Skift Acquires Gadling Travel from AOL

The Skift team — now the Gadling team, too — in Iceland this May.

The Skift team — now the Gadling team, too — in Iceland this May.

It’s been quiet here for a while, but that’s about to change. I’m happy to announce that Gadling is becoming part of the Skift family.

You may have read about us in this Gadling interview when we launched nearly two years ago. Since then, Skift has become the largest travel industry news and information site in the world. Over the short two years of our existence, our brand has become the lingo in travel.

As AOL has decided to focus on MapQuest as the center of its travel strategy, it wanted to find a good home for Gadling.

That’s us.

Additionally, we’re excited to announce a partnership with MapQuest, leveraging their global mapping platform and collaborating on relevant content. MapQuest serves 40 …

Travel Smarter 2012: How cloud services are changing the way we travel

One of the most often hyped facets of the upcoming tech industry is the concept of the Cloud. The term is often used to describe a set of services or functions that exist online and independent of a user’s devices, allowing one synchronous access to information and other content across multiple web-based clients. While that sounds simple in theory, the concept has remained a bit nebulous for many consumers, who still haven’t connected with how cloud services and computing work or how it can benefit them in the long run.

As a bit of an earlier adopter and a self confessed gadget geek, I’ve been excited about the potential for the Cloud for some time. And over the past few months I’ve jumped into the technology with both feet, seeing now the of what it can bring to the table, as well as how it can benefit us as we travel.

One of the simplest and most productive cloud services in existence is Dropbox, which has been around since 2008, but really seems to have taken off in the past year or two. Dropbox is quite simply a cloud storage solution that gives you the ability to quickly and easily share files with friends, family, and coworkers. It can be accessed through the web or by installing a small program on your computer, which then automatically syncs your designated Dropbox folder and files to the cloud. There are also apps available for Android, iOS, and Blackberry which grant access to those same files on your mobile device.

Dropbox is a handy tool for travelers who may have a need to access their files while on the road or might want to share something with those back home. It is particularly handy for grabbing important work documents while away from the office or getting the most updated version of a file that is still being worked on by co-workers. The service is great for working collaboratively with others while not in the same location, and it allows for the sharing of documents that are too large to attach to an email. Dropbox photo albums make it a snap to share images from your travels while still on the road, and it is a great place to save a back-up of the manuscript you’ve been writing about your big travel adventures.Aside from providing access to your files or sharing with others, Dropbox doesn’t do much of anything else. But its simplicity is what makes it great and sets it apart from some of the other cloud services out there. It is also part of what makes it so attractive to travelers who just need something fast and easy to use. A Dropbox account includes 2GB of free storage, which can be upgraded for a nominal monthly fee.

One of the biggest entries into the cloud services arena in 2011 came courtesy of Apple, who introduced iCloud for iOS, Mac, and Windows users. iCloud does both more and less than Dropbox, and has proven itself to be very useful for those who are firmly ensconced in the Apple ecosystem. The service allows for seamless and almost instantaneous syncing of apps, music, and data between devices while also keeping your contacts, calendars, and “to do” lists completely up to date. It also provides cloud storage for Apple’s iWork suite of productivity software, which much like Dropbox, gives you access to those files from any iCloud capable device. Unlike Dropbox however, you can’t simply drag-and-drop files from your computer and have them saved to the cloud.

iCloud has several unique features which can be a direct benefit to travelers, not the least of which is the “Find My iPhone” service. Despite the name indicating otherwise, this service allows iCloud users to locate not only their phones, but also iPad or Macintosh computers as well. Being able to track down a device that you’ve left behind in a cab or in a restaurant can be a real lifesaver, but should you find that your electronic toys have fallen into the wrong hands, you can also remotely lock the device or even wipe its memory completely clean.

The iCloud photostream is also a great option for travelers, who are increasingly using their iPhone as their primary camera while on the go. A few years ago I would have laughed at that idea, but the iPhone 4S sports a camera that is on par with many dedicated point-and-shoot models, and when connected to photostream any photo you take is also automatically uploaded to the cloud. This service essentially provides a backup of your photos immediately after they are taken while simultaneously making them available for viewing on your iPad. Photostream also syncs with your computer’s photo library, integrating the photos into your favorite editing program. It is a very slick process that anyone who has lost a camera mid-trip will definitely appreciate.

As if all of those iCloud features weren’t enough, its functionality is extended a bit further through the use of a free iPhone app called Find Friends. While not strictly speaking a part of iCloud itself, the app does use some of the same technology to allow you to track the location of friends and family who are also iPhone users. When traveling together, this can be an invaluable tool, as it helps eliminate any issues that arise when trying to find each other in a large crowd. The app is especially useful in places like Disney World, a national park, and large museums or shopping malls. The service is purely optional and can even be used over a specifically defined temporary basis, such as a two-week trip through Europe.

iCloud is a free service that provides 5GB of storage. Additional storage can be purchased for a monthly fee.

Microsoft’s entry into the consumer cloud services space is known as Skydrive, and it shares a lot of things in common with Dropbox and iCloud. Skydrive lets you sync any and all files onto a virtual hard drive and then access them from anywhere that you can connect to the Internet. It works great with the Microsoft Office suite of productivity tools, and even allows multiple users to create and edit documents at the same time. In short, it is a great collaboration tool for work that also has plenty of application for our personal lives as well.

Skydrive sets itself apart from the other services in two very distinct ways. The first is in the amount of free storage that Microsft makes available to users. Where Dropbox is content to offer up 2GB of storage and iCloud provides a fairly limited 5GB, MS gives Windows users 25GB of storage, which is a lot of room for Word documents, photos, and even video. That storage space is available not only on your computer but also on iPhone, Android, and of course, Windows Phone devices.

The other area in which Skydrive distinguishes itself is in how tightly woven it is into the Windows operating system. Not only does it integrate nicely with the Office web apps, it also can be set-up to automatically sync a user’s most important files to the cloud, providing access on any web-connected computer in the world. Skydrive access is even built into the latest editions of Windows Live Photo Gallery and Movie Maker, making it an incredibly simple affair to share images and video from your latest vacation while you’re still on that vacation. It is a powerful service, and one that Microsoft is already improving with Windows 8, which will likely be launched later this year.

Because of how well Skydrive is integrated into Windows, carrying your laptop with you on a trip means that you’re also bringing a full fledged photo and film studio along, giving you unprecedented power for sharing your adventures with others. Image and video editing is simpler and more powerful then ever before, and Skydrive allows you to document and share the travel experience as it happens. Users even have very precise control over who exactly sees the files they share, allowing restrictions at designated levels.

Unlike the other cloud services, Skydrive doesn’t currently have an option to expand its storage capacity, though it its defense 25GB is fairly generous.

Of course, an Internet connection is required to take full advantage of the cloud, but these days, those connections are a lot easier to find than they once were. On the other hand, we often travel to get away from the trappings of modern life. In that case, the cloud is still useful when we return home too.

[flickr image via quinn.anya]

Taking Travel: interview with Bert the Conqueror at Alaska’s Fur Rondy (video)

In the spirit of journeying during periods less traveled, I’ve embarked to Alaska this winter. Follow the adventures here, and prepare to have your preconceived notions destroyed along the way.


Talking travel and having a laugh with Bert the Conqueror

So it ain’t so! During our time here at Alaska’s 76th running of Fur Rondy, we happened upon a true travel legend: Bert Kreischer. You may know him better as the comedic genius and star of The Travel Channel’s ‘Bert the Conqueror,’ and this weekend, he ventured up to Anchorage for his coldest, most extreme adventure yet. He participated in the Outhouse Races as well as a sophisticated snowball fight dubbed Yukigassen, and when I asked him if he’d become Alaskan enough to consider entering the Iditarod… well, you’ll just have to watch and find out. We cover everything from what kind of food he’s been eating here in The Last Frontier to his strategy (or lack thereof) for toppling his opponents when it comes time to fire off a round of snowballs.

My trip was sponsored by Alaska Travel Industry Association, but I was free to report as I saw fit. The opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own.

Blogger Chris Owen

Where was your photo taken?
At Misty Fjords, Alaska on the wing of a seaplane that I had used to tour for the day. In this photo we had landed on a pristine lake where the only sound we heard was a bear or beavers fishing. Or so said the guide — it might have been Uncle Zeb splashing around in the bushes for all we know.

Where do you live now?
Orlando, Florida aka Paradise to this guy who spent a few too many cold, angry winters farther North.

Scariest airline flown?
Spirit Airlines from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale and just last July. It was like being on a prison plane. “We leave in 5 minutes, seated or not!” and I think they meant it. Gilda, the Nazi cabin attendant was overheard saying “I can’t wait until we get the stand-up seatinig” with glee.

Favorite city/country/place?
St Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands where I will live some day. I have friends who already made the jump and they just love it there.

Most remote corner of the globe visited?
Mt McKinley in Alaska, the highest peak in North America. I did not climb the peak but did wave at the ants below as we flew around them in a plane much like my dad had when I was a little kid.

Favorite Guidebook series?
Frommers, but I have to tell you, I used guidebooks once and that was about it — and that was a long long time ago. I like going places recommended by friends or travel writers as best bets, out-of-the way places and hardly ever touristy attractions except for the “I did that” factor.

Worst hotel experience ever?
The Colby Hotel in Colby, Kansas. Winter of some year when I was a little kid. We drove through a bizzard from Kansas City to way Western Kansas at about 12 miles an hour the whole way. Got to the hotel and we were the only ones in it and everything was shut down. We burned furniture in garbage cans outside to cook with and melted snow to have drinking water.

Dream travel destination?
Egypt including a cruise on the Nile. I’m pretty sure I was of royal ancestry in a previous life but won’t know for sure until I arrive there some day. Yes, I really mean that. In 8th grade a Social Studies teacher made us do exacting hand drawings of pyramids and other structures. I was hooked then and probably always will be until I get there… or get back, depending on how it all plays out.

Favorite means of transportation?
Cruise ship/liner of course! No matter what happens on land, I always have a nice cozy cruise ship to come back home to at night. The last Non-US hotel I stayed at was in London and I didn’t like it one bit. I was quite a hit in the hotel lobby though asking where I get “more of these pieces of money” referring to the odd bills with strange faces and coins of strange sizes.

Have you ever had an unexpected layover? What did you do?
At Chicago, Midway. I had flown in for a job interview and was scheduled to fly out the same day. When I got there I had the fastest interview in history and that guy was gone. I found out later after lake-effect snow shut everything down why he wanted out so fast. I was stuck there for two days. I pretended I was a traveling talent agent looking for new acts. You’d be surprised the things people will do/sing/play if they think they have a chance to be famous.

Ten great Washington D.C. restaurants

All that political activism (or running, as the case may be) is making you hungry. But since traditional “best” lists focus almost exclusively on the expensive, we thought we’d provide a more rounded-out list of a few of our favorite Washington D.C. restaurants, striving for variety in both location, type and price point. If we’ve left off your favorite, leave it in the comments, below – and stay tuned for tomorrow’s list of bars and nightlife destinations.
New Favorite:
Looking for a place to carb-load pre marathon? Search no further. D.C.’s largest restaurant stormed into town earlier this fall to much fanfare – the New York-based chain offers generous (and delicious) family-sized portions of classic Italian favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmesan and tiramisu. Be sure to come with a group – each entrée serves three to four hungry adults!
Old Standbys:
With two locations (Chinatown and Capitol Hill), this local go-to dishes out wood-fired pizzas, to-die-for mini burgers and a selection of classic American faves for lunch and dinner daily (plus a great weekend brunch). They don’t take reservations, but try your luck and you’ll find an affordable and delicious dining experience.
Opt for the Georgetown or Chinatown outpost of this DC staple, which serves up classic American fare that’s filling, delicious, and affordable. Sample chicken n’ waffles for brunch, or fuel up for a night on the town with a burger and fries.
Quick & Casual:
Stalk this Brooklyn-based lobster truck on Twitter (@lobstertruckdc) for their daily location. Then, prepare to wait in line for fresh hunks of lobster meat packed Maine (with mayo and lemon) or Connecticut (with butter) style into a toasted, buttered bun. This delicious treat rolled into DC just a few months ago but has already found a loyal following among locals.
Good Stuff Eatery
When the First Lady dines here, you know it’s worth the hype. Chef Spike Mendelsohn (of Top Chef fame) has turned out a Capitol Hill burger joint that allows even us average Joes and Janes to sample his goods. Don’t miss the house-made milkshakes (the marshmallow is amazing). If you’re more of an Italian lover, head next door to his second shop, We, The Pizza, for delish by-the-slice options.
Late Night Nosh:
Everyone from the lowest intern to the President of the United States has stood in line for the famous ‘dogs of U Street staple Ben’s Chili Bowl’s. Try the half-smokes, DC’s famous grilled meat that tastes like a cross between a hot dog and a polish sausage. Cover it with chili, onions, or cheese, and of course – opt for a side of fries.
For years, D.C. lacked the deli culture that could be found in abundance in other major cities. Taylor Gourmet not only rectified the situation – they created a phenomenon, shipping in their breads daily from Philly and crafting hoagies and subs named after streets in their hometown area. Snag one of their delicious sandwiches until 3:00a.m. most weekend nights.
Bottomless Brunch:
Fuel up with a little hair of the dog after a long night of rallying. Our top pick? Beacon Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy unlimited Bloody Marys, Champagne and mimosas, plus a brunch buffet featuring both savory and sweet options.
Sweet Tooth:
The line usually wraps ’round the block for customers lined up to sample the sweet treats of Georgetown Cupcake, made even more famous since the shop’s debut on the TLC show “DC Cupcakes.” Flavors rotate daily, but you can expect favorites like Chocolate Lava Fudge, Red Velvet and Vanilla Birthday to be on the menu often.
Boasting the distinction of being D.C.’s only “chocolate restaurant,” those with a serious sweet tooth should search no further for a decadent treat. Offering both to-go and sit-down options, you can sample a selection of desserts or opt for a tasting menu that features chocolate in every course.