Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Zealand surfer escapes tsunami]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/07/new-zealand-surfer-escapes-tsunami/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/07/new-zealand-surfer-escapes-tsunami/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/07/new-zealand-surfer-escapes-tsunami/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Surfers are constantly on the hunt for the "big one" - that epic wave they'll be able to tell their grand kids about. But for New Zealand surfer Chris Nel, that epic wave turned into a nightmare. Nel was out surfing with five friends in the Samoan Islands last week when a catastrophic 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck, sending a towering tsunami of water rumbling his way.

Before they even realized it, the ocean around them was rushing back out to sea, sucking Chris and his friends along with it. Chris describes the scary feeling of doom as he was pulled towards the giant mass of water, powerless to do anything but ride out the waves. For the next 45 minutes, Nel and his friends struggled to stay afloat in the pounding tsunami surge, worried they would be smashed into the beach or jungle. Finally, the friends caught a lucky break, scrambling to safety back on land in between surges. However, the surf camp where he was staying was completely destroyed. Chris returned to New Zealand wearing nothing but a pair of jeans found in the jungle.

For all the tragedy that came from last week's earthquakes and tsunamis, it's heartening to hear of some good news. Despite the increasing availability of tsunami warning systems in the Pacific Ocean, it's not likely Nel or his friends would have even had time to get out of the water, even if they learned of the wave in advance. Like any outdoor sport, surfing is not without its occasional risk - sometimes you just happen to get lucky.

New Zealand surfer escapes tsunami originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disasterearthquakesurvivalsurvivortsunamiWed, 07 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tourism in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa in light of recent disasters]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/04/what-the-recent-disasters-mean-for-tourism-in-the-philippines-i/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/04/what-the-recent-disasters-mean-for-tourism-in-the-philippines-i/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/04/what-the-recent-disasters-mean-for-tourism-in-the-philippines-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In light of the recent quakes in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa and the total devastation in the areas surrounding Manila, Padang, and Apia, it's important to understand what tourism will look like as these tourism hot spots recover. Here's a look at the current relief work happening in each locale, and some speculation as to what tourism will look like in the coming year.

The Philippines
Nearly a third of Manila, the capital city, was under water after a devastating quake late last month. Today, news is coming in that a second quake hit the Moro Gulf off Mindanao. Recovery in the city will certainly be slow and difficult, and as the main hub in the Philippines, travel will be slow and treacherous, meaning travelers to the Philippines might be better off waiting a few months before embarking on a pleasure trip.


Continue reading Tourism in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa in light of recent disasters

Tourism in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa in light of recent disasters originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disaster reliefDisasterReliefearthquakeindonesiamanilapadangphilippinessamoasurfingtourismvolunteerSun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Head to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/02/head-to-rio-de-janeiro-for-the-2016-olympics/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/02/head-to-rio-de-janeiro-for-the-2016-olympics/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/02/head-to-rio-de-janeiro-for-the-2016-olympics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

It's official: Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics! This will be the first Olympics held in South America, so it's about time!

Check out the gorgeous and sporty city of Rio de Janeiro in its official candidate commercial.



A few sport and travel-related facts about Rio and Brazil:
  • Beach culture: Locals and visitors alike enjoy the sun and the sand. Chill out on Copacabana Beach, or check out the waves at Ipanema, Leblon, Sao Conrado and Barra da Tijuca.
  • Leading an active lifestyle: Although Rio is first and foremost a beach culture, plenty runners and bikers exercise on the city's pathways. Hikers and climbers also take pride in the Tijuca National Forest, located on the outskirts of the city.
  • It's football, not soccer: Football reigns supreme all over Brazil, where its stars go by one name only (like "Pele" or "Ronaldo"), and the stadiums -- particularly the famous Maracana Stadium -- are packed with painted faces and screaming fans.
  • Famous landmarks: Rio lies in southeastern Brazil between the sea and the mountains, giving it a riverside city appearance. You certainly have seen photos of the the large Christ the Redeemer that sits atop Corcovado Mountain. The statue, built to commemorate Brazil's first 100 years of independence from Portugal, gazes over the city toward Sugar Loaf Mountain, another city favorite that rises from Guanabara Bay.
  • Nightlife: ...and talk about a city that never sleeps! Rio has plenty of great bars and clubs, most of which are located beachside at Copacabana and Ipanema.
Although Rio's Olympics won't be held for another 6.5 years, the wild celebration that ensued today after the host city was announced tells us just how ready Rio is to throw a party like the the Games have never seen. I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait 'til the summer of 2016!

Head to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics! originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2016 olympics2016Olympicsbrazilcopacabanafootballipanemaolympicsrio de janeiroRioDeJaneirosoccerFri, 02 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 9.25.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/25/gadlinks-for-friday-9-25-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/25/gadlinks-for-friday-9-25-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/25/gadlinks-for-friday-9-25-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Talk about good luck! I arrived home on Wednesday and promptly hit the water for a surf with my buddies. Then yesterday a decent southern swell came through and, more importantly, the first significant swell of the season also made its way to the North Shore. My excitement alone has me thinking and dreaming of waves. In honor of the great sport of surfing, here are some pretty sweet surf travel reads for you this Friday. 'Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Friday 9.25.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el salvadorElSalvadorgadlinksimaxphotossurferssurfingvideowavesFri, 25 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[100 urban adventures for the city dweller]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/20/100-urban-adventures/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/20/100-urban-adventures/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/20/100-urban-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Looking for something to do today as the weekend quickly comes to a close? Then look no further than Outside Magazine's list of 100 Urban Adventures. As you can no doubt tell, it contains some of the best activities to do in the great outdoors while remaining well within some of the largest cities in the U.S.

Outside turns its attention on such urban centers as New York, Boston, and Chicago, amongst others. Some of their suggestions for outdoor fun might come as a surprise, even to those that live there. For instance, plenty of people have probably considered paddling around Liberty Island to get a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty from inside a Kayak, but did you also know that you could go bouldering in Central Park?

There are equally interesting adventures from the other cities as well. Go sailing on Lake Michigan while in Chicago, horseback riding through the Hollywood Hills in L.A., or trout fishing a short distance from downtown Seattle. These are just a sample of some of the adventures on the list and chances are you'll find something on it that will appeal to what ever level of activity you're up for.

But what if you don't live in any of these cities? My guess that no matter where you live, you'll find similar hidden outdoor adventures right under your nose. Take a look around, and you're likely to find all kinds of interesting things to do. But hurry, the weekend is slipping away fast.

100 urban adventures for the city dweller originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelbostonchicagoclimbingdenverfishinghikinglos angelesLosAngelesnew yorkNewYorkoutside magazineOutsideMagazinepaddlingsan franciscoSanFranciscoseattleurbanurban adventuresUrbanAdventureswashington dcWashingtonDcSun, 20 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 9.9.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/09/gadlinks-for-wednesday-9-9-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/09/gadlinks-for-wednesday-9-9-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/09/gadlinks-for-wednesday-9-9-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Now that I've just typed the date today, I realized what a special day it is! It happens only once a year, and the next one will be on my sister's birthday, 10/10/10! What that means exactly I'm not sure, but this article provides a little insight. Apocalypse though? I think not.

Here is today's installment of Gadlinks. Enjoy!

´Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks here.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 9.9.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon offsetsCarbonOffsetscroatiagadlinksmontegromoonphotographysurfingtripbodWed, 09 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 9.4.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/04/gadlinks-for-friday-9-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/04/gadlinks-for-friday-9-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/04/gadlinks-for-friday-9-4-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's Aloha Friday, and I'm back home in the great USA! It feels awfully good to be home for the Labor Day weekend. I hope you all enjoy the long weekend. Here are a few Gadlinks to get it started.

´Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks here.

Gadlinks for Friday 9.4.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gadlinkshawaiimusicracismsex and the woodsSexAndTheWoodsswimmerswendwhite houseWhiteHouseFri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 8.26.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/gadlinks-for-wednesday-8-26-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/gadlinks-for-wednesday-8-26-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/26/gadlinks-for-wednesday-8-26-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Welcome to Gadlinks, your source for the latest comings-and-goings in the travel blogosphere. You'll find these selections a bit indicative of where my brain is at the moment: on surfing, warm weather, and road trips -- which is probably because I'll be embarking on a surfing road trip of my own today. Happy virtual traveling, everyone!
Want more Gadlinks? Go here.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 8.26.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american road tripAmericanRoadTripbora boragadlinksindonesiapadang padangPadangPadangroad tripsurfingWed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Surf's up, East Coast!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/22/surfs-up-east-coast/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/22/surfs-up-east-coast/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/22/surfs-up-east-coast/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although Hurricane Bill is playing havoc with weekend travel plans for many on the East Coast, it's proving to be a landmark event for surfers up and down the Eastern Seaboard. This Saturday and Sunday are shaping up to be some of the biggest wave days in recent memory, and the excitement among Eastern wave riders is palpable.

With sustained winds at over 100 MPH, Hurricane Bill has been whipping the wave action on Eastern beaches into a frenzy. At the time of this post, North Carolina's Outer Banks, was experiencing wave action of 16 to 20 feet, while Maryland, the Jersey Shore, Long Island and Cape Cod can expect waves of anywhere from 9 to 15 feet in height. In Bermuda, which has taken the full brunt of the storm, waves have been cresting as high as 30 to 40 feet!

Considering the average wave size for most of the Eastern U.S., you can expect experienced surfers to be heading to the beach this weekend in droves. For less experienced surfers and beachgoers, this is definitely a weekend to stay off the shore, as strong rip currents and unexpected wave action are going to make for extremely dangerous conditions. Do you happen to live near the water? Let us know how it's looking this weekend in the comments.

Surf's up, East Coast! originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beacheast coastEastCoasteastern seaboardEasternSeaboardhurricane billHurricaneBilljersey shoreJerseyShorelong islandLongIslandmarylandouter banksOuterBanksrip currentrip tideRipCurrentRipTidewave riderWaveRiderwavesSat, 22 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The scenic Monterey coastline]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/17/the-scenic-monterey-coastline/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/17/the-scenic-monterey-coastline/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/17/the-scenic-monterey-coastline/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you haven't heard of the 17 Mile Drive, now you have, and now's the time to enjoy one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Minutes from downtown Monterey, California, the 17 Mile Drive winds through the prestigious gated community of Pebble Beach in Carmel, past the Del Monte Forest, and along gorgeous stretches of secluded coves, pristine beaches, and oceanfront mansions.

There are hundreds of attractions along this scenic coastal road that makes traffic sometimes unbearable during the summer. You can avoid crowds by entering at the Spanish Bay gate, or it may be worthwhile to enjoy this route by bike or during the off-season, though it may be colder, foggier, and less sunny.

Continue reading The scenic Monterey coastline

The scenic Monterey coastline originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-mile drivebig surBigSurcalifornialone treeLoneTreemontereyroad tripRoadTripscenicscenic driveScenicDrivescenicmondayMon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating the perfect "liecation" - and how to prevent getting busted]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/27/creating-the-perfect-liecation-and-how-to-prevent-getting-bu/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/27/creating-the-perfect-liecation-and-how-to-prevent-getting-bu/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/27/creating-the-perfect-liecation-and-how-to-prevent-getting-bu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

So, you read our little story on the new trend of "liecations", and you too want to create your own little fake vacation? Well, even though the whole thing is incredibly tacky, and downright stupid, we know the economy is tough, and a trip abroad might not be possible this year.

Of course, the right thing to do is tell people you are staying home, but if the liecation trend is to be believed, there really are people out there that would rather lie than just chill out at home being honest.

To create the perfect liecation, you'll need to find the perfect balance between plausible lies, and downright pathetic lies. For example - don't claim you went on a 2 week safari to Kenya. The same applies to a liecation involving Mount Everest. European liecations are easy, as are any liecations in North America.

Before I erase whatever credibility I have - I have never lied about a trip, simply because I have never had the need to. I've always been lucky enough to get to my destination, whenever and however I wanted. However, don't let my honesty get in the way of your devious plan of creating the perfect 2009 liecation.



Continue reading Creating the perfect "liecation" - and how to prevent getting busted

Creating the perfect "liecation" - and how to prevent getting busted originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lieliecationliesMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks (7.21.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/21/gadlinks-7-21-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/21/gadlinks-7-21-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/21/gadlinks-7-21-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


What's new in the world of travel news, you might ask? You're in luck - we're back again with this Tuesday's installment of Gadlinks. What travel stories from around the web caught our eye today? Take a look below:

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks (7.21.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquariumcamper vanCamperVanchuraumi aquariumChuraumiAquariumgadlinksgermgermslove hotelLoveHotelouter banksOuterBankssurfingwhale sharkWhaleSharkTue, 21 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oahu's Best Beaches]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/oahus-best-beaches/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/oahus-best-beaches/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/oahus-best-beaches/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's time to take a trip around the ever-famous island of Oahu for a beach bopping bonanza (I couldn't help myself with the alliteration)! There are so many worthy beaches on this small but populated island that I'll be breaking down my favorite beaches all the way around. There are seven of 'em (there was no way I could narrow down the list), so let's get started.

Magic Island: Your visit to Honolulu wouldn't be complete without a picnic at the ever-tranquil, always crowded, and aptly named Magic Island. It's really not an island; rather, this is a beach park with a long stretch of man-made beach with tranquil waters that are protected by a man-made reef. Outside the reef are some of Ala Moana's best surf breaks -- namely Courts, Concessions, Big Rights, and Marine Land. Whether you're visiting the Magic Island during the week or on the weekend, you're sure to catch a scent of the kalbi or burgers on a barbecue grill, and the sight of at least a half dozen stand-up paddlers exercising their shoulders inside the reef pool.

Waikiki Beach: The beach itself is packed with tanning tourists, and the waters are jammed with beginner and local surfers, but there's something uniquely Hawaiian about the "scene" around Waikiki Beach. This is quintessential Hawaii, and to not spend at least some time people watching or wading in its tranquil waters is like saying you've never been to Hawaii at all. Be sure to snap a shot of the Duke statue in front of Queens Break while you're at it.

Continue reading Oahu's Best Beaches

Oahu's Best Beaches originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbeachdaybeachesdiamond headDiamondHeadehukaihawaiimakahaoahuobamasandy beachSandyBeachwaikikiMon, 20 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top ten European island beach destinations]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/top-ten-european-island-beach-destinations/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/top-ten-european-island-beach-destinations/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/top-ten-european-island-beach-destinations/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

European hotel booking site Trivago has compiled a list of the top ten most popular European island destinations.

The one thing these islands all have in common is amazing beaches. The lineup varies from the couples friendly island of Santorini, to the party capital of the world - Ibiza.

So, if you happen to be heading to Europe this summer, or just need to dream of a destination not commonly found on the "must visit" list of most Americans, check out the top ten lineup for some beachy inspiration.



Gallery: Top 10 European islands

MajorcaGran CanariaRhodesTenerifeIbiza

Top ten European island beach destinations originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbeachdaybeachesgran canariaGranCanariamallorcamenorcaMon, 20 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best beaches in southeast Florida]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/best-beaches-in-southeast-florida/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/best-beaches-in-southeast-florida/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/20/best-beaches-in-southeast-florida/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With 1200 miles of sand beaches, Florida is the world's premiere destination for vacationers seeking sun, surf, and sand. However, with so much coastline, how do you choose the beach that's right for you? Here's our list of the best beaches in southeast Florida (roughly the area from Stuart to Miami).

Best beach for photo ops: Blowing Rocks Preserve

Blowing Rocks PreserveBlowing Rocks Preserve encompasses a mile-long limestone outcrop riddled with holes, cracks and fissures; when the tide's high and there's a strong easterly wind (call for conditions: 561-744-6668), water shoots up, geyser-like. When seas are calm, you can hike through four coastal biomes: shifting dune, coastal strand, interior mangrove wetlands and tropical coastal hammock. Across the street, Hawley Education Center has rotating art exhibits with nature themes, as well as two short nature trails and a butterfly garden.

Entry to the preserve is $2 per person, and it's only open from 9am to 4:30pm. A dedicated photographer would probably consider the best photo opportunities to be at sunrise (though we didn't tell you to park south of the preserve and hike in with your camera and tripod). Finding the refuge is a little tricky, as there's no signage: from US Hwy 1, take Bridge St (708 east) to Hobe Sound. Make a left on Beach St (707). Travel about 3 miles; the refuge is on your right.

Continue reading Best beaches in southeast Florida

Best beaches in southeast Florida originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbeachdaybeachesfloridageo:26.715 -80.053596geo:26.775 -80.058296geo:26.896447 -80.058286geo:26.933901 -80.094398geo:27.474899 -80.298698geo:28.55302 -82.468201geo:30.253901 -85.956902haulover beachHauloverBeachmiaminudeWhere:haulover-beach-floridaWhere:hollywood-beach-floridaWhere:hutchinson-island-floridaWhere:jupiter-floridaWhere:riviera-beach-floridaWhere:west-palm-beach-floridaMon, 20 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (7.18.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/18/photo-of-the-day-7-18-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/18/photo-of-the-day-7-18-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/18/photo-of-the-day-7-18-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


If you're traveling to Easter Island, then your visit is surely incomplete if you aren't able to see the Moai statues with your own two eyes. These statues can be found along the coastal periphery of this special island, which is nestled conveniently between the nations of Tahiti and Chile. You can only get to the island through one of these two places too -- or by boat. But what a special place and what a sight this land and these statues must be.

Did I mention the surfing here is off the chain too? Sounds like an amazingly remote paradise to me!

This photo comes to us from kjRoc. 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 (7.18.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chileeaster islandEasterIslandphotophoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaytahitiSat, 18 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The ultimate vacation home: a lighthouse]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/the-ultimate-vacation-home-a-lighthouse/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/the-ultimate-vacation-home-a-lighthouse/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/the-ultimate-vacation-home-a-lighthouse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Thinking of curing those recession blues by investing in a vacation home? Why go for the traditional beach-side bungalow or alpine chalet when you could get something a little more original?

Perhaps 76 acres of undeveloped beach and a famous lighthouse in the southwest of England would be just the thing?

Upton Towans beach in Gwithian, Cornwall, is up for sale. It was here that a young Virginia Woolf used to vacation with her family, and the broad beach and beautiful view of the offshore lighthouse are said to have inspired her 1927 novel To the Lighthouse.

The 86-foot tall Godrevy Lighthouse, pictured here, was built in 1858 after the SS Nile crashed into the nearby rocks and sank with all hands. It's one of the most attractive lighthouses on the English coast and draws in thousands of tourists a year, who also stroll along the beach and surf in the rough waters.

Bidding for the land, which will benefit Hall for Cornwall theater, is expected to start at £50,000 ($81,000). The sale comes with a couple of conditions: the land must remain open for public use and it cannot be "developed" (i.e. ruined). That means visitors will still be able to enjoy this rugged stretch of Cornish coast and its literary associations.

So if you are looking for some real estate and you don't want to wreck it, this may be the thing for you. You'll have to get used to sleeping in a lighthouse, though.

Gallery: Lovely Lighthouses

Oslo Fjord, NorwayKilauea Lighthouse in Kauai, HawaiiHopetown Lighthouse, BahamasLighthouse lampAlcatraz lighthouse, San Francisco Bay

The ultimate vacation home: a lighthouse originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbeachesCornwallEnglandlighthouselighthousesMon, 13 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (7.4.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/04/photo-of-the-day-7-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/04/photo-of-the-day-7-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/04/photo-of-the-day-7-4-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Happy Fourth of July everyone! I know you were probably expecting a photo of fireworks, but this photo really spoke to me as a natural firework in the sky. I'm not a huge fan of fireworks anyway -- at least not in the physical sense. I am, however, a huge proponent of emotional fireworks, and photos like this set those off for me. The world is a beautiful, wondrous place. And we should appreciate the freedom (it's Independence Day) and luxury (we live in the United States of America) to travel the world and snap photos like this one.

Today's Photo of the Day comes to us from one of my favorite Gadling photographers, localsurfer. This one was taken on a journey down the Rufiji River in Tanzania on a quest for surf. There are hippoes in that water!

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 (7.4.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fourth of julyFourthOfJulyhippophotophoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayriverrufiji riverRufijiRiverskySat, 04 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Concierge.com reveals the sexiest beaches in the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/04/concierge-com-reveals-the-sexiest-beaches-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/04/concierge-com-reveals-the-sexiest-beaches-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/04/concierge-com-reveals-the-sexiest-beaches-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Concierge.com just revealed their 2009 lineup of the 15 sexiest beaches in the world.

The list contains little bits of paradise from all over the world, including beaches in Italy, Mexico and even one in Cuba. With a little bit of luck this Cuban stretch of beach may be open for visitors from the US in the near future.

Their list is definitely worth visiting, even if it is just for the fantastic photos of the beaches (and the good looking people enjoying them).

Click here for their lineup of the 15 sexiest beaches in the world.

Have you been to any of these beaches? Any of them in the list that you'd really like to visit? Let us know in the comment section below!

Concierge.com reveals the sexiest beaches in the world originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachbeachesSat, 04 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five national parks to hit this weekend]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/18/five-national-parks-to-hit-this-weekend/http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/18/five-national-parks-to-hit-this-weekend/http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/18/five-national-parks-to-hit-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Yesterday we mentioned that the National Park Service has waived all entry fees to every national park this weekend, and while that may increase the crowds in places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, there are still plenty of great parks that you can visit that will remain quiet. Here are five suggestions on where to take dad this weekend and still avoid the crowds.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers spectacular scenery and a surprising array of activities to keep you occupied. The windswept landscapes range from towering jagged rock spires and winding canyons to open grasslands and and miles of prairie. The Badlands also contain a huge fossil bed dating back more than 30 million years, giving visitors the opportunity to peek back in time to an era when long extinct animals still roamed the area. Today, the park is home to a large herd of bison, plenty of big horn sheep, and the endangered black footed ferret, amongst other species of wildlife.

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The National Park system is home to one of the most spectacular cave systems found anywhere in the world in the form of Carlsbad Caverns, located in the far southeast section of New Mexico. With its 94 individual caves, carved from the limestone that is prominent in the region, the Carlsbad Caverns are otherworldly in their beauty. The underground labyrinth is filled with narrow, twisting passages as well as large chambers and open passageways. Perhaps the most spectacular is the Big Room, which is 8.2 acres in size, handicap accessible, and well lit with electric lights. The more adventurous will want to sign up for one of the tours that will take them deeper into the Earth, where they'll make their way with headlamps into seldom visited dark crevasses.

Continue reading Five national parks to hit this weekend

Five national parks to hit this weekend originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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