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[Video: Pro Big-Wave Surfer Sets World Record On 78-Foot Wave In Portugal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/14/video-pro-big-wave-surfer-sets-world-record-on-78-foot-wave-in/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/14/video-pro-big-wave-surfer-sets-world-record-on-78-foot-wave-in/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/14/video-pro-big-wave-surfer-sets-world-record-on-78-foot-wave-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hawaiian pro big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara, 44, has officially made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for his November 2011 ride on a 78-foot wave (previously recorded as being 90-feet). McNamara was towed in on a jet ski off the coast of Nazare, a fishing village north of Lisbon, and absolutely killed it gliding down the face of this monster. Don't try this at home, kids.

Video: Pro Big-Wave Surfer Sets World Record On 78-Foot Wave In Portugal originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-wave surfingBig-waveSurfingguinnessHawaiiHawaiian surfersHawaiianSurfersLisbonNazarepro surferspro surfingProSurfersProSurfingsurfingsurfing world recordSurfingWorldRecordtow-in surfingTow-inSurfingworld recordsWorldRecordsMon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Win A Trip To New Orleans With Sandeman's Summer Sangria Challenge]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/win-a-trip-to-new-orleans-with-sandemans-summer-sangria-challen/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/win-a-trip-to-new-orleans-with-sandemans-summer-sangria-challen/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/09/win-a-trip-to-new-orleans-with-sandemans-summer-sangria-challen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

sangriaPort enthusiasts will be familiar with the Sandeman brand, but this summer, the distinguished producer wants you to think of their fortified wine in a new light: as a mixer. For their Sandeman Summer Sangria Challenge, participants must submit a photo and original sangria recipe that incorporates a bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto.

Anything else goes ingredient-wise, but it's helpful to remember that true sangria is a red wine punch from Rioja, Spain. Traditionally, it combines Rioja or another varietal of regional wine with Brandy and fresh fruit. It's hard to improve upon a classic, but in my experience, Port makes everything better.

The winner will receive a trip for two to New Orleans to attend Tales of the Cocktail - the world's premier cocktail festival - in July. To enter, visit www.facebook.com/SandemanPorto by June 1. Recipes should yield one pitcher of sangria.

[Photo credit: Flickr user divya_]

How to Make Traditional Sangria

Win A Trip To New Orleans With Sandeman's Summer Sangria Challenge originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandycocktail festivalscocktail recipescocktail seminarsCocktailFestivalsCocktailRecipescocktailsCocktailSeminarscontestsdistilleriesdrink recipesDrinkRecipesfortified wineFortifiedWinefruitLouisianaNew OrleansNewOrleansoportoportportuguese drinksPortugueseDrinkspunch recipespunchesPunchRecipesrecipe contestsRecipeContestsRiojasangria recipesSangriaRecipesspanish drinksSpanishDrinksspiritswhite sangriaWhiteSangriawineWed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Spring Blossoms]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/30/photo-of-the-day-spring-blossoms/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/30/photo-of-the-day-spring-blossoms/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/30/photo-of-the-day-spring-blossoms/#commentsFiled under: , ,

spring blossoms

Spring blossoms are here.

More to the point, it is really starting to feel like spring across the Northern Hemisphere. (And in fact, unseasonably warm weather in many different spots around the world has had things feeling like summer several months ahead of schedule.) This image of tender spring blossoms, taken by Flickr user (flicts) in Barcarena, Portugal, really captures the tentative, giddy nature of early springtime. See more work by the photographer here.

Upload your super seasonal images to the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. We choose our favorite images from the pool as Photos of the Day.

Photo Of The Day: Spring Blossoms originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcarenaflickrphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayportugalspring blossomsSpringBlossomsFri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[15 palace hotels that will make you feel like royalty]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/10/15-palace-hotels-that-will-make-you-feel-like-royalty/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/10/15-palace-hotels-that-will-make-you-feel-like-royalty/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/10/15-palace-hotels-that-will-make-you-feel-like-royalty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

crown Have you ever wondered what it's like to live like a king or queen? While you may not have been born into royalty, you can still live lavishly, if only for a weekend.

While five-star hotels can offer plush bedding, spacious penthouse suites, and high-class amenities, it's nothing compared to the luxurious living offered at these palace properties. Genuine artifacts from centuries ago adorn the halls, acres of lush gardens, furniture made of gold - no expense is spared at a palace hotel. Not only that, but you'll be sleeping in the same space as kings, queens, and society's most elite members once did, long ago.

Sound like fun? Before you start planning your next royal getaway, check out the gallery below.

[flickr image via CSvBibra]

Gallery: Palace Hotels From Around the World

Umaid Bhawan PalaceTaj Lake PalaceRambagh PalaceTaj Mahal PalaceCiragan Palace

Continue reading 15 palace hotels that will make you feel like royalty

15 palace hotels that will make you feel like royalty originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-star hotels5-starHotelsaccommodationscelebritiesgalleriesluxury travelLuxuryTravelpalace hotelsPalaceHotelsphotosroyaltytaj mahalTajMahalunique hotelsUniqueHotelsSat, 10 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angola rising: tourism is next]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/05/angola-rising-tourism-is-next/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/05/angola-rising-tourism-is-next/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/05/angola-rising-tourism-is-next/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

angola rising

I spent last week in Portugal's Azores, absorbing the rhythms of daily life on Flores, Europe's westernmost island. An unexpected discovery was the ongoing focus on Angola in the Portuguese media. Evidence of the rise of Angola as an economic power is everywhere.

First off, Portuguese people are moving to the former Portuguese colony in droves. Back in 2010 there was an interesting article by François Musseau in the French newspaper Libération about Angola's magnetic appeal to skilled Portuguese workers. Musseau's article points out that skilled Portuguese workers can make three times as much money in Angola than in Portugal. While life in Angola might not always be easy, Musseau suggests, the payoff in terms of salary and career development is high. More recently, a BBC article from this past December also documents the Portuguese exodus to Angola.

The flow of workers doesn't appear to be leveling off. The current issue of newsweekly Visão features an article on superior economic environments for skilled workers hoping to escape Portugal's economic crisis. Angola is one of a handful of countries listed - and the only one of the bunch in Africa - next to rich countries like Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

"The future starts here," says the billboard of an Angolan bank, Banco BAI, at a prime spot at Lisbon's international airport. This statement appears to be true for Angola in many ways. A number of different stories over the last few months have observed that Angolan investors are busy buying up Portugal's businesses and newly privatized state assets in a postcolonial reversal.

Continue reading Angola rising: tourism is next

Angola rising: tourism is next originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaangolaangola risingAngolaRisingportugalportuguese africaPortugueseAfricaMon, 05 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the day - Lisbon's winter light]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/17/photo-of-the-day-lisbons-winter-light/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/17/photo-of-the-day-lisbons-winter-light/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/17/photo-of-the-day-lisbons-winter-light/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lisbon's winter light

Is Lisbon's winter light a cure for the blues of the dark season?

It's right about this time in the Northern Hemisphere that winter starts to feel like an imposition. It's not getting measurably warmer, and even though it's been getting lighter for almost two months, it's not light enough, darn it. Not at all.

This is the time of year when it's easy to forget that winter's thin light can also very beautiful. Flickr user t3mujin reminds of this fact with the above Lisbon street scene, snapped in December just before the winter solstice. He nails the beauty of Lisbon's winter light wonderfully, anchoring the image in the gaze of the lovers casting shadows on the street.

Upload your images of winter light to Flickr's Gadling Group Pool. We choose our favorites from the pool to be Photos of the Day.

Photo of the day - Lisbon's winter light originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flickrlisbonlisbons winter lightLisbonsWinterLightphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayportugalFri, 17 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA["iPads in every stateroom," says one cruise line]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/ipads-in-every-stateroom-says-one-cruise-line/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/ipads-in-every-stateroom-says-one-cruise-line/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/ipads-in-every-stateroom-says-one-cruise-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

iPads in every stateroomIn a bold move, Royal Caribbean International announced today the addition of "iPads in every stateroom" on board onboard Splendour of the Seas, undergoing dry dock refurbishment right now.

"Based on consumer research, we added the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International.

Embracing technology and staying current is nothing new for Royal Caribbean International. Not long ago, sister-line Celebrity Cruises introduced a new iPhone app that represented a natural evolution of their programming, welcoming a new generation of cruise passenger. A Celebrity iLounge is a popular gathering place. As an Authorized Apple Reseller, some ships have a retail area where guests can try out and buy various Apple products and accessories plus an "enrichment center" that offers classes on the iLife suite of programs and other general topics.

Continue reading "iPads in every stateroom," says one cruise line

"iPads in every stateroom," says one cruise line originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilCelebrity CruisesiPads in every stateroomIpadsInEveryStateroomOasis class cruise shipRomero BrittoRomeroBrittoRoyal Caribbean InternationalSci/TechWed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: surfer rides 90 foot wave in Portugal, breaks world record]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/17/video-surfer-rides-90-foot-wave-in-portugal-breaks-world-recor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/17/video-surfer-rides-90-foot-wave-in-portugal-breaks-world-recor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/17/video-surfer-rides-90-foot-wave-in-portugal-breaks-world-recor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's one thing to go to the beach to catch some waves in Portugal, but it's an entirely different thing to catch a 90 foot wave successfully, breaking a world record. And that's just what surfer, Garrett McNamara, did. McNamara broke the world record for the longest wave ever surfed when he caught this 90 foot wave off the coast of Portugal. The largest wave claimed to have been surfed before this one was 80 feet, and there's no solid documentation to back up that the 80 foot surf actually happened. Although little documentation, other than this video above, has been released regarding McNamara's feat, as far as I'm concerned, this little video clip above is pretty decent documentation. Watch this video if you'd like to sit in awe for a minute or if you're simply interested in scoping just how big some of those waves off of Portugal's coast can get.

Continue reading Video: surfer rides 90 foot wave in Portugal, breaks world record

Video: surfer rides 90 foot wave in Portugal, breaks world record originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>90 foot wave90 foot wave in portugal90FootWave90FootWaveInPortugalgarrett mcnamaragarrett mcnamara surfingGarrettMcnamaraGarrettMcnamaraSurfingmcnamaraportugalportugal surfportugal surfingPortugalSurfPortugalSurfingsurfersurfer rides 90 foot waveSurferRides90FootWavesurfing in portugalSurfingInPortugalThu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[10 unique modes of transportation around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/11/10-unique-modes-of-transportation-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/11/10-unique-modes-of-transportation-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/11/10-unique-modes-of-transportation-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Chicken Bus
Guatemala, Central America

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

Continue reading 10 unique modes of transportation around the world

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTravelcamelchicken busChickenBuscouch bikeCouchBikedog sledDogSledeco friendly modes of transportationeco-tourismEcoFriendlyModesOfTransportationelephantfeaturedgreen travelGreenTravelrail cartRailCartreed boatReedBoatsled dogSledDogtobaggantro-trounique transportationUniqueTransportationunusual modes of transportationUnusualModesOfTransportationFri, 11 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day - A ride through Lisbon]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/02/video-of-the-day-a-ride-through-lisbon/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/02/video-of-the-day-a-ride-through-lisbon/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/02/video-of-the-day-a-ride-through-lisbon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Can you describe your favorite city in one word? Yellow Bus Tours, a tour guide company in Portugal, recently asked tourists of Lisbon to describe the Portuguese capital in one word.

Set to a montage of beautiful scenes shot in and around the city, the video sets a vibe that certainly makes the city look inviting. Kudos to Yellow Bus Tours for capturing the feel of the city & inviting their guests to help promote Lisbon tourism.

Can you describe Lisbon in one word? Have a link to a video of your favorite city? Share it with us in the comments below. It could be the next Photo/Video of the Day!

Video of the Day - A ride through Lisbon originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapitalCity ScenesCityScenesLisbonPortugalTourismTravelVideoVideo of the DayVideoOfTheDayYellow BusYellow Bus ToursYellowBusYellowBusToursTue, 02 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveler Q & A: Pavia Rosati]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/02/traveler-q-and-a-pavia-rosati/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/02/traveler-q-and-a-pavia-rosati/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/02/traveler-q-and-a-pavia-rosati/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

pavia rosatiPavia Rosati is the founder of Fathom, a recently debuted travel website. Fathom is smart and beautifully designed. It's full of exciting short briefs about various destinations across the globe.

Rosati, as you'll see from her answers below, is an experienced editor and an avid traveler. Her enthusiasm for Fathom's subject matter is palpable and infectious. We love Fathom and can't wait to see how it's going to develop.

Q: Good day, Pavia Rosati, and welcome. How would you describe your occupation?

A: I am the founder and CEO of Fathom, a new travel website. It's my job to help connect you to places and experiences you didn't know you were going to love.

Q: Tell us about Fathom.

A: Fathom cuts through the clutter of the online travel space with stories and destination guides that are as practical as they are inspiring. People typically go to a travel website for one of two reasons: They know they're going to London, and they need to know where to stay and what to do. Or they think, "I have two weeks off...I like nature...Where should I go?" Fathom addresses both needs through two main sections: Guides and Postcards. Guides have quick information about the basics: hotels, sites, restaurants, and itineraries. Postcards are inspiring travel stories organized around the passion points of travel with a "I Travel for the ..." theme: I Travel for the Food, I Travel for the Thrill, I Travel for the Kids. We aren't motivated by what's expensive or what's trendy. We're interested in what's special and what's awesome. Sometimes that's a three-Michelin star lunch at Le Meurice; sometimes it's a five-euro falafel at L'As du Fallafel.

Q: What are you trying to do with Fathom that hasn't been done by other travel sites?

A: I wanted to create the one-stop travel website that I could never find. You know how the best travel guide is the email you get from a friend who lives there, detailing what you need to do and know? That's the spirit that motivates us. I used to spend 80 hours researching dozens of sites to boil my findings down to an essential nugget of information. Fathom aims to deliver that nugget. I don't want to wade through a list of 200 shops in Buenos Aires; I want 20 that are amazing. I want to know what locals know. I want pre-edited links to the best articles, websites, and online resources. Perhaps most importantly, Fathom recommendations are not driven by a mega travel agency's vast and impersonal database; our recommendations are personal and special.

Q: How do you anticipate Fathom developing? For example, will the city guides grow in number?

A: Absolutely. It's a big world, and we want to get everywhere. Postcards are updated continually, and we will launch several new guides every month. Reader feedback will be critical: We've had a lot of requests for Amsterdam since launching, so look for that soon. We want more Postcards from Fathom readers, a community we call the travel-proud. This fall, we'll launch Boutique, with our favorite travel products; Traveler Profiles, based on the popular Fathom Questionnaires; and My Itineraries, so readers can save the places they want to go.

Q: How did your decade at Daily Candy prepare you for this endeavor?

A: First and foremost, it's where I met my partner, Jeralyn Gerba, Fathom's editorial director. We had one priority at DailyCandy: We had to delight our readers every day. To achieve this, we had to be trustworthy, we had to recommend quality places, and we had to deliver information readers wanted in a way they wanted it. And it helped if we had a great time doing it. These are excellent editorial priorities. By the way, before DailyCandy, I spent four years running the Entertainment Channel at AOL. That taught me a thing or two about building and serving a big audience.

Continue reading Traveler Q & A: Pavia Rosati

Traveler Q & A: Pavia Rosati originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaargentinaasiacambodiacanadacaribbeanChilechinacolombiaeuropefathomfranceHong KongHongKongindonesiaitalyJapanLaoslondonNetherlandsnew yorkNewYorkNorth AmericaNorthAmericaparispavia rosatiPaviaRosatiportugalShanghaisouth americaSouthAmericaSri LankaSriLankasyriatokyounited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesvietnamZambiaTue, 02 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Useful foreign phrases, Part 2: how to say, "Can you write this down for me?" in 10 languages]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/05/useful-foreign-phrases-part-2-how-to-say-can-you-write-this/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/05/useful-foreign-phrases-part-2-how-to-say-can-you-write-this/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/05/useful-foreign-phrases-part-2-how-to-say-can-you-write-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

useful foreign phrasesA post written by Chris on Tuesday reminded me of this little language series I started in March. In "Ten things Ugly Americans need to know before visiting a foreign land," Chris recommended brushing up on the local language. He joked about dashing around Venice clutching his concierge's handwritten note, "Do you have 220/110 plug converters for this stupid American who left his at home?"

Thanks, Chris, because I've had this post sitting in my queue for awhile, as I debated whether or not my phrase of choice would appear useful to readers. It's saved my butt many a time, when a generous concierge or empathetic English-speaker would jot down crucial directions to provide to a cab driver. It's also helped me out when I've embarked on long-distance journeys that require me to get off at an unscheduled stop.

I have a recurring nightmare in which I board the wrong bus or train in a developing nation, and end up in some godforsaken, f---ed up place in the wee hours. Actually, that's happened to me more than once, except I was actually in my intended destination. So the other piece of advice I'd like to impart is: do some research ahead of time on accommodations and how to reach them as safely as possible if you're arriving anywhere in the wee hours--especially if you're alone, regardless of your gender.

I digress. Before your next trip to a foreign land, take the time to scribble the words, "Can you (please) write this down for me?" in your guidebook or dog-ear it in your phrasebook (you're bringing one, right? Right?). It will serve you well, I promise you. Below, how to make this useful request in ten languages.

P.S. It bears repeating that I'm far from a polylinguist; I'm relying on phrases based on past experience or research. If I inadvertently offend anyone's native tongue, please provide a correction in the "Comments" section.

1. Spanish (Catalan): ?Puedes escribirlo, por favor?

2. Italian: Può ripeterlo, per favore?

Continue reading Useful foreign phrases, Part 2: how to say, "Can you write this down for me?" in 10 languages

Useful foreign phrases, Part 2: how to say, "Can you write this down for me?" in 10 languages originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AaronSorkinBerlitzbilingualCantoneseCatalanChineseCzechforeign languagesForeignLanguagesFrenchGermanhelpful phrasesHelpfulPhrasesItalianJapaneselanguagelanguage schoolslanguagesLanguageSchoolslearning foreign languageLearningForeignLanguageMoroccan ArabicMoroccanArabicphrasebookspolylingualPortugueseRosetta StoneRosettaStoneSpanishspeaking another languageSpeakingAnotherLanguagetranslationTranslationSoftwaretransliteratd languagesTransliteratdLanguagestransliterationUgly AmericansUglyAmericansuseful languagesUsefulLanguagesVietnameseThu, 05 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the day - A day at the beach]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/21/photo-of-the-day-a-day-at-the-beach/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/21/photo-of-the-day-a-day-at-the-beach/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/21/photo-of-the-day-a-day-at-the-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Photo of the daySometimes a perfect day at the beach isn't all cerulean blue skies and crystal clear water. Sometimes it's a windy afternoon, after the season is over, but you can enjoy the solitude and serenity of the ocean. Flickr user t2mujin took in such a scene on a March day in Lisbon, Portugal for today's Photo of the Day. We might be looking at a fisherman's gear or just someone eager for summer, even if winter hasn't quite made a final exit.

Care to share a favorite travel moment with us? Add your photo to our Flickr pool and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the day - A day at the beach originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachfavoritefishermanflickrlisbonmarchoceanperfectphotophoto of the dayphotographyPhotoOfTheDayphotosportugalseaseasonspringsummerwinterThu, 21 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fat Tuesday - top 5 places to party for Carnival]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/08/fat-tuesday-top-5-places-to-party-for-carnival/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/08/fat-tuesday-top-5-places-to-party-for-carnival/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/08/fat-tuesday-top-5-places-to-party-for-carnival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Fat Tuesday is the culmination of Mardi Gras, Carnival, Carnevale, and like minded celebrations that take place across the world today. From Guatemala to Greece, Fat Tuesday represents the last bastion of excess in Christian culture before the Lent fasting season begins. The streets pulse with energy and revelers don costumes, throw beads, shout sheenisms, and generally have a booze-fueled fantastic time.

So where are the top 5 places to throw down and party for Fat Tuesday?

Continue reading Fat Tuesday - top 5 places to party for Carnival

Fat Tuesday - top 5 places to party for Carnival originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brazilcarnevalecarnivalfat tuesdayfat tuesday 2011FatTuesdayFatTuesday2011Mardi GrasMardiGrasNew orleansNewOrleanspartyportugalrio de janeiroRioDeJaneiroTrinidadAndTobagoVeniceTue, 08 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Schengen and the disappearance of European passport stamps]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/old-vs-new-schengen-and-the-decline-of-european-passport-stamp/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/old-vs-new-schengen-and-the-decline-of-european-passport-stamp/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/01/old-vs-new-schengen-and-the-decline-of-european-passport-stamp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

schengen passport
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.

Continue reading Schengen and the disappearance of European passport stamps

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andorraAustriabelgiumBulgariacyprusCzech RepublicCzechRepublicdenmarkEstoniaeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionfinlandfrancegermanygreeceHungaryIcelandirelanditalylatviaLiechtensteinlithuanialuxembourgmaltamonacoNetherlandsnorwaypassportsPolandportugalRomaniaSan marinoSanMarinoschengenschengen agreementSchengenAgreementSlovakiasloveniaspainswedenswitzerlandtraveloldandnewunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvaticanvisasTue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five lesser-known European islands]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/five-lesser-known-european-islands/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/five-lesser-known-european-islands/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/five-lesser-known-european-islands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

lesser known european islands

Last June, we published a list of four European islands that float under the radar: Porquerolles, France; Fasta Åland, Finland; San Domino, Italy; and Vlieland, Netherlands.

As far as we're concerned, it's not too early to start making summer travel plans to get away from the crowds. Here are five more beautiful yet lesser-known European islands that don't get a ton of press. They're scattered across the continent, from England to the Azores and from Greece to the Baltic Sea.

1. St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly, England. St. Agnes, one of the Isles of Scilly, is the southernmost inhabited bit of England. Temperatures are moderate and pleasant year-round. The beaches and shoreline are more reminiscent of the Caribbean than of the popular imagination of England. You can spend your time walking around the island, visiting the lighthouse, and relaxing over a pint at the Turk's Head, England's southernmost pub. St. Agnes can be reached by ferry from the main island of St. Mary's.

2. Corvo, Azores, Portugal. The smallest and northernmost of the remote Azores, Corvo is an isolated place. The island boasts a stunning verdant caldera with two crater lakes. It is also well-known as a birdwatching spot. Food lovers should enjoy Corvo's local handmade cheese, distinctive corn bread, and larded tarts made with rock grass. Corvo can be reached by air on SATA Air Açores.

3. Kasos, Greece. Situated between Crete and Karpathos, Kasos is a sparsely populated dot on the map at the southern end of the Dodecanese Islands. Greece being Greece, the island has several remarkable beaches on offer, though these are not the whole story. Its five villages are home to scores of delightful churches. The island also maintains a busy festival schedule throughout the year. The festival of St. Marina, held on July 17, is the most important summer season festival event. Ferries connect visitors to Kasos from Crete and Piraeus, and Olympic Air links the island to the outside world by air.

4. Bornholm, Denmark. The Danish Baltic Sea island of Bornholm lies far east of the rest of Denmark. The bucolic island is packed with attractions. Among these is Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe, which dates back to the 12th Century. Bornholm is also a hub for arts and crafts, and hosts an annual Culture Week festival in September. Bornholm can be reached by ferry from Køge (Denmark), Ystad (Sweden), Kolobrzeg (Poland), and Sassnitz (Germany). There are also air links from Copenhagen on Cimber Sterling as well as sesonal connections to Billund (Cimber Sterling) and Oslo (Widerøe).

5. Hiiumaa, Estonia. This quiet western Estonian island is full of picturesque rural corners: old churches, lighthouses, little forested islets, and beaches for swimming and sunning. Hiking is a big draw here, and there are also opportunities for horseback riding and kayaking. Prices are very reasonable here, as Estonia remains an affordable destination. For budget-friendly accommodation on Hiiumaa, consider booking a room at the delightful Allike, where double rooms begin at €50. Hiiumaa can be reached by air from Tallinn with Avies and by ferry from the mainland and the neighboring island of Saaremaa.

[Image of St. Agnes: Flickr | Carlton Browne]

Continue reading Five lesser-known European islands

Five lesser-known European islands originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azoresbornholmcornwallcorvodenmarkenglandEstoniagreeceHiiumaaisles of scillyIslesOfScillyKasosportugalSt. AgnesSt.Agnesunited kingdomUnitedKingdomFri, 25 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the day - arty rooster graffiti in Portugal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/27/photo-of-the-day-arty-rooster-graffiti-in-portugal/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/27/photo-of-the-day-arty-rooster-graffiti-in-portugal/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/27/photo-of-the-day-arty-rooster-graffiti-in-portugal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Photo of the day
Many of us have a certain "thing" we like to photograph when traveling. For some, it's food. For Gadling blogger Mike Barish, it's amusing signs, as well as himself with various SkyMall products. Personally, I like graffiti, like today's photo from Portugal taken by Flickr user Rita Moreno. The graffiti is practically arty in it's framing, colors, and even the tears in the paint seem thoughtful and eye-catching.

What do you like to photograph on your travels? Send your best shots to our Gadling group on Flickr and we might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the day - arty rooster graffiti in Portugal originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amusingartyflickrfoodFoodPhotographyFoodPhotosframingFunnySignsgrafittMikeBarishphotographyPhotoOfTheDayphotosportugalroostersignsskymallThu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Lisbon at dusk]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/23/photo-of-the-day-lisbon-at-dusk/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/23/photo-of-the-day-lisbon-at-dusk/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/23/photo-of-the-day-lisbon-at-dusk/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The city of Lisbon is dominated by its hills. It can make getting around this Portuguese capital an interesting experience (tip: make sure to try out one of the city's elevators). But rest assured, once you make it to the top, you'll be treated to some of Europe's most amazing views. Today's photo, by Flickr user t3mujin, offers a typical example, taken at dusk. I love the warm glow of the city's street lights, coming to life as the day slowly fades to dusk, Lisbon's picturesque harbor visible off in the distance.

Taken any great photos during your recent travels? 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 - Lisbon at dusk originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duskfunicularhillslisbonstreetlightSun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portuguese flight attendant says yes to inflight marriage proposal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/19/portuguese-flight-attendant-inflight-marriage-proposal/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/19/portuguese-flight-attendant-inflight-marriage-proposal/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/19/portuguese-flight-attendant-inflight-marriage-proposal/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Portuguese flight attendant Vera Silva got the inflight surprise of her life when her boyfriend picked up the P.A. microphone to propose to her. While Ms. Silva was busy preparing drinks in the back of the plane, her boyfriend told her that he was on board because he loves her, and because he wants to "ask her a question".

With the help of her fellow crew members and the pilot, the proposal entertained the whole plane - and with an embarrassed "Sim", the 80 passengers celebrated the moment with loud applause.

TAP pilot Pedro Matthias told ITN reporters that this was the first time he's experienced this in his 35 years of flying. After the proposal, Ms. Silva told reporters that she was so embarrassed that she wanted to hide in the bathroom.

Congratulations to the happy couple - this is one story they'll probably be telling for years to come.

Portuguese flight attendant says yes to inflight marriage proposal originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flight attendantflight attendantsFlightAttendantFlightAttendantsmarriage proposalmarriage proposalsMarriageProposalMarriageProposalsproposaltapweddingWed, 19 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[InterContinental Hotel Group prepares for 2011 openings in Russia, Portugal, Qatar, more]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/intercontinental-hotel-group-prepares-for-2011-openings/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/intercontinental-hotel-group-prepares-for-2011-openings/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/intercontinental-hotel-group-prepares-for-2011-openings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

A new year brings new hotels. While travelers are prepping their calendars in anticipation of 2011 trips, hotel groups are working hard to open new properties around the world for guests. International expansion in Asia and Europe are top priorities for hotel groups including Marriott, Starwood and Hilton. Next up: InterContinental Hotel Groups plans their 2011 expansion including hotels in Russia, Portugal and a second property in London.

I caught up with my contacts at InterContinental to get a sneak peak at what's to come:

intercontinental

InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (February 2011)

The InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is a 473-room hotel located at Jalan Ampang, a prestigious upscale address in the heart of the capital's business, shopping and entertainment district. The hotel is a short distance to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. There will be five restaurants, offering Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and international cuisine.

InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya, Russia (July 2011)

Situated on the site of the former Minsk Hotel at Number 22 Tverskaya, InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya will be part of a brand new 64,000 square-meter development with luxury retail outlets and state-of-the-art offices. Within a short walking distance are the Kremlin, City Hall and Pushkin Square. Guest rooms with have hardwood parquet flooring, built-in TV in both the bedroom and bathroom, and bespoke furniture, including one-of-a-kind credenzas featuring etchings of Seven Sisters skyscrapers that were planned but never built.

Continue reading InterContinental Hotel Group prepares for 2011 openings in Russia, Portugal, Qatar, more

InterContinental Hotel Group prepares for 2011 openings in Russia, Portugal, Qatar, more originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandintercontinentalintercontinental hotelsintercontinental hotels groupIntercontinentalHotelsIntercontinentalHotelsGrouplondonLuxuryTravelmalaysianew hotelsNewHotelsportugalqatarrussiaMon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST