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Space Shuttle Home Nears Completion In Florida {Gadling}
Apr 5th 2013 8:16AM Visited the Kennedy Space Center on our last trip to Florida this past winter. [http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com/search/label/Kennedy%20Space%20Center] We were sorry the space shuttle exhibit wasn't open yet. Looking forward to it.
Antarctica For Sissies? Hardly, As Luxury Cruise Line Turns New Page {Gadling}
Apr 5th 2013 8:11AM Great news! We took a cruise a few years back on the Marco Polo http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com/search/label/Cruising%20Antarctica and thoroughly enjoyed it! Haven't seen another one that looked as good as that one 'til now. Guess it's time to start saving those pennies--make that quarters.
A Traveler's Confession: I Hate Sightseeing {Gadling}
Nov 5th 2012 6:45AM You're absolutely right. Unless it's a "must see," we spend our time exploring on our own, stopping where we find something of interest, meeting people, and yes, sampling the foods. Our last cruise we stopped in Trabzon, Turkey and instead of taking an excursion, we strolled through the streets, met some locals, and bought some Turkish baklava [http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com/2012/10/port-of-call-trabzon-turkey.html] It was a great day!
Cruise Line Hosts Pop-Up Restaurant On Land {Gadling}
Nov 4th 2012 6:03AM I had no idea that Celebrity was doing things like this. How neat! Love that cruise line. One of our favorites.
Cruise Line Destination Focus Brings Off-Ship Adventures {Gadling}
Oct 17th 2012 12:35PM I'm wondering how some of the cruise lines are going to start changing their offered excursions to suit those who are tired of being on a huge bus and shuffling off and on. On our last cruise to the Black Sea, we arranged a lot of our shore tours with local guides online before sailing. Smaller groups give you more time to see and do much more than the ship's excursions.
Suspicious About Hotel Reviews? You Are Not Alone {Gadling}
Apr 7th 2012 2:28PM As a regular reader and contributor to Tripadvisor, I would caution those using the site as their sole source of evaluation to think wisely. When reading reviews on Tripadvisor look at the country of origin of the reviewer. Someone from Singapore, for example might hold a higher standard than someone from the States or Australia. Always read the best and the worst and then check out the middle ground. Usually the worst is because something went wrong--not always the fault of the hotel. Personalities clash sometimes. Is the person reviewing fairly? Read carefully and discern. It may be a problem you would never have let bother you.
Also see how many reviews the contributor has posted. If it's just one or two they may be overly enchanted or extremely agitated and want to vent.
Besides Tripadvisor, go on Google and find the hotel on the map and hit satellite view. zoom in and jump down to street level. Not only does it help in finding the hotel when you get there, it also helps you to see what kind of an area it's in. We once found ourselves in an industrial area rather than the more picturesque part of Stuttgart because we hadn't checked it out on Google.
Hope those hints help.
Cruise Vacation Shore Excursions: A Better Value With New Service {Gadling}
Apr 4th 2012 8:50AM This is timely information as we have two cruises planned this year. Wonder what this will do to the cruise line offerings? With all the savvy passengers booking their own excursions their service has got to be hurting some or soon will be as others catch on. We've done a lot of privately booked excursions and found them to be much more enjoyable as they are smaller groups and we usually get to see a lot more.
How to cross a river in Australia {Gadling}
Mar 28th 2012 2:26PM This is why we love Australia! Adventure and entertainment never lacking.
Six things I've learned about travel writing after submitting 1000 posts for Gadling {Gadling}
Mar 28th 2012 11:25AM Your last paragraph sums up the reason I love travel so much. And, as a writer, I can empathize with some of the shots you've taken. I, too, have put a target on my back from time to time. That's why I like writing fiction so much more. I can always use the usual disclaimer: The characters in this story are fictional and . . .well, you know how it goes. Great article.
Internet on cruise ships to improve with more content in more places {Gadling}
Mar 23rd 2012 11:14AM I'd be happy with reliable internet service that gives me a good connection for my email. I can catch up on TV at home but I need the email connection.
