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Stunning Photos Of The Alps

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Skiing, Blogs, Photos, Europe, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Switzerland, Camping, Ecotourism

The Alps is a beautiful mountain range. Spanning through Austria and Slovenia all the way through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France and Monaco, the Alps are a go-to spot for mountain-loving folks living in or passing through these areas in Europe. Taken from the Latin word Alpes, which may have been derived from the word Albus, which means "white," the Alps are certainly that. If you enjoy perusing jaw-dropping photography, you'll be happy to know that Nature Pictures has an Alps series up on their website here. This stunning collection of photos features the snow-capped peaks in several scenes. Whether partially lit from the sunrise, towering over a lake or contrasted against green pastures, this photo collection is worth the look.

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Stunning Photos Of The Alps originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 10 smallest countries in the world

Alex Robertson Textor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Oceania, Maldives, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, St. Kitts & Nevis, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu, Caribbean

The world's ten smallest countries in terms of area fall into two general categories: European microstates (Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican) and small island nations of the Indian Ocean, Pacific, and Caribbean (Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Tuvalu.) Some of these countries are quite new as independent nations: Tuvalu gained independence from the UK in 1978, while the Marshall Islands gained full independence from the US in 1986. Others have been around for a very long time. San Marino dates its founding as a republic to 301. These countries vary greatly from one another along other axes as well: population, income, life expectancy, industry, tourist facilities, and membership in various international organizations.

Gallery: World's ten smallest countries

[Image of Tuvalu: Flickr | leighblackall]

The 10 smallest countries in the world originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flags without countries

Sean McLachlan — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom

Do you recognize this flag? Neither did I. It's the flag of Lapland. Lapland isn't a country, but a region in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia where the Sámi (Lapps) live. Only Norway recognizes this flag, and it's flown throughout the country on February 6 to celebrate Sámi National Day.

I discovered this flag in Aberystwyth, Wales, of all places, while walking along the seaside promenade. It was flying proudly in the stiff breeze and caught my attention because I'd never seen it before. Then I noticed a whole line of flags I'd never seen before. A sign explained that because the Welsh so rarely see their flag flying in foreign countries, they decided to fly the flags of various European regions that are seeking autonomy or independence. The display of flags without countries was an interesting lesson in European politics and history. Several are shown in the gallery.

Gallery: Flags without countries

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Flags without countries originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A day in Naples, Italy

Chris Owen — Sat, 07 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, North America, Antarctica, Italy, Monaco, United States

Naples, Italy is the place to be if you want to see the ruins of Pompeii, one of the best examples of a Roman town. It's the fourth stop on our tour of the Mediterranean where we see 8 different places in 9 days, each for just one day. Of all the places we would visit, delivered by Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Magic, this was one I actually knew something about and visiting would complete a dream that started in eight grade.

Pompeii is possibly the most famous excavation in the world, drawing 15,000 people every day, almost as many as lived there before the horrifying eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 A.D. It was a topic covered long and hard in my 8^th grade Social Studies class teacher, Mr. Hoobing, years ago to the point that it had a permanent place on any bucket list I might have floating around someplace.

The drill in 8^th grade was to hand-draw exact replicas of famous archaeological sites as a method of reinforcing information about them...or so I figured out years later. The point was well-taken though; these sites had huge historical significance and told of a time long ago that while vastly different as far as technology goes, was fueled by some of the very same human emotions that rule today.

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A day in Naples, Italy originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dubrovnik in a day

Chris Owen — Wed, 04 May 2011 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Croatia, Italy, Monaco, United States, Transportation, Cruises

We had just a few hours in Dubrovnik, Croatia and wanted to make the best of it. Arriving via cruise ship, time was limited. This was the first port of call on a 9-night Mediterranean cruise which looked to be a good sampling of the area. The plan is to hit each destination hard, see some highlights and capture enough information to decide if a return trip might be in the cards for future travel. It made sense, sampling these places we had never been to before, but right off the bat we had a problem: we fell in love with Dubrovnik.

What we call our "sampling of the Med" tour started in Venice, Italy and will end nine days later in Barcelona. In between we will also visit Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno, Italy as well as a stop in Monaco. That makes eight destinations in nine days. To prepare for Dubrovnik we started with a Google search for Dubrovnik and gathered background information. VisitCroatia.com was helpful as well as a host of other websites for the basic information we would need for entry requirements, infrastructure in place, etc. As far as what to do and see, we relied on a number of sources including Gadling and AOLTravel for specific recommendations.

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Dubrovnik in a day originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 May 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need more royal wedding buzz? Visit Monaco.

McLean Robbins — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Monaco

Come April 30, legions of devoted Royal Wedding Watchers will suffer the disease known as RWW, or Royal Wedding Withdrawal*.

Never fear, RWW sufferers - help has arrived, in the form of one of the world's richest countries, Monaco. On July 1 2011, the principality will celebrate the nuptials of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and elegant South African Olympic swimmer Miss Charlene Wittstock. Okay, so it's not *quite* the same. He's the son of Grace Kelley and Prince Rainier III, but the once devoted bachelor prince is in his 50s and has two illegitmate children, neither of whom can inherit the title as per Monaco's inheritance laws. At present, Prince Albert's sister, Princess Caroline, is the heir presumptive to the title.

Still. It's a ROYAL. WEDDING.

On July 1, 2011, the civil wedding ceremony will take place in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace. Later that evening, a large concert will be offered by the newly-wedded couple at the Port for all residents and visitors. On July 2, 2011, the religious wedding ceremony will take place in the Main Courtyard of the Prince's Palace.

To be celebrated by Monseigneur Bernard Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco, more than 3,500 invited guests will witness the wedding on giant screens in the vicinity of the Palace and screens will also be set up at prime locations throughout the Principality to enable residents and visitors to watch the proceedings.

The couple will take a special procession route in a Lexus luxury hybrid vehicle, underscoring Prince Albert's commitment to environmental conservation, to the Church of Sainte Devote where the bride will lay down her bouquet. The official dinner and a gala ball will be held at the Salle Garnier and the Terraces of the Casino later that evening followed by fireworks for all of Monaco to enjoy.

[Flickr via davharuk]

Continue reading Need more royal wedding buzz? Visit Monaco.

Need more royal wedding buzz? Visit Monaco. originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carnival Magic completes sea trials on way to May 1 launch

Chris Owen — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST

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

On track to debut in Venice, Italy May 1st, new Carnival Magic has completed sea trials in the Adriatic Sea.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,690-passenger vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the Carnival Magic's sophisticated navigation and mechanical systems.

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Carnival Magic completes sea trials on way to May 1 launch originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 20 countries for life expectancy

Justin Delaney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Angola, China, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Andorra, France, Iceland, Italy, Monaco, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, United States, Australia, News, Caribbean, Hong Kong

"Old people" - we all hope to live long enough to earn this distinction. In some countries, the probability of living well into your eighties is much better than in others. The worldwide average for life expectancy is just a smidge over 67, with the highest and lowest countries fluctuating by over 20 years in each direction. 39 of the bottom 40 countries are located on the African continent, and 3 of the top 5 are European micro-states. The United States ranks in at number 50, boasting a life expectancy of 78 years old.

At the bottom of the list is Angola, a country in southwestern Africa with a machete on its flag. The average life expectancy in Angola is almost 39 years old. At the other end of the spectrum is Monaco (pictured above). Monaco is a micro-state in Europe with an extremely high standard of living. The average person there lives to be 89 years old. The 50 year gap between these two countries represents the difference between yacht ownership and subsistence farming, and every other country falls somewhere in between. For the full list, check out the world fact book at cia.gov.

20. Bermuda - 80.71
19. Anguilla - 80.87 (at right)
18. Iceland - 80.90
17. Israel - 80.96
16. Switzerland - 81.07
15. Sweden - 81.07
14. Spain - 81.17
13. France - 81.19
12. Jersey - 81.38
11. Canada - 81.38
10. Italy - 81.77

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Top 20 countries for life expectancy originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schengen and the disappearance of European passport stamps

Alex Robertson Textor — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Cyprus, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kensington Tours announces dream trips for sports fans

Kraig Becker — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Europe, North America, South America, Monaco, United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Luxury Travel

Kensington Tours, a travel company that specializes in private-guided adventure travel, has announced a series of tours that are guaranteed to be a hit with sports fans. These trips include VIP treatment for travelers, offering up luxury accommodations, access to glamorous events, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and of course, excellent seats at some of the most well known and legendary events in all of sports.

This Championship Series of tours includes options to attend events on three different continents, including jaunts to Europe for Wimbledon, the Ryder Cup, and the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco. In North America the events include a chance to attend the Masters golf or the U.S. Open tennis tournaments, as well as the Kentucky Derby, or the Super Bowl, while travelers to South America can opt to experience the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix in Rio.

Attending these amazing sporting events is just the beginning however, as Kensington has taken great strides to offer travel packages that ensure an unforgettable experience. For instance, some of the luxuries include helicopter transfers, police escorts, and guided tours of the host cities, as well as a chance to play a round of golf on some of the top courses in the world and get the opportunity to take a drive in a Ferrari. Upgrade options include private luxury boxes, limos, a private jet, and VIP access to behind the scenes activities as well.

While most of these sporting events are still months off, the Championship Series tours are already filling up fast. There is a reason why these events are so exclusive, and if you're looking for the ultimate way to experience any of them, Kensington is here to provide that experience. For sports fans, these tours really are a dream come true.

Kensington Tours announces dream trips for sports fans originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Luxembourg matters

Andrew Evans — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Europe, Andorra, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Vatican City

Europe has lots of tiny countries. The rest of the world reminds itself of this fact periodically, almost as a running joke. How Vatican City is the smallest "independent" state, but (come on people), is it really a country? Andorra sounds charming, too, until you go there and discover it's only the European Union's largest outlet mall. Likewise, Monaco's just a casino with a racecar track, and Liechtenstein's a drive-thru bank for dodgy Russians with Austrian passports.

Despite the less-romantic realities of present-day Europe, we travelers still get a kick out of these nifty, little hold-out principalities and monarchies. Somehow, they've prevailed in the tempest of European history, avoiding absorption into their larger neighbors all the way into the 21st century when we can ironically celebrate quirky existential nationhoods in the face of supranationalist sentiments.

I first visited Luxembourg on a whim--hopped a train in Brussels and three hours later, stepped off somewhere deep in the Ardennes. I was young, brave, and poor and it was late at night. I walked away from the one-room station in Arlon and disappeared into the forest, bumbling in the woods until the sounds of passing cars disappeared. When I found a comfortable spot, I pushed away the pine needles and lay down on the cold ground, using my lumpy canvas backpack as a pillow.

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Why Luxembourg matters originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trade Mocked

Andrew Evans — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Algeria, Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Morocco, South Africa, Zambia, Bangladesh, Iran, Israel, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Turkey, United Arab, Emirates, Vietnam, Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Monaco, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Jamaica, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Internet Tools, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean, French Polynesia

You were a cheerleader, you dated a cheerleader, or you hated the cheerleaders. As I recall, that's how high school worked.

Thanks to travel PR, that same primeval paradigm lives on long after graduation. That miniskirts-shouting-slogans thing still works, whether you're a used car salesman, Miley Cyrus on VH1 or the tourist board of a small Balkan nation. When it comes to selling your destination in today's busy world of busy people, a country's name just isn't enough--just like school spirit, you need colors, a pep band, a mascot, a brand and most important--a cheer.

It's tragic but true: tourist boards don't trust their country's name to inspire appropriate thoughts in your brain. Toponyms are too open-ended and too untrustworthy--also, way too obvious. For example, what's the first thing that pops into your head when I say . . . Monte Carlo? How about Australia? The Bahamas? Kuwait? The Gambia?

Whatever you're thinking, it's not enough. Tourist boards want you to choose their destination over all others, then allocate all of your vacation days to them and then come spend your money on very specific things--like miniature golf by the sea or hot air balloon rides across the prairie. In short, they want your school spirit so much they're churning out cheers to fill up all the Swiss cheese holes in your mental map of the world.

Like a good cheer, a good destination slogan is simple and so memorable it sticks in your head like two-sided tape. Sex sells, but then so does love: "Virginia is for Lovers", Hungary offers visitors "A Love for Life", Albania promises "A New Mediterranean Love", while the highlighted "I feel Slovenia" spells out sweetly "I Feel Love". Meanwhile, Bosnia & Herzegovina call themselves "the Heart Shaped Land" and Denmark's logo is a red heart with a white cross. Colombia and Dubai have red hearts in their logo. Everybody else uses sunshine.

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Trade Mocked originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Pampering: Hit the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in style

Tom Johansmeyer — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, Monaco, Hotels and Accommodations

There is no place in the world that oozes conspicuous wealth quite like Monte Carlo. And, when the drivers start their engines for the Monaco Grand Prix,this tiny country is electrified, with the wealthy coming to play during one of the most popular events of the year. Want to count yourself among them? The Fairmont Monte Carlo has some great packages that will appeal to the affluent, making your experience more than just a day at the races.

This year, the hairpin bend in the track being officially renamed the "Fairmont Hairpin" ... for a reason. Enjoy the action at this tricky spot from the comfort of the hotel, while sipping champagne in a suite and avoiding the crowds below. Or, you can take in the race from the 200 VIP stadium seats that the Fairmont is installing on its roof, offering the highest views of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Make the most of your trip to Monte Carlo with one of the Fairmont's F1 packages, available from May 12 - 16, 2010. Rates start at €4,800 and include buffet breakfast, rooftop access, welcome amenities and in-house Grand Prix activities.

While you're in town, don't forget to stop by the Sardinia's Billionaire Club. Italian entrepreneur and F1 manager Flavio Briatore is taking his club to the Fairmont Monte Carlo for Grand Prix week this year. From 11:30 PM until 5 AM, you can hit the Salle d'Or in the hotel for music, fashion and entertainment with Monte Carlo's elite.

Daily Pampering: Hit the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in style originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White Collar Travel: Three perspectives on business travelers and their miles

Tom Johansmeyer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business, North America, France, Monaco, United States, Airlines

What would you do with 300,000 frequent flier miles in your account - not to mention enough hotel points to get you 10 days in the blissful destination of your choice? Your imagination is probably running wild, as mine did when I got my first travel-intensive gig a decade ago. I had visions of southern France: soaking in the Mediterranean sun, roulette in Monte Carlo and smoking Cuban cigars from a balcony overlooking the ville.

Six months later, I fantasized about sleeping in my own bed for three nights in a row, in a one bedroom apartment I shared in a suburb of Boston. Eventually, I did burn most of my miles, some of them to Nice and Monaco, but not under the circumstances I expected. Along the way, I saw three major attitudes that business travelers had toward the points and miles they'd collected.

Continue reading White Collar Travel: Three perspectives on business travelers and their miles

White Collar Travel: Three perspectives on business travelers and their miles originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five steps to a better Valentine's Day from Fairmont

Tom Johansmeyer — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, Singapore, United Arab, Monaco, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, United States

After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it's time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you're planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you'll have a top-shelf treatment ready and waiting for you. Check out the "Follow Your Heart" spa experiences on tap at 11 Fairmont hotels this Valentine's Day.

One Heart: This is a Red Ribbon Lips facial upgrade and includes a complimentary Jane Iredale Organic Sugar Lip Scrub treatment that will soften and soothe your lips. Worried about dry, cracked lip kissing? That won't be a problem after this treatment.

Two Heart: Willow Stream's Sending You Kisses offer includes a Willow Stream Lip Kit and Lip Definer pencil, which will make softened lips eye-catching -- translation: you'll more likely have the chance to use them.

Three Heart: Enjoy a Heartfelt 90-minute spa experience, an hour of which is side-by-side for couples, with a 30-minute dip in the spa's oversized whirlpool tubs ... complete with champagne.

Four Heart: The Love Me package makes you the center of attention. The solo day at the spa includes a 90-minute experience before noon and a Willow Stream spa bento box lunch.

Five Heart: Willow stream will Love You Forever. On the first day of the month, guests will enjoy enjoy either a 60-minute or 90-minute spa treatment ... for an entire year!

Participating resorts include: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (Miami), Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Scottsdale, Fairmont Le Montreux Place (Switzerland), Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta), Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), Fairmont Monte Carlo, Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia).

Five steps to a better Valentine's Day from Fairmont originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five reasons to visit Monaco next year

Tom Johansmeyer — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, France, Monaco

Surrounded by France, except for a stretch along the Mediterranean, Monaco is a destination for the wealthy, as well as those with a penchant for auto racing or roulette. The only other ostensible reason to visit this tiny principality is curiosity -- especially for Americans, it's hard to believe that a plot of land that small could actually be its own country! Well, good things tend to come in small packages, and Monaco is no different. Monaco stands on its own, warranting a visit that's more than an add-on to a vacation in France.

Need a reason? I have five for you, all at least a tad off-beat.

1. You can walk the entire country end-to-end
So, it's not a journey worthy of a Jules Verne story, or for that matter, Michael Palin. But, it's still pretty cool to brag that you've walked an entire country ... in only one day. Monaco is only 0.76 square miles, so you'll even be able to stop for lunch and a spin of the wheel at Casino de Monte-Carlo.

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Five reasons to visit Monaco next year originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Little Countries, Big World: Gadling's pint-sized guide to the world's smallest countries

Aaron Hotfelder — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Nauru, Tuvalu, Budget Travel

I'm not sure what it is about small countries that makes me so interested in them. Maybe it's the fact that they seem so manageable, so knowable. I could spend the next five years in, say, China, and still feel like I hadn't seen a fraction of what it has to offer. But in some of my favorite smaller countries-- Ecuador, Guatemala, the Czech Republic-- I've always felt like I have a fighting chance.

As for the countries below, the world's five smallest, you could get to know most of them pretty well in an afternoon. Here's a quick 'n dirty guide that proves that size, as the old adage goes, is not everything...

Vatican City

In a nutshell: The world's smallest sovereign state at just under two-tenths of a square mile, Vatican City is headquarters of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The Vatican, an enclave within the city of Rome, features the magnificent Sistine Chapel, famous for its Michelangelo-painted ceiling, as well as St. Peter's Basilica, the world's biggest Christian church.

Turn-ons: Carpenters from Nazareth, piety, extolling the Christian virtues of humility and simplicity in the midst of unparalleled opulence

Turn-offs: Prostitution, drugs, promiscuity, and just about anything else fun

Interesting factoid: The College of Cardinals has never made it to an NCAA Tournament.

Continue reading Little Countries, Big World: Gadling's pint-sized guide to the world's smallest countries

Little Countries, Big World: Gadling's pint-sized guide to the world's smallest countries originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Tour de France is underway

Kraig Becker — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Europe, France, Monaco, Spain

The 2009 Tour de France got underway yesterday with an individual time trial through the streets of Monaco. The Prologue was a short and fast 15.5km (9.6 miles) sprint that started with a steady climb and ended with the riders screaming back down the hill towards the finish line. At the end of the day, time trial specialist Fabian Cancellara took the stage victory and the famous Yellow Jersey, while the real contenders for the race, such as Alberto Contatdor and American Levi Leipheimer, lurking just off the pace. Lance Armstrong, making his return to the Tour after a 3 year layoff, finished in 10th.

Today, the race heads out onto the road, leaving Monaco behind, with a 187km (116.1 miles) stage through southern France. The route will pass through some rolling hills, but will mostly favor the sprinters who will be competing for the Green Jersey, while the climbers will wait for the seventh stage, when the race moves away from Barcelona and into the Pyrenees, where they'll begin their competition for the Polka Dot Jersey worn by the King of the Mountains.

Over the next three weeks the top riders in the world will compete in cyclings premiere event. In total, there will be 21 stages, covering more than 3500km (2175 miles). The race culminates on Sunday, July 26 on the Champs Elysees when the leader rides into Paris with the Yellow Jersey.

2009 Tour de France is underway originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe's Wee Nations

Erik Olsen — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Europe, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco

You know all the big ones by heart, the ones who loom in your remembrances of Western Civilization class and, well, perhaps many a vacation or period living abroad. The names are so familiar: France, Britain, Italy and so on. But what about the little ones? The wee nations of Europe who have their own flags and governments, perhaps their own currencies, and who certainly deserve a look should you be planning a trip to the continent any time soon...or later, for that matter.

Well, this tidy little guide from Fodors takes you on a brief tour of Europe's wee states. Places like Andorra, given its independence by Charlemagne when they helped fight the Moops, er, Moors centuries ago. There is Monaco, which many backpack travelers know for its casinos and as the parking place for vast and unfathomably pricey yachts of the rich and discreet. There is Lichtenstein, the sleepy, but wealthy little haven along the Rhine between Switzerland and Austria where if you blink while on the road, you miss it. And so on...

It's a cool, useful little list and made me think that someone should do a book about the world's smallest countries. Hmmmm...

Europe's Wee Nations originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 5 Smallest Countries in the World

Justin Glow — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Nauru, Tuvalu

Traveling through Europe as a teenager, we made a stopover in Liechtenstein, a small, landlocked principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria. Crossing the border, I remember thinking to myself, "wow, this country has a lot of letters in its name. I'm hungry." And so we found a place to eat, but then I realized that all of Liechtenstein was less than 70 square miles! I couldn't believe it. I lived in Texas at the time, which was roughly 4,000 times larger, and it was only a state! This was an entire country, and I could probably run from one side to another in a few hours! Insane.

I was sad to find out, then, that Liechtenstein didn't even make the cut in the "5 Smallest Countries in the World" profile by Neatorama.com. What a bummer. Here are the countries that did make the list:

Vatican City - 0.17 square miles
Monaco - 0.8 square miles
Nauru - 8 square miles
Tuvalu - 9 square miles
San Marino - 24 square miles

Liechtenstein comes in sixth. Sixth. So close. If I would have visited any of these on that trip, my head probably would have exploded for the shear novelty of being in such a small country. What can I say? I'm easily amused.

The 5 Smallest Countries in the World originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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