page and then click on the Tour de France icon to fill out the online form. In addition to providing basic contact information, you'll also be asked questions like who your favorite rider on the team is and what your prefect ride is like. Answering those questions creatively will go a long way toward gaining some attention and impressing the judges, who will select 25 finalist for the next round of the competition. If you make the cut, you'll then be asked to create a short video introducing yourself more fully.

The winner of the competition will receive an all expense paid trip to attend the Tour, where they'll get to hang around backstage at the race for a week. They'll also get to ride in the team car, hand out water bottles, help prep the bikes and more. And if that wasn't enough, the winner will also receive a new Cannondale SuperSix EVO, a bike that is valued at more than $5500. The EVO has been called the "Best Bike in the World," which means it should be more than adequate for your next spin around town.

The contest closes on May 31st, so you'll have to hurry to get signed up. With a little luck, you could find yourself in France this summer.

[Photo credit: Steven Eckelberry via WikiMedia Commons]

Win A Trip To The Tour de France From Cannondale originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Future Looks Hopeful For New York's Proposed Underground Park

Jessica Festa — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Biking, Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Stories, North America, United States, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, News, Theme Parks

Back in September, we told you about New York's proposed Delancey Underground, or "Low Line." While we were unsure of its future at that time, it now looks as if the city's first underground park will become a reality.

The park, which was inspired by New York's "High Line," an abandoned elevated railway, also makes use of the concept of disregarded spaces. In fact, the project's founders, Dan Barasch and James Ramsey, are planning to build the park in an abandoned subway station. People obviously love outlandish ideas, as the pair was able to surpass their Kickstarter goal by $50,000, raising $155,000 of crowd-sourced funding. For the Low Line to work, special technology will need to be used, and the pair will now be able to show people exactly how this will work.

For a better idea of what helped the proposed park's success, check out the Kickstarter video above.

What are your thoughts on an underground park?

The Future Looks Hopeful For New York's Proposed Underground Park originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

5 Great Lakes Destinations: Explore The Outdoors Through Beachside Forests And Islands

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism

A thick streak of teal striped the water as we crossed over it on the Mackinac Bridge. The Mackinac Bridge connects Lower Michigan and Upper Michigan. The waters I marveled at as we crossed were to my right, making up Lake Huron. Lake Michigan was to my left. I never suspected, until then, that I could see Caribbean blues in the Great Lakes. The drive I made from the Mackinac Bridge to Houghton, Michigan, was filled with detours. I pulled off the road a handful of times to take in the scenic Lake Michigan beaches along the way. The core beauty of the Great Lakes and surrounding areas seems to lie within the pristine nature of the outdoors. If you want to plan an outdoor adventure near one of the Great Lakes this summer but you don't know where to begin, here's a list that should help get you started.

Continue reading 5 Great Lakes Destinations: Explore The Outdoors Through Beachside Forests And Islands

5 Great Lakes Destinations: Explore The Outdoors Through Beachside Forests And Islands originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Memorial Day Getaway: Ski, Bike, Golf Mammoth Mountain

Kraig Becker — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Skiing, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Budget Travel

Are you still making plans for Memorial Day weekend? Then look no further than Mammoth Mountain Resort, where unique spring weather conditions have made it possible for visitors to ski, mountain bike and play golf all on the same day.

Even though the Memorial Day weekend often marks the unofficial start to summer, Mammoth isn't quite ready to completely give up on winter just yet. The resort is one of the few places in the U.S. where it is still possible to ski this spring and the lifts will remain open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Monday, May 28.

Once you've finished taking a few turns on the slopes, head over to Mammoth's fantastic mountain bike park, which officially opens for the season on Saturday, May 26. The lower-mountain trails will be fully accessible and the uphill shuttle will run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., making it as easy as possible to bomb down the great trails there.

Finally, cap off the day with a round of golf on the Sierra Star Golf Course, which opened for the season this past Friday. The beautiful course is surrounded by snow capped peaks and is also located at 8000 feet above sea level, making it the highest course all of California. The thin air will add distance to your drives while the serene setting will brighten your mood, even after a three-putt.

Because it is so unusual to be able to ski, mountain bike and golf all on the same day, Mammoth is offering fantastic deals on passes for the weekend. Visitors can choose to either ski and ride or ski and golf for just $79 or they can elect to partake in all three activities for just $99. That seems like a bargain for a very active day outside. Check out all of these deals and more on the Mammoth Summer Kick-off page.

[Photo courtesy Mammoth Mountain]

Memorial Day Getaway: Ski, Bike, Golf Mammoth Mountain originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nat Geo Announces 2012 Gear Of The Year

Kraig Becker — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Gear, Camping, Gadling Gear Review

Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for the best new gear for their summer adventurers will want to check out National Geographic's Adventure Blog. Earlier this week the site announced its selections for Gear of the Year, with the best new tents, boots, gadgets and apparel earning a place on the list.

Some of the more interesting items to get the nod include a new sleeping bag from Sierra Designs that features waterproof down, a pair of sunglasses from Pivothead with an integrated video camera and a multi-function tool from Gerber that can also serve as a tripod for your camera. Campers will love the new Tulip Lantern from Snow Peak as well as the new Kilo tent from Easton, while shutterbugs will be eager to get their hands on the new Canon 5D Mark III.

Two items that we told you about here at Gadling made Nat Geo's list as well. They were the Camelbak All Clear water purification system and the Osprey Atmos 50 backpack. We were impressed with both products in our reviews and it seems our colleagues at National Geographic were as well.

To take a look at all the other great gear on the list click here, and have your credit card at the ready.

Nat Geo Announces 2012 Gear Of The Year originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Eco-Friendly Hotel Amenity: Pedal-To-Power LCD Television

Jessica Festa — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Biking, Europe, United Kingdom, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel

For those interested in keeping vacation weight off while also doing something good for the planet, the Cottage Lodge in Brockenhurst, United Kingdom, is offering a unique amenity. Instead of allowing guests to turn on the television the old-fashioned way, the bed and breakfast features a pedal-to-power LCD television in their Standing Hat room.

The purpose of the unusually active method of television powering is purely environmental. While you'd think some travelers may not be happy about having to work to turn on their TV, the accommodation has actually received positive feedback, especially from cyclists.

"I focused on three things when constructing the room: reducing waste, minimizing pollution and using resources with the lowest impact possible," the hotel's owner, Christina Simons, explained to the Telegraph. "I also wanted to show that being green can also be exciting and fun, and guests love cycling on the bike."

And for those with low stamina, don't worry, you also have the option to make use of the electric supply generated by photovoltaic cells on the roof, so you'll still be going green while you travel. In fact, the hotel utilizes many sustainable features, like solar panel heating in the summer, heating via a wood burning stove in the winter, low-impact building materials and furniture created by a local tree surgeon from a single fallen beech tree.

Eco-Friendly Hotel Amenity: Pedal-To-Power LCD Television originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

How To Survive Bolivia's Death Road

Jessica Festa — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Learning, Stories, South America, Bolivia

"This is the most dangerous road in the world. Don't become part of the landscape," advised Oscar, a biking guide from Vertigo Biking Co. Bolivia.

On a sunny Wednesday right outside of La Paz in Bolivia, I found myself adorned from head to toe in cycling gear, standing at the summit of a 40-mile downhill road. While technically called Old Road, the path is more commonly known as Death Road, even by locals. While I've written about numerous travel destinations with menacing names, such as Devil's Tooth in Bolivia, Death Valley in Chile and Hell's Gate in New Zealand, the name Death Road should be taken very literally.

The road was originally built by prisoners of war from Paraguay in 1932. Before 2006, Death Road was the only connection between La Paz and the jungle. According to Oscar, before this time there were about 25 cars per year and about 2 bikes per year that would fall over the edge. The terrain is rough and the road is narrow, so there isn't very much space to move over. Along the trail you can even see memorials dedicated to lost lives, like an area called "The Balcony," where several politicians were killed. If you climb down the steep valleys - which I don't advise - you can still see some buses that fell over the edge. Even knowing these facts, I knew it was something I had to experience for myself. It's kind of like flying; yes, people die on airplanes, but a majority of fliers survive the journey. I knew if I kept a positive attitude and focused, I too could survive Death Road.

Continue reading How To Survive Bolivia's Death Road

How To Survive Bolivia's Death Road originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tips For Staying Fit On The Road

Jessica Festa — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Food and Drink, Stories, Internet Tools, Travel Health, Women's Travel

At home I'm a health and fitness nut working out six days a week and eating a diet high in nutritional value. While this can sometimes be hard to maintain on the road, it isn't impossible. To help you stay in shape while traveling, here are some tips.

Stop Thinking You're On Vacation

Many people often have this idea that when they're traveling they're "on vacation," meaning they can eat whatever they want. Unfortunately, your body doesn't know you're on vacation and your metabolism isn't going to all of a sudden be put into overdrive. While you should absolutely sample all the local foods, do it in moderation. For example, if you're in France and want to sample one of their amazing chocolate croissants, have a small one or cut one in half and have it with fruit. And remember, while different regions have delicious desserts and rich entrees, they have healthy delicacies as well.

Continue reading Tips For Staying Fit On The Road

Tips For Staying Fit On The Road originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Love Camping And Biking? Try Kamp-Rite's Midget Bushtrekka

Jessica Festa — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Gear, Photos, Camping, Ecotourism

For those interested in ecotourism as well as the great outdoors, here is a piece of gear that is perfect for you. Kamp-Rite has introduced a unique kind of bike trailer that allows campers to set up a special Kamp-Rite Oversize Tentcot tent on top of the trailer. While this may sound like you'd be sleeping on unsteady ground, the company insists that the product's fully adjustable leveling jacks ensure a comfortably horizontal sleep on any terrain.

The Midget Bushtrekka also features a pivoting wheel set, which the website explains makes it excellent for off-roading.

"By utilizing two wheels under each side of the trailer, harnessed to a pivoting rocker frame, the trailer can easily absorb most of the uneven terrain in its environment," says the Kamp-Rite website.

These "midget" contraptions are actually quite large, weighing 56 pounds with 41 gallons of storage capability. The tent itself is comfortable for one person, and a tight-squeeze for two, at 90 inches in length, 32 inches in width and 40 inches in height. While at $899.99 the product is pricey, though it does include the tent.

For a better idea of this innovative product, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Kamp-Rite's Midget Bushtrekka

Love Camping And Biking? Try Kamp-Rite's Midget Bushtrekka originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Budget-Friendly Option For Wine Tasting In Mendoza: A Self-Guided Bike Tour

Jessica Festa — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Learning, Food and Drink, South America, Argentina, Ecotourism, Budget Travel

As soon as you step off the plane in Mendoza, Argentina, it will be obvious that you are in wine country. Billboards advertising different wine brands, neatly terraced vineyards and marketing for numerous wine tours, cooking classes and tasting sessions will be everywhere you look. While many of these options are worthwhile, most are very expensive. On a recent trip to Mendoza, however, I discovered a fun and inexpensive way to experience the best wine the region has to offer - a self-guided bike tour.

To get to Maipu, where "The Roads of Wine" are located, take Bus 10 from the city center. The ride will take about 45 minutes and you can ask the driver where you should get off. Once you get to Maipu, begin walking north and make a right onto Gomez Street. Here you'll find a charming house and sign that reads "Maipu Bikes." Immediately upon entering the wrought iron gates and talking to the wife of the family-run business, we were offered a glass of fresh juice, handed a map and given an in-depth analysis of each winery. The bikes are 35 Argentine Pesos (about $8) to rent for the day. However, when the owner noticed I was staying at Hostel Mora she gave me a 10 ARS$ discount, so let them know what accommodation you're staying at. Along with the bikes, we were given a bottle of water and backpack to keep our stuff in. With that and our map, we were prepared for a full day of wine tasting.

Continue reading Budget-Friendly Option For Wine Tasting In Mendoza: A Self-Guided Bike Tour

Budget-Friendly Option For Wine Tasting In Mendoza: A Self-Guided Bike Tour originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Stunning Photos Of The Alps

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Skiing, Blogs, Photos, Europe, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Switzerland, Camping, Ecotourism

The Alps is a beautiful mountain range. Spanning through Austria and Slovenia all the way through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France and Monaco, the Alps are a go-to spot for mountain-loving folks living in or passing through these areas in Europe. Taken from the Latin word Alpes, which may have been derived from the word Albus, which means "white," the Alps are certainly that. If you enjoy perusing jaw-dropping photography, you'll be happy to know that Nature Pictures has an Alps series up on their website here. This stunning collection of photos features the snow-capped peaks in several scenes. Whether partially lit from the sunrise, towering over a lake or contrasted against green pastures, this photo collection is worth the look.

Continue reading Stunning Photos Of The Alps

Stunning Photos Of The Alps originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Get Inspired With Outdoor Minded Magazine

Kyle Ellison — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Camping

If you've spent more than about 14 seconds with me in person you already know that I'm a freak for the outdoors. Surfing, trekking, biking, stand up paddling - anything to get me out of the house and into the outdoor air.

Throw in some off the beaten track travel destinations or someone pushing the limits in somewhere extreme and my adventurous wanderlust kicks into fifth gear. This is why I'm so amped to report on a relatively new online magazine that's already putting out ultra inspiring content and sure to halt your in-office productivity.

In a direct quote from their website, "Outdoor Minded is a grassroots magazine deeply ingrained in the beauty of the outdoors, human powered sports, adventure, active lifestyles and environmental conservation."

I mean, what else do you really need?

So what kind of content can you expect out of Outdoor Minded? How about a video showcasing the adventures of a Belgian surfer ripping apart waves inside the Arctic circle of Norway? Or, for a peek into the life of an epic outdoorsman, why not read through an interview with a NOLS river instructor?

From filmmakers wandering through remote parts of the Amazon to photo essays on the ebb and flow of the ocean, this is one site I am going to be relying on to consistently stoke the internal flame of adventure.

Why? Because really, the tag line in the sidebar pretty much says it all:

"Ditch the couch. It's nice outside."

Thanks for the advice, Outdoor Minded. I think a stand up paddle session is in order.

Get Inspired With Outdoor Minded Magazine originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Biking In A Malaysian Forest

Elizabeth Seward — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Hiking, Asia, Malaysia, Video, Ecotourism

When watching stereotypical, travel-related videos, you don't usually get to see places the way locals see places. Flashy editing and touristy destinations often yield generic travel videos that are about as helpful as a rest stop brochure. I prefer to see what locals see. This often results in me scouring Vimeo or YouTube for videos that show me what I want to see: destinations from a local's perspective. When I came across this video, I wanted to share it with Gadling readers. This video simply features a cyclist, Muhammad Raydi Koto Cham (who also directed and edited the film), making his way through a thick and lush forest in Malaysia. The woods in Bukit Kiara are green and shaded. In under two minutes, Cham and camera operator Riki Adi Setiawan, give me a visceral sense of what it would look and sound like to ride through these trees.

Continue reading Video: Biking In A Malaysian Forest

Video: Biking In A Malaysian Forest originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facts By The Numbers For The 2012 Olympic Games In London

Jessica Festa — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Paddling, Festivals and Events, Europe, United Kingdom

Excited for the upcoming Olympics? While you may have a favorite athlete in mind or a specific team you're rooting for, there is actually a lot more that goes into preparing for the Olympic Games than working out and training. To give you a better idea, here are 20 things you probably didn't know about the upcoming Olympic games:

There will be 26 featured sports from 39 disciplines
The games will encompass 34 venues
There have been 8.8 million tickets sold
There will be 10,500 athletes competing
21,000 media and broadcasters will be present
There will be 3,000 technical officials
There will be 7,500 team officials
One million pieces of sports equipment are being sourced by LOCOG
510 adjustable hurdles are being setup for Athletics
600 basketballs will be used
541 life jackets will be used for Canoeing, Marathon Swimming, Rowing, Sailing and the Triathlon
2,200 dozen tennis balls will be used for the games
There will be 2,700 footballs used
53 sets of lane ropes will be set up for Swimming
There will be 6,000 Archery target faces used
For Boccia, 22 tape measures will be necessary
356 pairs of Boxing gloves will be needed for the games
There will be 12 pairs of goalposts used for handball
120 head protectors will be needed for Taekwondo
For Wrestling and Judo, 99 training dolls will be needed
375 doctors will be on hand, as well as 150 nurses, 200,000 pairs of gloves and 150,000 condoms
165,000 towels 22,000 pillows will be on hand in the Olympic Village accommodation
For Games Maker uniforms, 766 miles of fabric will be necessary

Click here for more information about the London Olympics.

Facts By The Numbers For The 2012 Olympic Games In London originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lawmakers Plot To Limit Travel Abroad And At Home

Chris Owen — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Europe, North America, United States, Camping, Transportation

As we make plans for summer travel abroad and at home, concerns turn to the cost of fuel and how it might affect our projected budget. When studying global destination information, we focus on security matters, currency exchange rates and tips from trusted sources. Getting a good handle on all these topics is part of the travel process.

Now, a new concern may affect some travelers. A transportation bill making its way through Congress could allow the federal government to prevent Americans who owe back taxes from leaving the country.

The provision is part of Senate Bill 1813, also called the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, was introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in November and passed by the Senate on March 14. This far-reaching transportation bill allows the federal government to revoke the passports of citizens the IRS claims owe taxes.

Aimed at those who have a seriously delinquent tax debt in excess of $50,000, even if passed, the new law would not affect most people. Still, there are those that fear fundamental rights possessed by Americans to travel, unrestricted, within the USA borders who may be up for review.

"Be aware that once they allow the IRS to block international travel is there one among us who does not believe it will then be extended to travel within the United States?" asks the Beaufort Observer.

Continue reading Lawmakers Plot To Limit Travel Abroad And At Home

Lawmakers Plot To Limit Travel Abroad And At Home originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Adventurous Options In Turks And Caicos

Jessica Festa — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Food and Drink, Photos, United Kingdom, Caribbean

While many people think of Turks and Caicos as being a relaxing beach getaway, the islands have a lot more to offer than just that. In fact, adventure enthusiasts will feel right at home with an array of daring options in a beautiful setting.

Barefoot Waterskiing

Forget skis and boards; barefoot waterskiing lets you feel completely free during your adventure. Because the coral reef system runs the length of the north shore beach, the water remains calm and creates the perfect conditions for the sport. Also known as "barefooting," you'll get the chance to zoom over the water at 40 mph.

Continue reading Adventurous Options In Turks And Caicos

Adventurous Options In Turks And Caicos originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Travel Smarter 2012: New approaches to sustainable travel

Jessica Marati — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Biking, Learning, Transportation, Ecotourism, Internet Tools, Consumer Activism

When most people think of ecotourism, they imagine off-grid rainforest lodges and volunteer work in impoverished communities.

While those can certainly be great experiences, they're not the only way to travel sustainably. These days, the definition of ecotourism has broadened, and travelers are embracing a new consciousness around the way we travel, how we interact with places, and what kind of impact our visit has on our surroundings. The best thing is, this new type of conscious travel doesn't have to be restrictive. In fact, it often leads to much more meaningful experiences. Consider the following approaches as a starting point.

Continue reading Travel Smarter 2012: New approaches to sustainable travel

Travel Smarter 2012: New approaches to sustainable travel originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

A town with no roads: Giethoorn, Netherlands

Elizabeth Seward — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Learning, Europe, Netherlands, News

I recently came across a story, complete with entrancing photos, on SlightlyWarped.com. "The Town with No Roads" captured my attention with its title and then I read on. The series, worth reading, from Slightly Warped is called "Curiosities" -- and this curiosity is worth the intrigue. Giethoorn, Netherlands, is reminiscent of a fairytale. Tall trees and bushy shrubs are so well-placed alongside a quaint canal in this beautiful town that they seem to have been taken out of a Bob Ross painting. But the town's aesthetic goes beyond tasteful landscaping, and that canal isn't just for scenery. The village of Giethoorn does not contain roads. Citizens travel by boat through the interlocking canals, or by foot or bike. Located in the Dutch province of Overijssel, Giethoorn seems like a perfect place to escape to when in need of head-clearing.

Continue reading A town with no roads: Giethoorn, Netherlands

A town with no roads: Giethoorn, Netherlands originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Travel Smarter 2012: Travel tips for health and wellness

Laurel Miller — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Business, Food and Drink, Gear, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, United States, Chile, Airlines, Camping, Transportation, Ecotourism, Airports, Budget Travel, News, Travel Health, Consumer Activism, Cruises, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel

Films like "Contagion" (which I very much enjoyed, and not just because Gwyneth Paltrow bites it within the first 10 minutes) instill a paranoia in the public consciousness about the hazards of air travel. It's true, however, that most public transportation is the equivalent of a mobile petri dish; one can't deny the inherent germiness lurking within. Subsequently, antibacterial hand gel is my new best friend.

There are other quasi-self-inflicted, travel-related maladies: neck and back pain, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), infectious disease, foodborne illness, stress--all of which kind of make you wonder why we travel in the name of relaxation, but I digress.

For many, myself included, part of the thrill of recreational travel is the element of risk involved, even if said danger involves nothing more than scarfing down a few street tacos. Regardless of why you travel, there are always new products on the market designed to make your trip more comfortable, or minimize your chances of getting sick. New research on the hazards and benefits of travel also keep us informed about what we can do to stay healthier on the road.

Below are my picks for making travel in 2012 a little less treacherous:

1. Reduce your risk of DVT
New studies show that choosing the window seat on a long flight can increase your chances of developing DVT. A theoretical DVT risk known as "economy class syndrome" (how's that for an "f-you" to airlines?) has been debated for years, and attributed to the lack of legroom in coach.

Now, however, the American College of Chest Physicians have determined that the real issue is that window-seat fliers have limited opportunities to walk and stretch their legs during lengthy flights, which can lead to potentially fatal blood clots that may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). There are a number of factors that contribute to one's risk of DVT including age, preexisting health conditions, certain medications, and recent surgery, but even if you don't fit these criteria, you should always try to get out of your seat and/or do some stretching exercises and leg movements once an hour during long flights. In other words, consider the aisle the path to clot-free veins.

Continue reading Travel Smarter 2012: Travel tips for health and wellness

Travel Smarter 2012: Travel tips for health and wellness originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments