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[Vagabond Tales: Scuba diving Nicaragua in a lightning storm]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/06/vagabond-tales-scuba-diving-nicaragua-in-a-lightning-storm/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/06/vagabond-tales-scuba-diving-nicaragua-in-a-lightning-storm/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/06/vagabond-tales-scuba-diving-nicaragua-in-a-lightning-storm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



In spite of being one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, many travelers list Nicaragua as their hands-down favorite country in Central America. The colonial heritage of Granada and Leon, the world-class surf of Popoyo and San Juan del Sur, and the relaxing feel of the islands, these are all highlights of Nicaragua that draw visitors back time and again.

Wait. Did you just say the islands? Since when are there islands in Nicaragua?

While a fair amount of travelers pay a visit to Isla de Ometepe, a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua which is home to some of the world's only freshwater sharks, not as many people venture off the Caribbean coastline to Las Islas del Maiz, an isolated grouping better known as the Corn Islands.

Reachable via a short flight from the coastal outpost of Bluefields (or an all day/overnight ferry), the Corn Islands were originally colonized by the British and have a distinctly more Caribbean feel to them than the Latin influence found back on the Nicaraguan mainland.

They are also reputed to have some of the best scuba diving along the Central American coastline, which is what ultimately lured me into stuffing myself into a 15-seater prop plane for a flight to the middle of nowhere. Little did I know that heading into this dive trip, things were going to get just a little bit weird.

Having arrived in Big Corn Island after an uneventful flight, a brief taxi ride and fistful of Nicaraguan córdobas landed me on a 30-minute panga ride to Little Corn Island, population 800. With a land area that barely exceeds 1 sq. mile, Little Corn has no motorized vehicles and a single, sandy footpath, which serves as the island's pedestrian highway.

Shacked up in a multi-colored, refreshingly rustic beach bungalow at Casa Iguana, arrangements were made for doing an offshore boat dive the following morning with Dive Little Corn, one of only two dive operators on the entire island. I was introduced to our dive master, a local Nicaraguan man who would be leading us into the crystalline waters the following morning. From his wide smile and affable demeanor he didn't appear to be the type of person who would take pleasure in manhandling sharks. Apparently, I would be wrong about this.

Continue reading Vagabond Tales: Scuba diving Nicaragua in a lightning storm

Vagabond Tales: Scuba diving Nicaragua in a lightning storm originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Casa IguanaCasaIguanaDive Little Corn IslandDiveLittleCornIslandIsla de OmetepeIslaDeOmetepelittle+corn+islandlittlecornislandnicaraguaNicaragua islandsNicaragua scuba divingnicaragua+newsNicaraguaIslandsnicaraguanewsNicaraguaScubaDivingScuba dive Nicaraguascuba+divingScubaDiveNicaraguascubadivingvagabondtalesTue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frommer's reveals top destinations for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/frommers-reveals-top-destinations-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/frommers-reveals-top-destinations-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/frommers-reveals-top-destinations-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



What destination are you dreaming of for 2012? The staff at Frommer's have just unveiled their list of top travel destinations for the coming year. Included in the list is a little something for everyone: large metropolises, secluded beach towns, colorful riverside villas, and more.

But Frommer's didn't just rely on their expert editors and author's for this years list--they also polled readers to find out where they wanted to visit in 2012. Click through the gallery below to see Frommer's (and their reader's) picks--including one surprising midwestern city that is the only spot in the United States to make the cut.

Continue reading Frommer's reveals top destinations for 2012

Frommer's reveals top destinations for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012bay of fundyBayOfFundybeirutbelizebest ofBestOfcanadachinachongqingcuracaodestinationsenglandfrommersfukuokaghamagironagreat britainGreatBritainguatemalajapankansas cityKansasCitylebanonlondonmexicomissourinova scotiaNovaScotiaspaintraveltravel destinationsTravelDestinationsturkeyunited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesyucatan peninsulaYucatanPeninsulaTue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day - Sunsets around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/29/video-of-the-day-sunsets-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/29/video-of-the-day-sunsets-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/29/video-of-the-day-sunsets-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Seeing the sun set over a foreign land can lead to some of the most memorable moments on any given trip. Even though it's an event we witness every day of our lives, watching it dip over a new horizon always feels like a completely new experience. Today's Video of the Day is a collection of one backpacker's best sunsets from a 365 day trip around the world.

Romain Corraze decided to travel around the world for one year after finishing his studies in 2009. Starting in France, he managed to venture through the USA, India, Cambodia, Colombia, China, Russia, Thailand, Argentina, Chile, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Hong-Kong, Australia, Vietnam, Guatemala, Belgium & France - and captured some of these sunsets along the way.

If you like it, then be sure to check out Romain's full length documentary - "Backpacker, the movie". The video was shot with a Sony HDR-SR11 and edited in Final Cut Pro - which just goes to show that anyone can create an inspiring video with today's simple tools. If you have an inspiring piece to share, drop a comment below and it could be our next Photo/Video of the Day!

Video of the Day - Sunsets around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArgentinaCambodiaChileChinaColombiaIndiaMongoliaRomain CorrazeRomainCorrazeSunsetSunsetsUSAVideoVideo of the dayVideoOfTheDayTue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying Kites Adventure Challenges: Give back on your next trip]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/17/flying-kites-adventure-challenges-give-back-on-your-next-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/17/flying-kites-adventure-challenges-give-back-on-your-next-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/17/flying-kites-adventure-challenges-give-back-on-your-next-trip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flying Kites Adventure Challenges offer great travel and the chance to give backTravelers looking to add a new dimension to their next journey may want to check out the Flying Kites Adventure Challenges, which are a series of great adventure travel opportunities that allow you to visit some fantastic destinations, while raising funds for charity at the same time.

Organized by Flying Kites, a non-profit that is dedicated to improving the standards for childcare in some of the poorest nations in the world, the adventure challenges are an intriguing prospect to say the least. The process starts with travelers selecting their adventure of choice from a list of five options. From there, they pledge to raise a certain amount of funds for Flying Kites, and once they reach that goal, the entire trip is payed for including airfare, guides, accommodations, and so on.

The list of challenges include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, both of which require a $6000 fundraising goal. There are also two options for surfing in Nicaragua with an 8-day itinerary costing $2300 and a 10-day version requiring a $2500 commitment. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will no doubt be intrigued by the Kenya Film Expedition, which comes with a fundraising target of $7500, while runners and endurance athletes will want to compete in the North Face Endurance Challenge this May.

The fundraising goals are certainly reasonable, and attainable, for anyone who sets their mind to it. Most of those trips can obviously be done for less money on your own, but in this case, you not only get a fantastic travel experience, but also the added benefit of giving a little something back in the process. Great adventure travel combined with the chance to improve the lives of children in the places we visit? Sign me up!


Flying Kites - Adventure Challenges - Kilimanjaro/Nicaragua from Flying Kites on Vimeo.

Flying Kites Adventure Challenges: Give back on your next trip originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelbackpackingcharityEveresteverest base campEverestBaseCampflying kitesflying kites adventure challengesFlyingKitesFlyingKitesAdventureChallengeshikinghimalayaskilimanjaromt kilimanjaroMtKilimanjarophotographyrunningsurfingtrekkingtrekking in africatrekking in NepalTrekkingInAfricaTrekkingInNepalThu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can this chicken bus make it across a waterfall?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/23/can-this-chicken-bus-make-it-across-a-waterfall/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/23/can-this-chicken-bus-make-it-across-a-waterfall/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/23/can-this-chicken-bus-make-it-across-a-waterfall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the most common ways to economically transit in Central America is via chicken bus, a type of rebuilt school bus chock full of budget travelers, locals, livestock and anything else that can fit. And with rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, passage can often be a time consuming and difficult affair.

WyUtahMed over on Youtube captured one of these very instances in Nicaragua. With the road washed out by massive flooding, the chicken bus in this video effectively had to drive over a waterfall and risk being washed away to continue its journey, all while petrified passengers watched from inside. Take a look below, and remember this next time you want to complain about Greyhound.


Can this chicken bus make it across a waterfall? originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buschicken busChickenBusnicaraguaSun, 23 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadling's favorite destinations for 2011]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/07/gadlings-favorite-destinations-for-2011/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/07/gadlings-favorite-destinations-for-2011/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/07/gadlings-favorite-destinations-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gadling favorite destinations 2011

We travel a lot, to destinations both well-known and unfamiliar. In our defense, it is our job to travel like mad, to explore the world and then write about our discoveries.

Though most travel writers find something or other of interest in most places we visit, there are always those personal favorites that rise above the rest. This year, we decided to scribble our favorites down for you. Some of these spots we're tipping for greater coverage in 2011, while others are simply tried-and-true favorites that we can't stop raving about to our friends and the various publications that allow us to write for them. Over the course of this week, we'll weigh in on our favorite hotels, airlines, gadgets, apps, and websites.

So, without further ado: Gadling's favorite destinations for 2011.

Mike Barish. St. Kitts. I genuinely enjoy how locals and visitors frequent the same beach bars and restaurants. During evenings on the strip, I'd recognize staff members from my hotel doing the same thing I was doing: enjoying the ocean breeze with a cocktail and some jerk chicken.

Kraig Becker. Everest Base Camp, Nepal. For adventure travelers, a visit to Everest Base Camp is one of the best treks in the world. The 12-day hike isn't just about the destination, however, as you walk in the shadow of the Himalaya each day, passing through sleepy mountain villages steeped in Sherpa culture along the way. The scenery, and altitude, is a breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Continue reading Gadling's favorite destinations for 2011

Gadling's favorite destinations for 2011 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aitutakibogotabolognaBulgariaburgundycarowindscayman islandsCaymanIslandscharlottechinacolombiacook islandsCookIslandsCotopaxidominicadrome-provencalecuadorEthiopiaEverestBaseCampfinlandfrancegenevagenoahanoiHelsinkiItalian RivieraItalianRivieraitalyJapanko changKoChangkyotoLaoslimaluang prabangLuangPrabangmassif centralMassifCentralMexicoNepalnicaraguaparisperuPositanoromeSayulitaShanghaiSt. KittsSt.KittsswitzerlandtelluridethailandtrinidadTrinidadAndTobagotuscanyViennavietnamZambiaTue, 07 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten budget-friendly Caribbean destinations]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/22/ten-budget-friendly-caribbean-destinations/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/22/ten-budget-friendly-caribbean-destinations/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/22/ten-budget-friendly-caribbean-destinations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ten budget-friendly Caribbean destinations
If you get all your information about the Caribbean from travel magazines, you might find yourself convinced that a night's stay in the region will set you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $500. The Caribbean's super posh reputation has its roots in the region's tourism history; until relatively recently, tourism in the Caribbean was largely restricted to the very rich. And as one might expect in a region that has historically catered to the rich, there are lots of impossibly exclusive luxury properties in the Caribbean today.

But these resorts do not and should not define tourism in the region. There are many spots across the Caribbean where costs are low and the quality of experiences on offer is high. Here are ten destinations where low hotel rates, exciting activities, and compelling local culture make for real budget-friendly value.

If you find this post interesting, be sure to check out Gadling's archive of budget-friendly travel stories.

1. Carriacou, Grenada. North of the main island of Grenada is the laid-back island of Carriacou. There are some great beaches on the island (see above for evidence.) A fantastically budget-friendly place to stay is the lovely Green Roof Inn (from $40 for one; from $70 for two) north of Hillsborough, the island's main settlement.

2. Havana, Cuba. Day-to-day expenses in the Cuban capital can be quite cheap. Casas particulares (owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast establishments) can be found for about $30 for two, and meals can be cobbled together for very little. Cultural events are astoundingly cheap, and reasonable taxi rates can be negotiated. For a listing of good casas particulares, check out CubaParticular and Casa Particular.

3. Big Corn Island, Nicaragua. It is often forgotten that the Caribbean Sea extends to Central America. Big Corn Island off the coast of Nicaragua presents a fascinating mélange of English-speaking Creoles and Spanish- and Miskito-speaking transplants from the mainland. Though undeniably hardscrabble, Big Corn Island has some beautiful territory and some unbelievably cheap hotels. Try Princesa de la Isla (from $60, with excellent Italian meals on offer) and Martha's Bed and Breakfast (from $50). These are, by the way, among the most expensive places to stay on the island.

4. Saba. Referred to by locals as the "Unspoiled Queen," Saba is one of the most beautiful and least well-known corners of the Caribbean. A mountain jutting out of the sea, it has no beaches and few obvious tourist draws beyond diving. Visitors discover cute villages full of houses with gingerbread trim, lush hiking trails, and outstanding views. Check out the Ecolodge Rendez-Vous (from $75) and El Momo (from $50 for one; $65 for two).

5. Anegada, British Virgin Islands. It takes a concerted effort to get here, but once on this furthest-flung of the BVIs, accommodations can be quite reasonable. The limestone island boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the entire region, yet has seen surprisingly little tourist development. Neptune's Treasure offers double rooms starting at $110 in high season.

Continue reading Ten budget-friendly Caribbean destinations

Ten budget-friendly Caribbean destinations originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anegadabig corn islandBigCornIslandbonanzabritish virgin islandsBritishVirginIslandsbudget travelbudget-travelBudgetTravelcaribbeancarriacou-islandcubadominicagrenadaGuadeloupehavanamarie galanteMarieGalanteMontserratnicaraguasabaMon, 22 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the day 7.9.10]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/09/photo-of-the-day-7-9-10/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/09/photo-of-the-day-7-9-10/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/09/photo-of-the-day-7-9-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This image jumps vividly, something that may have to do with how many impressions it casts simultaneously. It speaks immediately to the promise of a road trip and the lure of the open road. Its vibrant, humid greens place it in a tropical region, as does the bright sky, which looks downright mercurial. It may have been (mostly) blue at the moment of capture, but an afternoon rain looks like a safe bet.

Adal-Honduras snapped this beautiful photo in Nicaragua.

Got an image that suggests a thrilling road trip or that plays with tropical colors? Upload it to the Gadling Flickr pool and we might feature it as a Photo of the Day.

Photo of the day 7.9.10 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>managuanicaraguaphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayFri, 09 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blogger Meg Nesterov]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/06/blogger-meg-nesterov/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/06/blogger-meg-nesterov/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/06/blogger-meg-nesterov/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Where was your photo taken: On a plane bound for Tokyo from JFK, taken to join the elite ranks of Heather Poole's laviators.

Where do you live now: Istanbul, Turkey. I arrived here in May to accompany my husband who is consulting on a project with Turkish company. We will eventually return home to Brooklyn, New York, where we can be found sampling the city's many all-you-can-drink brunch specials and planning our next trip.

Scariest airline flown: Like Alex Robertson Textor, I'd have to go with La Costeña in Nicaragua to the Corn Islands. It feels like you are flying on an unwieldy bicycle, and when a fellow passenger noted that one of the controls was not working, the pilot remarked, "Oh, I don't use that, it's turned off!" They do serve cookies and Fanta, so not wholly unpleasant.

Favorite city/country/place: Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. After spending many childhood summers on the lake, I honeymooned there for a glorious week with my husband barbecuing, playing cards, and hiking through the woods with my grandfather.

Continue reading Blogger Meg Nesterov

Blogger Meg Nesterov originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to book a cigar tour]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/16/how-to-book-a-cigar-tour/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/16/how-to-book-a-cigar-tour/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/16/how-to-book-a-cigar-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Cigar manufacturers are eager to host consumers. If you happen to be in Honduras or Nicaragua, your request for a tour of the facilities would probably be met with excitement and a warm welcome. But, you can get more than that. As the manufacturers and retailers struggle to overcome the effects of the global recession, many are arranging cigar-centric trips designed to host you from seed to ash.

Many cigar companies are partnering with tobacconists to arrange cigar tours for their customers. Camacho brings smokers down to Honduras to spend a few days at "Camp Camacho," where they can tour the fields, see how cigars are rolled and smoke as much as you like. Rocky Patel and Drew Estate (which makes Acids and Javas) host groups as well, in Honduras and Nicaragua, respectively. My recent trip to Pepin Garcia's factory was a first for the company, but I strongly suspect that many will follow. WhileDrew Estate is open to individual bookings, most of the cigar trips offered by manufacturers need to be arranged by cigar shops.

Your local retailer has the connections to make a cigar trip possible, so that's where you need to start. Bring the idea up, and make sure there are enough people in the shop who share your interest. You'll probably need about a dozen to make the trip happen (on my trip, De La Concha and Uptown Cigar, contributing roughly the same number of travelers each).
Since the cigar companies are eager to bring you to their facilities, you'll generally be responsible for your airfare ... and nothing else. Accommodations, meals and transportation are usually included, and you'll be provided enough cigars to keep you busy - I had one lit pretty much all day every day. The details will vary with the cigar company. Those that have rooms on the premises will put you up inside the walls, and companies that don't will arrange for you to stay in a local hotel.

Gallery: Drew Estate: Cigar destination in Esteli, Nicaragua

Welcome to the Cigar Safari at Drew EstateDrew Estate muralArt in the Drew Estate factoryThe cabanos where Drew Estate guests stayThe cabanos where Drew Estate guests stay


Continue reading How to book a cigar tour

How to book a cigar tour originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Camachocigarcigarsfarmrocky patelRockyPateltobaccotobacco industryTobaccoCompaniesTobaccoIndustryTobaccoUseTue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Estate: A Destination for cigar smokers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/08/drew-estate-a-destination-for-cigar-smokers-needs-video/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/08/drew-estate-a-destination-for-cigar-smokers-needs-video/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/08/drew-estate-a-destination-for-cigar-smokers-needs-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you like to light up a stick more than occasionally, it's time for you to consider a "cigar safari." This unique experience, offered by Drew Estate, which manufactures both traditional and infused cigars, is available up to 16 times a year at its factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. Spend four days and three nights soaking in the pool, sipping cocktails in the on-site lounge and sampling the entire Drew Estate line, from Acid to T52.

Many cigar manufacturers are offering tours for their end-consumers these days. Camacho, Rocky Patel and Pepin Garcia's My Father are among the companies that have taken this giant marketing leap forward. With Drew Estate, however, there is a touch of a resort feel. The guestrooms, limited number, feel more like a hotel than the barracks style available at some of the factories, and the guest-to-bathroom ratio isn't bad.

Upstairs is the sort of cigar lounge that makes smokers salivate, with plenty of couches, flat screen televisions, a bar and even a poker table (games are held regularly with guests). The lounge opens onto a balcony (soon to be furnished) that offers stunning views of the Nicaragua countryside. Back on the ground, you can have a drink prepared and sit by the pool - or slip into it to cool off for a while.

Gallery: Drew Estate: Cigar destination in Esteli, Nicaragua

Welcome to the Cigar Safari at Drew EstateDrew Estate muralArt in the Drew Estate factoryThe cabanos where Drew Estate guests stayThe cabanos where Drew Estate guests stay


Continue reading Drew Estate: A Destination for cigar smokers

Drew Estate: A Destination for cigar smokers originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Camachocigarcigar loungecigar shopCigarLoungecigarsCigarShopestelirocky patelRockyPatelsmokesmokingMon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tip-Top: Nicaraguan fast food]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/07/tip-top-nicaraguan-fast-food/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/07/tip-top-nicaraguan-fast-food/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/07/tip-top-nicaraguan-fast-food/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you're traveling to Nicaragua and have a city-sculpted Type A personality, you're probably bracing yourself for meals that can last hours. Occasional glimpses of the restaurant staff offer brief interludes scattered among hours of nothingness. It gets tough after a while, making it hard to resist the urge to dine 'n' dash. Tip-Top, Nicaragua's answer to Popeye's or KFC, will scratch your fast food itch.

The Tip-Top format is not unfamiliar. If you've ever been to a fast-food joint anywhere, you'll have no trouble figuring out how to order and where to eat. Just step up to the counter, and order the fried delight of your choice (I went with fried chicken and French fries). Pay. Pick up your food. Grab a table, and eat. To get your drink, stop by the fountain drink station, but let the attendant do the work for you (a real perk!).

To call Tip-Top easy would be the grossest of understatements. But, there's nothing shocking here: it's fast food.

Gallery: Tip-Top

Welcome to Tip-Top!The Tip-Top billboards are rather colorfulOrdering at Tip-Top is pretty straightforwardOkay, the logo leaves something to be desired

Continue reading Tip-Top: Nicaraguan fast food

Tip-Top: Nicaraguan fast food originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>estelifast foodFastFoodSun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotel Review: Hotel Los Arcos]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/06/hotel-review-hotel-los-arcos/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/06/hotel-review-hotel-los-arcos/http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/06/hotel-review-hotel-los-arcos/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you're going to Esteli, Nicaragua, it's probably for the cigars. The town is charming, if a bit rundown, but it's proximity to the fields and factories of some of the world's premier cigar manufacturers is undoubtedly the main attraction. So, be reasonable in your expectations when choosing a hotel. I spent three nights at Hotel Los Arcos on a visit to the Pepin Garcia cigar operation, and don't have any complaints. It isn't a luxury property (and doesn't bill itself as such), but you will be clean and comfortable during your stay.

Hotel Los Arcos is one of the few hotels I've visited in the past few years that actually use keys - real metal keys. Turn it to enter your room, and the experience will vary. Some rooms have two single beds, while others deliver two full-sized. There are a handful of suites with balconies and a bit of extra elbow room, though no guestroom is cramped. The beds and bathrooms are clean but worn, though both would seem better with a bit more of an effort to decorate.

Gallery: Hotel Los Arcos

Hotel Los Arcos CourtyardHotel Los Arcos GuestroomTowel Sculpture at the Hotel Los ArcosMural in the Hotel Los Arcos CourtyardHotel Los Arcos Courtyard

Continue reading Hotel Review: Hotel Los Arcos

Hotel Review: Hotel Los Arcos originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cigarcigarsestelihotelhotelsSat, 06 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (8-26-09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/photo-of-the-day-8-26-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/photo-of-the-day-8-26-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/photo-of-the-day-8-26-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Anyone who has traveled in a developing country may notice how this photo by TR Ryan captures perfectly the ingredients of every day village life. See it as a check list, if you will. Chickens? check. Goat? check. Plastic cup? check. Flip flops and bare feet? check and check. A bit of old rusty corrugate serving as a partial wall? check. Bicycle? check. It almost doesn't matter in which country the scene is set. The ingredients will be the same.

If Dutch painter Jan Vermeer were alive today, he'd turn this shot into a painting. Instead of the woman pouring milk into a bowl, as his subject does in, "The Kitchen Maid," he would encapsulate in oil and canvas the life of this woman where she lives in Villa Esperanza, Nicaragua ensuring that her children get a meal.

If you have captured a story in a photograph, send it our way at Gadling's Flickr photo pool. It may be chosen as a Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (8-26-09) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrendeveloping countriesDevelopingCountriesJan VermeerJanVermeernicaraguapainting The Kitchen MaidPaintingTheKitchenMaidphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaystill lifeStillLifeVilla EsperanzaVillaEsperanzawomenWed, 26 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (6.21.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/21/photo-of-the-day-6-21-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/21/photo-of-the-day-6-21-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/21/photo-of-the-day-6-21-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Passports? Check. Beautiful historical monuments? Yes. Alright, let's travel! The previous phrase is what went through my mind when I looked at Flickr user darren.murph's photo from Nicaragua. There's something really amusing about how they're flaunting their passports around. Couple that with the beautiful church in the background and it makes for an arresting, yet humorous shot.

Have any travel photos you would like to share with the world? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (6.21.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>passportSun, 21 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[7 Eco-adventures that may be hazardous to your health]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/23/7-eco-adventures-that-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health/http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/23/7-eco-adventures-that-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health/http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/23/7-eco-adventures-that-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Many adventure travelers like to mix a sense of danger into their travels. It's not enough to just go somewhere and experience the culture and explore the landscapes. For some, they have to feel the rush of adrenaline while they risk life and limb for their next great thrill. Fortunately, Treehugger has just the list of travel experiences for them, offering up 7 eco-adventures that could get you killed.

As you can probably guess, there are some wild suggestions on the list. For instance, they recommend volcano boarding in Nicaragua, something we wrote about awhile back. For an entirely different thrill, Treehugger recommends heading to Bolivia and taking a mountain bike for a spin down the Highway of Death, a particularly nasty stretch of road that we spotlighted back in March.

Some of the experiences are relatively quick, and over in a short time, like BASE jumping off of a Himalayan peak, while others demand much more of a commitment. For example, climbing Annapurna, a 26,545 foot mountain in Nepal, which would require weeks to climb, months to train for, and years to gain enough experience to even try.

The other suggestions on the list are equally intense and offer their own level of challenge and fear. But for someone looking to add new experiences to their life list, perhaps you'll find something here that will inspire your next adventure.

7 Eco-adventures that may be hazardous to your health originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 23 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelannapurnabase jumpingBaseJumpingblue nileBlueNileclimbingcrocodileecotourismhimalayan mountainsHimalayanMountainshimalayasmountain bikemountain bikingMountainBikeMountainBikingmountaineeringpaddlingsailboatsailingsharksharksvolcanovolcano boardingVolcanoBoardingwhite waterwhite water raftingWhiteWaterWhiteWaterRaftingSat, 23 May 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Volcano Boarding: Sledding Down An Active Volcano]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/20/volcano-boarding-sleddig-down-an-active-volcano/http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/20/volcano-boarding-sleddig-down-an-active-volcano/http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/20/volcano-boarding-sleddig-down-an-active-volcano/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The New York TImes has the scoop on a new sport that can trace its origins back to the slopes of Cerro Negro, a 2388 foot tall volcano in western Nicaragua. The new extreme sport is called Volcano Boarding, and participants use a small piece of plywood to rocket down the side of a sometimes active volcano, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph.

The article credits Darryn Webb, an Australian tour guide working in Nicaragua, with coming up with the idea behind volcano boarding. Webb grew up in Queensland, where he learned to sandboard, which is a bit like snowboarding on sand dunes. Back in 2005, when he first set eyes on Cerro Negro, he immeditely began plotting a new way to go down its slopes.

Webb says they tried a variety of different concepts when looking for their "sled", including boogie boards, mattresses, and even a minibar fridge (!), before eventually going with their current design, which is little more than reinforced plywood with formica on the underside to increase speed. Boarders don a jumpsuit and goggle designed to protect them should they become separated from their rides, and begin the arduous 45 minute climb to the summit, carrying their board.

Continue reading Volcano Boarding: Sledding Down An Active Volcano

Volcano Boarding: Sledding Down An Active Volcano originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>central americaCentralAmericacerro negroCerroNegroextreme sportsExtremeSportsnicaraguasandboardingvolcanoMon, 20 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (3.14.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/03/14/photo-of-the-day-3-14-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/03/14/photo-of-the-day-3-14-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/03/14/photo-of-the-day-3-14-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Seeing as I'm in Nicaragua right now, I find it only appropriate to offer an image from this wonderfully hospitable country. I mentioned in my first dispatch that Nicaragua is clearly a developing country and poverty runs rampant right next to 5 star hotels. It's an unfortunate thing, and it's something that not just one person with a thinning wallet can do about it. Walking along the dirt road scattered with ramshackle huts on my way to Playa Amarilla with surfboard in hand, I was hit with the reality that the people here just trying to survive and have no luxury like I do of surfing at the break that is just steps away. How could they afford the surfboard anyway? If there's one thing I intend to do before I leave, it's to give back a little piece of heaven to these poor neighbors in one way or another.

This photograph depicts three young boys who were gracious enough to pose for ourmanwhere in the colonial town of Granada on Calle Arsenal. Ourmanwhere, a self-proclaimed "serial overseas volunteer" currently based in Cameroon, also has some pretty captivating photographs from Vietnam, Thailand, the UK, and Europe.

If you have some great travel shots you'd like to share, be sure to upload them to the Gadling pool on Flickr. We might just pick one as our Photo of the Day!

Photo of the Day (3.14.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>granadakidsnicaraguaphotophoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaySat, 14 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The first 24 hours in Nicaragua ]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/03/13/my-first-24-hours-in-nicaragua/http://www.gadling.com/2009/03/13/my-first-24-hours-in-nicaragua/http://www.gadling.com/2009/03/13/my-first-24-hours-in-nicaragua/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Just how cold is the water in Nicaragua, I say to myself as I scuttle up to the lapping ocean's edge.

Mike had told me it was going to be colder than I would normally think.

I dip my toes in, and quickly realize what Mike was talking about. Despite my assumption that everything about Central America is hot, the water is chilly at best - cold to be generous.

"Aw, heck," I shriek before running full throttle, throwing my borrowed surfboard in front of me, and paddling as quickly as possible to the lineup.

Rob, too, the owner of the Hotel Brio where I am staying for a week, jogs into the water and informs us this is the coldest it's been in his recollection. He's been surfing these waters for over five years, so that's saying something

Continue reading The first 24 hours in Nicaragua

The first 24 hours in Nicaragua originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dangerfniHotel BrioManaguaNicaraguaTolatravelFri, 13 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Four good reasons to visit Central America this fall]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/21/time-to-take-another-look-at-central-america/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/21/time-to-take-another-look-at-central-america/http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/21/time-to-take-another-look-at-central-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

With many of our travel budgets shrinking this season, now is a great time to consider the halfway point between that costly trip to Europe and the staycation that you've been dreading. Oh yes, I'm talking about Central America.

Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua have a lot to offer and are a great alternative to sinking a large chunk of cash into a heavy vacation. They're close enough so that you can get away for a long weekend, not stuffed with tourists like many of the Mexican port towns and warm enough to cure those chilly fall hangovers.

Why else would we move our Thanksgiving family dinner from Providence down to Panama City? Check out four good reasons below.

Continue reading Four good reasons to visit Central America this fall

Four good reasons to visit Central America this fall originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>central americaCentralAmericafnijunglesnorkelingTue, 21 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST