Gadling

Iconic Absolut Vodka Ads On Exhibit at New Spiritmuseum in Sweden

Melanie Renzulli — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Sweden

Quick! What's the first thing you think about when you think about Sweden? If it's not IKEA, smorgasbords, or cold winters, then it's probably Absolut, the vodka brand whose bottle inspired 850 works of Pop art from 1986 to 2004. Now, 70 of the best of those works of art are to be featured at the Spiritmuseum.

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Iconic Absolut Vodka Ads On Exhibit at New Spiritmuseum in Sweden originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 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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Stranded Swedish man survives 2 months in his car

Kraig Becker — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Sweden, News

A Swedish man, who had been missing for more than two months, was found alive, but in extremely poor condition, in a remote region of that country last week. The man was forced to survive on just snow and ice, after becoming stranded when his car got stuck in deep snow.

Last Friday, the 44-year old Peter Skyllberg was discovered by two others who passed his semi-buried vehicle while snowmobiling down a seldom-used forest road. At first, they thought that the car had been abandoned, but upon further inspection, they were surprised to find a man inside. At the time, Skyllberg was said to be malnourished and lacking almost all ability to speak or move.

Over the course of the two months that he was stranded, Skyllberg had no food and was forced to melt snow and ice for drinking water. The lack of nourishment wasn't his only concern however, as during the time that he was missing, Europe has been enduring a major deep freeze. Temperatures in the region have routinely dipped as low as -20ºF in recent weeks, which is extremely dangerous for prolonged exposure.

Survival experts say it is a miracle that the man is alive. The human body can survive a long time on just water, but two months is pushing those limits to the extreme. The cold weather could have easily resulted in his death as well, but it is believed that the snow in which his car was encased provided a measure of insulation that helped to keep Skyllberg warm and alive.

As of this past weekend, Skyllberg remained in intensive care at the Umea University Hospital, where he will no doubt face a long road to recovery.

[Photo credit: Rolf Hojer/Scanpix/Reuters]

Stranded Swedish man survives 2 months in his car originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time

Laurel Miller — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Food and Drink, Europe, Sweden, Canada, Video

"Sometimes when you cook swedishly, the meal is destroyed. This is natural."

Did you grow up watching the Swedish Chef on "The Muppet Show?" I loved that guy. Do you find everything about "foodies" and the Food Network obnoxious and tedious? Yeah, me too. Allow me then, to turn you on to a little Internet sensation called "Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time (ROSMT)."

The mad, brilliant brainchild of a group of Swedish university students, ROSMT started out as a hungover, 2011 New Year's Day lark. It was filmed in the apartment of "chef" Niclas Lundberg, with the aid of his friend and ROSMT co-founder Isak Anklew.

The resulting "Spaghetti Explosion" was inspired by the spoofy, Canadian YouTube cooking show hit "Epic Meal Time." Lundberg has taken culinary instruction to a new level, spicing things up with signature moves like hurling ingredients into walls, ripping off hunks of raw meat with his teeth, and using his fists as everything from potato mashers to mixing spoons.

"Spaghetti Explosion" was such a success, Lundberg and friends quickly produced "Meatball Massacre," and "Sidepork Pandemonium." The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the guys (five, in all) behind ROSMT are pop-culture icons in Sweden and abroad. Me? I can't get enough of this stuff. It's the Pepto-Bismol to pretentious food culture gastric reflux.

Below, I present to you the "Chop Chop Carnage Stew (Alternative Pyttipanna)" episode. Pyttipanna is a Swedish specialty consisting of potatoes, onion, and meat, with the likely additions of fried egg, chopped pickles and beetroot, and really, god knows what else. Enjoy.

Today's lesson: "Chop Chop Carnage Stew (Alternative Pyttipanna)"

Video: Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Vasa: an elegant seventeenth-century warship in Stockholm

Sean McLachlan — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, Sweden

Sweden's capital Stockholm has a lot to offer-fine dining, good shopping, lovely parks, access to some interesting day trips (the old Viking capital of Uppsala being my favorite) and a unique museum. The Vasa Ship Museum is one of Sweden's most popular tourist attractions and it's easy to see why. It houses a beautifully preserved 17th century warship.

The Vasa was meant to be the pride of the Swedish fleet at a time when the nation was one of Europe's major powers. The galleon was 226 feet long, carried 145 sailors and 300 soldiers, and sported elegant woodwork over much of its exterior. Its 64 cannon could blast out 588 pounds of iron from port or starboard, giving it more firepower than any other ship then in existence. It must have been a major letdown when it sank barely a mile into its maiden voyage in 1628. It turns out the whole thing was top heavy.

While the Vasa was a bad ship, it's an awesome museum piece. The cold water, silt, and pollution of Stockholm harbor kept it safe from microorganisms that would have eaten it up. When archaeologists raised it from the sea they retrieved thousands of artifacts such as weapons, utensils, coins, clothing, tools, and hemp sails and rigging. Some parts of the ship still had flakes of paint and gold leaf adhering to them, so its once-vivid colors could be reproduced in a scale model in the museum.

This year is the 50th anniversary of its raising from the bottom of the harbor. This was a tricky operation that required 1,300 dives and a great deal of delicate underwater work in low visibility. Divers had to dig six tunnels under the shipwreck in order to run steel cables through them and attach them to pontoons on the surface. After that, the pontoons lifted it to the surface without a hitch.

The next step was to reassemble the ship. All of the nails had rusted away, so the archaeologists were left with a massive jigsaw puzzle with many of the pieces missing. Some 32,000 cubic feet of oak timber and more than 26,000 artifacts had to be preserved, cataloged, and archived. To house the restored ship, the Vasa Ship Museum opened in 1990.

Now the Vasa may get some companions. Five other ships dating from the 16th to the 18th century have been discovered during the renovation of one of Stockholm's quays. This was the site of the old shipyards where the Vasa was built. They're said to be in good condition and some are as long as 20 meters (66 feet).

If you love the sea, you'll also want to check out Amsterdam's Maritime Museum and Madrid's Naval Museum. And if you're going to Stockholm, check out our budget Stockholm guide.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Gallery: The Vasa

The Vasa: an elegant seventeenth-century warship in Stockholm originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archaeologists search for missing medieval king

Sean McLachlan — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Europe, Sweden

Archaeologists love a good mystery, and some researchers in Sweden have themselves a big one.

Earlier this year a research team opened what they believed to be the tomb of King Magnus Ladulås, who ruled Sweden from 1275-90. Magnus was a popular king with the commoners and earned the nickname "Ladulås", which means "lock the barn", for his law giving peasants the right to refuse free food and lodging to traveling aristocracy and clergy.

When the team opened the tomb in Riddarholmen church in Stockholm, they found the remains of nine individuals. The bodies were subjected to carbon 14 dating and the archaeologists discovered they died sometime between 1430 and 1520.

The researchers already knew the tomb was later, built by King Johan III in 1573, and now it appears that Johan chose the wrong spot. Riddarholmen Church is the traditional burial spot for Swedish royalty. One would think they'd be more careful about marking the tombs.

So where is the missing king? The team is applying for permission to dig in another tomb at the same church, which also (supposedly) contains the remains of King Karl Knutsson. Perhaps they'll find both kings. Or perhaps they'll find another mystery.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Archaeologists search for missing medieval king originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Traditional holiday beverages from around the world

Laurel Miller — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Mexico, United States, Chile, Peru, Central America, Caribbean

Americans aren't very creative when it comes to traditional holiday beverages (do, however, look for my upcoming story on Boulder's banging mixology scene, which includes some killer contemporary winter cocktails). Historically, though, we're more of an eggnog/mulled cider/hot chocolate kind of society.

I'm not knocking our Christmas beverages of choice. Properly made, they're delicious, and certainly festive. But some countries really know how to roll when it comes to holiday imbibing (especially Latin America. One word: rum.).

Below, a compilation of some of the more interesting boozy holiday beverages from around the world that can be easily recreated in your own kitchen. Online recipes abound, and all of these are (almost) as tasty sans alcohol.

Coquito: Puerto Ricans are great because they're not afraid to embrace their love of saturated fats (lard, coconut milk, etc.) or rum. In case you've been living under a rock, coconut is the new fat du jour (read more about its health attributes here). Everything in moderation, including moderation, as I always say.

Coquito recipes vary, but in general, this rich, blended Christmas concoction is a froth of spiced rum, condensed milk, coconut milk or cream of coconut, vanilla, and spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Some versions may include ginger or ground nuts, but it's always served chilled, in a small glass. Heavy, yes, but both sexy and satisfying. Add some eggs, and you'll have ponche, the Venezuelan or Dominican version of eggnog.

Mulled wine: Variations on this warm, spiced, sugared, and otherwise enhanced wine (usually red) are served throughout Europe. There's Nordic gløgg redolent of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and bitter orange (and perhaps a helping of aquavit). It's very similar to German glühwein made with lemon, cinnamon sticks, cardamom or ginger, and cloves; in Alsace (the French region bordering Germany), they also add vanilla bean.

In Bulgaria, greyano vino contains honey, peppercorns, and often, apple or citrus. Polish grzane wino is more of a traditional mulled wine, but they also make grzane piwo, in which mulled beer (try a Hefeweizen or Belgian ale which are lighter and sweeter) is substituted for the wine. Na zdrowie ("To your health")!

[Photo credit: Flicker user Akane86]

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Traditional holiday beverages from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D*Haus' dynamic new house transforms shape with the weather

Jessica Festa — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories, Europe, Sweden, Hotels and Accommodations, Video, Ecotourism, Internet Tools, News

When it gets stormy outside, I usually just close my windows. But with the new innovative design concept by D*Haus, homes may soon by able to simply morph when the weather changes.

The London-based company has come up with a eco-friendly house that sits on rails, allowing it to change its form into different configurations, pivoting open and closed, based on the weather. According to Daniel Woolfson of D*Haus, "The dissection of the square into four distinct shapes allows it to be rearranged to form the [equilateral] triangle. This concept alone is fascinating, but the possibilities are endless when applying this formula to the world of architecture and design."

When developing the home, designers had the regions of Sweden and Lapland in mind, hoping to create something that would respond to the harsh climates of these areas. For example, when it's chilly out and you need to conserve heat the house can pull itself into a tight square.

There is still some work to do before the house is perfect, as you can probably imagine there are a lot of technical issues that go into a project like this. To get a better idea of how this shape-shifting house works, check out this video:

D*Haus Dynamic from The D*Haus Company Ltd on Vimeo.

D*Haus' dynamic new house transforms shape with the weather originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Stockholm Metro video game art

Elizabeth Seward — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Photos, Europe, Sweden, Video, News

Stockholm seems like a city worth visiting to me, but the city's newest art installation has me sold: video game subway station art. The Stockholm Metro is already regularly referred to as 'the world's largest art exhibition' (or 'the longest), so I shouldn't be surprised that this artsy city would add retro 8-bit video game pixel tiles to its artistic subway system. Lars Arrhenius was commissioned in 2008 to cover the Thorlidsplan Tunnelbana station. The station is now covered and, I'd say, it's covered pretty well. MadCraft, a pop-punk band from Finland, released a music video with the 8-bit art as their backdrop. Needless to say, you should check this gem out. If you'd rather skip the video (or the pop-punk) and just see some photos of the station art, you can find some at LaughingSquid.com.

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Video: Stockholm Metro video game art originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Halloween treats for grown-ups

Laurel Miller — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Europe, North America, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, United States

Like many former kids, I used to live for Halloween. Sure, the dressing up part was fun, but so was TP'ing the neighbor's tree. What All Hallow's Eve was really about were Pixy Stix, Fun Dip, mini Milky Way bars, and REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups (in my world, the latter still reigns supreme).

Still, things change. We grow up; most of us lose our appetite for eating the equivalent of eight cups of sugar in one sitting, we're aware that those candy bars will go straight to our ass.

Still, I find something a little magical about Halloween: the brisk fall air, the aroma of woodsmoke and swirls of brightly colored leaves. I don't have much of a sweet tooth anymore, but there are some sophisticated treats out there capable of conjuring my inner child (mercifully, minus the buck teeth and tattling habit).

Below, my favorite confections, regardless of season:

1. Jonboy Caramels
I love me a good caramel, and this micro-Seattle company does them right. I discovered Jonboy at my local farmers market; despite the feel-good ingredients and ethics, these are no half-assed candies peddled by dirty hippies (kidding; I'm a longtime market vendor myself). Made completely by hand with local cream and HFCS-free, these pretty treats come wrapped in unbleached parchment paper, and are sold in little (recycled cardboard) boxes. But it's what's inside that counts, and these are intensely rich flavor-bombs redolent of that good cream as well as more potent, sexy flavors.

The selection is small and includes fleur de sel caramel, molasses ginger, and my favorite, an intriguing absinthe with black salt. Inspired by the salted licorice found in Scandinavia, Jonboy's version is made with local Pacifique absinthe and a blend of anise, fennel, and hyssop. They're dark and mysterious, like a trick-or-treater you shouldn't let in the door.

Jonboy Caramels are available throughout Seattle at farmers' markets and specialty stores, and select Washington and Oregon Whole Foods. Five box minimum for online orders (you'll be glad to have extra, believe me).

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Five Halloween treats for grown-ups originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stay in a UFO in Sweden

Melanie Renzulli — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Sweden, Hotels and Accommodations

Walk through the deep forest of Harads, a town of approximately 600 residents not far from Sweden's border with Finland, and you'll see it: a retro-looking UFO suspended in the trees and accessible via a retractable staircase. This is the UFO, one of five, stand-alone treehouse rooms that are part of the Treehotel.

Winner of Sweden's 2011 Grand Tourism Prize, a distinction previously held by the Ice Hotel, among others, the Treehotel is the latest in Swedish accommodation innovation. Our friends at Huffington Post Green wrote about the Treehotel's Mirrorcube and the Birds Nest, two outstanding examples of Treehotel's modern-design-meets-nature concept, but I am particularly smitten with the UFO because it lives up to the dual childhood fantasies of overnighting in a treehouse AND pretending to blast off into outer space. Imagine checking in to your spaceship with a stash of vintage comic books and sci-fi novellas that you will, no doubt, want to read under the covers with a flashlight. The UFO is spread out over two stories, with room for four, making it ideal for a family stay or a nerdtastic mancation.

Rates for all Treehotel rooms run from 3990 to 4550 Swedish kronor (approximately $600-$700) per night for two people and include breakfast. Guests check in and out at the neighboring Britta's Pensionat, which has a restaurant, bar, sauna, TV, and internet.

Photo (C) Treehotel

Stay in a UFO in Sweden originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sweden building world's largest indoor ski resort

Kraig Becker — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, Europe, Sweden, Video, Ecotourism, News

Swedish architects at the firm of CF Moller have unveiled plans for a massive indoor ski resort which, when built, will be the largest in the world. Dubbed Skipark 360°, the new resort would ensure plenty of powder, even in the worst of winters, and could enable year-round fun on the slopes.

Thanks to its main slope, which is 2300 feet in length and has a drop of 515 feet, Skipark 360° will be the only indoor ski resort capable of hosting a World Cup event. That means skiers and snowboarders will have an impressive slope to shred 365 days of the year. The perpetual winter fun doesn't end there however, as the resort will also feature more than two miles of cross country ski tunnels, a biathlon arena, ice hockey rink, and a separate rink for figure skating. Visitors will also find a hotel, spa, multiple restaurants and shops, and even a conference center. In short, everything they need in one self contained environment.

The architects have designed Skipark 360° to be environmentally friendly as well. The resort will get its electricity by a combination of solar, hydro, and wind power, and it will incorporate geothermal heat sources to keep the place warm. The goal is to use 100% renewable energy sources to limit the carbon footprint.

Construction on Skipark 360° is set to commence in 2013 in Balsta,which is located a short drive from Stockholm. It is estimated that the resort will cost about $290 million to complete.

Sweden building world's largest indoor ski resort originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 unique experiential hotels from around the world

Jessica Festa — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Stories, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, India, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, United States, New Zealand, Bolivia, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel

A trend in the travel world that is becoming increasingly popular is the "experiential" hotel. Many travelers are no longer looking for a basic room in a premier location, but instead for an experience that will allow them to get to know an (often remote) area, or at least have their hotel be something they'll never forget. From staying in mines in the deepest hotel suite in the world to getting in touch with nature in a tree-top accommodation, these ten unique hotels are must-stays for the experiential traveler.

The SnowHotel
Location: Ylläsjärvi. Finland

This hotel is an experiential property located in the Snow Village, a compound of snow and ice making a restaurant, bar, lobbies, sculptures, walls, slides, and, of course, the SnowHotel. Stay overnight in a room made completely of snow and enjoy the illuminated ice art that surrounds you. Rooms range from double igloo rooms to "furnished" ice suites.

The Sala Silvermine
Location: Sala, Sweden

The Sala Silvermine is not for the claustrophobic. Stay in the deepest hotel suite on Earth. Once you arrive, you will be given a guided tour of the mine, once Sweden's largest producer of silver, which is 155 meters underground. After the tour, guests are given a goodie basket of fruit, biscuits, cheese, chocolate, and wine, which can be a romantic touch in the dim, candle-lit room. Prepare to rough it a little as the toilets are located 50 meters from the room, while the showers are above ground in the hostel.

Safari Land Farm and Guest House Resort
Location: Tamilnadu, India

Often called the Tree House Resort, Safari Land will really get you in touch with nature. Safari Land is specifically designed with wilderness lovers, bird watchers, and environmentally conscious. Guests will stay in tree houses perched above 4,000 feet high hills. Look down and you will see a tranquil stream pouring down the hill. Look forward and your view will be of the Blue Mountains in India. And for those who want to have a rustic experience but still enjoy some comforts of home, electricity, toilets, and hot water are available.

La Balade des Gnomes
Location: Heyd Nr Durbuy, Wallonia, Belgium

La Balade des Gnomes is an experiential hotel for those who have a big imagination. With a fairy-tale theme in mind, the rooms are extremely detailed and over-the-top. Sleep in a boat under twinkling lights while floating in a swimming pool or opt for the enormous Trojan Horse Suite where you will literally be staying inside a trojan horse.

Palacio de Sal
Location: Uyuni,Bolivia

Those with high sodium levels, beware! The Palacio de Sal is, exactly as the name states, made entirely out of salt. Not only are the walls, ceilings, and floors made out of salt, but also the furniture. And, it doesn't stop there. Salt artwork and a salt golf-course are also part of the experience.

Controversy Tram Inn
Location: Hoogwoud, Netherlands

Guests of the Controversy Tram Inn can experience sleeping in a railcar converted into a 5-room Bed and Breakfast, each with a unique theme. A double bed, shower, sink, and toilet are also included. Next to the experiential hotel live the owners, Frank and Irma Appel, who also live like their guests, sleeping in a London double-decker bus in their living room and eating in a kitchen that is now a French Van.

Jules Undersea Lodge
Location: Key Largo, Florida

Imagine having to dive underwater to get to your room? If you stay at Jules Undersea Lodge, this becomes a reality, as guests dive 21 feet to get to this completely submerged experiential hotel. Meals and luggage are handled in waterproof suitcases, and the food is actually hot. Each room holds a 42-inch round window so that guests can check out the many species of sea life swimming in the lagoon. If you're into diving, the hotel provides unlimited tanks for their guests to explore the sea.

Propeller Island City Lodge
Location: Berlin, Germany

With rooms designed by German artist Lars Stroschen, staying here is like sleeping in a giant work of art, with upside-down rooms and flying beds. Everything you find in the Propeller Island City Lodge is custom-made and one-of-a-kind. Rooms range from mild to extreme and have the ability to alter your sense of reality. Be prepared for surprises everywhere you turn.

Wigwam Motel
Location: Holbrook, Arizona

The Wigwam Motel is one of the last standing Wigwam hotels left from a 1950's chain. In 2002, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests have the opportunity to stay in one of 14 authentic-looking teepees. Making the stay more experiential is the fact that it is located in close proximity to a number of Native American Reservations. Unlike Indian-style teepees, however, guests at Wigwam can enjoy double-beds and air-conditioning.

The Boot Bed 'n' Breakfast
Location: Tasman, New Zealand

Remember the childhood nursery rhyme The Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe? Well picture that, but a lot more luxurious. This giant boot is located on 6 acres of gardens, courtyards, and well-manicured property. With private outdoor seating, a spiral wooden staircase, a cozy fireplace, and fresh flowers in rooms made for two, it is easy to see why the Boot Bed 'n' Breakfast is the perfect romantic experience for couples. Still, if you're single and still want to see what it's like to sleep in a giant shoe, make the trip anyway.

10 unique experiential hotels from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Experiential hotel in Sweden allows guests to sleep underground

Jessica Festa — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Sweden, Hotels and Accommodations

Located 155 meters underground, travelers can now stay in the Mine Suite at Sala Silvermine, the deepest hotel room in the world, in Sala Municipality, in Västmanland County, Sweden. This 16th century mine was at one time the country's biggest silver producer.

Once guests arrive, they are given a guided tour of the mine, as well as a basket of goodies containing biscuits, chocolate, cheese, wine, and fruit. Combine this with the small wooden tables and chairs and the dim-lighting of the windowless suite, illuminated only by candles, and you begin to get the sense that you are in a romantic Italian restaurant.

There is some roughing it, however, that will go along with your stay. For those that are claustrophobic, be wary of the low-hanging stone ceilings, uneven walls, and hidden cavities of the mine. If you need to go to the bathroom, toilets are 50 meters from the suite itself, with showers being above ground in the hostel. And, if you're prone to being cold, make sure you bring layers, as the mine itself is 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't worry too much, though, as the room is heated to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit and the hotel provides a thick comforter and extra blankets.

While the suite will cost couples about $590 per night, it may be worth it for those looking to have an experiential stay in Sweden.

Experiential hotel in Sweden allows guests to sleep underground originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visa-free travel by the numbers

Alex Robertson Textor — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Lebanon, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean

Visa-free travel is easy travel. Procuring visas takes time, energy, and money, and is beyond debate a pain for frequent travelers. The erection of visa barriers responds to a number of factors, though it can be said without too many qualifications that the citizens of rich countries tend to have a much easier time accessing the world visa-free than do the citizens of poor countries.

The Henley Visa Restrictions Index Global Ranking 2011, excerpted in the Economist last week, was just published by Henley & Partners, an international law firm specializing in "international residence and citizenship planning." Henley & Partners divide the world into 223 countries and territories.

And who gets to travel with few visa restrictions? The best citizenships for visa-free travel belong to nationals of Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, at 173 apiece. On their Nordic heels is Germany at 172 and a mess of countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom) at 171. The United States isn't too far down the list, tied in fifth place with Ireland at 169. The US comes in ahead of Switzerland (167), Canada (164), New Zealand (166), and Australia (166).

Some of the least lucky countries, according to the Henley Visa Restrictions Index survey: India (53), China (40), Iran (36), Lebanon (33), and Afghanistan (24).

[Image: Flickr | megoizzy]

Visa-free travel by the numbers originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Israel, Chile, Slovak Republic among countries with highest adventure travel potential

Kraig Becker — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Learning, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Israel, Jordan, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Chile, News

A new study conducted by George Washington University, Vital Wave Consulting, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) shows that Israel, Chile, and the Slovak Republic led the way in adventure tourism in 2010. The study, which resulted in the third annual Adventure Tourism Development Index, uses a mix of quantitative data and expert surveys to rank nations from around the globe on their approach and commitment to sustainable adventure travel.

The study examines what researchers call the "ten pillars" of adventure tourism. Those pillars include such things as infrastructure, cultural resources, adventure activities, entrepreneurship, and more. When those factors were all examined and ranked accordingly, for each country, a score was calculated that resulted in rankings for both developed and developing nations.

So exactly which countries earned high marks in the latest Adventure Tourism Development Index? The top ten developing countries included the following: Israel, Slovak Republic, Chile, Estonia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Jordan, Romania and Latvia.Conversely, the top ten developed nations included: Switzerland, Iceland, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Finland and Austria.

The ATTA is quick to point out that these lists are not an indication of how well visited these countries currently are as adventure travel destinations, although some are already popular amongst travelers. Instead, it is a general rating on the climate that exists in these places that make it possible to support sustainable tourism now and into the future.

Judging from the list, it appears that Europe is well ahead of the game in terms of promoting sustainable travel. Both lists are dominated by countries from that continent, which could come as a surprise to many travelers.

To read the entire report click here.

Israel, Chile, Slovak Republic among countries with highest adventure travel potential originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bizarre baby names: banned in New Zealand

Laurel Miller — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Sweden, Dominican Republic, United States, New Zealand, News

The spawn of Hollywood celebrities will probably want to avoid giving birth in New Zealand in the future. The annoying trend of bequeathing ridiculous names to one's offspring will no longer be tolerated in the island nation, according to CNN.

The country's Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages is banning "weird" baby names: the current list includes Lucifer, Duke, Messiah, and 89 (let's hope that's not his/her birth order). Bishop, Baron, General, Judge, King, Knight, and Mr. were said to be too similar to titles. And letters such as C, D, I, and T and names involving punctuation marks? Nope.

In 2008, New Zealand's names registrar approved non-traditional names (there's a set of twins out there named Benson and Hedges). Apparently, circumstances or places of conception were also cool as namesakes. Hence, Violence and Number 16 Bus Shelter. But now there's an end to the madness, and hopefully New Zealand will once again become a nation of Liam's and Chloe's.

Fortunately, Sweden (sorry, Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116, pronounced Albin) and the Dominican Republic are getting on board with banning idiotic baby names. In 2007, a Dominican judge banned "Tonton" (Dummy) Ruiz, but only because it was confusing and/or gave no indication of gender.

I'm all for foreign or original baby names (despite to this day being called "Laura/Lauren/Nora/Floral/Coral" on a daily basis). But doesn't it constitute a form of child abuse when you stick your kid with a handle guaranteed to inspire butt-kicking on the playground? You'd better learn taekwando, Bronx Mowgli Wentz.

[Photo credit: Flickr user scherre]

[Via Global Post]

Bizarre baby names: banned in New Zealand originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top ten most crowded islands in the world

Justin Delaney — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Kenya, Uganda, India, Maldives, Russian Federation, France, Sweden, United States, Marshall Islands, Colombia, Caribbean, Hong Kong

From an island microslum in Colombia to a haute enclave in central Paris, the ten most crowded islands in the world bear scant similarities in class or culture. In fact, every entry in the top ten comes from a different country. But being islands, each shares the common thread of scarcity - whether it be land, resources, or housing. In general, these islands are prophetical microcosms for an overcrowded earth - finite spaces where self sufficiency governs and demand pierces supply.

With the world's population racing higher and higher, and the "megacities club" accepting new members yearly, some day the earth could bear the traits of one of these densely packed islands.

Gallery: Most crowded islands on earth

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Top ten most crowded islands in the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pillow Fight World Cup kicks off in Brooklyn

Meg Nesterov — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, Japan, Austria, Sweden, United States

Eurovision chose a winner this weekend and the Olympics aren't for another year, so what sporting event will next unite countries and provide entertainment for the world? Tonight is the first-ever Pillow Fight World Cup and participants from Sweden, Japan, Austria, and, of course, the United States are expected to compete. Did we mention the pillow fight entrants are all female? Rest assured, this will be no fluff match. Austria is sending their entire league (yup, they have one) and the Americans have been training with the creator of Punk Rock Pillow Fight.

Get acquainted with the firm but supportive (like a good pillow) contenders on the official PFWC website and go cheer on Team USA tonight. Events kick off at 7pm at Brooklyn's Polish National Home. Tickets are $20 at the door but a select number are available free if you RSVP fast.

Pillow Fight World Cup kicks off in Brooklyn originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo of the day: Beach in Sweden

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Photos, Europe, Sweden

This windy day on a beach in Sweden, near Svarte, was captured by Christoph Sahle. Brooding and intense, this photo struck me as soon as I saw it and I asked Christoph to tell me about the setup behind the photo. At the time, he'd been staying in a remodeled barn in the city and decided to explore this beach, which isn't too far from Ystad, on a cold October day. It's not your typical beach scene, but it's a beautiful one.

Christoph Sahle is a German physicist, musician, and traveler with an obvious knack for photography. You can check out more of his photos on Picasa.

Want one of your photos to be featured on Gadling for Photo of The Day? Just upload your shots to the Gadling Flickr pool and we'll do the pickin' from there.

Continue reading Photo of the day: Beach in Sweden

Photo of the day: Beach in Sweden originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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