Gadling

Heat-Map Shows Travelers Most And Least Frequented Destinations

Jessica Festa — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Photos, Stories, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Antarctica, Internet Tools, News, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean

Have you ever wondered what countries are the most and least frequented by travelers? Estonian tech firm Bluemoon has taken data from the photo sharing service Panoramio and created a heat-map based on photos. The map details which countries are the most visited (in yellow), which have a medium amount of visitors (in red) and which are explored the least (in blue). A grey area signifies that no photos have been taken there using Panoramio.

As you can see from the map, Europe is a major tourist destination, as is much of the east and west coasts of the United States and Japan. Certain regions that seem to receive few visitors include Mongolia, India and Australia. Moreover, many areas in Canada and Africa remain unexplored.

They've also created a map of the "world's most interesting remote places." It only looks at destinations away from cities with remote tourist attractions. Some examples from the data show the Greek Islands are touristy (red), the Amazon Basin has almost no tourism (green) and Ladakh falls in the middle (yellow).

For a bigger view of the map, click here.

Heat-Map Shows Travelers Most And Least Frequented Destinations originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Challenge: Learn All Of The Countries In The World

Elizabeth Seward — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, History, Learning, Stories, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, Travel Trivia, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean

While in DC a couple of weeks ago with fellow Gadling writers, a few of us hopped into a taxi on our way to dinner. Our driver was an African man from a country he kept under wraps. He told us that if we wanted to find out which country he was from, we'd have to earn our way to the answer through his impromptu trivia. And so we tried to answer his questions.

"You have to exercise your anthropological and geographical versatility to comprehend my country of originality," he teased us.

"I can guess the continent," one of our writers chimed.

"Oh yes, guessability, no problem, Madam," he cooed.

"West Africa?" she guessed.

"Well," he drew out the word for a few seconds. "I will formally agree but I will formally disagree with you. I am an individual of complexity. You want a clue?"

"Yes," we all answered in unison.

"OK. I am going to give you a complex geographical clue. Let me see. Name me 11 countries in the world that have four letters," he began.

Continue reading A Challenge: Learn All Of The Countries In The World

A Challenge: Learn All Of The Countries In The World originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dogs Abroad: The Most Dog-Friendly Countries

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Africa, Europe, Caribbean, Travel Security

I adopted my first dog as an adult last July. In January, I happened upon a stray dog and took him in, too. Now I have two dogs. It was only a year ago that I was without a dog and, in regard to traveling, without a worry. I now see that I took for granted my ability to hop on a plane to anywhere in the world and leave, for as long as I wanted to, prior to having dogs. Destinations still aren't off limits for me - I can still go wherever I want to go - but my dogs can't go everywhere with me and certain restrictions make it not worth trying in some cases. So where can we travel with dogs? What are the most dog-friendly countries?

The dog-friendly countries I have seen listed with the most frequency are below. If you have any you'd like to add to the list, please tell us about the country and respective rules in the comments.

Continue reading Dogs Abroad: The Most Dog-Friendly Countries

Dogs Abroad: The Most Dog-Friendly Countries originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cruise Line Builds Tropical Paradise, Again

Chris Owen — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: North America, Dominican Republic, Transportation, Cruises, Caribbean

To many cruise travelers, "cruising" means "Caribbean" and a growing number have sailed to and around the warm blue waters there many times. Tiring of the same ports, those travelers want variety but don't want to travel internationally. Cruise lines answer the call by literally "building" new destinations that add variety and help out local economies as well.

This week, Carnival Corporation, parent to a number of cruise lines, broke ground on the Amber Cove Cruise Center, a new $65 million facility in the Dominican Republic to be built exclusively for cruise ships.

"With this cruise terminal, tourism and economic activity in Puerto Plata and the north region will rise to occupy a pre-eminent regional position in the entire Caribbean," said Dominican Republic president Leonel Fernandez Reyna in an article for Breaking Travel News.

The new two-berth Amber Cove Cruise Center will be able to accommodate up to 8,000 cruise passengers and 2,000 crew members daily. The facility is expected to host more than 250,000 cruise passengers in its first year of operation.

Amber Cove will feature a welcome center with a variety of retail offerings, including a marketplace for locally sourced Dominican crafts and souvenirs, as well as a wide range of themed restaurants and bars, water attractions and a transportation hub allowing visitors easy access by land and sea to the surrounding destinations and attractions.

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Cruise Line Builds Tropical Paradise, Again originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Newest Innovation In Snorkeling: The Powerbreather

Jessica Festa — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Gear, Ecotourism, News, Caribbean

When traveling to tropical regions, I love snorkeling and seeing the unique marine life. However, one thing I hate is how I can never seem to perfectly place the snorkel tube as to not get water in my mouth. Luckily, a new product called the Powerbreather has been designed to fix this.

Tagged as the "future in swimming," the Powerbreather is a ring shaped, elastic snorkel that wraps around the head. What's unique about the design is that you actually breathe through a hole in the back of your head, fully exhaling through a check valve. The fresh air you'll breath will leave you with more energy, and you won't have to deal with ingesting tons of salt water.

While the product hasn't been released yet, it is patented worldwide, and will most likely hit the market very soon. For more information, you can use this contact form to reach Powerbreather directly.

The Newest Innovation In Snorkeling: The Powerbreather originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation

Justin Delaney — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, France, Greece, United States, Australia, Palau, Ecuador, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Nightlife, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

Summer is the time of island vacations. It is time to put as much distance between you and the real world as possible. It is time to stand outside of your everyday life and to see how it all looks from a paradise perspective. Here is a collection of islands for escape - places to recharge, gain perspective and explore. From an island in the land of the gods to a tropical Amsterdam at the edge of an ocean trench, each of these ten destinations provides something extraordinary.

Gallery: 10 Islands To Visit Next

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10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cruise Vacations: 10 Things You Might Not Know

Chris Owen — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, North America, United States, Cruises, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

Cruise vacations come in all sizes and shapes. Gigantic new ships have everything from gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chefs to amusement parks. Smaller ships get up-close and personal with destinations large ships can't get to. On board, a new generation of cruise traveler is taking over, demanding more in the way of value and programming both on and off the ship. Let's see how that is playing out in real life on the cruise lines of today.

The Base Experience is the Same For Everyone, But it Can Be Customized- Still, today we can go on a cruise vacation and spend not one dime more than the cruise fare with the possible exception of nearly mandatory gratuities for the crew. Those who want more in the way of dining options and an upgraded experience both on and off the ship have more options than ever to choose from.

Prices Go Up, Prices Go Down- A lot of what goes into cruise line pricing strategy is based on demand and demand almost always changes over time. There are a number of factors at work here including ship positioning, the economy, the effect of new ships just entering the marketplace on the sales of older ships and more. Best bet: consider the price at the time of booking as simply the starting price and use a travel agent to keep an eye on it.

Where There's Smoke, There's Fire- As our online world has developed with Internet-equipped tablets, faster connections, transparency and more rapid responses from all interested in cruise vacations, sites like CruiseCritic.com have become even more relevant and accurate. Clear example: CruiseCritic message boards are often the first source of breaking news when ships get into trouble at sea.

Celebrity Chef-Created Menu Items Sometimes Carry an Extra Fee- Royal Caribbean's 150 Central Park that is featured on Allure of the Seas has a fabulous menu created by celebrity chef Molly Brandt for $40 per person extra. The fee is well worth what would be priced easily at three times that much on land.

Continue reading Cruise Vacations: 10 Things You Might Not Know

Cruise Vacations: 10 Things You Might Not Know originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popular Guidebooks Go Digital

Chris Owen — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Internet Tools, Central America, Caribbean

Frommer's has a new series of guidebooks out. Nothing new there; that's what they do. Unique to Frommer's new "Day by Day" series though is that they are digital guides, which allow users to search, bookmark and navigate through the content easily.

Enabled by Inkling (the interactive textbook people), the Frommer's "Day by Day" digital books retail between $10 and $15, and are available as individual apps or within Inkling's app. Travelers can purchase them once to use them on both their iPhone and iPad. They contain hundreds of maps and thousands of Retina Display-ready photos, which makes it easy to plan upcoming trips on the new iPad.

Said to be far more useful than paper guidebooks, the new Frommer's digital books contain both indoor maps for locations like museums, as well as outdoor maps that point to interesting destinations in their respective locations.

Continue reading Popular Guidebooks Go Digital

Popular Guidebooks Go Digital originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Travel Destinations, How Do We Count Thee?

Chris Owen — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Transportation, Internet Tools, Travel Deals, Central America, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

Reports and polls determining the top travel destinations in the world come to us in variety of ways throughout every year. Travel related companies tally internal data to make their lists. Government agencies publish the most frequented destinations based on incoming flights, hotel reservations and other criteria. Non-profit organizations have an unbiased tone to ranking top destinations too. Often, it is as important to consider the source as it is the ratings themselves.

Today, TripAdvisor announced the winners of its fourth-annual 2012 Travelers' Choice Destinations awards. TripAdvisor ranks 440 outstanding destinations across the globe, including lists for Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Europe, India, Mexico, the Middle East, South America, the South Pacific and the United States.

"The TripAdvisor community has once again helped pinpoint hundreds of the most amazing and beloved travel destinations of the year," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor in a Hospitality-Industry report.

"For travelers planning their big annual vacation or just a weekend getaway, these awards highlight awe-inspiring travel locations of all varieties around the globe."

Lets look at their top ten.

TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Destination award winners were determined based on the popularity of destinations, taking into account travelers' favorites and most highly rated places.

But wait. Last month, in "Suspicious About Hotel Reviews? You Are Not Alone," Gadling reported that the United Kingdom Advertising Standards Authority had ruled that TripAdvisor's advertised claim of "trusted advice from real travelers" was misleading because fake comments could be posted without verification.

Continue reading Top Travel Destinations, How Do We Count Thee?

Top Travel Destinations, How Do We Count Thee? originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heifer International: Working To End World Hunger, One Llama At A Time

Laurel Miller — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Business, Food and Drink, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, United States, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean

Got an extra $20 burning a hole in your pocket and want to make a difference in the lives of others? Buy a flock of ducks. Eighty-five dollars will get you a camel share, while a mere $48 purchases a share in a "Knitter's Gift Basket (a llama, alpaca, sheep and angora rabbit)."

Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock, and animal husbandry, agricultural and community development training to over 125 countries, including the U.S. The goal: to help end world hunger and poverty by improving breeding stock, providing valuable dietary supplements such as milk and eggs, and creating viable business enterprises for commodity products such as cheese, wool, honey, or crops cultivated by draft animals like horses and water buffalo.

The livestock species used to support disenfranchised communities are diverse, but traditional to their respective regions. They include goats, sheep, honeybees, beef and dairy cattle, water buffalo, yaks, horses, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, camels, rabbits, guinea pigs and poultry.

When I was a kid growing up on a small ranch in Southern California, we used to donate our male dairy goat kids (which, if sold here, would most likely be relegated to dinner) to Heifer. Although the program no longer ships live animals overseas (it's easier and safer/more humane to ship frozen semen), the concept remains the same: using top bloodlines to improve the quality and enhance the genetic diversity of herds or flocks in impoverished regions.

Heifer teaches the concept of the "Seven M's: Milk, Manure, Meat, Material, Money, Motivation and Muscle." These are the benefits livestock animals provide to people in developing nations. With the training provided by Heifer employees and volunteers, the cycle of poverty can be broken, and families and villages can thrive. During the holidays or for birthdays, I like to make animal gift donations in the name of the recipient, an especially valuable lesson for children (who, let's face it, really don't need another electronic piece of crap to foster their ADD and lack of global awareness).

Never doubt the power of a furry friend to change the world. To make a donation, click here.

Check out this Heifer International gallery of animals and their proud owners from around the world:

Gallery: Heifer International

Heifer International: Working To End World Hunger, One Llama At A Time originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Give Back While Traveling With These Voluntourism Hotel Packages And Programs

Jessica Festa — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Hiking, Learning, North America, Bahamas, Jamaica, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Caribbean

Just because Earth Day has passed doesn't mean we should stop doing our part. In the spirit of goodwill, these hotels are offering voluntourism packages and programs for guests.

Limelight Hotel
Aspen, Colorado

Throughout the summer, the Limelight Hotel is helping guests get their hands dirty and help the environment. In partnership with the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, guests will be able to do trail work in the beautiful White River National Forest, which spans millions of acres. Volunteer tasks include trail maintenance, trail construction, invasive species removal and more. Hotel guests who participate will receive transportation, a packed lunch and beverages and a complimentary beer in the hotel lounge when they return.

Eight hour day volunteer projects are available, as well as sunset volunteer times from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Rates start at $150 per night during the summer. Call 970-544-6259 or click here to book.

Continue reading Give Back While Traveling With These Voluntourism Hotel Packages And Programs

Give Back While Traveling With These Voluntourism Hotel Packages And Programs originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Tahiti

Jessica Festa — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Photos, Stories, Europe, Hotels and Accommodations, Caribbean, Luxury Travel, French Polynesia

Located in the South Pacific, Tahiti is thought of by many as a prime vacation destination. But what do you actually know about these islands? To test your Tahitian knowledge, here are 10 things you probably didn't know.

1. The official languages of the country are both Tahitian and French. However, English is also widely spoken on most of the islands.

2. What is commonly known as "Tahiti" or "The Islands of Tahiti" is officially categorized as an Overseas Country of France, with its own government overseeing all international decisions on behalf of French Polynesia.

3. There are 118 islands and atolls spread out over five archipelagos.

4. Most Polynesians believe the mythical island of Hawaiki, today known as Raiatea, rose from the bottom of the ocean and was the beginning of all life on Earth.

5. The over-water bungalow was invented in the islands of Tahiti 45 years ago.

6. On Fakarava, there is a church called Jean de la Croix made completely of coral.

7. The Islands of Tahiti is the only country in the world to have a winery, Vin du Tahiti, on a coral atoll.

8. The word "tattoo" originated in French Polynesia. The legend of Tohu, the god of tattoo, talks about painting all the fish in the ocean and showing their vibrant colors and designs. In Polynesian culture, tattoos are thought to be signs of beauty, and were ceremoniously applied to the body as a celebration of adolescence in earlier times.

9. Mount Temehani on the island of Raiatea is home to the Tiare Apetahi flower. This flower will not grow anywhere else in the world, despite botanists having tried to replant it for centuries.

10. The Tahitian alphabet contains only 13 letters.

For a more visual idea of Tahiti's lesser-known side, check out the gallery below.

[flickr image via Michael R. Perry]

Gallery: 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Tahiti

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Tahiti originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 Earth Day Celebrations That Matter

Chris Owen — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Asia, Europe, North America, United States, Ecotourism, Caribbean

Earth Day is a day when events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment, coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 175 countries. Around the United States, there is probably an Earth Day event close to you. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network works with over 22,000 partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year making it the largest civic observance in the world.

Here are some of the more notable celebrations around the United States.

Earth Day on the National Mall
The centerpiece of Earth Day in the United States will be a rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Tens of thousands of environmentally conscious people from all walks of life and all parts of the country will be joined by civic leaders and celebrities for this special event to galvanize the environmental movement.

Annual Earth Day Silent Auction
On Earth Day, April 22, 2012, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust will be holding our annual silent auction with over 40 items from REI, Caribou Coffee, NVRPA and many more contributors.

Battery Recycling
Arizona has a celebration event featuring recycling drop off for old batteries. Do your part and keep batteries out of the landfill by bringing them into one of their locations for recycling.

Free Rides on MMT City bus service

In Colorado Springs, Colorado recognition of Earth Day gets FREE rides on Mountain Metropolitan Transit fixed-route city buses on Friday, April 20, 2012. Take this opportunity to try out alternative transportation.

Continue reading 10 Earth Day Celebrations That Matter

10 Earth Day Celebrations That Matter originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Things You Can Do On Earth Day To Save Natural Resources

Laurel Miller — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Learning, Business, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Consumer Activism, Cruises, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel

Earth Day is upon us, and even if you're not planning to celebrate our planet's making it through another year (what global warming?), there are still some simple measures you can take to show your gratitude. Love your Mother, you know?

Whether you're on the road or at home, the following are smart rules to implement every day of the year:

Do laundry at night, after peak electricity usage hours and only wash full loads.
Use a travel mug when you purchase your morning coffee and carry a reusble water bottle.
Stash reusable shopping bags in your car, purse or backpack and desk.
Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth, washing your face, doing dishes or shaving.
Switch to e-tickets, e-pay, and other paperless forms of commerce; add your name to no junk mail and catalog lists.

[Photo credit: Flickr user kevin dooley]

Five Things You Can Do On Earth Day To Save Natural Resources originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popular Destinations, Beyond Guidebooks

Chris Owen — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, Caribbean, Theme Parks

Taking another look at popular destinations from an expert's point of view, "Park Secrets" premieres tonight on the Travel Channel. The new series shows secret adventures that we might not see in the guidebooks, along with great places to stay, eat and play.

In the premiere episode, "Bright Lights, Big City," viewers explore parks hiding in plain sight in some of America's favorite big cities. Featured in the fast-paced show are Greek temples and spicy BBQ in Nashville; pancakes, bears and a secret farm in Boston; and popsicles and voyeurism on an elevated rail line in New York.

Another episode, "Private Islands," explores more of the best, unknown and secluded getaways that everyone can take. Not only for the rich and famous, "Park Secrets" points out that with the right tricks we can turn an island based-retreat into our own private getaway.

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Popular Destinations, Beyond Guidebooks originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 'Somewhere' Time-Lapse Video

Elizabeth Seward — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Photos, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, Video, Ecotourism, News, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean

"Somewhere" from miadox on Vimeo.

"Somewhere" is the first installment of a time-lapse video series. Covering both natural beauty and man-made wonders, "Somewhere" is a fantastic start for an ongoing project. If the rest of the videos in this upcoming series are anything like this time-lapse, then we all have worthwhile time wasting via film-watching to look forward to in the near future. Created by Miadox, this video features stunning images - the kind that make you tear up a little bit at your desk and think positive thoughts about what a beautiful place planet Earth is. Crashing waves, skylines, sunsets, gigantic machinery, racing clouds, headlights and sparkling stars all make appearances in this juxtaposition-centered video. Enjoy Earth.

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Video: 'Somewhere' Time-Lapse Video originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Summer Hotspot: Havana, Cuba

Jessica Marati — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Cuba, Caribbean

Havana's crumbling mansions, cobblestoned streets and vibrant salsa beats have long been a mystery to Americans kept off Cuba's shores by historic trade bans.

But in the past year, travel to Cuba has become much easier, starting with the lifting of certain restrictions by the Obama administration last January. That move was followed in April by a new set of Treasury Department guidelines, which makes travel easier for journalists, religious and educational groups and people-to-people exchanges. And now, even non-affiliated Americans can visit Cuba through new authorized tours from companies like National Geographic Expeditions and Friendly Planet Travel.

But with the loosened restrictions come the traveler's fear that Cuba's unique atmosphere will become distilled (read: ruined) with the inevitable onslaught of American tourists. If the Havana you envision doesn't include a McDonald's in the Plaza des Armas, this summer is the time to plan a visit. And with new, chartered flights from 12 US cities, travel to Cuba has never been easier.

Art lovers will particularly be drawn by the 11th Havana Biennial, which runs from May 11 to June 11. With a focus on "non-Western art," the Biennial will bring together more than 115 artists from 43 countries. The festival has traditionally aimed to represent concerns and conflicts in the developing world, and this year's event will explore the relationship between visual productions and the social imaginary - that is, the way artists imagine their surroundings and express themselves through cultural and historical references. With Cuba in such a state of transition, the Biennial will offer a unique opportunity to explore the country's rich history, conflicted present and unforeseen future through art. Who knows what Cuba will be like for the next one?

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Summer Hotspot: Havana, Cuba originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video Of The Day: 'Incubation' And 15 Days In Cuba

Jessica Marati — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cuba, Photo of the Day, Video, Caribbean

"I wanted to see Cuba before it changes," starts off "Incubation," a short travel film by French multimedia artist Guillaume Le Berre. "But I'm the one that has been changed."

Through photos and videos captured over a 15-day trip, Le Berre offers a nostalgic look at life in modern-day Cuba. Some of the images are expected: smiling children playing baseball, grand automobiles from the 1950s, sexy salsa dancers at night. Others are more striking: men scavenging in garbage cans, vultures picking at animal carcasses, concrete walls with the letters "CHE" outlined repetitively. With Cuba's natural beauty juxtaposed against such contrasts, it's easy to see why the filmmaker was changed, and to remember what it is about travel that changes us all.

[via EcoSalon]

Video Of The Day: 'Incubation' And 15 Days In Cuba originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 'No Kitchen Required' In New Zealand, 'When Maori Attack'

Laurel Miller — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South Africa, Thailand, Dominica, Fiji, New Zealand, Ecotourism, News, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

Here at Gadling, we've been keeping tabs on the new BBC America reality show "No Kitchen Required," which is taking cooking competitions to new highs (and lows). Battling for fame and glory are award-winning chef Michael Psilakis of New York's Fish Tag and Kefi; private executive chef Kayne Raymond; and former "Chopped" champ Madison Cowan.

The chefs hunt and gather ingredients to prepare regional cuisine in various locations, including Dominica, Belize, Fiji, Thailand, South Africa, Hawaii, New Mexico and Louisiana. The show is a cross between "Survivor" and "Top Chef," with a dash of over-the-top, Bear Grylls-style drama thrown in, but it's all in good fun and provides a fascinating cultural and culinary tour of little known destinations and cuisines.

Here, we have a teaser clip from New Zealand that features the chefs watching a haka, or traditional Maori warrior dance, prior to having the local community judge their respective meals. Here's hoping they didn't give anyone food poisoning.

Video: 'No Kitchen Required' In New Zealand, 'When Maori Attack' originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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