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[The World Of The Great Gatsby: Long Island's Gold Coast]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/24/the-world-of-the-great-gatsby-long-islands-gold-coast/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/24/the-world-of-the-great-gatsby-long-islands-gold-coast/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/24/the-world-of-the-great-gatsby-long-islands-gold-coast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

the great gatsby long island

The official trailer for Baz Luhrmann's new film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" was released this week, inciting nostalgia across the Internet for the passion, parties and Prohibition-fueled recklessness of 1920s-era New York City. The film doesn't come out until Christmas but if you're hankering for a preview, try visiting Long Island's Gold Coast, where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived, wrote and based his famous novel.

Geographically located on the North Shore of Long Island, the Gold Coast's grand mansions and landscaped gardens beckon visitors to explore the lives of the magnates and tycoons that called them home. Former inhabitants include familiar names like the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts, Whitneys and Pratts, and nearly all of the estates are open to the public throughout the summer.

Gallery: Gatsby's Gold Coast: Famous Mansions On Long Island's North Shore

Old Westbury EstateSuffolk County Vanderbilt MuseumHempstead House at Sands Point PreserveFalaise at Sand's Point PreserveChelsea and Muttontown Preserve

One Gold Coast must-see is Old Westbury Gardens, a traditional English manor home that you'll recognize from films like "The Age of Innocence" and "Cruel Intentions." Built in 1906, the estate was once inhabited by financier John S. Phipps, who outfitted it with lavish furnishings and artwork. Guests are welcome to tour the home's interior or stroll around the estate's rose gardens, walled gardens and pond.

The Gold Coast's residents weren't all as traditional as the Phipps. A trip to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum reveals the eclectic nature of former inhabitant William K. Vanderbilt II. The 43-acre complex includes a marine museum, seaplane hangar, natural history habitats and a wide array of quirky ethnographic objects. The on-site planetarium is currently under construction, but it is expected to be one of the most advanced in the country once it is completed.

And if you're a true literature geek, you can't miss the Hempstead House or Falaise Mansion in Sands Point, a part of Long Island that Fitzgerald referred to as the "East Egg" in "The Great Gatsby." Both homes are surrounded by wildlife, nature trails and picturesque spots that are perfect for setting out a picnic blanket and giving the classic novel a re-read.

The World Of The Great Gatsby: Long Island's Gold Coast originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19201920sbaz luhrmannBazLuhrmanngatsby gold coastGatsbyGoldCoastgold coastGoldCoastlong islandLongIslandmanhattanmoviesnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynorth shoreNorthShoreold westbury gardensOldWestburyGardensprohibitionroaring 20sRoaring20ssands pointSandsPointsuffolk countySuffolkCountythe great gatsbythe great gatsby long islandTheGreatGatsbyTheGreatGatsbyLongIslandvanderbilt museumVanderbiltMuseumThu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Make Father's Day Special With One Of These Packages Offered By Hotels Around The US]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/23/make-fathers-day-special-with-one-of-these-packages-offered-by/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/23/make-fathers-day-special-with-one-of-these-packages-offered-by/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/23/make-fathers-day-special-with-one-of-these-packages-offered-by/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dad's special day is just around the corner. To help make this Father's Day memorable, check out the unique packages and manly programming being offered by hotels around the country.

father's day Travaasa Austin
Austin, Texas

This Father's Day, the Travaasa Austin is celebrating by featuring a full lineup of manly programming at their nature-immersed property. Some activities dads can expect include:
  • Male Bonding: Texas-Style
  • Beer Making 101
  • Grilling and Smoking with the Travaasa Culinary Team
  • Beer Tasting Experience
  • Discover Your Six Pack: Core Fitness
  • Conquer the Prickly Pear Challenge Course
The hotel will also be featuring a new spa menu and line of products, specially designed with men in mind.

Rates for Travaasa Austin begin at $113 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Programming is included in the rate. Click here to book.

Continue reading Make Father's Day Special With One Of These Packages Offered By Hotels Around The US

Make Father's Day Special With One Of These Packages Offered By Hotels Around The US originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beerbudget travelBudgetTravelfathers dayFathersDayfly fishingfly-fishingFlyFishinggolfhotel packages for fathers dayHotelPackagesForFathersDayhotelsspa packagesSpaPackagesWed, 23 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unusual Tourist Attraction: Japanese City Unveils World's Largest Toilet]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/20/unusual-tourist-attraction-japanese-city-unveils-worlds-larges/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/20/unusual-tourist-attraction-japanese-city-unveils-worlds-larges/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/20/unusual-tourist-attraction-japanese-city-unveils-worlds-larges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

toilets While most travelers spend time visiting sites like churches, castles, parks and museums, Ichihara City in the Chiba Prefecture of Japan is hoping to bring in tourists with a new kind of attraction: the world's largest toilet. In fact, they're so hopeful that the unusual attraction will bring in travelers; they've spent 10 million yen (about $125,945) on the project.

The site, which sits in front of Itabu Station on the Kominato Railway Line, is actually your average-sized toilet; however, it's housed in a giant clear box and sits on an expansive 2,153 square-foot plot of land. While it doesn't provide much privacy on the property, there is a surrounding fence to hide the toilet from outsiders. The city is hoping the beautiful new toilet will provide an enjoyable reprieve for drivers and passengers of the train, as well as attendees of next year's Ichihara Art Festival.

Right now, the lavish restroom is only open to women, although the designer of the toilet, Sou Fujimoto, wants it to be open to the public for everyone to enjoy.

"I could enjoy the spectacular view while still feeling protected," the architect told the Japan Times. "No other toilet would allow you a feeling like that."

[flickr image via Britt Selvitelle]

Unusual Tourist Attraction: Japanese City Unveils World's Largest Toilet originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artculturedesignichihara cityIchiharaCityluxury travelLuxuryTravelquirkyunusualunusual attractionsunusual sitesUnusualAttractionsUnusualSiteswomens travelWomensTravelworlds largest toiletWorldsLargestToiletSun, 20 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanoi's Oldest Hotel Will Open Secret Bunker To Visitors This Week]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/20/hanois-oldest-hotel-will-open-secret-bunker-to-visitors-this-we/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/20/hanois-oldest-hotel-will-open-secret-bunker-to-visitors-this-we/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/20/hanois-oldest-hotel-will-open-secret-bunker-to-visitors-this-we/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

bunkerDuring hotel renovations last August at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in Vietnam, construction workers discovered an unknown bunker thought to be used during the Vietnam War. While drilling near the poolside bar, they found a flooded hallway, numerous rooms and a staircase leading to the secret 500-square-foot bunker. Moreover, wine bottles, unbroken light bulbs, graffiti and air ducts were also found, according to VietNamNet.

"In the hotel's history, there is a story of the American folk singer, Joan Baez, who sought shelter in this bunker during the Christmas Bombings in 1972, and who sang some songs beside a Vietnamese guitarist," explains Kai Speth, the hotel's General Director. "We don't know of any other hotels, in Vietnam or anywhere else for that matter, that maintained a shelter for guests and staff."

The luxury hotel is the oldest in Hanoi, boasting a 110-year history that has welcomed guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Jane Fonda, Fidel Castro and Somerset Maugham. That will be celebrated, along with the opening of the bunker to guests, on May 21, 2012. Likewise, people who actually spent time in the bunker, such as Bob Devereaux, the Australian diplomat who carved his name into the bunker in 1975, will also be present at the opening ceremony.

[image via The Metropole Blog]

Continue reading Hanoi's Oldest Hotel Will Open Secret Bunker To Visitors This Week

Hanoi's Oldest Hotel Will Open Secret Bunker To Visitors This Week originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accommodationshanoihistoryhotelsluxury travelLuxuryTravelquirkysecret bunkerSecretBunkeruniquevietnam warVietnamWarSun, 20 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Ready For The Olympics With Andaz's World Food Marathon]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/19/get-ready-for-the-olympics-with-andazs-world-food-marathon/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/19/get-ready-for-the-olympics-with-andazs-world-food-marathon/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/19/get-ready-for-the-olympics-with-andazs-world-food-marathon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

andaz liverpool streetWhile the Olympic Games are associated with international sports, Andaz Liverpool Street in London will be focusing on international food during the weeks leading up to the big event.

The five-star luxury hotel will be looking to staff members of its four Andaz restaurants - 1901, Catch, Eastway and Miyako - to help create the menu. Pulling from the 40 different nationalities that represent the Andaz Liverpool Street team, 26 unique cultural dishes were created. This number isn't random, as it embodies the 26 miles in a marathon. The tasty festival will run from July 2 to July 27, the 26 days leading up to the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Some of the dishes attendees can expect include Korean Spicy Pork, Polish Golabki, Slovakian sheep's cheese dumplings, Colombian bandeja paisa and South African Bobotie.

"With all eyes on London this year as the 2012 Olympic season gathers momentum, Andaz Liverpool Street wanted to pay tribute to the multicultural base of the city with a variety of dishes from around the world, which celebrate different cultures, allowing our guests to take a journey of the culinary kind through what we have called the World Food Marathon,'' says Arnaud de Saint Exupéry, the Andaz Liverpool Street General Manager.

Get Ready For The Olympics With Andaz's World Food Marathon originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 19 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andazculinarydrinkeventsfoodlondonolympicssportsworld food marathonWorldFoodMarathonSat, 19 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury Travel: Six Hotels To Spot The Rich And Famous]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/18/luxury-travel-six-hotels-to-spot-the-rich-and-famous/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/18/luxury-travel-six-hotels-to-spot-the-rich-and-famous/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/18/luxury-travel-six-hotels-to-spot-the-rich-and-famous/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

soho grand hotel new york

Over the next two weeks, celebrities galore are flocking from Hollywood and New York to Cannes, where they'll be celebrating the industry's biggest film festival of the year. Don't have the money to anchor your mega yacht in the southern French waters? Don't worry, neither do we.

Instead, we've gotten the inside scoop from Hotels.com on where the celebs like to hang out in the states, so you can enjoy a little luxe pampering of your own - without the price tag of a transcontinental flight.

Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles
Built in 1927, generations of artists, novelists and screenwriters have produced work within the hotel's walls including: Hunter S. Thompson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tim Burton and Sofia Coppola. More recently, Emma Roberts, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, and Kirsten Dunst have been spotted lounging on the overstuffed couches and sipping cocktails at Bar Marmont. It's even where Ashton Kutcher had his rumored affair.

Metropolitan Hotel, London
Contemporary, chic, and with stunning views of Hyde Park and the London skyline, the Metropolitan Hotel has hosted A-listers such as Madonna, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Tom Hanks and Cameron Diaz. Enjoy dinner at the Japanese-Peruvian, Michelin-starred restaurant, Nobu, then retreat for post-dinner cocktails at the exclusive Met Bar, which is open to hotel guests and members only.

Continue reading Luxury Travel: Six Hotels To Spot The Rich And Famous

Luxury Travel: Six Hotels To Spot The Rich And Famous originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cannescelebrity hotelsCelebrityHotelsluxury hotelsluxury travelLuxuryHotelsLuxuryTravelFri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Have Klout, Will Travel: Cathay Pacific Offers Klout Perk at SFO]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/16/have-klout-will-travel-cathay-pacific-offers-klout-perk-at-sfo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/16/have-klout-will-travel-cathay-pacific-offers-klout-perk-at-sfo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/16/have-klout-will-travel-cathay-pacific-offers-klout-perk-at-sfo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Last week, Klout announced "Klout for iPhone," and this week, the influx of app-based perks begins. Their first partnership is one we'd actually enjoy - if we were traveling internationally from SFO. The company that pioneered social media influence measurement has partnered with Cathay Pacific Airways to allow anyone with a score of 40 or over to show their Klout score at the door to enter the airline's First and Business Class Lounge.

This applies to any visitor traveling through the "A" boarding area at SFO's international terminal, even if they aren't a Cathay Pacific passenger.

Inside the lounge, you'll get access to the airline's signature noodle bar, workstations and showers, as shown in the video above.

Have you used this perk? What did you think?

Have Klout, Will Travel: Cathay Pacific Offers Klout Perk at SFO originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cathay pacificCathay Pacific AirwaysCathayPacificCathayPacificAirwayskloutsan franciscosan francisco international airportSanFranciscoSanFranciscoInternationalAirportSFOWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel Partners From Hell]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/15/travel-partners-from-hell/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/15/travel-partners-from-hell/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/15/travel-partners-from-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

angryFor those debating whether to travel in a group or go solo, you'll want to read this. Just because you get along with someone at happy hour or Sunday morning spin class, doesn't mean it'll be smooth sailing on the road. After backpacking around the world for five years, both solo and with others, I've had my fair share of unpleasant travel partners. Think about these situations, and decide if your potential travel partner seems laid-back or fits into one of these categories.

The Cheapskate

For the most part, backpackers are budget-travelers by nature. They stay in dorms with 13 other people, forgo tours for the cheaper do-it-yourself version and will walk 15 blocks to save the equivalent of $1.50 on a meal. However, there's a big difference between trying to stretch your dollar, and being downright cheap. When backpacking Europe, I traveled with a girl who talked of nothing but how much her condo cost, and how she couldn't afford to eat or take the subway. She was so cheap; she used to eat the egg yolks from my daily chef's salad as her lunch. We also went to an amusement park in Vienna, but didn't go on any rides because she felt it was too expensive. In my mind, I was wondering why we had even walked the two hours to get there - because she refused to spend money on public transportation - if we weren't going to enjoy it. Before traveling, make sure you're both on the same page about the budget.

Continue reading Travel Partners From Hell

Travel Partners From Hell originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbackpackingbudget travelBudgetTravelgroup travelGroupTravelsolo travelSoloTravelstoriestravel partnersTravelPartnersTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum Month: Kalaupapa National Historic Park And Leper Settlement, Molokai]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/15/museum-month-kalaupapa-national-historic-park-and-leper-settlem/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/15/museum-month-kalaupapa-national-historic-park-and-leper-settlem/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/15/museum-month-kalaupapa-national-historic-park-and-leper-settlem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

kalaupapa national parkSome people - me, for instance - tend to skip museums when traveling in favor of fresh air or outdoor recreation. It's always a treat when I can combine the two, especially because I'm fascinated by indigenous cultures. Though not considered museums in the strictest sense, National Historic Parks, Monuments and the like often do have buildings, exhibits, or relics with educational materials that provide a museum-like experience. When I can combine that with some physically challenging activity, it often makes for an incredibly rewarding day.

While relatively few visitors ever make it to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, located just off of Maui's western shore, its fame is global due to its tragic history. From the mid-19th century until 1969, thousands of islanders afflicted with leprosy (Hansen's Disease) were forced into isolation on the Kalaupapa peninsula on the northern shore. A smaller settlement also exists at Kalawao, on the eastern side. Today, Kalaupapa National Historic Park receives thousands of visitors annually, who come to pay tribute - and satisfy their morbid curiosity - to a tragic episode in Hawaii's turbulent history.

Molokai's North Shore is covered in dense rainforest and has the world's highest sea cliffs, which tower over 2,000 feet. These geographical features made Kalaupapa the ideal location in which to displace lepers, often by cruel methods such as tossing them off of ships, which sometimes resulted in fatalities. The forcible removal of native Hawaiians from their 'aina - family and land, which are at the core of their culture - devastated generations of islanders.

Gallery: Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Continue reading Museum Month: Kalaupapa National Historic Park And Leper Settlement, Molokai

Museum Month: Kalaupapa National Historic Park And Leper Settlement, Molokai originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fathers dayFathersDayFerrariflightHanses diseaseHansesDiseaseHawaiihawaii ferriesHawaii museumsHawaii national parksHawaii toursHawaiian cultureHawaiianCultureHawaiiFerriesHawaiiMuseumsHawaiiNationalParksHawaiiToursindigenous peopleIndigenousPeoplekalaupapa national parkKalaupapaNationalParkKalawaoleper coloniesLeperColonieslepersMauiMolokaimolokai mule rideMolokaiMuleRidemule ridesMuleRidesmuseumMuseumMonthnational historic sitesnational park serviceNationalHistoricSitesNationalParkServicepolyphony-digitalSt. Philomena churchSt.PhilomenaChurchTue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury Hotel App: The Most Perfect View]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/luxury-hotel-app-the-most-perfect-view/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/luxury-hotel-app-the-most-perfect-view/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/luxury-hotel-app-the-most-perfect-view/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Most Perfect View Have you ever wished you could choose your hotel based on the view from the guestroom window? Now you can, with the The Most Perfect View.

Launched last October, the booking site allows travelers to browse over 250 properties - each with breathtaking views - across five continents. For example, searching the site's hotels will show you Paris hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower, Venice hotels with rooms facing Venice's lagoon and the Doge's Palace and remote hotels in Africa where guests can watch herds of elephants.

"Most of the chosen views are already recognized as symbols of quality and luxury, and are strategically positioned in places of rare beauty," explains the website's creator, Paulo Palha, in a release.

To use The Most Perfect View, users do a search on the country of interest. From there, they can choose a hotel based on their favorite view. While the tool does overlap in certain ways with the hotel booking site Room 77, The Most Perfect View focuses more on view itself. For example, when searching for Venice, Italy, hotels, the only hotel information I am shown is the property's name and a large, high resolution photo of the view from the room. Moreover, while Room 77 helps travelers find a great room in properties from 1 star and up, The Most Perfect View only lists handpicked 4 and 5 star properties with excellent window views.

This spring, The Most Perfect View will be launching a new website, with a more specified search engine. Users will be able to type "Eiffel Tower" or "Taj Mahal" and be instantly taken to corresponding hotels.

Luxury Hotel App: The Most Perfect View originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 13 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotel bookingsHotelBookingshotelsluxury travelLuxuryTraveltechnologythe most perfect viewTheMostPerfectViewwebsitesSun, 13 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dine At An A380-Inspired Restaurant]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/12/dine-at-an-a380-inspired-restaurant/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/12/dine-at-an-a380-inspired-restaurant/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/12/dine-at-an-a380-inspired-restaurant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Love to fly? Sure. What if you could have the experience of traveling first class without the hassle of security lines? We'd like that even better. But when the question comes to "do you love airplane food?" or "do you fly because of the food?" the answer is almost always "no," unless, of course, you make a regular habit of first or business-class international travel.

But a new restaurant in China is making waves for marrying the luxury of first-class travel with a fine dining concept. The A380 restaurant is actually the second of its kind - the first is in Taipei - and is drawing regular crowds who come to be served by waitresses dressed like flight attendants in a fully recreated upper class cabin interior.

What do you think? Would this fly in the United States?

Thanks to BornRich for the tip.

Dine At An A380-Inspired Restaurant originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 12 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a380a380 restaurantA380Restaurantairplane diningairplane foodAirplaneDiningAirplaneFoodchinataipeiSat, 12 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/10-extraordinary-islands-to-visit-on-your-next-vacation/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/10-extraordinary-islands-to-visit-on-your-next-vacation/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/10-extraordinary-islands-to-visit-on-your-next-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

vacation islands

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

Gallery: 10 Islands To Visit Next

SantoriniSantoriniSantoriniGili TGili T

Continue reading 10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaborneoCorsicafrancegalapagosGiliIslandsGR 20Gr20greeceindonesiaislandislandsmalaysiamaldivespalauperhentianperhentian islandsPerhentianIslandssantoriniscuba divingScubaDivingSt. CroixSt.CroixtasmaniaUS Virgin IslandsusviUsVirginIslandsvacationvacation islandsVacationIslandsvirgin islandsVirginIslandsThu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In Praise Of Service Journalism]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/in-praise-of-service-journalism/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/in-praise-of-service-journalism/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/in-praise-of-service-journalism/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

service journalism - travel magazinesMy career in the travel world started out by pure luck. I was assigned to work a temp office gig in the PR department of Condé Nast Traveler for two weeks, which turned into two years at the magazine, four more at a PR agency for hotels and travel providers and two more here at Gadling. Before and throughout my career, I've always been a major consumer of travel media, whether I've used it to inspire and help plan my personal travels, as a resource for how and where to pitch my clients, or for story ideas and to keep up with industry news. Some of my favorite stories to read or write have been service pieces, the much-maligned but reader-popular side of journalism.

Service journalism has been called the "fast food" of journalism, providing the reader with "5 of the World's Sexiest Beaches!" or a suggested itinerary for exploring the city as in the New York Times' regular "36 Hours in.." series. While a narrative feature might probe into a culture's essence, or try to evoke the feeling of a certain place in time, a service piece gives you quick tips, highlights the "best" of a place and may include lists, bullets and infographics. I like the definition of service journalism as "informational": it tells you not just about a place, but how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, etc.

Continue reading In Praise Of Service Journalism

In Praise Of Service Journalism originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Associated PressBelgiumconde nastconde nast travelerCondeNastCondeNastTravelercorn islandsCornIslandsdon georgeDonGeorgeexpatfeaturesknockedupabroadlistsLos Angeles TimesmagazinemagazinesmediaMeryl Streepnarrativenicaraguaroundupserviceservice journalismServiceJournalismSeychellesThe New York Timestop tentop ten listsTopTenTopTenListstravel agentstravel with babyTravelAgentsTravelWithBabyTwitterwendy perrinWendyPerrinwritingWed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure Athletes Share Their Dream Destinations]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/adventure-athletes-share-their-dream-destinations/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/adventure-athletes-share-their-dream-destinations/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/adventure-athletes-share-their-dream-destinations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Wadi Rum Desert of Jordan is a Dream Destination for someWhen your job already takes you to some of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet, where exactly do you go when booking your own personal trip? That's the question that the National Geographic Adventure Blog recently put to some of the top adventure athletes in the world and their picks for their dream destinations were often surprising.

For example, rock climber Alex Honnold says he would enjoy hiking the 2600-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, while professional snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler wants to seek personal growth and wisdom while visiting an ashram in India. Kayaker Ben Stookesberry has dreams of exploring the solitude of the wilderness in Yosemite and mountaineer Ed Viesturs hopes to take his wife and kids to the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, a place that he knows all too well.

Many of the men and women who were surveyed for this article live lives of adventure on a regular basis and yet some of them still couldn't seem to avoid it in their off time as well. For instance, you would think that polar explorer Sarah McNair-Landry would list a warm, tropical beach destination as her dream trip, but instead she says that she would prefer to sail and ski around the world instead. Likewise for ice climber Will Gadd, who dreams of piloting his paraglider down the entire length of the Great Rift Valley in Africa.

Of course, you had to expect that some of these adventurers would come up with something a little out of this world. Long distance hiker Andrew Skurka and climber Ueli Steck took that quite literally, as both indicated that they would love to go into space. Skurka, who has hiked just about every major trail on Earth, says he wants to trek across the moon, while Steck is quite content with simply going into orbit and taking in the view.

There are more dream destinations revealed in the article, which you can read in its entirety by clicking here. Who knows, you may even find a few new items to add to your bucket list as well.

Adventure Athletes Share Their Dream Destinations originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure athletesadventure-travelAdventureAthletesathletesdream destinationsDreamDestinationsNational GeographicNationalGeographicWed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kate Spade Partners With Fathom Travel Guides]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/08/kate-spade-partners-with-fathom-travel-guides/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/08/kate-spade-partners-with-fathom-travel-guides/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/08/kate-spade-partners-with-fathom-travel-guides/#commentsFiled under: , ,

fathom kate spade travel guideExperiential travel website Fathom taking their notion of great travel experiences a step further. Why do you travel - do you go for the food, the hotel, the great adventure? Started by former DailyCandy editor Pavia Rosati, the new travel website curates "a charming mix of offbeat recommendations, playful experiences, visual packing ideas, practical trip-planning advice, and fresh design."

An admirable goal, and the editorial team (including several former DailyCandy editors and writers) offers the chops to back it up.

Now a whole new audience can get access to Fathom's insider info thanks to a sweet partnership with Kate Spade.

Launched this week, the fashion house is offering a series of unique guides, all online, to cities like New York City, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo and, interestingly enough, Tahiti. Here, explore carefully curated sections where you can learn the best places to sleep, eat and play, as well as custom itineraries and even packing lists, all decorated with Kate Spade's signature playful design accents.

We can't wait to further peruse these delightful-looking guides. Check them out, here.

Kate Spade Partners With Fathom Travel Guides originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailycandyfathomkate spadekate spade travelKateSpadeKateSpadeTravelluxury travelLuxuryTravelpavia rosatiPaviaRosatiTue, 08 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise Vacations: 10 Things You Might Not Know]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/cruise-vacations-10-things-you-might-not-know/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/cruise-vacations-10-things-you-might-not-know/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/cruise-vacations-10-things-you-might-not-know/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Cruise Vacations: 10 Things You Might Not Know

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carnival Cruise LinesCentral ParkCosta ConcordiacruiseCruise Criticcruise vacationscruisesCruiseVacationsEntertainmentGuy FieriRoyal Caribbean Cruises LtdSci/TechMon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[These US Hotels Are Helping Guests Celebrate America's National Pastime With Baseball-Themed Packages]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/these-us-hotels-are-helping-guests-celebrate-americas-national/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/these-us-hotels-are-helping-guests-celebrate-americas-national/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/these-us-hotels-are-helping-guests-celebrate-americas-national/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As the weather gets warmer, Americans are getting ready to enjoy their favorite national pastime: baseball. To help bring your love of the game with you on your travels, these hotels around the United States are offering baseball-themed packages.

Ritz-Carlton, Denver The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Denver, Colorado

The Ritz-Carlton, Denver is helping guests root for the Rockies in style. Their "Sports" package includes two tickets to a Colorado Rockies' game at Coors Field, a $50 credit to the hotel's signature restaurant, Elways Downtown, a keepsake gift upon arrival and overnight valet parking.

Rates begin at $369 per night during the weekends for a Deluxe Room. Package valid until December 31, 2012. Call 303-312-3800 to book.

Continue reading These US Hotels Are Helping Guests Celebrate America's National Pastime With Baseball-Themed Packages

These US Hotels Are Helping Guests Celebrate America's National Pastime With Baseball-Themed Packages originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accommodationsbaseballhotelsluxury travelLuxuryTravelsportsMon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Solo Travel vs. Group Travel: How To Decide What's Right For You]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/solo-travel-vs-group-travel-how-to-decide-whats-right-for-you/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/solo-travel-vs-group-travel-how-to-decide-whats-right-for-you/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/07/solo-travel-vs-group-travel-how-to-decide-whats-right-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

solo travel As someone who has been backpacking for five years, I've experienced the pros and pains of both solo travel and group travel. Personally, I enjoy traveling on my own, although I have had successful trips with others. If you're trying to decide whether to go solo or recruit others, use these tips to help you decide.

The Benefits Of Solo Travel

Many of my friends often ask me, "Aren't you scared of traveling to Country X all by yourself?" This question always amazes me, as it really is very easy to meet other travelers on the road. Of course, if you're extremely shy and have anxiety going up to strangers, you may have more trouble; however, staying in hostels, booking day tours, taking public transportation, using money exchanges and participating in Couchsurfing message boards and meetups allows for easy socializing. What's great about solo travel is you can choose when you want to be alone, and when you want to hangout with other people. It's like being on a silent retreat and being able to really enjoy your own company and not feel pressure to always be having discussions. Moreover, there is nobody else to dictate your itinerary. For example, I once backpacked Europe with a girl who was extremely cheap, and wouldn't splurge on any day trips or go to any bars or clubs. While walking around the free parks and doing the complimentary walking tours was nice, there was a lot more I wanted to do. I couldn't, however, because she wanted us to do all our activities together. Thankfully we ended up parting ways, and it was at this time that I began to really experience Europe the way I wanted to.

Continue reading Solo Travel vs. Group Travel: How To Decide What's Right For You

Solo Travel vs. Group Travel: How To Decide What's Right For You originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelgroup travelGroupTravelsolo travelSoloTraveltechnologytravel technologyTravelTechnologyMon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's Your Travel Philosophy?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/06/whats-your-travel-philosophy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/06/whats-your-travel-philosophy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/06/whats-your-travel-philosophy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

globe "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." - Martin Buber

What's your travel philosophy? It's a question that many seasoned travelers get asked. Your travel philosophy encompasses your beliefs on travel and the process of leaving home. It is like your mission statement for your trips. There are many to choose from, and depending on your travel style and what you want to get out of your trips, yours could be worlds away from the next person's. Having a travel philosophy is not something you need to have, but more something you intrinsically have without even trying.

Most people travel without much thinking. Not that a certain amount of planning doesn't go into the trip - booking a flight, researching hotels and looking at reviews; however, many people don't stop to think about why they are actually traveling.

Continue reading What's Your Travel Philosophy?

What's Your Travel Philosophy? originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 06 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbudget travelBudgetTravelphilosophytravel philosophyTravelPhilosophywhy do you travelWhyDoYouTravelSun, 06 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIA Rail Canada Debuts Mouthwatering New Train Menu]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/05/via-rail-canada-debuts-mouthwatering-new-train-menu/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/05/via-rail-canada-debuts-mouthwatering-new-train-menu/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/05/via-rail-canada-debuts-mouthwatering-new-train-menu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

train menuOn most rail systems in the U.S. and Europe, chips and cookies count as "train cuisine." But Canada's VIA Rail system is kicking it up a notch (boom!) with a new gourmet train menu on its legendary trans-continental Canadian route between Toronto and Vancouver.

The menu will include 78 brand-new dishes, which will be made to order with fresh ingredients and prepared on board by VIA Rail chefs. Certain menu items will be regional in nature, befitting the trans-continental voyage. Think dishes like French toast stuffed with cheesecake, roast beef ravioli sautéed with crispy bacon, and scallops and goat cheese sacchetti with truffles served a la nage in lobster bisque.

Sound inventive? The dishes were cooked up during a two-day Menu Creation Challenge, which roped in eight chefs to develop new dishes under the direction of Chef Martin Gemme. The results blow away the honey-roasted peanuts on Amtrak, that's for sure.

Continue reading VIA Rail Canada Debuts Mouthwatering New Train Menu

VIA Rail Canada Debuts Mouthwatering New Train Menu originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 05 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadagourmet foodGourmetFoodmenu creation challengeMenuCreationChallengetorontotraintrain foodtrain menuTrainFoodTrainMenuvancouvervia railViaRailSat, 05 May 2012 12:00:00 EST