Gadling

Grounding Of Costa Concordia Brings New Rules For Cruise Travel

Chris Owen — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, North America, Israel, United Kingdom, United States, Cruises, Luxury Travel, Travel Security

After the grounding of Costa Concordia in January, the governing organizations of the cruise industry ordered an Operational Safety Review both in response to the troubling Concordia grounding and as part of the industry's continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures. Now, the review is complete and has resulted in three new policies that promise to address safety concerns.

These three new policies, which go beyond international regulatory requirements, address safety issues related to passage planning, personnel access to the bridge and lifejackets. Each of these three policies will be reported to the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) for consideration at their next session in May.

"As highlighted by these wide-ranging policies, we continue to take proactive measures to improve the safety of passengers and crew across the globe," said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in a Wall Street Journal statement.

The three policies answer questions asked about specific topics concerning the Costa Concordia grounding:

Continue reading Grounding Of Costa Concordia Brings New Rules For Cruise Travel

Grounding Of Costa Concordia Brings New Rules For Cruise Travel originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jerusalem to host their first International Ice Festival this spring

Jessica Festa — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Israel, Middle East

While Jerusalem, Israel, is well known for its religious traditions and sacred sites, there is actually a lot more for tourists to experience. In fact, this spring the celebration of Passover isn't the only reason to visit the city, as Jerusalem will be hosting their first ever International Ice Festival.

The festival will take place at the Old Train Station Plaza from March 3-April 4, 2012, and will feature an array of activities and highlights, like an ice bar, ice skating, live entertainment, storytelling, and a replica of Jerusalem made entirely of ice. Don't worry about freezing, as coats will be handed out at the entrance to keep visitors warm in the 14 degree Fahrenheit conditions.

For those who would like to turn their visit to Jerusalem into an creativity-inspired vacation, the Jerusalem Arts Festival also takes place in mid-March. Moreover, the Israel Museum features an array of interesting art and culture exhibits.

Admission to the International Ice Festival is 65 NIS (about $18). Click here to purchase tickets.

Jerusalem to host their first International Ice Festival this spring originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo of the Day: Pomegranates in Jerusalem

Jessica Marati — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Food and Drink, Photos, Israel, Photo of the Day, Middle East

Sometimes, the most hidden corners of a city are its most interesting. Take this sliver of Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter, where a small pomegranate stand, a chair, a door, a mirror, some electrical wires, and graffiti compose one of the most visually striking images in the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. Plus, this Photo of the Day was taken with an iPhone! Flickr user Better Nothing Than Almost proves that when the subject, lighting, and composition are right, the rest doesn't really matter. Well, maybe some photo-ready iPhoneography apps help too.

Does your photo belong here? Upload your favorite travel shots, whether pro or Instagram, to the Gadling Group Pool and your image could be selected as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Pomegranates in Jerusalem originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventure travel with a purpose in Israel's Negev Desert

Kraig Becker — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Israel, Ecotourism, Middle East

Travel can be such an incredible, life altering, experience, both for us, and the people that we interact with on our journeys. But seldom is that more clearly defined than in the case of an upcoming special trip from an organization called Bustan, which works closely with indigenous Bedouin tribes of the Negev Desert, a rocky, arid region located in southern Israel.

Starting in March, Bustan is launching a five-month long project in the Negev that will be a unique and intensive mix of education, cultural immersion, and desert adventure. Over the course of the time spent there, those joining the expedition will get the opportunity to live with the Bedouin people, while learning about their way of life and picking up practical skills on how to live simply and sustainably with the desert. They'll also gain extensive knowledge of the history of the Middle East, while also sharpening their Arabic language skills and discovering the unique landscapes of the Negev Desert.

But this journey also has a larger purpose as well. Participants will be living in the village of Qasar A Sir, which remains without many basic amenities that most of us take for granted, such as running water, electricity, or a sewer system. While there, travelers will be a part of Bustan's permaculture and sustainability program, which will help to create a more permanent community for the Bedouin people. They'll learn eco-building techniques, help create water harvesting systems, basic waste management facilities, organic gardens, and more permanent structures, all under the supervision of a team of educators who specialize in desert culture.

The cost for joining the trip has still not been posted on the Bustan website, but you'll find a lot more information about this opportunity by clicking here. This is one of those unique opportunities where you know before you go that you'll be a part of something that can truly impact the lives of those living in the place you visit.

[Photo courtesy Free Israel Photos via WikiMedia]

Adventure travel with a purpose in Israel's Negev Desert originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo of the Day: raining in Tel Aviv

Jeremy Kressmann — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Israel, Photo of the Day, Middle East

The rainy day colors and textures of Flickr user Better Nothing Than Almost's photo caught my eye today. Taken near Tel Aviv, Israel, the blurry drops of water that cling to the window create an impressionist-like effect on the image. I love the hushed color palette, darkening skies and bursts of warm light. It feels eerie yet warm at the same time.

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

Photo of the Day: raining in Tel Aviv originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Uncornered Market Q&A: Audrey and Dan on Iran

Alex Robertson Textor — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Oceania, Iran, Israel, Japan, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Middle East

Uncornered Market is one of the most popular travel blogs out there. A quick gander will demonstrate why this is the case. Audrey Scott and Dan Noll's labor of love boasts some of the most arresting travel photography around. The subjects the two take on are of broad interest as well--from reflections on cultural traffic to recipes, to reflections on the importance of diplomacy on a personal level, and even to a particular brand of self-help.

Audrey and Dan talk to Gadling hot on the heels of their first visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran with a range of opinions, suggestions, and tips.

Q: Good day, Audrey and Dan. Define your occupations.

A: Storytellers, writers, photographers, world travelers. Mostly, we're known as the husband-and-wife team behind the travel blog Uncornered Market.

Q: You recently traveled to Iran. Tell us how the trip came about and where you went.

A: Our interest in Iran dates back to 2003 when we befriended Audrey's Iranian colleagues at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and attended a slideshow presentation from travelers who'd recently returned from Iran. Our curiosity was piqued; we wanted to see for ourselves what the country and people were like, to find an alternative story than what the media tends to portray.

We've been on the road for five years and now seemed like the right time to satisfy our curiosity despite the fact that our family and friends thought we were crazy given the current political climate.

Our trip began in Tehran and then made a loop through Hamadan, Kermanshah, Ahvaz, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Abyaneh, Rasht, Masuleh, Ardebil, and Tabriz. We finished the journey with an Iranian train trip from Tabriz to Istanbul, Turkey, which took two and a half days.

Q: In your interactions with Iranians, did politics ever enter the picture? Did you discuss geopolitics or the actions of the US and Iranian governments with anyone?

A: We never began our conversations on the topic of politics, but particularly after we earned people's trust, it entered the discussion. Most of the Iranian people we met took issue with their government, its rules, its rhetoric, and its disengagement with the rest of the world. Many would conclude with: "People are good. Politics and governments are bad."

The impression of America, and especially of the American people, was strikingly and overwhelmingly positive. The Iranians we met wished to engage more with the rest of the world. However, most Iranians we spoke to did not expect change within their own government, and as a result, they were not optimistic that relations between the Iranian and American governments would improve any time soon.

Q: How were you received, generally speaking?

A: Like rock stars. We traveled with a small group of Americans, Australians and a Dane. We were all well received, but as Americans we were often shown special positive attention. Being American got us a lot of handshakes, hugs and invitations to people's homes.

Continue reading Uncornered Market Q&A: Audrey and Dan on Iran

Uncornered Market Q&A: Audrey and Dan on Iran originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo of the day - Lego man hearts Tel Aviv

Meg Nesterov — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Photos, Israel, Photo of the Day, Middle East

They say all art is subjective, and no artform is more contentious than graffiti. Some might say even a detailed mural is defacing public property, while others might consider a bawdy limerick on a bathroom wall to be social commentary. In recent years, artists like Banksy have elevated graffiti to public art. This Lego fellow cleverly rendered in 3-D shows his love for the city of Tel Aviv, taken by Flickr user mjlacey, as a great example of fun and positive street art.

Submit your favorite street art to the Gadling Flickr pool and we may use it for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the day - Lego man hearts Tel Aviv originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Museums and politics in the West Bank

Sean McLachlan — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Israel, News, Middle East

A new bill working its way through the Israeli government would put museums on Israeli settlements in the West Bank under Israeli law.

This piece of legislation is more than it seems, the Jerusalem Post reports. The real purpose of the bill, as its author, minister Uri Ariel of the National Union party makes clear, is to slowly annex the West Bank.

If this bill passes, Ariel hopes it will open the door for more Israeli law to be applied to the West Bank, gradually incorporating it into the rest of the country.

Currently museums on West Bank settlements are under military law, a product of the region being taken from Jordan in the 1967 war, and thus cannot get the same kind of funding as other Israeli museums.

The West Bank and Gaza strip are nominally part of the Palestinian Authority, but this government has had trouble receiving full international recognition and much of its land is actually owned by Israelis. Palestinians are barred from or have limited access to much of the West Bank because of Israeli settlements and their security zones, as this UN map shows.

The Knesset (Israeli parliament) education Committee has already passed the bill and it will probably be seen by the entire Knesset in the next two weeks.

I visited some West Bank museums when I was working as an archaeologist in the region in the early Nineties. The Israeli ones were mainly devoted to proving their right to the land and highlighting Muslim atrocities. The Palestinian ones were mainly devoted to proving their right to the land and highlighting Jewish atrocities.

In a country like Israel, history and politics always go hand in hand.

Museums and politics in the West Bank originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Herod may not have completed Jerusalem's Western Wall, archaeologists discover

Sean McLachlan — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Israel, News, Middle East

It is one of the holiest spots in one of the holiest cities in the world. The Western Wall attracts Jews and Christians alike, and is on the limits of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a Muslim holy site.

It's always been believed to have been built by King Herod, the king of Judea and a vassal of the Roman Empire who reigned from 37-4 BC. Herod expanded the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the Western Wall is the western boundary of that expansion.

Now archaeologists have found evidence that the Western Wall was finished after Herod's death. The coins found under the foundations date to 20 years after Herod died.

This isn't news to scholars. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus wrote that the project was finished by Herod's great-grandson. Archaeologists also found a mikve (Jewish ritual bath), three clay lamps in a style popular in the first century AD, and other artifacts. Seventeen coins were found, including two minted by the Roman governor Valerius Gratus in 17 or 18 AD.

I visited Jerusalem several times when I was working as an archaeologist in the Middle East back in the early Nineties. On numerous occasions I saw where local tradition came up against the findings of archaeology and history. For example, the route of the Via Dolorosa, the trail Jesus supposedly took on his way to Calvary, was only established in the 19th century. In the centuries before that there were several different routes.

In the current debate between the faithful and the atheists, these facts change nothing. The deflating of a local tradition will not make anyone stop believing in God, and the atheists are equally convinced about their views.

Photo courtesy Chris Yunker.

Herod may not have completed Jerusalem's Western Wall, archaeologists discover originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American students bring Thanksgiving's message of coexistence to the Middle East

Jessica Festa — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Stories, North America, Israel, United States, Consumer Activism, Middle East, Women's Travel

This Thanksgiving, holiday traditions and messages are going farther than the family dinner table. In fact, they are going all the way to the Middle East as American young adults spending time abroad will be spreading the message of coexistence throughout diverse communities by recreating the Thanksgiving feast from their childhood.

Masa Israel Journey, a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israeli Government, sends more than 6,000 young Americans to Israel each year to study, intern, and volunteer, as well as spread a peaceful and harmonious message. Diverse groups of people such as Arabs, Israeli Jews, Palestinians, Europeans, and American peers are all positively affected by the introduction and blending of Thanksgiving traditions.

Some examples of how American young adults have spread their traditions and the message of coexistence include:

Abra Berkowitz, a Boston-native who studied at Masa Israel's Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, shared a potluck dinner with other students from Jordan, Isreael, the Palestinian Territories, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. A blending of cultures could be seen by a turkey seasoned with zaatar and a side dish of tahini stuffing.
Detroit-born Josh Kanter, who enrolled in Masa Israel's Career Israel internship program, celebrated Thanksgiving at a Herbrew University-sponsored dinner with other international students from Argentina, Uruguay, Guatemala, Israel, and the United States. While there was turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, hummus was also a big hit at the table.
Jessica Simon from Philadelphia, who studied at Masa Israel's Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, was also volunteering at Jerusalem Open House, the organization that supports LGBT people and their allies in Jerusalem. She planned a Thanksgiving potluck and read from a gay friendly prayer book with Hebrew explanations about Thanksgiving to the Israeli attendees. Because sweet potatoes were not available, Simon substituted them with carrot soup.

For information on Masa Israel Journey and how they help spread the message of coexistence, click here.

American students bring Thanksgiving's message of coexistence to the Middle East originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 unique modes of transportation around the world

Jessica Festa — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Learning, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Cambodia, India, Israel, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand, Portugal, United Kingdom, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Transportation, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Health, Consumer Activism, Middle East, Central America, Women's Travel

Cars, trains, buses, and planes aren't the only way to get around a country. From the Bamboo Train in Cambodia to the Rail Cart in the the Philippines to the Couch Bike in Canada, here are ten unique modes of transportation from around the world.

Chicken Bus
Guatemala, Central America

While variations of the chicken bus can be found in many different countries (this reminds me a lot of taking the tro-tro in Ghana, Africa), this vehicle is used not only to transport people but also livestock, hence the name. These U.S. school buses are very eye-catching as they are colorfully painted and decorated. When taking one expect cramped conditions, as chicken buses tend to be packed to capacity, and hectic driving at Nascar speeds.

Continue reading 10 unique modes of transportation around the world

10 unique modes of transportation around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Subjective Guide to the Budget Hotels of the Orient

Rolf Potts — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Egypt, Cambodia, India, Israel, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam

In Asia, most luxury hotels have been fine-tuned to eliminate the prospect of unpredictability. Specific amenities aside, a given Ritz-Carlton or Shangri-La property is designed to feel the same from city to city. This ensures a consistent level of comfort for clients, but it rarely makes for distinctive travel memories.

The budget hotels of Asia, on the other hand, are charming precisely because you can't predict what kind of experiences await from destination to destination. Guidebooks might offer general information about prices and services, but it isn't until you encounter them first-hand (in the context of your own personal idiosyncrasies) that you get a sense for how these budget hotels can enhance your travel experience.

This in mind, here's my subjective guide to some of the cheapest, frumpiest hotels in the Orient:

Ngoc Linh Hotel, Kontum, Vietnam
$12 for a private room; $5 for a dorm room (tel: 84-60-864560)
The owner's daughter, a cute, almond-eyed child, is scared of you. Whenever you walk through the lobby, she bursts into tears. Though you have enough money for a private room, you elect to stay in the dorm. The only other occupant is a Japanese backpacker. He ties a beer can to the end of a shoelace and bangs it on the floor because he thinks there are rats under the beds. When you return for a second night, you notice that the maids have turned off the ceiling fan and stolen your bananas, but they did not bother to actually clean the room. That evening you notice that the owner's daughter is no longer scared of you. You also notice that she is eating a banana.

Continue reading A Subjective Guide to the Budget Hotels of the Orient

A Subjective Guide to the Budget Hotels of the Orient originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Israel, Chile, Slovak Republic among countries with highest adventure travel potential

Kraig Becker — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Learning, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Israel, Jordan, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Chile, News

A new study conducted by George Washington University, Vital Wave Consulting, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) shows that Israel, Chile, and the Slovak Republic led the way in adventure tourism in 2010. The study, which resulted in the third annual Adventure Tourism Development Index, uses a mix of quantitative data and expert surveys to rank nations from around the globe on their approach and commitment to sustainable adventure travel.

The study examines what researchers call the "ten pillars" of adventure tourism. Those pillars include such things as infrastructure, cultural resources, adventure activities, entrepreneurship, and more. When those factors were all examined and ranked accordingly, for each country, a score was calculated that resulted in rankings for both developed and developing nations.

So exactly which countries earned high marks in the latest Adventure Tourism Development Index? The top ten developing countries included the following: Israel, Slovak Republic, Chile, Estonia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Jordan, Romania and Latvia.Conversely, the top ten developed nations included: Switzerland, Iceland, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Finland and Austria.

The ATTA is quick to point out that these lists are not an indication of how well visited these countries currently are as adventure travel destinations, although some are already popular amongst travelers. Instead, it is a general rating on the climate that exists in these places that make it possible to support sustainable tourism now and into the future.

Judging from the list, it appears that Europe is well ahead of the game in terms of promoting sustainable travel. Both lists are dominated by countries from that continent, which could come as a surprise to many travelers.

To read the entire report click here.

Israel, Chile, Slovak Republic among countries with highest adventure travel potential originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrity Silhouette debuts to rave reviews

Chris Owen — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST

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

Celebrity Cruises new 2,886 passenger Celebrity Silhouette debuted this week in Hamburg, Germany. Initial reviews indicate the line's fourth new ship in less than three years offers far more than a cookie-cutter version of her three older sisters.

"The most striking change was replacement of glass blowing with the Lawn Club Grill, allowing more passengers to enjoy 1/2 acre of real grass in an engaging and tantalizing culinary experience with views of the lawn and the best oceanviews available" cruise expert Stewart Chiron, CEO CruiseGuy.com, told Gadling late Thursday from Hamburg.

Fans of Celebrity Silhouette's three sister-ships will find familiar features including the signature Lawn Club, an on-deck area with actual growing grass. New in this part of the ship is the 48-seat Lawn Club Grill, replacing the Corning Glass Works feature on earlier models. The open-air outdoor restaurant allows guests to select and grill their own meats, barbecued pizza or fresh vegetables by themselves or with the help of the ship's chefs at night for an additional fee. Accompanying beverages include wine, frosty buckets of beer and pitchers of sangria.

Continue reading Celebrity Silhouette debuts to rave reviews

Celebrity Silhouette debuts to rave reviews originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European low-cost airlines fail to enforce charges and fees

Alex Robertson Textor — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Israel, Croatia, Finland, Macedonia, Middle East

Flying around Europe on low-cost airlines over the last few months has taught me a few things. Among the most useful lessons I've picked up: Baggage and check-in fees and charges are enforced quite unevenly.

European low-cost carriers present their customers with a frightening thicket of charges and fees. These charges, which serve as a revenue stream for the airlines, are less readily enforced by contract agents who are not direct employees of the airlines in question, though bona fide airline employees also appear to enforce them inconsistently.

Some anecdotes from the last few months follow.

In Tel Aviv in March I tried to inform the easyJet check-in agent--clearly not an employee of easyJet--that, having failed to pay to check a bag online, I would need to cough up some shekels to do so. Not only did she refuse to take money to check my duffel bag but she clearly had no idea that I was supposed to be charged to check by bag in the first place.

Flying airBaltic between London and Finland last month, I was made to weigh my carry-on en route to Finland by an airBaltic agent. Returning, the contract employee in Oulu didn't ask me to weigh my bag, which, at 9 kilos, was right at the weight limit.

Three events, arguably, serve as a representative sample. I flew WizzAir last week to and from the Balkans. WizzAir demands that its customers' carry-on bags not exceed ten kilos, but neither the agent at Luton nor the at Dubrovnik on my return weighed my bag to see if it had exceeded the limit. In both cases I was very likely just over the baggage weight limit.

This is a case not so much of lessons learned than of a pattern observed. Contract check-in agents don't appear to have been taught about the intricacies of their employers' rules and regulations, first off. Secondly, and just possibly, if your carry-on bag looks diminutive, you may be able to get away with a few extra kilos.

That said, this is not an official Gadling recommendation to start to think of these charges and fees as inconsequential. They're imposed to make money and they succeed in doing so for their airlines. To some degree, I'm sure I was simply lucky in these instances. But clearly the fees and charges are not being enforced as fully as they were designed to be.

[Image: Flickr | jenny-bee]

Continue reading European low-cost airlines fail to enforce charges and fees

European low-cost airlines fail to enforce charges and fees originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Airbnb: Six awesome experiences

Alex Robertson Textor — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, South America, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, United States, Colombia, Middle East

Last autumn, after having tracked the Airbnb buzz for a while, I finally took the plunge and reserved rooms through the site in Panama City and Bogotá for my two-stop December jaunt.

About a half-hour into my first pit stop, it was already clear to me that the service was a perfect fit for budget-conscious travelers. (For the record, I'm not the only Airbnb fan at Gadling. Check out my colleague Elizabeth Seward's Airbnb post published earlier this year.)

For those unfamiliar with it, Airbnb is a rental service. House or apartment owners list their spare beds, rooms, or entire living spaces for rent on the site.

What makes Airbnb distinct? First of all, owners are paid 24 hours after the reservation begins, a delay that helps weed out dishonest landlords. Another important detail: if there is a problem with a rental, guests can contact Airbnb to void payment. I was comfortable with Airbnb from the outset in light of these consumer protection safeguards, and the fact that everyone is encouraged to evaluate one another following a stay was icing on the cake. Landlords can't get away with false advertising, and poor behavior on the part of a guest or host will also be exposed through reviews. Good hosts and guests can both build up positive profiles via strong reviews.

Overall, Airbnb is pretty scamproof if used as directed. In a review of comments and criticisms of Airbnb online, it appears that some people have been scammed after making a payment on a rental outside of the Airbnb payment system. Payment via the Airbnb payment system, it should go without saying, is a much safer bet. Here's a tiny piece of advice: If any property owner you contact through Airbnb urges you to bypass the Airbnb payment system and directly wire them money, cut off contact and report them.

Overnight, I became a fan of Airbnb. Seldom had I found such cheap accommodations in such comfortable surroundings, and with the added benefit of an instant social network of locals taking an interest in my welfare. I've experienced just two annoyances of the most minor sort: a host in Panama City who never messaged me back and a hostess in Tel Aviv whose room was not available despite being advertised as such.

But where did I stay? What were my accommodations like? And what did they cost?

Continue reading Airbnb: Six awesome experiences

Airbnb: Six awesome experiences originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to get a second passport

Alex Robertson Textor — Fri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, United States, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean

A second passport sounds glamorous. And in point of fact, it is glamorous. There's no debating the matter. Possessing a second passport gives its bearer bragging rights and the ability to feel a wee bit like a spy, especially when he or she is traveling with both passports in tow.

So you want to get a second passport and feel like an undercover agent? Not so fast. The US State Department allows Americans to obtain a second US passport under two circumstances only: [1] when a particular passport stamp will prevent entry into certain other countries the bearer intends or needs to visit, and [2] when a foreign visa application's processing time interferes with upcoming international travel.

The first loophole addresses diplomatic barriers to travel. The chief example here is the Israeli passport stamp. Several countries refuse to admit travelers with an Israeli stamp (as well as Jordanian or Egyptian entrance or exit stamps from Israel's land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt) in their passports.

With an Israeli stamp in your passport, you may be refused entry to Algeria, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Anecdotal evidence from friends and various online sources indicates that some countries are stricter than others, with Lebanon and Syria particularly unbendable. The bearer of a second passport can alternate between passports selectively, thus making sure that he or she will not be refused admission for a years-old Israeli passport stamp at, say, the Damascus airport.

The second circumstance addresses the problem of bureaucratic delays. People with upcoming travel scheduled while their passports are unavailable as a consequence of a foreign visa application (or another procedure involving a foreign government) can apply for and receive a second passport.

The second passport is only valid for two years. In addition to the required form and photographs, applications must include evidence of upcoming travel and a letter explaining the applicant's specific need for the additional passport.

How to get a second passport originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Summer Travel: A week in the Holy Land

Matthew Firestone — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Israel, Middle East

With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, it's safe to say that many of us are suffering from serious bouts of wanderlust. Fortunately we at Gadling have the cure, namely a heaping dose of pure, uncut travel advice. Side effects may include flight bookings, hotel reservations and the loss of a few clean passport pages.

Every year, travel experts (myself included...) seem to tout a *new* destination that somehow seemed to escape all prior notice. But today we're here to tell you that one of the hottest summer destinations has in fact been around for a long, long time. Rather than keeping you guessing, we'll just spill the fava beans and come right out and say it.

Geopolitics aside, Israel is an awe-inspiring place to visit.

In one tiny strip of land, you'll find ancient cities, a mélange of cultures, stunning natural environments, rich cuisine and decent value for your dollar. Israel's compact size also means that you can tick off a long-list of sights in a relatively short period of time. And, you'll find that English is widely spoken, which makes independent travel very feasible.

Gallery: Pictures from the Holy Land

Continue reading Summer Travel: A week in the Holy Land

Summer Travel: A week in the Holy Land originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cool cafe alert: Uganda, Jerusalem

Alex Robertson Textor — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Israel, Middle East

Jerusalem is gloriously beautiful city. It is also an overwhelming place. One of the world's most important religious cities is the site of ongoing conflicts over land and territory. It is difficult to visit Jerusalem without considering these issues. Even a short visit to Jerusalem (especially one that includes Palestinian cities to the north and south of the city) compels visitors to think about religion, culture, state conflict, and land.

The preponderance of religious sites, the throngs of religious tourists, and the tension that buzzes through the Old Town's air make for a very particular atmosphere. You could forgive visitors for hankering after a break in scene.

If you've got cash to burn, there's the admittedly spellbinding Orientalist sanctuary of the American Colony Hotel, with its incredible ambiance and storied history. The American Colony provides a true oasis from Jerusalem's chaos.

For visitors in search of a grittier, more contemporary sort of respite, a posh hotel will not do. Happily for these anonymous hipsters, Jerusalem boasts a very cool cafe called Uganda (4 Aristobolus Street) that is absolutely worth a visit.

A record store-cum-bar/cafe named after the former British protectorate once proposed as a Jewish homeland, Uganda feels well and truly countercultural. Opened in 2005, Uganda sells zines, comics, and graphic novels as well as music from Israel and beyond.

The interior is a curious mixture of hipster and hippie. On the hipster side, there are classic vintage (or lookalike) pieces of furniture; for the hippies, there are waitresses with dreadlocky situations atop their heads. The clientele is young and geeky-hipster, an the scene is undeniably bohemian. Uganda's scene is sustained by a packed calendar of performances throughout the year. Recent months have featured scheduled gigs on a near-nightly basis.

And if none of the above wets your whistle, there's this: Uganda serves an excellent Palestinian beer called Taybeh.

Cool cafe alert: Uganda, Jerusalem originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crucifixion nails found in Israel? Probably not.

Sean McLachlan — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, Israel, Italy, News, Middle East

There's been a shocking archaeological discovery in Israel. Nails from the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ have been found!

Well, no, probably not.

The claim comes from Israeli Canadian documentary filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici, the Washington Post reports. Jacobovici has done several documentaries on Christian subjects and came across an archaeological report from 1990 mentioning the discovery of nails in the tomb of a man named Caiaphas. For those who know their Bible, this is the same name as the Jewish high priest who plotted to arrest Jesus and then gave him to the Romans. The name is right, the date of the tomb is right, so the nails must be those from the Crucifixion, right?

The Post quotes Jacobovici as saying, "There's a general scholarly consensus that the tomb where the nails were found likely belonged to Caiaphas. Nails at that time were a dime a dozen, but finding one in a tomb is exceedingly rare."

Actually neither of these statements is true. The Post quotes an Israeli archaeologist as saying that the inscriptions in the tomb aren't clear as to the occupant's identity, and I myself have seen Roman nails turn up in tombs. They were pretty common objects, after all.

The timing of this announcement just before Easter and just before Jacobovici's next documentary comes out (titled "Nails of the Cross" to air Wednesday on the History Channel), adds to the suspicion that Jacobovici is fooling either himself or us.

There's also the question of why a Jewish high priest would take the nails of someone who he thought was a false prophet to the grave with him, or even how he got them in the first place since it was Jesus' family and followers who removed Jesus from the Cross.

In the view of this former archaeologist, this story is more of the usual sensationalism masking as science that fills so much of the media. A bit like the spurious discovery of Caligula's tomb.

Never fear. There are plenty are saints' relics in Rome, including enough nails for a dozen Crucifixions. Gadling's own David Farley has even written a book about the Holy Foreskin, which you can also visit in Italy. Actually there's more than one relic claiming to be the Holy Foreskin, but that's another story. . .

[Image of Roman nails courtesy user Takkk via Wikimedia Commons. These are not the same nails that came from the tomb mentioned in this article.]

Crucifixion nails found in Israel? Probably not. originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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