Gadling

Photo of the Day - Daejeon National Cemetery

Alex Robertson Textor — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, South Africa, Photo of the Day

National cemeteries are symbolically loaded places, and Daejeon National Cemetery in Daejeon, South Korea is no exception. Completed in 1985, the cemetery was designed, in the words of the official cemetery website, "to worship patriots, patriotic martyrs, and the souls of all the fallen heroes and the war dead."

This image was taken by LadyExpat, a prolific Flickr user. Its subject is immediately recognizable as a military memorial. The photographer's vantage point renders it particularly interesting.

Do you have a photo of a symbolically powerful cultural site taking up space in your personal photo archives? Upload it to the Gadling Group Pool, enable downloading, and sit back. You might just end up seeing your image pop up on Gadling as a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Daejeon National Cemetery originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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8 Languages You've Never Heard Of (And Who Actually Speaks Them)

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Indonesia, Japan, Russian Federation, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Papua New Guinea, Peru

As anyone who follows my articles here on Gadling knows by now, I don't travel to relax poolside at a resort or sip a fancy drink with coconut oil. I travel because this world is a fascinating place.

While everyone has their own travel philosophy and reasons for wanting to get away, I know that for many travelers, one of the greatest joys of travel is experiencing other cultures and peeking into corners of the world, which are far removed from our own. This could range from immersing yourself in a culture with a different religion, cuisine, or something as simple as driving on the other side of the road.

More often than not, however, one of the largest indicators that we "aren't in Kansas anymore" is traveling to a place with a language that is different from our own. With linguists estimating there are over 7,000 languages spread across the globe, there is little to no chance of any traveler ever having the opportunity to properly experience them all. Furthermore, as Gadling blogger Kraig Becker points out, there are still uncontacted tribes in parts of the Amazon where we don't even know what language they speak yet.

Though situations like these are encouraging, the sad reality is that the majority of indigenous languages is critically endangered and will most likely not survive the next generation. According to the United Nations and UNESCO, not only does an indigenous language go extinct every two weeks, but up to 90% of the world's languages are likely to disappear in the next century if current trends continue.

While the Economist reports that recent advances in technology may actually be able to aid in the rescue and rebirth of languages, the fact of the matter remains that thousands of global languages are dying at a terrifying rate.

So, in a nod to the fascinating beauty of global tongues, here is a rundown of eight languages that you've probably never heard of, and are lucky if you ever hear.

Continue reading 8 Languages You've Never Heard Of (And Who Actually Speaks Them)

8 Languages You've Never Heard Of (And Who Actually Speaks Them) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 'No Kitchen Required' In New Zealand, 'When Maori Attack'

Laurel Miller — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South Africa, Thailand, Dominica, Fiji, New Zealand, Ecotourism, News, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

Here at Gadling, we've been keeping tabs on the new BBC America reality show "No Kitchen Required," which is taking cooking competitions to new highs (and lows). Battling for fame and glory are award-winning chef Michael Psilakis of New York's Fish Tag and Kefi; private executive chef Kayne Raymond; and former "Chopped" champ Madison Cowan.

The chefs hunt and gather ingredients to prepare regional cuisine in various locations, including Dominica, Belize, Fiji, Thailand, South Africa, Hawaii, New Mexico and Louisiana. The show is a cross between "Survivor" and "Top Chef," with a dash of over-the-top, Bear Grylls-style drama thrown in, but it's all in good fun and provides a fascinating cultural and culinary tour of little known destinations and cuisines.

Here, we have a teaser clip from New Zealand that features the chefs watching a haka, or traditional Maori warrior dance, prior to having the local community judge their respective meals. Here's hoping they didn't give anyone food poisoning.

Video: 'No Kitchen Required' In New Zealand, 'When Maori Attack' originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fact vs. Fiction: Penguin Spotting At Boulder Beach, South Africa

Grant Martin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, South Africa, Video

~~Rock hopper~~ African penguin colonies famously criss-cross the Cape of Good Hope south of Cape Town, South Africa, and one of the most popular spots to see the creatures is at Boulder Beach. There's a bit of wood decking and infrastructure built around this colony, which makes it easier for tourists to access. As such, though you can get a bit closer to the animals you can expect a bit of a crowd. Don't get to close either, the animals are still quite wild.

Fact vs. Fiction: Penguin Spotting At Boulder Beach, South Africa originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art

Jessica Festa — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Photos, Stories, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Malaysia, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, Brazil, Budget Travel

"Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a piss." - Banksy, "Banging Your Head Against A Brick Wall"

While often thought of as vandalism, there are many cities around the globe with beautiful works of graffiti that add an aesthetic property to a destination. In fact, many of the cities on this list feature legal graffiti walls, and works commissioned by the city to help enhance and beautify the region. Moreover, a lot of street art helps to tell the story of a culture, express political views and enlighten viewers on important topics.

Want to know where to experience the best graffiti art around the world? Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art

10 Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Photo Tour Of Cape Town's Colorful Bo-Kaap

Jeremy Kressmann — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Photos, Africa, South Africa

Cape Town might be the world's most visually striking city, between its dramatic coastal setting perched precariously against the looming Table Mountain and the town's riotous collision of Europe and Africa, and from textiles to colonial Dutch architecture. Perhaps no Cape Town neighborhood better represents the sensory feast that is Cape Town than the Bo-Kaap, a wildly colorful enclave of brightly painted houses long home to the city's unique population of Cape Malay residents.

Bo-Kaap got its start in the late 16th century, as Cape Town rose to prominence as a key stopover for merchant ships traveling between Europe and Asia. The largely Dutch traders who controlled Cape Town introduced Indonesian slaves (now known as Cape Malays) to the city, who then brought along their Islamic culture and cuisine. Bo-Kaap became home to the city's Cape Malay community, weaving its way through a patchwork of brightly painted houses, historic mosques, spice shops and cobblestone streets.

Though the Bo-Kaap is quickly gentrifying, the neighborhood remains a fascinating sensory feast for an afternoon stroll. Turquoise and bright green houses compete for your eye's attention with nearby Table Mountain, as a thick blanket of clouds gently rolls across its summit. Nearby a group of worshippers kneels outside one of Bo-Kaap's mosques, their chanting wafting its way to your ears. On the next corner, a market stocks halal meats and fresh-made Koeksisters, a sweet South African donut.

Begin your own exploration of the Bo-Kaap signs and sights of the neighborhood in the Gadling gallery below!

Gallery: Cape Town's colorful Bo-Kaap Neighborhood

A Photo Tour Of Cape Town's Colorful Bo-Kaap originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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South African Airways introduces virtual itineraries

Kraig Becker — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Internet Tools, Luxury Travel

South African Airways Vacations has introduced a new feature on its website that gives visitors the ability to explore options for travel in Africa like never before. The company has launched a series of "virtual itineraries" that use a combination of maps, photos and points of interest data to help travelers choose the right trip for themselves and to prepare them for their experience when they reach their destinations.

The site offers tours to a variety of locations including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and more. To explore those options simply visit the SAAV website and search for itineraries based on the location you would most like to visit or the type of travel experience that you're looking for. The search results will provide the name of the available tours, a brief description and the price. There will be a button that will allow you to view the virtual itinerary for any given tour as well.

Opening one of those virtual itineraries presents you with an overview of the tour that includes each of the destinations that you'll be visiting, the number of nights you'll be staying there and the type of accommodations you can expect. Selecting the "day-by-day" view zooms the map in close to show more details about the area you'll be visiting on any given day and offers some suggestions of things to see and do in the region. It will also show you where your hotel for that night is located and even offers images and detailed information about those accommodations. The virtual itineraries also provide notes about the daily activities, giving travelers plenty of information about what's on the agenda for that day of the tour.

All of these tools help to take the guesswork out of a visit to southern or eastern Africa. Those two regions are popular dream destinations for may travelers, but planning and preparing for such a trip can be an intimidating experience for many. With the SAAV virtual itineraries you'll know exactly what you'll be getting when spending your hard-earned dollars, which can be very reassuring for travelers who aren't particularly fond of surprises.

South African Airways introduces virtual itineraries originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeopardy! wants to send you to South Africa

Kraig Becker — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Africa, South Africa, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel

Popular American quiz show Jeopardy! and South Africa Tourism have joined forces to launch a new contest that will send one lucky winner off on the trip of a lifetime. To enter, simply drop by the Visit South Africa Facebook page, click on the "Jeopardy!" link and fill out the short form. You'll want to hurry though, as the contest only runs through March 22 and a winner will be randomly selected the following day.

That lucky winner will receive an all-expense-paid ten day trip to South Africa that includes round trip airfare and luxury accommodations in some of the country's best hotels. They'll also travel by train aboard the famous Rovos Rail while immersing themselves in both culture and adventure activities throughout the region. Of course, no visit to South Africa is complete without going on safari, and the winner will be treated to daily game drives while spending two nights at the MalaMala Game Reserve where they'll go in search of lions, elephants and a variety of other creatures.

To celebrate the launch of this promotion, Jeopardy! has also created an online version of the game that includes categories that are focused on South Africa. Trivia and travel buffs can test their knowledge of the country and its abundant wildlife. While the questions aren't particularly tough it is still fun to play through.

Having visited South Africa in the past I can tell you that it is amongst my favorite destinations. The country is a great blend of culture and adventure that isn't found anywhere else and the diversity of wildlife has to be seen to be believed. Whoever wins this trip is in for a real treat to say the least.

Jeopardy! wants to send you to South Africa originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poacher killed by Cape buffalo in South Africa

Kraig Becker — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Africa, South Africa, News

A man suspected of being a poacher was killed inside Kruger National Park in South Africa last week after coming face-to-face with an angry Cape buffalo. The unnamed 35-year-old, along with two companions, entered the famous park after dark where they managed to stumble across the fearsome beast. While the other two men managed to escape without injury, their friend was trampled to death.

Weighing in excess of 1500 pounds, and standing over a meter in height at the shoulder, the Cape buffalo is well known for its foul disposition. That combination of size and temperament can make them extremely dangerous when startled or threatened, and more than 200 human deaths are attributed to the species each year. That number makes them one of the most dangerous creatures in all of Africa, where they are considered to be amongst the "Big 5" of safari animals.

What exactly the three men were doing inside the national park after dark is unclear, although officials believe they were there to poach animals of some kind. Poaching has become a major problem for South Africa, where rhinos are being killed at a record pace in order to harvest their horns. Prized for their use in traditional medicines in Asia, those horns are then sold on the black market for as much as $100,000.

Ivory poaching is also a significant problem across the continent, where elephants are rapidly disappearing as well. Officials in Cameroon recently announced that more than 200 of the creatures have already been killed in that country this year alone.

[Photo credit: Ikiwaner via Wikimedia]

Poacher killed by Cape buffalo in South Africa originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 luxury hostels from around the world

Jessica Festa — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Food and Drink, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, Italy, Spain, United States, Australia, Argentina, Colombia, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Luxury Travel

While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you're staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort in Cairns is without a doubt one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. And if you're looking for something a little more luxurious than your average youth hostel, this is an excellent choice. Rooms offered include 4,6,8,10-bed dorms, 4 & 6-bed deluxe dorms, 6-bed all female dorms, and private rooms. The accommodation has a resort-type feel, with balconies, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and palm trees, a makeshift beach with volleyball nets, and even gym access. They also have swanky nightclub that often hosts theme parties and hot DJ's.

Continue reading 10 luxury hostels from around the world

10 luxury hostels from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Climbers attempting Kilimanjaro barefoot

Kraig Becker — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Hiking, Festivals and Events, Africa, South Africa, Tanzania

A team of South African climbers has traveled to Tanzania, where they hope to climb Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the African continent, without wearing shoes. Over the next few days, these barefoot adventurers hope to scale the mountain in an effort to raise funds for a children's hospital back home.

According to the group's website, the team of five climbers, and their support crew, arrived on the mountain yesterday and started their ascent. Early on, they passed through a pine forest, which provided a soft surface for their bare feet, but as the day wore on, they entered a tropical rainforest, where the trail gave way to gravel instead. While that proved to be a more challenging surface to hike on, they still managed to reach their first camp without too many problems.

In the days ahead, things won't quite be so easy however. Today, they'll leave the forests behind completely and move into the alpine marshlands of Kilimanjaro. That zone is punctuated with lush grasses and strange plants, which, aside from a few thorny bushes, shouldn't offer too much of a problem either. After that, it is on to the alpine desert, which is much rockier and harder to walk on, even while wearing boots. The final push to the summit will include plenty of volcanic scree, not to mention snow and ice. The cold temperatures on the final approach to the 19,340-foot summit may actually numb their feet from the pain - that is if they don't lose a toe or two to frostbite first.

In order to make this barefoot climb, the team has established a set of rules that will govern their approach. Those rules dictate that they must walk or climb every meter of the mountain without wearing any kind of artificial or natural substance on their feet. Furthermore, they pledge to walk each day between their camps in this fashion, although it seems likely they'll put on some comfy slippers when they reach their end point for the day.

By undertaking this trek, the team is hoping to raise funds for the Red Cross Children's Hospital in South Africa. 100% of the proceeds generated from the climb will go to that organization, which is one of the first of its kind in Africa.

Having climbed Kilimanjaro myself, I can't imagine attempting it without shoes. My feet hurt at the end of a long day as it was, and that was while wearing a good pair of hiking boots. Going completely barefoot seems crazy to me, and I'll be incredibly impressed if they actually make it.

Climbers attempting Kilimanjaro barefoot originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build your own adventure with the Africa Safari Planner

Kraig Becker — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Internet Tools, Luxury Travel

The Africa Safari Planner, a newly launched website from adventure travel company Natural Habit Adventures, gives travelers the ability to create their own custom trips to the African bush. The site, which launched earlier this week, provides options to visit nine different countries, and stay in over 300 unique camps, while encountering some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet.

The process begins by selecting which months you would prefer to travel in, and indicating the number of people in your group. From there, you'll be presented with options for travel in both Eastern and Southern Africa, in such countries as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia. After selecting a starting destination, travelers are then given the choice of several single and multi-country routes for their African adventure, which then prompts the site to suggest possible camps to stay in for each day of the journey. Those camps are broken down into categories based on price, giving the customer the ability to budget accordingly.

That said, there isn't much that is "budget" about these tours. They definitely fall into the upscale category, and travelers on these custom safaris aren't exactly roughing it. No matter which camps they choose to visit, they'll have their own comfortable rooms, complete with large beds and private showers. They'll also enjoy gourmet meals in spacious dining rooms and access to a host of other amenities while at the lodge. Of course, you don't go to Africa to hang out at the lodge, and each of the camps offers unique options for viewing the wildlife as well.

If you're looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey, and don't mind paying for it, then this is an excellent tool for creating your own custom safari itinerary. There are less expensive alternatives for booking a trip to Africa, but few offer this kind of flexibility and options for travelers.

Build your own adventure with the Africa Safari Planner originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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8 best coastal walks from around the world

Jessica Festa — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Camping

There's nothing better when traveling than exploring a beautiful city coastline. Not only do these treks give you access to unique landscape and picturesque beaches, they also help you stay in shape while on the road.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Australia

When I lived in Sydney, Australia, this was one of my favorite ways to spend a sunny day. Not only do you get to explore the beaches of Bondi and Coogee, but also Tamarama and Bronte. The walk is not all beach, as you will also pass through local communities, parks, and a cemetery littered with palm trees while also seeing unique rock formations and jagged cliff faces with contrasting colors and shapes. At the end of the 4-mile walk, which includes some challenging uphill sections, reward yourself with a dip in the ocean or a brew from the adjacent Coogee Bay Hotel's beer garden.

Continue reading 8 best coastal walks from around the world

8 best coastal walks from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the day: flying rhinos in South Africa

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Africa, South Africa, Video, Ecotourism, News

Flying Rhinos from Green Renaissance on Vimeo.

Flying rhinos aren't something you see everyday--not even in South Africa, where 19 of these endangered rhinos have recently been moved from the Eastern Cape to a conservation location in the province of Limpopo. Still relatively new, an airlift capture technique was used to transport black rhinos out of inaccessible or difficult locations. Suspending a sleeping rhino by the ankles through the air and to waiting vehicles is undoubtedly a difficult task, but conservation managers, wildlife veterinarians, capture teams from WWF, SANParks, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife all worked in cooperation with each other to ensure the success of this translocation mission.

All in all, these rhinos were moved 932 miles across the country. With an average commute of just 10 minutes or so by helicopter, one of the advantages of flying the black rhinos in this specific manner is that they don't need to be drugged for an extended period of time. The WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project has created seven significant black rhino populations over the last eight years--nearly 120 black rhinos have been translocated due to these admirable efforts.

Continue reading Video of the day: flying rhinos in South Africa

Video of the day: flying rhinos in South Africa originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Signs indicating locations of rhinos being removed from Kruger National Park

Kraig Becker — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Africa, Asia, South Africa, Ecotourism, News

In an attempt to thwart the efforts of illegal rhino poachers in South Africa, wildlife officials at Kruger National Park have announced that they will no longer employ the use of signs that indicated where the animals can be found. Previously, safari guides and camp leaders used maps and colored pins to mark the location of recently spotted animals so that tourists could get the opportunity to see the endangered creatures in the wild. Officials now believe that those same signs were being used by poachers to track the animals as well.

As we've mentioned before on Gadling, rhinos are becoming increasingly rare throughout Africa, and have been recently declared extinct in some parts of the continent. Poachers seek out the animals to obtain their distinct horns, which are then sold on the black market in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicines. Because of their demand in that part of the world, rhino horns can now be valued at as much as $100,000, which has spurred a string of robberies from museums in Europe recently as well.

South Africa has done its best to crack down on the poachers by imposing stiffer jail sentences and sending more anti-poaching units into the field. Despite those efforts however, the problem continues to get worse. As of last week, 405 rhinos had been killed in the country this year alone, up from 333 last year. Of those, 229 were killed in Kruger, which is amongst the top safari destinations in all of Africa.

Without the signs to guide the way, tourists will just have to keep their eyes peeled in order to spot a rhino, which can be rather elusive in their natural habitat. Still, I don't think anyone will argue against doing away with the signs if it means we can make the poacher's job just a little bit more challenging.

[Photo Credit: Ikiwaner via WikiMedia]

Signs indicating locations of rhinos being removed from Kruger National Park originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Book celebrates 10 years of the Tour d'Afrique

Kraig Becker — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Africa, Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Books, Ecotourism

The Tour d'Afrique is a legendary cycling event that runs from Cairo to Cape Town on an annual basis. Covering more than 7500 miles, and requiring four months to complete, the Tour is a popular "bucket list" item for adventure travelers and cyclists the world over. This year, the Tour d'Afrique commemorates its tenth anniversary, and to celebrate, the company behind the epic event has released a fantastic coffee table book entitled 10: Celebrating Ten Years of the Tour d'Afrique Bicycle Race and Expedition.

The book begins with a forward written by Tour founder Henry Gold. A decade ago, when he first pitched the idea of a bike ride across Africa, Gold was met with skepticism to say the least. Many thought that it simply wasn't possible for an event like this one to exist and he was regularly told he was crazy for even considering it. Ten year later, Gold has turned his idea into a yearly event, and his adventure travel company produces similar cycling tours in a host of other locations across the globe.

10 is filled with stories from the road, as riders share tales, quotes, and anecdotes of their own experiences from the Tour. For some, it was a life altering experience for others an adventure of a lifetime, but no one who has taken part in the journey has come away unchanged. Their words are likely to inspire readers to want to join Tour as well, and even if you haven't been on a bike in years, you may find yourself dreaming of pedaling under African skies. The book doesn't try to hide the challenges of the ride, which range from oppressive heat to unexpected downpours, not to mention ever changing road conditions, but the amazing beauty of Africa and the camaraderie that is formed amongst the riders, will have a universal appeal all the same.

If the words of the riders don't inspire you than perhaps the amazing photographs contained in this book will. 10 is a visual love letter to cycling, adventure travel, and most importantly, Africa itself. The 252 page volume is packed with breathtaking images that have been compiled over the past decade and capture the spirit of the Tour very well. Not only do those photos show the day-to-day experiences of the ride, but they also manage to convey a sense of wonder at the countries and environments that the riders pass through, as well as the people that live there.

If you have a cyclist or adventure traveler on your holiday shopping list, than this book is sure to be a hit. Just be warned, after reading it, they may feel compelled to join the ride themselves. Africa is most definitely calling.

New Book celebrates 10 years of the Tour d'Afrique originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 best art hotels for creative travelers

Jessica Festa — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Singapore, Denmark, France, Germany, Canada, United States, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel

Sometimes when traveling, the average hotel can get a little boring. Why not try something unique and artistic on your next trip? These ten hotels don't just hang paintings on the walls, they make guests feel as if they're staying in a real life work of art.

Daddy Long Legs Independent Travellers Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa

The designers of Daddy Long Legs had independent, creative backpackers in mind when building the property. Staying here is like being inside an interactive art exhibition, with unique rooms decorated by artists, poets, photographers, musicians, and designers who had free range to do whatever they pleased. The result is a mix of funny, ironic, and adventurous themed hotel rooms. Some room examples include:

the Freshroom- This is the only room to be commissioned by a commercial product. Guests can expect a retro Mentos theme, including a blinds with a pinup of Mona Lisa holding a pack of Mentos, circular raised wallpaper, and furniture adorned with 2,500 rolls of Mentos mints.
Far From Home- This room makes guests feel as if they are in the Karoo Wilderness by turning photographs of the region into wallpaper.
The Photo Booth (pictured above)- This room contains 3,240 images that are geared around the theme of "life".

Continue reading 10 best art hotels for creative travelers

10 best art hotels for creative travelers originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Seven Wonders of Natural World revealed amidst controversy

Kraig Becker — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil, Ecotourism, News

After four years of hype and fanfare, the new seven wonders of the natural world were unveiled last Friday, honoring some of the most amazing landscapes on the planet. But as the competition drew to a close, dark clouds of controversy formed, casting a shadow over the entire affair.

The selection process for the new seven wonders began back in 2007, when 440 natural wonders, from 220 countries, were first submitted for consideration. Over the course of several rounds of voting and judging, that number was eventually reduced to 28 finalist. The seven winners were selected from that list following months of online voting.

According to the preliminary results, the new seven wonders include the following: the Amazon Rainforest (South America); Halong Bay (Vietnam); Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Jeju Island (South Korea); Komodo National Park (Indonesia); Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines) and Table Mountain (South Africa).

The organizers behind the new seven wonders are quick to note that this list is for the provisional winners, as they are currently conducting a recount of the votes to ensure that the correct wonders have been named. The results are now being independently verified and they expect to confirm the winners in early 2012.

On the eve of the announcement of those winners, disturbing stories began to emerge about how organizers were attempting to collect millions of dollars from the nations that were home to the finalists. When the search for the new wonders first began more than four years ago, countries were required to pay a $199 entry fee, but as the selection process narrowed the candidates, some countries were asked to pay large sums of cash to aid in a world-wide marketing campaign. The Indonesian government claimed, for example, that the organizers wanted $10 million to cover licensing fees and an additional $47 million to host the official closing ceremony. Earlier, the Maldives withdrew from the competition altogether when costs to participate spiraled upwards towards $500,000.

Continue reading New Seven Wonders of Natural World revealed amidst controversy

New Seven Wonders of Natural World revealed amidst controversy originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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State of the Nation art exhibition open in Johannesburg

Elizabeth Seward — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, South Africa

Kudzanai Chiurai's State of the Nation is now open in Johannesburg. The art exhibition, which explores the notion of 'state' as a type of utopia, state of mind, and status, will be open to the public through December 3rd, 2011 at the Goethe Institut. This exhibition, from an award-winning artist, features photography prints, large oil paintings, video installation, and performance with an underlying focus on youth culture.

The Goethe Institut's website offers some history on the artist.

"Born in 1981 in Zimbabwe, Kudzanai Chiurai was the first black student to graduate with a BA Fine Art from the University of Pretoria. Chiurai's early work focused on the political and social strife in his homeland. Seminal works like "Presidential Wallpaper" depicted Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe as a sell-out and led to Chiurai's exile from Zimbabwe".

All in all, if I were you, and you just happened to be in Johannesburg during this time, I'd check out this exhibition.

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State of the Nation art exhibition open in Johannesburg originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wanted: American couple for South Africa Tourism commercial

Kraig Becker — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Surfing, Festivals and Events, Africa, South Africa, News, Luxury Travel

South Africa Tourism (SAT) has launched their 20 Experiences in 10 Days campaign, and now they're looking for fresh faces to help spread the word. The program is designed to sell South Africa as an adventurous, romantic, and cultural destination amongst Americans and to that end, SAT is looking for a real-life American couple to star in a new television commercial that is set to air internationally.

The casting director for the new spot is looking for couples ranging in age from 24-36 who are either married or in a committed relationship. They must also be available to attend in audition either in New York (Dec. 5-9) or Los Angeles (Dec. 10-12) and if hired for the gig, be ready to travel to South Africa for filming from January 20 - February 5th of 2012.

SAT promises it won't be all work however, as the lucky couple selected will be sent off on a free, once in a life time trip to South Africa. During their ten day visit, they'll have the opportunity to experience luxurious spas, sample the country's world-famous wines, and soak up the diverse and cosmopolitan culture. They'll also go hot air ballooning, surfing in the wild waters off the coast, and spot exotic animals on safari.

For more information, check out the Visit South Africa Facebook page where you'll find the application form. The deadline for entry is Monday, November 28th. Who knows, you might just be the star of the new commercial, and get an amazing free trip as well.

Wanted: American couple for South Africa Tourism commercial originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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