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[Roman sites in Libya survived the war mostly unscathed, initial reports show]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/01/roman-sites-in-libya-survived-the-war-mostly-unscathed-initial/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/01/roman-sites-in-libya-survived-the-war-mostly-unscathed-initial/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/01/roman-sites-in-libya-survived-the-war-mostly-unscathed-initial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Roman sites in Libya, Roman, Lepcis Magna
The recent fighting in Libya that toppled Gaddafi destroyed many lives and laid waste to many neighborhoods. Now that the country is beginning to rebuild, Libyans are taking stock of other effects of the war.

Libya's beautiful Roman remains, it appears, got off easy. Earlier this week, the Guardian reported that the Roman cities of Lepcis Magna and Sabratha both survived the war without any significant damage. This news came from Dr. Hafed Walda, a Libyan scholar working at King's College, London. Dr. Walda has excavated and studied Lepcis Magna for more than 15 years.

On the other hand, the new government displayed a cache of Roman artifacts that it says were going to be sold on the international antiquities market to finance Gaddafi's fight to stay in power. They were found on the day Tripoli fell to the rebels in the trunk of a car driven by Gaddafi loyalists as they tried to escape. No word on what happened to the pro-Gaddafi fighters. One can imagine.

This brings up the question of how many more artifacts were stolen from museums and archaeological sites, and if any made it abroad into the hands of unscrupulous collectors. Iraq and Afghanistan lost a huge amount of their heritage this way. Much of it disappeared after the main fighting, when armed bands looted what they could before a new regime was installed.

Gallery: Roman cities in Libya

Roman theatre in Lepcis MagnaRoman street in Lepcis MagnaArch of Septimus Severus, Lepcis MagnaSign pointing the way to a brothel in Lepcis MagnaLepcis Magna

Continue reading Roman sites in Libya survived the war mostly unscathed, initial reports show

Roman sites in Libya survived the war mostly unscathed, initial reports show originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventrue destinationsAdventrueDestinationsadventureadventure travelAdventure VacationsAdventureTravelAdventureVacationsAfricaAfrica tourismAfrica travelAfrican historyAfricanHistoryAfricaTourismAfricaTravelancient historyAncientHistoryantiquitiesAntiquitiesDealersarchaeologyArchaeologyNewsarcheologyArcheologyNewsHararhistoryLepcis MagnaLepcisMagnaLibyaLibya tourismLibya travelLibyaTourismLibyaTravelRomanRoman EmpireRoman sites in LibyaRomanEmpireRomansRomanSitesInLibyaRomeSabrathaThu, 01 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to get a second passport]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/27/how-to-get-a-second-passport/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/27/how-to-get-a-second-passport/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/27/how-to-get-a-second-passport/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

second passportA 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Israelsecond passportSecondPassportunited statesUnitedStatesUSAFri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gallery: More travel sketches from BBC's Tim Baynes]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/18/gallery-more-travel-sketches-from-bbcs-tim-baynes/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/18/gallery-more-travel-sketches-from-bbcs-tim-baynes/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/18/gallery-more-travel-sketches-from-bbcs-tim-baynes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel sketches
We wrote yesterday about Tim Baynes' delightful travel sketches from around the world on BBC and liked them so much we came back for more. You can (and should!) get lost for hours looking at his drawings on Flickr with fun anecdotes and scribbles bringing depth and humor to his slice-of-life artwork.

Check out some of our favorites in the gallery below, from a look inside the BBC Starbucks to the madness of Dubai immigration during the ash cloud to a quiet barbershop in Tripoli.

Gallery: Tim Baynes travel drawings from around the world

Eurostar passengersTorontoDubai arrivals during 2010 ash cloudJapanese fashionLondon tube commuting and texting


See more of Tim Baynes' work on the BBC, his personal Flickr stream, or order a copy of his book Doors to Automatic and Cross Check, direct from the artist.

All photos courtesy of Tim Baynes.

Gallery: More travel sketches from BBC's Tim Baynes originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartworkash cloudAshCloudbarberbarber shopBarberShopbbccommutingdim sumDimSumdrawingsdubaienglandeurostarhong kongHongKongimmigrationistanbullibyalondonmapmoleskinesketchesstarbuckssubwaytextingtim baynesTimBaynestorontotraintravel sketchesTravelSketchestripolitubtubeWed, 18 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Visit Libya now says Conde Nast Traveler]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/visit-libya-now-says-conde-nast-traveler/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/visit-libya-now-says-conde-nast-traveler/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/visit-libya-now-says-conde-nast-traveler/#commentsFiled under: ,

LibyaSomeone at Conde Nast Traveler has been eating paste again ...

The April issue of the esteemed travel magazine has named Libya among the "15 best places to see right now," according to a report on The Atlantic Wire. So, one of two things happened. Either it took a bit of time to put the issue of this print magazine to bed, or someone over there has a fantastic sense of humor. Given the state of the print industry, I'm guessing much "sense of humor" to go around.

Nonetheless, this month's readers will be treated to travel editorial that describes what is now a war-torn country in, I imagine, glowing terms. I will confess to two things: I haven't read the article (there doesn't seem to be much point), and I had planned to go to Libya later this year (which has changed, a bit, of course).

So, what's the reality here? A day late and a dollar short, I reckon.

Ouch.

[photo by شبكة برق | B.R.Q]

Visit Libya now says Conde Nast Traveler originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conde nast travelerCondeNastTravelerlibyalibya protestslibya unrestLibyaProtestsLibyaUnrestTue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reflections on Revolution - A photographer's travels through the Arab tumult]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/reflections-on-revolution-a-photographers-travels-arab-tumult/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/reflections-on-revolution-a-photographers-travels-arab-tumult/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/reflections-on-revolution-a-photographers-travels-arab-tumult/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


"May you live in interesting times" is a proverb with an unattributed origin. Most speculate the phrase came from China, some assume its origins to be of 20th century English design, but all agree that the phrase is a curse. We no doubt live in "interesting" times. 2011 has already brought revolution, quakes, tsunamis, government shutdowns, and an escaped cobra. Interesting is not always a good thing, but it can be.

With this video, photographer John Moore provides a glimpse into the hectic travel schedule of a front-line photojournalist during the Arab revolution of 2011. His photographs and stories from the Middle-east will leave an impression on you, and this video is interesting in a good way. From Egypt to Bahrain to Libya, the video showcases the revolution from one photographer's view behind the lens.

Continue reading Reflections on Revolution - A photographer's travels through the Arab tumult

Reflections on Revolution - A photographer's travels through the Arab tumult originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arab RevolutionArabRevolutionbahrainegyptJohn MooreJohnMoorelibyamiddle eastMiddleEastTue, 12 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo: Libyan no-fly zone visualized]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/20/photo-libyan-no-fly-zone-visualized/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/20/photo-libyan-no-fly-zone-visualized/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/20/photo-libyan-no-fly-zone-visualized/#commentsFiled under:



In this photo, you see the immediate effect of the UN no-fly zone decision on a commercial jet on its way to Tripoli. The JAT Airways plane departed Belgrade, and was told to turn around minutes after the UN blocked Libyan airspace.

The flight path comes from tracking site flightradar24.com and a full size version of the Tripoli bound plane path can be found here.

Photo: Libyan no-fly zone visualized originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jat airwaysJatAirwayslibya no fly zoneLibyaNoFlyZoneno-fly zoneNo-flyZoneSun, 20 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Surviving a revolution, tips from those who have been there]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/15/surviving-a-revolution-tips-from-those-who-have-been-there/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/15/surviving-a-revolution-tips-from-those-who-have-been-there/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/15/surviving-a-revolution-tips-from-those-who-have-been-there/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Surviving a revolution

Fox News has an excellent story on surviving a revolution from the front lines. During the best of times, travel is a game of chance. You trust that your airline will get you there, you trust that your hotel will have your reservation and you really trust that you will have some Internet access. Wherever you may travel, all those things we take for granted and have planned for are off the table if a revolution occurs. Here's what you need to know.

Engineer Scott Wallace recently landed about 75 miles south of Benghazi in eastern Libya. Very quickly the situation turned into a "day of rage" protesting Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi and his regime and revolution-mode was the order of the day.

Continue reading Surviving a revolution, tips from those who have been there

Surviving a revolution, tips from those who have been there originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LibyaLybya unrestLybyaUnrestrevolutionSurviving a revolutionSurvivingARevolutionTravel SafetyTravelSafetyTue, 15 Mar 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Arab revolution: the reaction of one Muslim community]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/14/the-arab-revolution-the-reaction-of-one-muslim-community/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/14/the-arab-revolution-the-reaction-of-one-muslim-community/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/14/the-arab-revolution-the-reaction-of-one-muslim-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

arab revolution, Arab RevolutionFor the past few weeks, headlines all over the world have been dominated by the so-called Arab Revolution, a wave of anti-government protests across the Middle East. I'm living in the Ethiopian Muslim community of Harar and locals here are absorbed in the events. Sitting in living rooms or cafes to escape the heat of the day, all eyes are glued to the satellite channels and conversation revolves around the rapidly changing events.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive tempered by caution. They're happy to see a strong pro-democracy movement in Egypt but say that since the army is the real power, democracy is still in danger. While the West worries about the Muslim Brotherhood taking over, one recent university graduate told me, "They only use Islam for political gain. Deal with them in economic terms and there will be no problem."

The main talk right now, of course, is about Libya. Descriptions of Gaddafi range from "crazy" to "stupid" to "evil". Some Hararis even say Gaddafi is a heroin addict. "He has an injured back and started taking it for the pain. He has a Russian nurse who follows him everywhere and gives him injections," one friend told me. I've never heard that before, but it would explain the bizarre interviews and why he wears sunglasses indoors. Everyone thinks he'll go down fighting rather than give up control.

Most people here watch Al-Jazeera. That station has taken definite sides in the Libyan revolution. When Gaddafi's government blocked the Internet, Al Jazeera started running the addresses for proxy sites to access Gmail and Twitter.

Mazzika 1, an Egyptian music video station, is now running a video about the uprising, showing the protests in Tahrir Square, the faces of some of the dead, and the final joyous victory, all set to inspiring music. It makes an interesting contrast to their usual fare of Arab starlets gyrating in front of the camera.

Continue reading The Arab revolution: the reaction of one Muslim community

The Arab revolution: the reaction of one Muslim community originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure traveladventure vacationadventure-traveladventuresAdventureTravelAdventureVacationAfricaal jazeeraAlJazeeraarabArab RevolutionArabRevolutionarabscityofsaintscivil warCivilWardemocracyDergGaddafiIslamIslamic RevolutionIslamicRevolutionmazzikaMengistuMubarekMuslimMuslim BrotherhoodMuslimBrotherhoodpoliticssatellite televisionsatellite tvSatelliteTelevisionSatelliteTvtelevisiontvwarMon, 14 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warnings continue to disrupt travel, cancel plans of many]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/06/warnings-continue-to-disrupt-travel-cancel-plans-of-many/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/06/warnings-continue-to-disrupt-travel-cancel-plans-of-many/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/06/warnings-continue-to-disrupt-travel-cancel-plans-of-many/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Warnings continue to disrupt travel
The State Department today advised Americans not to travel to Yemen and said those in the country should consider leaving today as warnings continue to disrupt travel world-wide.

"The security threat level in Yemen is extremely high due to terrorist activities and civil unrest. Piracy in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean is also a security threat to maritime activities in the region." the Department of State said in today's travel warning.

Continue reading Warnings continue to disrupt travel, cancel plans of many

Warnings continue to disrupt travel, cancel plans of many originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Libya travel warningLibyaTravelWarningtravel warningsTravelWarningsUS Department of StateUsDepartmentOfStateWarnings continue to disrupt travelWarningsContinueToDisruptTravelYemen travel warningYemenTravelWarningSun, 06 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[State Department issues Libya travel warning - read more about this forbidden destination]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/state-department-issues-libya-travel-warning-read-more-about-t/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/state-department-issues-libya-travel-warning-read-more-about-t/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/state-department-issues-libya-travel-warning-read-more-about-t/#commentsFiled under: ,

Libya travel warning
As the unrest in the Middle East continues, the US Department of State has issued a Libya travel warning, advising Americans to steer clear of the country, and especially of "gatherings" there. The Wall Street Journal reports:

"'U.S. citizens in Libya should minimize overall travel in-country, exercise extreme caution when traveling, and limit all travel after dark,' the US said in a travel advisory. It said demonstrations, violence and looting were all possible over the next several days, and urged US citizens to stay away from any gatherings.

'Even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment, or worse,' according to the State Department advisory."

I know I'm not the only one who will have no trouble staying out of Libya in the near future. Confession time: I had never considered going there. So, why do people travel to Libya? Gadling's Tom Johansmeyer posted about a package deal there back in August 2010 (An easy way to get to Libya), with quotes about its "archaeological riches" and "a sense of discovery in a land virtually unknown to the modern world." Libya also reportedly has 1250 miles of coastline "teeming with underwater wrecks, ruins and Nazi gold," making it a highly-prized scuba diving destination (see: Diving in Libya). Furthermore, it's a popular cruise ship port for the British and Italians (see: Will Libya Again Open to US Cruise Passengers?).

In case you or any of your friends were already in-the-know about the secret wonders of Libya, Americans in Libya are being urged to contact the embassy in Tripoli with the following contact details:

  • +218 (0)21-337-3250
  • After business hours: 091-220-5207
  • LibyaEmergencyUSC@state.gov

[Source: WSJ]

[Photo by anniemullinsuk via Flickr.]

Continue reading State Department issues Libya travel warning - read more about this forbidden destination

State Department issues Libya travel warning - read more about this forbidden destination originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Department of StateDepartmentOfStategovernmentLibya Travel WarningLibyaTravelWarningmiddle eastMiddleEaststate departmentStateDepartmenttravel warningTravelWarningunrestUS State DepartmentUsStateDepartmentMon, 21 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten ways to travel like Qadhafi, according to Wikileaks diplomatic cables]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/29/ten-ways-to-travel-like-qadhafi-according-to-wikileaks-diplomat/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/29/ten-ways-to-travel-like-qadhafi-according-to-wikileaks-diplomat/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/29/ten-ways-to-travel-like-qadhafi-according-to-wikileaks-diplomat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


So, if you were a Middle Eastern strongman leader, how would you hit the town in New York City? I don't know about you, but I'd want to do it with a real looker on my arm (and everywhere else). Apparently, that's what Muammar al-Qadhafi has in mind. According to confidential diplomatic cables recently unearthed by Wikileaks and published by the NY Times, the Libyan leader prefers to travel in style. Specifically, he can't "travel without his senior Ukrainian nurse, Galyna Klotnytska."

The Wikileaks-released cable continues:

He also appears to have an intense dislike or fear of staying on upper floors, reportedly prefers not to fly over water, and seems to enjoy horse racing and flamenco dancing. His recent travel may also suggest a diminished dependence on his legendary female guard force, as only one woman bodyguard accompanied him to New York. End Summary.

So, what else is on Qadhafi's list of travel necessities? Well, he makes the likes of Axl Rose seem pretty easy to accommodate. Here are ten of my favorites:

Continue reading Ten ways to travel like Qadhafi, according to Wikileaks diplomatic cables

Ten ways to travel like Qadhafi, according to Wikileaks diplomatic cables originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MuammarGaddafinew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynursenursesqaddafiWikileaksMon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An easy way to get to Libya]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/11/an-easy-way-to-get-to-libya/http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/11/an-easy-way-to-get-to-libya/http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/11/an-easy-way-to-get-to-libya/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you haven't thought about Libya since Ronald Reagan had a few bombs dropped on it a quarter-century ago, maybe it's time to put it back on your radar. The country has new visa access and has put some serious cash into its infrastructure, including a national railway network. So, it's easier to get there and easier to get around there. And with the latest deal from Cox & Kings, "Timeless Treasures of Libya," you now have all the pieces in place.

Granted, Libya probably isn't on your list, but an open mind will put it there. "With its rocky recent history, Libya is often a destination overlooked and overshadowed by other nearby travel locales," said Thomas Stanley, Centre Head and COO of Cox & Kings USA. "But the Mediterranean is timeless and Libya is an undiscovered cache of history. It does not disappoint in offering travelers a sense of discovery in a land virtually unknown to the modern world. The archeological riches of ancient Libya are some of the most unobstructed and best preserved in the world."

Don't worry about the confines of package travel. The folks over at Cox & Kings say that the itinerary is customizable and available "at any time."

[photo by Rafael Gomez via Flickr]

An easy way to get to Libya originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cox and kingsCoxAndKingstripoliWed, 11 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaddafi's kid on the hook for half million dollar Italian hotel bill]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/gaddafis-kid-on-the-hook-for-half-million-dollar-italian-hotel/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/gaddafis-kid-on-the-hook-for-half-million-dollar-italian-hotel/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/gaddafis-kid-on-the-hook-for-half-million-dollar-italian-hotel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Have you ever stiffed the hotel on the bill? They might be able to slap it on your credit card while you're making a getaway, but a few thousand dollars is easy to recover. When the tab starts creeping toward half a million dollars, though, courts start getting involved ... especially in Italy and especially when your father is a Libyan dictator.

Saadi Gaddafi, whose dad is Muammar, dropped €392,000 for a 40-day stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, near Portofino. In fairness, he also had his entourage with him - personal trainer, bodyguards, secretaries ... you know the drill. It takes a lot of people to keep a dictator's son on the go. Instead of making things right at the front desk on his way out, Gaddafi left a black SUV in the parking lot. According to local media, it's still there.

This may seem like irresponsible behavior for a world leader's son, even if he is only from Libya. At the time, though, he was wrapping up his career as a soccer player in Italy, so he had to party in a manner appropriate to his profession. And he did have his fun. According to the Guardian:

Continue reading Gaddafi's kid on the hook for half million dollar Italian hotel bill

Gaddafi's kid on the hook for half million dollar Italian hotel bill originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaddafihotelhotelsMuammarGaddafiPortofinoscandalScandalsTue, 13 Jul 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five new travel ideas from Intrepid: get off the beaten path!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/five-new-travel-ideas-from-intrepid-get-off-the-beaten-path/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/five-new-travel-ideas-from-intrepid-get-off-the-beaten-path/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/five-new-travel-ideas-from-intrepid-get-off-the-beaten-path/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

After a year of "travel slumps," "staycations" and other cringeworthy words and conditions, let's plan to get out on the road next year. Hey, economists are saying that the recession's already over, and the job market's recovery can't be too far behind. So, there's your motive. Opportunity? That's your vacation time; you probably have enough. All that's left to pull the perfect trip together are the means ... which Intrepid Travel is happy to provide.

Intrepid Travel has big news for next year, from green travel to exciting excursions in Iceland and North Africa. So, if you're looking for some ideas for 2010, check out the five below. Intrepid's definitely making it interesting.

1. Travel green: carbon offset
Intrepid Travel is moving more than 500 of its trips to "Carbon Offset" next year. In 2009, the company played around with the idea on 38 excursions, after having announced in December 2006 that it wanted to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010. With next year's offering, Intrepid is certainly making progress.

2. Timor-Leste: tops for adventure
Spend 15 days in Dili and its markets, trekking out to Mt. Ramelau and wandering the Suai-area rainforest. Timor-Leste hasn't been swamped with tourists yet, redefining "off the beaten path." If you're looking for the sort of experience where Intrepid excels, this is it.

Gallery: Reykjavik up close

Iceland's Blue LagoonIcelandic public art displayReykjavik has a graffiti problemOf course, someone's always watchingThe oldest house in Reykjavik



Continue reading Five new travel ideas from Intrepid: get off the beaten path!

Five new travel ideas from Intrepid: get off the beaten path! originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsBargainTravelcairocarboncarbon neutralcarbon neutral travelcarbon offset programscarbon offsetsCarbonNeutralCarbonNeutralTravelCarbonOffsetProgramsCarbonOffsetscasablancaenvironmentenvironmentalEnvironmentallyFriendlygreengreen travelGreenTraveljohannesburgnorth africaNorthAfricatravel bargainstravel dealtravel dealsTravelBargainsTravelDealTravelDealsFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 11 coolest flags in the world?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/08/the-11-coolest-flags-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/08/the-11-coolest-flags-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/08/the-11-coolest-flags-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The travelers here at Gadling have seen a lot of world flags. We've seen the world's flags made out of food. We were also amused by this opinionated list ranking the world's best and worst flags. But we just can't seem to get enough. In fact, in the interest of your ongoing and insatiable need for world flag amusement, we've stumbled across yet another list of the "11 Coolest Flags Ever" and wanted to share it (just because we like you).

This new list has no consistent methodology for selection. And some of the flags represent countries and empires that no longer exist. But leave that aside for a moment and simply admire the sheer visual awesomeness of the flags that were selected. In addition to the bear holding the axe shown above (Yaroslavl Oblast in Russia), this highly scientific list includes a flag with a parrot (Dominica), an flag with an AK-47 and a book (Mozambique) and of course the flag of a guy getting beheaded (Benin Empire - don't mess with them).

Each of these off-the-wall official banners raises an interesting question. What exactly does a flag represent? Does it tell the story of a country's history and/or creation? Do the colors of the flag have symbolic significance? Perhaps flags don't mean anything at all - as you can see from Libya's flag, sometimes you just don't even bother. Make sure to check out the list and leave us a comment if you know of any "cooler" flags, either historical or current.

The 11 coolest flags in the world? originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ak-47bear with axeBearWithAxebeheadedbenin empireBeninEmpireflagsgreenlistnational emblemNationalEmblemsymbolsyaroslavl oblastYaroslavlOblastThu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scottish Tourist Board not worried about travel boycott]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/25/scottish-tourist-board-not-worried-about-travel-boycott/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/25/scottish-tourist-board-not-worried-about-travel-boycott/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/25/scottish-tourist-board-not-worried-about-travel-boycott/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week's controversial release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi from a Scottish prison has sparked calls for a travel boycott of Scotland. Al-Megrahi was convicted of involvement in the plot to blow up Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988. A total of 270 people died. He was given a life sentence but released on compassionate grounds and allowed to return to Libya because he's dying of prostate cancer and has less than three months to live. Coming off the plane in Libya he was given a hero's welcome, with some in the crowd waving Scottish flags.

Now websites are springing up like Boycott Scotland and there are online petitions, including a Scottish one, protesting the terrorist's release. The Scottish Tourist Board, however, doesn't appear worried. Americans made 340,000 trips to Scotland last year, spending £260 million, and officials have seen no sign of a significant numbers of people canceling their trips.

Al-Megrahi's release caused widespread condemnation in Scotland, the United States, and other countries. The Scottish parliament has been recalled for an emergency meeting as many ministers openly criticized the move and said the will of the Scottish people was not carried out.

I'm in England at the moment, and spent the last seven days on the border with Scotland, and everyone I've spoken to about this, English and Scottish, opposed his release. Will this move hurt Scottish tourism? Probably a bit. A few people will cancel trips, hurting the owners of hotels and B&Bs where they had reserved rooms, but the amount probably won't be enough to hurt the Scottish government, which was responsible for this decision.

Scottish Tourist Board not worried about travel boycott originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boycottboycottsscotlandterrorismterroristsTue, 25 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dakar to Paris: Layover in Algiers or Tripoli?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/24/dakar-to-paris-layover-in-algiers-or-tripoli/http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/24/dakar-to-paris-layover-in-algiers-or-tripoli/http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/24/dakar-to-paris-layover-in-algiers-or-tripoli/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



You think that you know things about airlines until you start searching for flights in and out of African. There, the old knowns of KLM and British Airways go out the window and replacements like Afriqiyah Airways and Air Algerie come into play, carriers that many never knew existed.

The current itinerary on which I'm working involves a one way flight between Dakar and Paris, a three thousand mile trip over the Sahara Desert, Mediterranean Ocean and Southern France. With a connection.

Where is that connection you ask? Depends on the airline. Of the above two airlines, one (I'm sure you can guess which) involves a four hour layover in Algeria's capital, Algiers, in the Houari Boumediene airport. The other offers a similar stay in Tripoli, the capital of Libya.

The most comedic part of the operation in the the fare codes. Typical local carriers have complex fare codes like QE07A0NA to dictate the rules and routes of a flight. On Afriqiyah Airways? My fare basis (copied above) would be "BLOW."

Whatever. The real question is whether I should fly through Algiers or Tripoli. Technically it would be interesting to spend a day or two exploring the cities on my layover (if that's possible,) but North African nations aren't the most welcome place for Americans -- and could I go to a country that bans alcohol? I would have to bring a book or something.

So where would you go?

View Poll

Dakar to Paris: Layover in Algiers or Tripoli? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afriqiyah airwaysAfriqiyahAirwaysair algerieAirAlgeriealgeriaalgiersbritish airwaysBritishAirwaysdakarfranceklmlibyaparissenegaltripoliFri, 24 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (03/03/08)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/03/03/photo-of-the-day-03-03-08/http://www.gadling.com/2008/03/03/photo-of-the-day-03-03-08/http://www.gadling.com/2008/03/03/photo-of-the-day-03-03-08/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If I could only use one adjective to describe this photo, I would say "beautifully vertical." OK, that's not exactly one adjective, but close enough. I love the long, slim lines of the men and the buildings. I am guessing the streets are so narrow in order for the building to provide as much shade as possible.

The photo was taken by a Czech travel photographer Daniel Michalek last fall in the center of Tripoli, the capital of Libya...another one of those countries I would love to visit. You can check out his other photos here.

***To have your photo considered for the Gadling Photo of the Day, go over to the Gadling Flickr site and post it.***

Photo of the Day (03/03/08) originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daniel michalekDanielMichaleklibyatripoliMon, 03 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ranking the world's best and worst flags]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/14/ranking-the-worlds-best-and-worst-flags/http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/14/ranking-the-worlds-best-and-worst-flags/http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/14/ranking-the-worlds-best-and-worst-flags/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BhutanGambia's great, Senegal plagiarized, and Libya didn't even try. So says a fun new evaluation of the flags of every nation in the world. In an admittedly unscientific ranking of the world's flags, high marks are given for good color schemes and originality, while grades are lowered for the presence of weapons, writing, and "too many stars."

Here's the unflattering commentary on Saint Lucia's flag: "Best corporate logo. Makes me want to invest money there."

The flag of Turkmenistan is described as vomit inducing, while the lowest-ranking flag, that of the Northern Marianas Islands, "appears to have been constructed from clip art."

I've always been partial to the flag of South Africa, while I find the flag of Guam to be hideous beyond comprehension. In my book, Bhutan's flag (seen above) wins the award for most bad-ass, barely edging out Mozambique's, which features an AK-47.

Check out the highly entertaining rankings here, in order from best to worst. The ranking methodology is described here.

Ranking the world's best and worst flags originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven (screwed up) wonders of the totalitarian world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/11/27/seven-screwed-up-wonders-of-the-totalitarian-world/http://www.gadling.com/2007/11/27/seven-screwed-up-wonders-of-the-totalitarian-world/http://www.gadling.com/2007/11/27/seven-screwed-up-wonders-of-the-totalitarian-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

There is something terribly crazy about totalitarian governments and their sense of architecture: monumental, gaudy, pompous, and, more often than not, in extraordinarily poor taste.

That's whey the fine folks over at Esquire Magazine have compiled a list of what they feel are the world's most "colossal monument[s] to narcissism."

The Seven Wonders of the Totalitarian World, as you might imagine, is a rather bizarre assortment of architectural toy things by those drunk with power and devoid of taste. I can't say I agree with all of them--there are certainly others that should make the list such as Kim Il Sung's massive bronze statue in Pyongyang (above). But the ones that are included are still worth checking out nonetheless. And remember, when dictators fall, as Esquire points out, their statues soon follow--so be sure to visit soon.

Fist Crushing U.S. Fighter Plane, Libya
Monument to President Laurent Kabila, Congo
Lenin's Mausoleum, Russia
Monument to President Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan
Mao Leading the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
The Hands of Victory, Iraq
Monument to the Founding of the North Korean Worker's Party, North Korea

Seven (screwed up) wonders of the totalitarian world originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST