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[Faroe Islands photo set]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/07/faroe-islands-photo-set/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/07/faroe-islands-photo-set/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/07/faroe-islands-photo-set/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Faroe Islands is a country tucked away in the Norwegian Sea. Located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland, this country is beautiful, but small. With only 540 square miles and a population of nearly 50,000, this self-governing Danish destination is thick with history and easy on the eyes. I haven't been to this country nor do I currently have plans to go--but I hope that changes soon. Let's just say I have plans to make plans.

Flickr user Spumador (Andrea Ricordi), a clearly talented photographer, uploaded an eye-catching photo set from his summer 2011 trip to the Faroe Islands. These moving photos have now given me incentive enough to research this country further and travel there as soon as I possibly can. Perhaps this Faroe Islands photo set will offer similar inspiration to you.

Continue reading Faroe Islands photo set

Faroe Islands photo set originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrea ricordiAndreaRicordidanish islandsdanish territoryDanishIslandsDanishTerritoryeuropean islandsEuropeanIslandsfaroe islandsFaroeIslandsflickricelandisland photoisland photographyisland photosIslandPhotoIslandPhotographyIslandPhotosislandsnorwegian seanorwegian sea islandsNorwegianSeaNorwegianSeaIslandsphoto of islandPhotoOfIslandphotos of islandsPhotosOfIslandsscotlandspumadorthe faroe islandsTheFaroeIslandsSat, 07 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day - Sermilik Ice Fjord]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/20/video-of-the-day-sermilik-ice-fjord/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/20/video-of-the-day-sermilik-ice-fjord/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/20/video-of-the-day-sermilik-ice-fjord/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Sermilik Fjord is a long, steep-walled waterway in southeast Greenland where hundreds of icebergs calve from Greenland's enormous ice sheets every year. Those looking to sail through the stunning fjord for a closer view of the icebergs depart from Ammassalik Island, where Greenland's seventh-largest town, Tasiilaq, is located.

Today's Video of the Day shares a vivid sample of a trip up the Sermilik Fjord, hosted by Borea Adventures, and captured by Vimeo user Haukur.

If you have imagery of a beautiful winter wonderland, we'd like to share it! Post a link in the comments below or submit photos to our Flickr Group - it could be our next Photo/Video of the Day!

Video of the Day - Sermilik Ice Fjord originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ammassalik IslandAmmassalikIslandBorea AdventuresBoreaAdventuresDenmarkGreenlandHaukurPhoto of the DayPhotoOfTheDaySailSailingSermilik FjordSermilikFjordTasiilaqVideo of the DayVideoOfTheDayTue, 20 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Traditional holiday beverages from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/30/traditional-holiday-beverages-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/30/traditional-holiday-beverages-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/30/traditional-holiday-beverages-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Photo credit: Flicker user Akane86]

Continue reading Traditional holiday beverages from around the world

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelChristmasChristmas cocktailsChristmasCocktailscocktailscoconutcoconut milkcoconut waterCoconutMilkCoconutWaterdrinkseggnogglogggluhweinhibiscusholiday cocktailsholiday entertainingholiday punchesHolidayCocktailsHolidayEntertainingHolidayPunchesholidaysJamaicajamaica flowersJamaicaFlowerslardmulled wineMulledWinenavidadNordic foodNordicFoodpiscopisco sourPiscoSourpuerto ricoPuertoRicopunchesrosellasaturated fatSaturatedFatScandinaviaspiceswassailwineWed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[10 best art hotels for creative travelers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/10-best-art-hotels-for-creative-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/10-best-art-hotels-for-creative-travelers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/10-best-art-hotels-for-creative-travelers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

daddy long legsSometimes when traveling, the average hotel can get a little boring. Why not try something unique and artistic on your next trip? These ten hotels don't just hang paintings on the walls, they make guests feel as if they're staying in a real life work of art.

Daddy Long Legs Independent Travellers Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa

The designers of Daddy Long Legs had independent, creative backpackers in mind when building the property. Staying here is like being inside an interactive art exhibition, with unique rooms decorated by artists, poets, photographers, musicians, and designers who had free range to do whatever they pleased. The result is a mix of funny, ironic, and adventurous themed hotel rooms. Some room examples include:
  • the Freshroom- This is the only room to be commissioned by a commercial product. Guests can expect a retro Mentos theme, including a blinds with a pinup of Mona Lisa holding a pack of Mentos, circular raised wallpaper, and furniture adorned with 2,500 rolls of Mentos mints.
  • Far From Home- This room makes guests feel as if they are in the Karoo Wilderness by turning photographs of the region into wallpaper.
  • The Photo Booth (pictured above)- This room contains 3,240 images that are geared around the theme of "life".

Continue reading 10 best art hotels for creative travelers

10 best art hotels for creative travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art hotelsArtHotelsboutique hotelsBoutiqueHotelsbudget travelBudgetTravelfeaturedhenry jones art hotelHenryJonesArtHotelhotel des arteshotel foxHotelDesArtesHotelFoxkosta boda art hotelKostaBodaArtHotelluxury travelLuxuryTravelpropeller island city lodgePropellerIslandCityLodgeunique hotelsUniqueHotelsWed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Halloween treats for grown-ups]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/29/five-halloween-treats-for-grown-ups/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/29/five-halloween-treats-for-grown-ups/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/29/five-halloween-treats-for-grown-ups/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Halloween candyLike many former kids, I used to live for Halloween. Sure, the dressing up part was fun, but so was TP'ing the neighbor's tree. What All Hallow's Eve was really about were Pixy Stix, Fun Dip, mini Milky Way bars, and REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups (in my world, the latter still reigns supreme).

Still, things change. We grow up; most of us lose our appetite for eating the equivalent of eight cups of sugar in one sitting, we're aware that those candy bars will go straight to our ass.

Still, I find something a little magical about Halloween: the brisk fall air, the aroma of woodsmoke and swirls of brightly colored leaves. I don't have much of a sweet tooth anymore, but there are some sophisticated treats out there capable of conjuring my inner child (mercifully, minus the buck teeth and tattling habit).

Below, my favorite confections, regardless of season:

1. Jonboy Caramels
I love me a good caramel, and this micro-Seattle company does them right. I discovered Jonboy at my local farmers market; despite the feel-good ingredients and ethics, these are no half-assed candies peddled by dirty hippies (kidding; I'm a longtime market vendor myself). Made completely by hand with local cream and HFCS-free, these pretty treats come wrapped in unbleached parchment paper, and are sold in little (recycled cardboard) boxes. But it's what's inside that counts, and these are intensely rich flavor-bombs redolent of that good cream as well as more potent, sexy flavors.

The selection is small and includes fleur de sel caramel, molasses ginger, and my favorite, an intriguing absinthe with black salt. Inspired by the salted licorice found in Scandinavia, Jonboy's version is made with local Pacifique absinthe and a blend of anise, fennel, and hyssop. They're dark and mysterious, like a trick-or-treater you shouldn't let in the door.

Jonboy Caramels are available throughout Seattle at farmers' markets and specialty stores, and select Washington and Oregon Whole Foods. Five box minimum for online orders (you'll be glad to have extra, believe me).

Continue reading Five Halloween treats for grown-ups

Five Halloween treats for grown-ups originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleartisan candyArtisanCandyCaliforniacandycandy shopscandy storesCandyShopsCandyStorescaramelsChocoatechocolatechocolate showchocolate trufflesChocolateShowChocolateTrufflesDutch licoriceDutchLicoricefall foodsFallFoodsFerry BuildingFerryBuildingfoods of fallFoodsOfFallHalloweenhfcshigh fructose corn syrupHighFructoseCornSyrupholidaysice creamIceCreamIkealicoriceManhattanNew YorkNewYorkold-fashioned candyOld-fashionedCandyOregonportland oregonPortlandOregonSan FranciscoSanFranciscosugarSwedish fishSwedishFishtrufflesWest VillageWestVillageSat, 29 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Copenhagen city square built on poop]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/15/copenhagen-city-square-built-on-poop/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/15/copenhagen-city-square-built-on-poop/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/15/copenhagen-city-square-built-on-poop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

CopenhagenBeing an archaeologist can be a tough job--hot weather, frustrating digs that don't turn up any finds, dirty conditions. . .especially the dirty conditions.

A dig in the Danish capital Copenhagen has turned out to be dirtier than usual. Archaeologists excavating under Kultorvet Square have found two 18th century outhouses that are literally filled with historic faeces.

Kultorvet means "Coal Square" and was where people bought and sold coal. Now it's a popular meeting place full of cafes and restaurants, as shown in this photo courtesy Leif Jørgensen. These historic toilets would have been used by coal vendors and buyers, mostly working class people. The privies seem to have been popular because both are heaped with the stinky stuff, and the local soil's low oxygen levels have preserved it in a pristine state.

Wading through offal is good news for archaeologists. Old turds can tell a lot about the people who dropped them, like their diet and general health. One slow-witted Dane from days gone by even ate an apple core. It was found encased in his poop, having passed through his system whole after probably causing some indigestion.

A large subway expansion project has led to lots of archaeological finds in Copenhagen. If any more disgusting discoveries turn up, we'll be sure to let you know.

Copenhagen city square built on poop originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaeologyarchaeology newsArchaeologyNewsarcheologyarcheology newsArcheologyNewsCopenhagencoprolitecoprolitesDenmarkdisgustingfaecesfecesfunnyfunny newsFunnyNewsgrosshistoryhouthousesKultorvetoddodd newsOddNewsouthousepoopstrangestrange newsStrangeNewstoilettoiletsweirdweird newsWeirdNewsThu, 15 Sep 2011 10:30:00 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[Photo of the Day - Copenhagen canal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/10/photo-of-the-day-copenhagen-canal/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/10/photo-of-the-day-copenhagen-canal/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/10/photo-of-the-day-copenhagen-canal/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As we noted earlier this week, Summer is a glorious time in Scandinavia. The region's normally chilly temperatures have mellowed, and activities like cycling, boating and swimming are in full swing. If you need more visual proof, just check out this idyllic scene captured by Flickr user justchuckfl, in the Danish city of Copenhagen. Like many Scandinavian capitals, Copenhagen is an urban center inextricably tied to the sea and its many canals. If you find yourself walking the streets of this colorful capital, you're likely to encounter a scene much like this one - a scenic canal ringed by brighly-hued buildings and bobbing sailboats.

Taken any great photos during your own travels? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Copenhagen canal originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatcanalcopenhagenmarinemaritimenauticalsailboatsailingscandinaviawaterSun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the day- Bicycles in Copenhagen]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/09/photo-of-the-day-bicycles-in-copenhagen/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/09/photo-of-the-day-bicycles-in-copenhagen/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/09/photo-of-the-day-bicycles-in-copenhagen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Photo of the day

This photo of bicycles in Copenhagen, Denmark shot in June with a Sony DSLR A-700 comes from Flickr user justchuckfl who tells us:

"In Copenhagen, you will see many historical buildings as well as some modern architecture. This image was captured through the window of a tour bus and shows the ever present bicycles that you will see everywhere in Denmark."
See more of justchuckfl's Copenhagen photos too, there are a bunch of good ones.

Did you know you can get an idea of how these great Photos of the Day were created by clicking on the device used to capture them? Exif data is a record of the settings a camera used to take a photo or video embedded into the files the camera saves and Flickr displays it for us to see.

Not sure what ISO, aperture, metering and all that photography lingo means? Gadling's Dana Murph does and breaks it down for us in a series of Travel Photo Tips.

Got an image you'd like to show off to the world? Submit it to the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. It might just get chosen as a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the day- Bicycles in Copenhagen originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BicyclescopenhagenPhoto of the Dayphoto tipsPhotoOfTheDayPhotoTipsSat, 09 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Denmark reintroduces border controls]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/13/denmark-reintroduces-border-controls-implications-for-tourists/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/13/denmark-reintroduces-border-controls-implications-for-tourists/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/13/denmark-reintroduces-border-controls-implications-for-tourists/#commentsFiled under: ,

denmark reintroduces border controls
In a move that shocked European Union officials, Denmark, citing the need to fight organized crime, unilaterally reintroduced border controls on its land borders with Germany and Sweden on Wednesday. The Danish decision chips away at one of the central principles (and privileges) at the center of the project of the European Union, namely, the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital.

This principle is put into practice by the Schengen Agreement, which applies to 22 European Union countries as well as four others: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. (De facto, it also applies to Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.) Within this enormous territory, across many national borders, there are no border controls whatsoever.

The Danish government has argued that this decision applies only to border and customs checks and will not extend to passport control, and that it is therefore not a violation of the Schengen Agreement. This argument disingenuously ignores the fact that the border checks will be performed by border control officers who do not have the clearance to act as standard police officers. However this policy change is couched, it amounts to a disengagement with the principles of the Schengen Agreement.

There are also signs that the free movement principle is on the brink of being rethought. At a meeting of EU interior ministers yesterday, several ministers stated their growing willingness to consider rescinding elements of the Schengen Agreement. This movement, spearheaded by the Italian and French foreign ministers, is a response to expectations of a major influx of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East in the coming months.

As it currently stands, EU countries are permitted to introduce border controls in response to discrete events deemed to demand greater security measures. A number of EU countries (Spain, Germany, France, and Finland, among others) have done so at various points over the past decade, but only temporarily.

In the meantime, border control has returned to the Schengen Area. Tourists entering Denmark by land from Germany or Sweden can fairly expect some new scrutiny as long as these checks are enforced.

[Image: Flickr | celesteh]

Denmark reintroduces border controls originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denmarkdenmark reintroduces border controlsDenmarkReintroducesBorderControlsEuropean unionEuropeanUnionschengenschengen agreementSchengenAgreementFri, 13 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget Copenhagen: How to survive a trip to Denmark]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/08/budget-copenhagen-how-to-survive-a-trip-to-denmark/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/08/budget-copenhagen-how-to-survive-a-trip-to-denmark/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/08/budget-copenhagen-how-to-survive-a-trip-to-denmark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Scandinavia has the reputation as being the most expensive corner of the world, but the true reality of day to day expenses don't really kick you in the shin until you're on the ground in Copenhagen. Bus fare on many routes costs more than cab fare across some developing countries. A double espresso can set a weary traveler back $6, $7 or even $8 in the most trafficked areas, while fine dining is almost comically expensive.

Budget travel just isn't a well served market in Copenhagen. It's traditionally a place where you go to have the best seafood of your life or stay in the nicest hotel that you've ever conceived, not a destination for wayward backpackers or travelers looking to save a penny.

It's there though, in the thin small cracks between double-lacquered facades and woven into the threads of the ubiquitous Lyle and Scott sweaters. A small seam of budget centric activities weaves through the town of Copenhagen, and exploited correctly, it can even yield a fair amount of fun. Gadling Labs spent a long weekend sifting through the streets of the city and filed this report:

Gallery: Budget Copenhagen

The Lego StoreThe Lego StoreThe LaundromatThe Laundromat

Continue reading Budget Copenhagen: How to survive a trip to Denmark

Budget Copenhagen: How to survive a trip to Denmark originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-copenhagenbudget-travelcopenhagendenmarkFri, 08 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five reasons to go to Denmark in the winter]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/05/five-reasons-to-go-to-denmark-in-the-winter/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/05/five-reasons-to-go-to-denmark-in-the-winter/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/05/five-reasons-to-go-to-denmark-in-the-winter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's cold in Denmark this week - really cold. Where I sit at the Illum outside of Kongens Nytorv, the weather has barely gone above -4°C (26°F) in the middle of the day, the bright, crisp sky teasing the residents with illusions of warmth. Were it only close to true.

Astonishingly, people are still riding their bicycles around the city, perhaps because they've attuned to the horrific weather or maybe just because they just don't want to pay the 24DKK (Just over $5) to ride the bus or subway around. These bikers are a testament to this city though - the cold months are hard, but Danes are a hearty, gregarious bunch, and each person that I meet handles the temperature well.

The economy is still humming along in Copenhagen this winter, which means most of the great culture and excitement that tourists come to see during the summer are stilling moving along in parallel. Whether this is via a great local meal at one of Denmark's numerous, fine restaurants or a stroll through one of the fine boutique museums, there's plenty to do in this Scandinavian mecca during the winter -- which is why it's a great time to visit. Here are five more reasons to make your way:

Continue reading Five reasons to go to Denmark in the winter

Five reasons to go to Denmark in the winter originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget-travelcoldcopenhagendenmarkeuropefoodnomascandinaviatourism copenhagenTourismCopenhagenwinterwondercoolTue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 20 travel destinations - The 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/10/top-20-travel-destinations-the-2011-travel-and-tourism-compe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/10/top-20-travel-destinations-the-2011-travel-and-tourism-compe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/10/top-20-travel-destinations-the-2011-travel-and-tourism-compe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

top 20 travel destinations Every couple of years, the World Economic Forum crunches a bunch of numbers and releases a list of the top countries in the world to visit. While ranking 139 countries, they measure aspects such as pricing, culture, environmental protection, safety, and infrastructure. For the 2011 report, Switzerland remained at the number one spot - the returning champion from the last report in 2009. Nine out of the bottom ten countries are located in Africa, and seven out of the top ten are located in Europe. Chad ranked in at 139 out of 139. Italy, one of the most visited countries in the world, placed 27th. For the full list, download the PDF at the World Economic Forum website under the 'reports' tab.

20. Norway
19. New Zealand
18. Portugal
17. Finland
16. Denmark
15. Luxembourg
14. Netherlands
13. Australia
12. Hong Kong
11. Iceland
10. Singapore

Continue reading Top 20 travel destinations - The 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report

Top 20 travel destinations - The 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>switzerlandtop 10top 20top 20 travel destinationsTop10Top20Top20TravelDestinationstourismTourism industryTourismIndustryThu, 10 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Somali pirates anchor Danish family yacht, threaten death]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/02/somali-pirates-anchor-danish-family-yacht-threaten-death/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/02/somali-pirates-anchor-danish-family-yacht-threaten-death/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/02/somali-pirates-anchor-danish-family-yacht-threaten-death/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Now it's a Danish family of five, including three children, that has been taken hostage by Somali pirates who vow to kill them should a rescue attempt be made. The pirated yacht, taken last week, was anchored off the shore of Somalia today.

The 43-foot sailboat was being piloted by Jan Quist Johansen along with his wife, their three children, ages 12 to 16 and two Danish crew members.

A Somali pirate going by the name of Muse Abdi said the family was transferred to another, larger pirated ship.

Continue reading Somali pirates anchor Danish family yacht, threaten death

Somali pirates anchor Danish family yacht, threaten death originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danish familydanish yachtDanishFamilyDanishYachtsomali piratessomaliasomalia piratessomalia terroristsSomaliaPiratesSomaliaTerroristsSomaliPiratesWed, 02 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Schengen and the disappearance of European passport stamps]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/old-vs-new-schengen-and-the-decline-of-european-passport-stamp/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/old-vs-new-schengen-and-the-decline-of-european-passport-stamp/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/old-vs-new-schengen-and-the-decline-of-european-passport-stamp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

schengen passport
Creative new use for border crossing posts at German/Austrian border.

In the late 1980s, an American spending a summer traveling across Europe with a Eurailpass would see his or her passport stamped possibly dozens of times. With a few exceptions, every time a border was crossed, an immigration agent would pop his or her head into a train compartment, look at everyone's passports, in most cases stamp them, and move on. Every Eastern Bloc country required visas, some of which could be obtained at the border and others of which had to be applied for in advance.

Today, an American can enter the Schengen zone in Helsinki, fly to Oslo and then on to Amsterdam, proceed by train through Belgium, France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland, then by bus to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and then by ferry back to Helsinki before catching a flight to Athens and landing in Greece without once needing to submit a passport to a border guard's scrutiny.

The development of the Schengen agreement across Europe has altered the geopolitical map of the continent in many ways. For tourists, the development of the Schengen zone has simplified travel by drastically reducing the number of times a passport can be checked and stamped as national borders are crossed.

The Schengen Agreement is named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg. It was here in 1985 that five countries-Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, West Germany, and France-signed an agreement to essentially create borderless travel between them. A model for this agreement had been created years before by the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), which eliminated border controls back in 1948. The Nordic countries also did away with internal border posts, in 1958.

In 1995, the five original Schengen countries plus Portugal and Spain inaugurated the zone. In 1997, Austria and Italy joined. Greece followed in 2000 and the five Nordic countries joined in 2001. In late 2007, nine more countries joined the Schengen zone; most recently, Switzerland signed up in 2008.

Continue reading Schengen and the disappearance of European passport stamps

Schengen and the disappearance of European passport stamps originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andorraAustriabelgiumBulgariacyprusCzech RepublicCzechRepublicdenmarkEstoniaeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionfinlandfrancegermanygreeceHungaryIcelandirelanditalylatviaLiechtensteinlithuanialuxembourgmaltamonacoNetherlandsnorwaypassportsPolandportugalRomaniaSan marinoSanMarinoschengenschengen agreementSchengenAgreementSlovakiasloveniaspainswedenswitzerlandtraveloldandnewunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvaticanvisasTue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five lesser-known European islands]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/five-lesser-known-european-islands/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/five-lesser-known-european-islands/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/five-lesser-known-european-islands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

lesser known european islands

Last June, we published a list of four European islands that float under the radar: Porquerolles, France; Fasta Åland, Finland; San Domino, Italy; and Vlieland, Netherlands.

As far as we're concerned, it's not too early to start making summer travel plans to get away from the crowds. Here are five more beautiful yet lesser-known European islands that don't get a ton of press. They're scattered across the continent, from England to the Azores and from Greece to the Baltic Sea.

1. St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly, England. St. Agnes, one of the Isles of Scilly, is the southernmost inhabited bit of England. Temperatures are moderate and pleasant year-round. The beaches and shoreline are more reminiscent of the Caribbean than of the popular imagination of England. You can spend your time walking around the island, visiting the lighthouse, and relaxing over a pint at the Turk's Head, England's southernmost pub. St. Agnes can be reached by ferry from the main island of St. Mary's.

2. Corvo, Azores, Portugal. The smallest and northernmost of the remote Azores, Corvo is an isolated place. The island boasts a stunning verdant caldera with two crater lakes. It is also well-known as a birdwatching spot. Food lovers should enjoy Corvo's local handmade cheese, distinctive corn bread, and larded tarts made with rock grass. Corvo can be reached by air on SATA Air Açores.

3. Kasos, Greece. Situated between Crete and Karpathos, Kasos is a sparsely populated dot on the map at the southern end of the Dodecanese Islands. Greece being Greece, the island has several remarkable beaches on offer, though these are not the whole story. Its five villages are home to scores of delightful churches. The island also maintains a busy festival schedule throughout the year. The festival of St. Marina, held on July 17, is the most important summer season festival event. Ferries connect visitors to Kasos from Crete and Piraeus, and Olympic Air links the island to the outside world by air.

4. Bornholm, Denmark. The Danish Baltic Sea island of Bornholm lies far east of the rest of Denmark. The bucolic island is packed with attractions. Among these is Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe, which dates back to the 12th Century. Bornholm is also a hub for arts and crafts, and hosts an annual Culture Week festival in September. Bornholm can be reached by ferry from Køge (Denmark), Ystad (Sweden), Kolobrzeg (Poland), and Sassnitz (Germany). There are also air links from Copenhagen on Cimber Sterling as well as sesonal connections to Billund (Cimber Sterling) and Oslo (Widerøe).

5. Hiiumaa, Estonia. This quiet western Estonian island is full of picturesque rural corners: old churches, lighthouses, little forested islets, and beaches for swimming and sunning. Hiking is a big draw here, and there are also opportunities for horseback riding and kayaking. Prices are very reasonable here, as Estonia remains an affordable destination. For budget-friendly accommodation on Hiiumaa, consider booking a room at the delightful Allike, where double rooms begin at €50. Hiiumaa can be reached by air from Tallinn with Avies and by ferry from the mainland and the neighboring island of Saaremaa.

[Image of St. Agnes: Flickr | Carlton Browne]

Continue reading Five lesser-known European islands

Five lesser-known European islands originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azoresbornholmcornwallcorvodenmarkenglandEstoniagreeceHiiumaaisles of scillyIslesOfScillyKasosportugalSt. AgnesSt.Agnesunited kingdomUnitedKingdomFri, 25 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Top ten holiday season foods from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/top-ten-holiday-season-foods-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/top-ten-holiday-season-foods-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/15/top-ten-holiday-season-foods-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

holiday foodsNo matter where in the world you live, whatever your ethnic or religious heritage, the holidays are inextricably linked with food. Whether there's symbolic meaning behind these seasonal treats, or they're everyday dishes that have become festive additions to the seasonal repertoire, they're hard to resist.

Below, I've picked some of my favorites, most of which have personal meaning (although sometimes, an Israeli jelly doughnut is just a really great jelly doughnut). For the record, I'm not religious, and in fact don't really celebrate the holidays anymore (the result of years working in the food and travel industries, and not having kids). I'm ethnically Jewish and of Russian descent, but grew up "celebrating" Christmas, which usually included a heaping plate of my grandmother's latkes (yes, I realize that's weird, but you haven't met my family).

In more recent years, I've taken to traveling during the holidays when I can, but barring that, I love me a good dim sum feast on Christmas Day. Who says we can't make our own traditions?

In no particular order:

1. Tamales (Mexico, parts of Central America)
Who can resist steamed bundles of sweet, earthy, corn-based dough filled with spicy, savory meat or cheese?

[Photo credit: Laurel Miller]

Continue reading Top ten holiday season foods from around the world

Top ten holiday season foods from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebratory foodsCelebratoryFoodsChristmaschristmas foodChristmasFoodculinary-travelhanukahholiday foodsholiday travelHolidayFoodsholidaysHolidayTravelKwanzaanew years celebrationNew Years foodsNewYearsCelebrationNewYearsFoodsscandanaviaWest AfricaWestAfricaWed, 15 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Win a trip to Scandinavia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/12/win-a-trip-to-scandinavia/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/12/win-a-trip-to-scandinavia/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/12/win-a-trip-to-scandinavia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Want to explore your Scandinavian heritage or simply think a trip to Denmark, Sweden and Norway sounds fabulous? Thanks to Faces of Scandinavia, now you can.

To enter, simply comment on one of the Faces of Scandinavia travel stories, and explain why you like their story or the destination. A winner will be chosen at random on January 14, 2011. Want to be featured on the site? You can also upload your own photo and travel story, although it won't increase your chances of winning.

The grand prize includes two roundtrip tickets with Icelandair to Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, two nights in a fabulous hotel in each city, overnight cruise from Oslo to Copenhagen, a train from Copenhagen to Stockholm and City Cards for sightseeing in each city. The second prize is a 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi and 3G and the travel application Guidepal.

Win a trip to Scandinavia originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestfaces of scandinaviaFacesOfScandinaviascandinaviaFri, 12 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten great bands that I only discovered by traveling]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/12/ten-great-bands-that-i-only-discovered-by-traveling/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/12/ten-great-bands-that-i-only-discovered-by-traveling/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/12/ten-great-bands-that-i-only-discovered-by-traveling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

To travel is to trade.

From the 15th century Portuguese explorers to the overconfident 18-year old who crosses the ocean with a loaded iPod, travelers are always in the business of exchanging things: ideas, food, fashion, genes and diseases. Music is right up there, and with the ease of the MP3, we freely unload playlists to one another like apples in a market.

When I look over some of the best music I own, I realize that I only discovered these bands/musicians from traveling away from home, well outside my own musical comfort zone. Certain bands are universal, others still quite local (or were, once upon a time), but despite iTunes attempts to drench us all in far-reaching world tastes, some music is still homegrown. Here's a quick (and personal) top ten of my own discoveries accompanied by a slew of cheesy YouTube clips for your listening pleasure.

Trentemøller (Denmark) Something about dark, electronic music and the Nordic countries go hand in hand. Trentemøller has become a legendary DJ who plays across the globe, but had I never gone to Denmark, I would have waited five years for his music to work its way across the Atlantic.


Zero Degree Atoll (Maldives) I met the lead singer of this band in his home country of The Maldives, right after he performed a chilling cover or R.E.M's "Losing My Religion". Though he masters Led Zeppelin and his favorite band is Jethro Tull, his own music is sung in the Dhivehi languages and combines the local blend of Arabic and Indian influences.


Cheb Hasni (Algeria) You can't visit North Africa and not hear the signature sounds of Algerian Raï music blaring in the chaotic streets of the medina, day and night. Cheb Hasni is king of the genre--an Algerian man, who with his band, cultivated a global following before he was murdered by Islamic fundamentalists in 1994. I caught on to Cheb Hasni in Morocco and despite regular online research, have yet to listen to every one of his songs that make up his prolific discography.

Continue reading Ten great bands that I only discovered by traveling

Ten great bands that I only discovered by traveling originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlgeriaArchitecture in HelsinkiArchitectureInHelsinkibandsCheb HasniChebHasniexplorersfaye wongFayeWongFor a minor reflectionForAMinorReflectionIceland AirwavesIcelandAirwavesIryna BilykIrynaBilykJethro TullJethroTullLasairfhíona Ní ChonaolaLasairfhíonaNíChonaolaled zeppelinLedZeppelinmaldivesMarisa MonteMarisaMontemusicmusic and travelMusicAndTravelRaiRhythmsingingsongsSpringbok Nude girlsSpringbokNudeGirlstop tenTopTentravelTrentemollerUkrainezero degree atollZeroDegreeAtollFri, 12 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top ten cities with best public transit systems]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/04/top-ten-cities-with-best-public-transit-systems/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/04/top-ten-cities-with-best-public-transit-systems/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/04/top-ten-cities-with-best-public-transit-systems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



These ten public transportation systems, in random rather than top-to-bottom order, are among the world's best. The transit systems profiled here include some of the most impressively massive as well as some of the best-scaled urban transportation systems. Today's focus is on international public transit systems; as such, the better US public transit systems (New York, Chicago, and Portland, among others) are not included.

1. Curitiba, Brazil. The capital of Brazil's southern Paraná province has a widely emulated public transportation system consisting exclusively of buses running on dedicated lanes, all of which utilize bus shelters (see above). The system prizes simplicity. There is a single price for tickets. The network is estimated to be used by a remarkable 85% of the population.

2. Moscow, Russia. If you take the metro to work in Moscow, you don't really have an excuse for being late. The sheer reliability and frequency of Moscow's metro system makes it among the world's best. The city's metro system also features a number of ornately beautiful stations. Some stand-out stations include Mayakovskaya, Kiyevskaya, and Kropotkinskaya.

3. Vienna, Austria. Vienna's public transportation system is a favorite for tourists in part due to its iconic red streetcars, which have become a symbol of the city. The city's five U-Bahn (subway) lines join 30 streetcar lines and over 80 bus lines in blanketing the city with transit options.

4. Hong Kong. The public transportation system in this crowded metropolis absorbs most of its residents' transportation needs. Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway takes the lion's share of traffic. Fares are paid via a smart card known as an Octopus Card, which can be used to charge transactions in all sorts of non-transit venues.

5. Munich, Germany. Bavaria's biggest city boasts a very comprehensive multi-pronged public transportation system, which consists of an U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter rail), an inner-city tram network, and buses. Munich's transit systems is efficient and its range is broad.

Continue reading Top ten cities with best public transit systems

Top ten cities with best public transit systems originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustriaBrazilcopenhagencuritibadenmarkenglandfrancegermanyHong KongHongKongJapanlondonmoscowMunichparispublic transitpublic transportationPublicTransitPublicTransportationrussiaseoulsouth koreaSouthKoreatokyounited kingdomUnitedKingdomViennaThu, 04 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST