After Mount Fuji’s UNESCO listing, climbing gear rental business booming
The Japan Times
July 16, 2013
People are flocking to rental shops for gear such as backpacks and waterproof clothes so they can take to the peaks without having to shell out hundreds of thousands of yen to buy expensive gear.
Cuterek, an online climbing gear rental shop based in the city of Gifu, offers colorful top-brand climbing gear for ¥9,800 to ¥24,000 for overnight use. Buying this equipment would cost more than ¥60,000. The price scheme has made the set a hit.
Since the start of the year, an increasing number of people have made preparations to take to the mountains amid expectations that Mount Fuji would become a World Heritage site.
“We may run out of stock,” Cuterek President Kaori Muto said.
Outdoor gear rental shop Soranoshita in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji, has increased its stock of climbing gear for people planning to summit the volcano this season.
In between April and June, rental orders more than doubled from a year before, the company said. Notably, orders spiked three- to fivefold after the World Heritage recognition, it said.
Source:http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/07/16/national/after-mount-fujis-unesco-listing-climbing-gear-rental-business-booming/#.UeX-jajn_IU
15 holiday destinations off the tourist track
From: Escape
July 07, 2013
1. TRIESTE, ITALY
Genteel city of neoclassical facades and Viennese cafes If you had to choose one city to serve as the capital of Europe, Trieste might be the fairest choice. A piece of Italy largely surrounded by Slovenian territory, and which was once imperial Austria's cosmopolitan main port, it lies at the crossroads of the continent's Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures (turismofvg.it). This is reflected in the city's food habits, where panini and fritto misto (fried seafood) might be followed by beef brisket and horseradish. The central square is an elegant triumph of Austro-Hungarian town planning, now ironically named the Square of Italian Unity. Beyond it is the Borgo Teresiano, a graceful 18th-century district that straddles Trieste's very own Grand Canal, a mosaic-laden Serbian Orthodox Church and a richly decorated neoclassical synagogue. The city also has literary note as the place where James Joyce lived for 10 years before the outbreak of World War I.
2. IKARIA, GREECE
Experience local life on an unspoilt Greek Island
If you're after somewhere to eat, drink and unwind, look no further than Ikaria, a place so restorative that living to 100 years here is no big deal. No one's quite sure what accounts for residents' exceptional longevity, but the sheer serenity of the place must have something to do with it (the hot springs probably help, too). A hilly isle in the northeast Aegean mostly bypassed by tourism, it's strewn with crumbling ruins, secluded bays and tiny villages where residents gather to tell stories, play backgammon and drink. Vineyard-rich Ikaria's a particularly fine place for this last pursuit, being the mythical birthplace of Dionysus, god of wine, and of his favourite tipple. Enjoy its signature red with local dishes in the village of Karavostamo or in the port of Agios Kirykos. Summer is the best time to experience the joie de vivre of Greek island culture, when panigyria (all-night festivals) ring in saints' days with feasting, drinking and dancing (island-ikaria.com).
3. MEKNES, MOROCCO
Mini-Marrakesh of imperial splendour
While visitors pour into Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat, Meknes, the fourth and most modest of Morocco's imperial cities, is unfairly overlooked. With its maze of narrow streets, busy medina and wealth of grand buildings, it's cut from the same beguiling cloth. Set amid fertile plains below the Middle Atlas Mountains, UNESCO-listed Meknes's monuments include numerous palaces, historic walls, mosques (its nickname is "city of a hundred minarets") and the vast, ornately-tiled Bab el-Mansour gate; opposite Meknes's lively medina, it's the grandest in Morocco. Most of these date back to Meknes's 17th and 18th-century glory days as the sultanate's base. Nearby is Volubilis, site of the largest Roman ruins in the country (visitmorocco.com).
4. FERMANAGH LAKELANDS, NORTHERN IRELAND
Landscape of castles and island-studded lakes
Northern Ireland's answer to the Lake District is blissfully unhurried, although the G8 summit held there this month may bring it fame (fermanaghlakelands.com). Fermanagh is about one-fifth water, and most of that belongs to Lough Erne - a lake in two parts. Upper Lough Erne is a watery maze of more than 150 islands. Lower Lough Erne however is a more traditional open body of water. Many of its islands have a sacred legacy - on Devenish Island there are the remains of an Augustinian monastery, including a superb 12th-century round tower, and on White Island, six enigmatic Celtic stone figures greet visitors. The stately homes of Castle Coole and Florence Court are later additions to the area's historic mix. Fermanagh's waterways are choice spots for trout and salmon fishing, or for exploring by motorboat and canoe. Take in the view from the Cliffs of Magho - an escarpment running along the south of Lower Lough Erne.
5. NORTH-WESTERN TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Fine wines, seafood and local produce at this emerging gourmet destination
Long known for its apples, Australia's island state of Tasmania is fast emerging as the country's best destination for food. Its unspoilt countryside and pristine waters provide a bounty of lovingly-harvested local produce, much of it then served up within the state's country-leading crop of restaurants. Tassie's northwest offers a choice of delicacies that's hard to beat, from seafood and cider to chocolate, cheese and cool-climate wines. Amid the rolling green hills of Deloraine you'll find farms purveying cherries, raspberries and even organic salmon, while at laid-back King Island you can feast on bries, cheddars and pungent blue cheeses, plus crayfish and oysters from the surrounding ocean. Sample more than 50 varieties of honey at Chudleigh Honey Farm, or head to the vineyards and distilleries around scenic Barrington Lake for a tipple to wash it down (tasmaniasnorthwest.com.au).
6. KISO VALLEY, JAPAN
Snapshot of Old Japan
Two hundred years ago, the thickly wooded Kiso Valley was one of the main routes through central Japan. It's more out of the way these days and preserves severalold post stations along the Nakasendo - the mountain road, celebrated in the work of woodblock print artists, that ran from Edo (modern Tokyo) to Kyoto. The most attractive of the stations is Tsumago, where development has been restricted and dark-wood, lattice-fronted houses line the car-free main street (www.jnto.go.jp). An hour or two is enough to browse the tasteful souvenir shops, sit down in a traditional restaurant or visit the former rest stop for retainers of travelling samurai lords, with its moss garden. It's worth staying on, however, to take the 8km hike along the route of the Nakasendo, past farmland, forest and waterfalls, which connects Tsumago to the village of Magome.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/holiday-destinations-off-the-tourist-track/story-e6frfqai-1226674335206#ixzz2YqhhIY3K
The coolest hotel rooms in the world
Disney sails into top spot among cruise lines
By Phil Reimer, For Postmedia News
8 fabulous hotels still fresh at 100
updated 3:52 PM EDT, Tue June 25, 2013
(CNN) -- Whenever a new hotel opens, guests are quick to flock there, clamoring for its shiny new rooms and state-of-the-art features. But there's something to be said for staying at a venerable older property, like these top-rated hotels that are each celebrating their centennial this year.
Opening date: July 12, 1913
Opening date: April 20, 1913
Opening date: January 15, 1913
Opening date: December 10, 1913
Opening date: March 4, 1913
Opening date: March 30, 1913
Opening date: December 8, 1913
Opening date: February 1, 1913
Some of them have survived issues like war, recession, fire and lackluster management over the past 100 years, but each has persevered and truly stands the test of time. So next time you're visiting these eight cities, consider checking in at these legendary lodgings.
GROVE PARK INN, Asheville, North Carolina
Opening date: July 12, 1913
Easily distinguishable by its granite exterior and red clay-tile roof, the Grove Park Inn has long been a favorite mountain retreat, hallowed for its sweeping views, Southern hospitality and rustic yet refined Arts and Crafts design. A recent $25 million renovation, timed by current owner KSL Resorts to coincide with its anniversary celebrations, ensures this grande dame is back to form; even the giant fireplace in the lobby is working again.
Famous guests: Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Henry Ford
Historical fact: In 1930, William Howard Taft resigned from the Supreme Court in the hotel's Great Hall.
HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE, Paris, France
Opening date: April 20, 1913
Almost immediately after it opened, this testament to French culture and style became the place to see and be seen in Paris, and it remains so to this day. Now part of the Dorchester Collection, the hotel features 191 elegantly appointed rooms and suites pairing 18th-century-style touches with modern conveniences like remote-controlled air-conditioning. And you'll not just sleep well here, but eat well, too, given that all four of its restaurants fall under the supervision of famed French-born chef Alain Ducasse.
Famous guests: Marlene Dietrich, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy
Historical fact: Legendary designer Christian Dior loved the hotel so much he opened his House of Dior on the same street, and avenue Montaigne soon became the capital of high fashion.
HOTEL DU PONT, Wilmington, Delaware
Opening date: January 15, 1913
With its elaborate woodwork, polished terrazzo floors and plush Queen Anne furnishings, the Hotel du Pont is a perfect example of the extravagance of America's Gilded Age. Additions over the years include elegant ballrooms, dozens more guestrooms, a theater substantial enough to house a Broadway show and a collection of notable artworks by the likes of N.C. and Andrew Wyeth.
Famous guests: King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt
Historical fact: The hotel was conceived by a pair of DuPont executives as a place for people to stay while visiting their Brandywine Valley headquarters, yet no expense was spared in its creation and the final bill totaled an estimated $1 million, a hefty sum at that time.
FORT GARRY HOTEL, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Opening date: December 10, 1913
The Fort Garry is one of a group of grand hotels built by the Canadian National Railway in the early 20th century to increase travel along its transcontinental routes. These château-inspired accommodations quickly grew in popularity, and while some have fallen by the wayside, the Fort Garry maintains its glitz and glamour, a fact that recently heralded it a spot on a list of the 10 most romantic spots in Canada.
Famous guests: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jack Dempsey, Liberace
Historical fact: The hotel once had its own bakery, butcher shop, heating plant, artesian well and printing press. The latter remains but is only accessible through a doorway on the roof.
BENSON HOTEL, Portland, Oregon
Opening date: March 4, 1913
The success of the Benson Hotel can be attributed to Simon Benson, an emigrant from Norway who moved to Portland and made a fortune in the lumber business. Ever the pioneer, he took a hotel that bled cash for the first 16 months of its life (it was originally called the New Oregon Hotel) and transformed it into a world-class property that now sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Managed today by Coast Hotels, it still oozes Benson's influences, from the Austrian crystal chandeliers to the Circassian walnut columns.
Famous guests: Every seated president since William H. Taft.
Historical fact: Back in the day, guests of the hotel were greeted each morning with a complimentary cup of hot clam nectar. Today, it's a cup of hot coffee.
HOTEL SAVOY, Moscow, Russia
Opening date: March 30, 1913
The two aren't related, but much like the Savoy Hotel in London, Moscow's Savoy is a landmark property dripping with opulence, albeit in a much smaller, more intimate setting. Designed as a haven for aristocrats visiting from Saint Petersburg and beyond, it still draws Russia's elite, who can often be found hobnobbing in the lobby bar. Another beloved feature is its location, which is just steps from top sights like the Kremlin, the Bolshoi and St. Basil's Cathedral.
Famous guests: Isadora Duncan, Luciano Pavarotti, Richard Gere
Historical fact: The Hotel Savoy was built by the Salamander Fire Insurance Company, and images of salamanders can be found in the carpets, the pool and elsewhere throughout the property.
GSTAAD PALACE, Gstaad, Switzerland
Opening date: December 8, 1913
Gstaad is one of Europe's favorite winter sports destinations, but guests flock to this old-school resort year-round, enticed by the lighted tennis courts, Olympic-size swimming pool, high-end fitness center with saunas and massage rooms, and the hundreds of miles of hike and bike trails that weave through the Bernese Alps surrounding the property. One of the few family-owned and -operated hotels in Switzerland, the Gstaad Palace makes a point to treat its guests like one of their own, and the result is a boom in repeat visitors.
Famous guests: Marc Chagall, Madonna, Jimmy Carter
Historical fact: Owing to the Palace's isolated mountainside location, the Swiss government found it a fitting place to stash a chunk of its gold reserves during World War II.
GRANDE COLONIAL, La Jolla, California
Opening date: February 1, 1913
Given the Grande Colonial's spectacular seaside setting in a charming suburb of San Diego, it's not hard to see how the hotel has survived for the last hundred years. Or how it could easily make it another hundred. The property has undergone multiple renovations over the decades, including an $8 million restoration completed in 2007 and a recent overhaul of the entry, lobby and adjacent public spaces, both meant to preserve the hotel's original European-style ambiance and aesthetic.
Famous guests: Groucho Marx, Jane Wyatt and a couple of ghosts said to haunt the hotel's hallways.
Historical fact: The pharmacist at a drugstore that became part of the hotel back in 1928 was the father of actor Gregory Peck, who grew up in the area and later co-founded the La Jolla Playhouse.
Summer’s 6 Coolest New Theme Park Rides
Higher, faster and certainly crazier: here are the hottest new rides at U.S. theme parks
Families may feel a bigger pinch this summer when paying hiked-up admissions at some parks (such as Disneyland and Disney World, which now charge $92 and $95, respectively, for a single day adult ticket). But the upside is that parks all over the nation are also ratcheting up their ride offerings, offering more twists, heights and technological dazzlers, from a wooden roller coaster with steel-coaster-style loops to a whizzing swing ride that allows you to see two city skylines (assuming you keep your eyes open).
1. Full Throttle
Hold onto your churro: This new coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain, which goes up to 70 mph, has a 160-foot loop that you’ll travel twice: first inside and then outside the loop, before capping it off with a backward launch. Six Flag is marketing it as “Sensory Overload.” Height requirement: 54 inches. Opens June 22.
2. The Gatekeeper
As the name suggests, the big new ride at Cedar Point in Sandusky meets you right at the entrance gates. Among winged coasters—where riders are perched on either side of the track—this one boasts of being the tallest, fastest and longest, as well as claiming the tallest inversion (a 170-foot loop) of any coaster in the world. Height requirement: 52 inches.
3. Hades 360
Wooden coasters may seem a little retro, but this vintage-style ride at Mount Olympus in Wisconsin Dells recently got a 21st-century update: a new barrel roll, making it the first all-wooden coaster that goes upside down. It also features an 800-foot tunnel with a 90-degree underground turn in total darkness. Height requirement: 48 inches
4. Texas SkyScreamer
Six Flags over Texas is flying noticeably higher this summer. At 400 feet high, the Texas SkyScreamer is now the tallest swing ride in the world, and promises to send you flying in a 124-foot-wide circle at 35 mph. Ride it at night and you’ll get city-lights views of both downtown Dallas (to the east) and Fort Worth (to the west). Height requirement: 48 inches
5. Transformers: The Ride 3-D
Universal Studios Florida has a new thrill for folks who like rides that only seem to leave the ground: This 3-D motion simulator ride offers faux smash-’em-up fun as the Autobots battle the Decepticons, who are reportedly intent on taking over Orlando.Height requirement: 40 inches. Opens June 20.
6. Blazin’ Buckaroo
For little kids who can't ride the big coasters yet (and for parents who quietly prefer the kiddie rides), we're always thrilled (and, okay, a little relieved) to see a new mini coaster: This new 360-foot steel coaster in Denver’s Elitch Gardens goes no faster than 15 mph, but promises a just-exciting-enough first drop. Height requirement: 36 inches
Exotic places you can visit without a U.S. passport
By Dara Continenza | Smarter Travel
Longing for a long-distance getaway but don't have a passport? No problem! We've found five faraway places overseas where, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you won't need to bring a passport.
Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico (officially an unincorporated territory of the United States) has long been a favorite of travelers from the contiguous 48. Inexpensive airfare from Spirit, Southwest, and JetBlue makes Puerto Rico an economical option for East Coasters. And its Isla de Vieques, a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2013 winner for best island in the Caribbean, offers visitors a bioluminescent bay to kayak and unspoiled beaches to explore. In a 2012 referendum on the territory's political status, a record 61 percent of Puerto Rico's voters were in favor of eventual statehood, so we may one day welcome the island as the 51st. Even so, right now, you can explore its wonders without a U.S. passport.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands lie mere minutes away from Puerto Rico by plane. Made up of three main islands—St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John—plus a scattering of smaller isles, the U.S.V.I. see some 2.6 million visitors each year. In fact, tourism and rum (things we think go very well together) make up the majority of the islands' economy.
Each island has its own unique appeal. St. John, with its national parkland and legendary diving, will charm true escapists. St. Thomas is a shopper's dream, with countless boutiques and jewelers, as well as two bustling cruise terminals. And Danish-flavored and diverse St. Croix is a favorite of luxury-seeking honeymooners. Find accommodations of every stripe, from St. Thomas' smart Ritz-Carlton to the luxe and immersive Caneel Bay resort on St. John.
Note: Travelers will need to have a passport to visit the neighboring British Virgin Islands.
Things we no longer see on airplanes
By Kara Kovalchik | Mental Floss
Traveling by airplane is a lot different than it used to be. And we’re not just talking about the elaborate and cumbersome security restrictions that get added every time some wacko sticks a bomb in his BVDs.
There used to be a lot of amenities, but they were gradually eliminated after President Jimmy Carter signed the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978 and cost-effectiveness suddenly became a corporate concern. Here are 11 things that we never see on most commercial flights today that were common in days of yore.
1. Sleeping BerthsIn the late 1940s, the Boeing Stratocruiser was described by the company as being “just like the magic carpet.” Besides a beautifully appointed ladies’ lounge and reclining springy club chairs, every seat in the main cabin (not just first class) could be adjusted and manipulated to form enough sleeping berths (top photo) to accommodate each passenger.
2. Pong
In the early 1980s, Continental Airlines outfitted some of their DC-10s with what they called a “Pub” configuration. Besides a walk-up wet bar and circular tables surrounded by swivel chairs, the Pub area also included a two-player Pong game … which was probably cutting-edge gaming technology at the time.
3. Champagne in Coach
In the 1970s, Southern Airways billed itself as “Route of the Aristocrats” because of its policy of offering first-class touches to every passenger. The company probably needed those cushy pillows and free-flowing booze to take the edge off its multi-stop routes; even though it did eventually offer some nonstop flights, Southern’s bread and butter was air service throughout the southeastern states. A typical flight might have originated in Albany, Ga., then stopped in Valdosta, Dothan (Alabama) and Columbus before it finally landed at its final destination of Atlanta.
Top spots in Europe for 2013
By Katia Hetter, CNN
(CNN) -- Paris and Rome are lovely this time of year, but they're also packed with summer travelers.
For something a little quieter, consider Lonely Planet's latest list of top European destinations that offer café culture, history and outdoor adventures outside of Europe's most popular cities.
This year's Europe list, developed by Lonely Planet's editors and writers, includes the next hot spots to visit as well as longtime favorites with something new to enjoy.
"We try to point out what's the next hot thing, what's been overlooked and deserving of more attention and places that people have heard about forever but may not know have been revitalized in recent years," said Andy Murdock, Lonely Planet's U.S. digital editor. "It's food for thought for travelers looking to explore Europe more deeply."
1. Porto & the Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal's second-largest city has so much going for it, Murdock says. The birthplace of port, this picturesque hilly town in northern Portugal also has a thriving arts scene and up and coming culinary reputation. And it's a good value destination right now. (Many of the Port houses offer tastings and tours for free or a small fee.)
"Porto is really the best in show for this year," Murdock said. "Porto is a great value for people interested in food and the arts."
The Douro Valley's wine and port scene is very easy to explore as a day trip. There you can visit some of the most famous Port houses, including Taylor's, W & J Graham's, Fonseca Porto and Casa Ramos Pinto. Check their websites for tours and tastings.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is starting to steal the cool from Berlin right now, Murdock said, with unique summer pop-up bars in old buildings and gardens. (The city's architecture is an eclectic testament to its previous rulers, showing the influence of the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Soviet regime.)
"There are a variety of different looks to them: Some are hipster weed patches with drinks, and others are manicured gardens," he said. "It's a unique type of bar you're not going to find most other places."
These "ruin bars" are mostly open in the summer, although some are starting to winterize their locations, so they can be open for more than the May-to-September season. Although some bars often switch locations, Szimpla Kert is one of the oldest, and visitors can find other bars on the same strip.
Sometimes known as "the City of Baths," Budapest has thermal spring-filled baths and traditional Turkish baths to choose from. Murdock recommends the Turkish-era Racz Baths, which recently reopened attached to the modern luxury Racz Hotel.
3. Northern Iceland
While everyone seems to know that Iceland is a cool weekend for U.S. East Coasters, Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon Spa and the Golden Circle are the popular stops on that quick trip. For a look beyond those spots, take a quick flight north to check out the Northern Lights in Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest town (population 17,000).
"Explore lava fields, waterfalls like you've never imagined, horseback rides and great whale watching out of Husavik (an hour from Akureyri)," Murdock said.
Myvatn Nature Spa offers a mini version of the Blue Lagoon -- without the tourists.
4. Cinque Terre, Italy
The five villages of Italy's popular Cinque Terre are ready for visitors again. Repairs to the cliffside villages after the devastating floods of 2011 were made more difficult because of the Cinque Terre's remote, mountainous location. The towns are connected by trains and are served within the villages by public buses. A national park and UNESCO site, the villages don't allow cars or motorbikes.
"It's very well-known but hard to reach," Murdock said. But it's worth it if you're ready to walk, he says. "They rebuilt the paths, the stone terraces are back, the vineyards are replaned, and the drainage is improved for the next flood."
The small, isolated beaches below the towns are also worth a visit. "They have a sense of fishery stewardship, allowing line-caught fish only. There is really lovely seafood coming out of the waters in Cinque Terre."
5. Moravia, Czech Republic
If you've been to Prague or shy away from popular cities that have been overtaken by tourists, try Moravia. It's known locally for bike tours and wine tasting, especially big robust reds. "It's a lot slower pace (than Prague) and gives you a much different feel of the country," Murdock said.
For a mini version of Prague, head to Olomouc, home of the country's second-oldest university, a lovely town square and the Holy Trinity Column (an 18th-century baroque sculpture on UNESCO's World Heritage list). For Gothic charm, head to Telc, which is also on UNESCO's list. The region's capital, Brno, has great museums.
6. Bern, Switzerland
When travelers land in the capital of Switzerland, they tend to head out into the mountainous region of Bernese Oberland, but the city itself is worth a visit. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval architecture, Bern is also home to one of Albert Einstein's homes and a Paul Klee museum designed by Renzo Piano that includes other artists' works.
"We're trying to call attention to Bern itself," Murdock said, calling it a very interesting mix of "historical, modern and edgy" things to do. Although people think of Swiss food as a bit stodgy, Murdock raves about the locavore restaurants on the river than runs through town.
Try visiting in August, when the streets of Bern are filled with musicians, puppeteers, jugglers and other entertainers for the Buskers Bern Festival.
7. Marseille, France
This year's European Capital of Culture, "Marseille is one of those incredibly historic seaport towns along the Mediterranean," Murdock said, and he's not kidding. The town dates to 600 B.C., when Greeks first settled in the area.
France's second-largest city is trying to shake off its reputation as a "gritty, dangerous seaport town," Murdock said. With the cultural capital designation, "a lot of money has been poured into new museums and public transportation."
That includes the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations that opened June 7. And the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, housed in the left wing of the Palais Longchamp, has reopened after a renovation. The museum's exhibit, "From Van Gogh to Bonnard," runs through October 13.
Foodies can enjoy the city that's home to bouillabaisse at the Old Port, where maritime culture and fresh seafood mix.
8. Croatia
In some ways, Croatia's popularity is old news to American travelers, but a lot of people are seeing the coast. There will be a lot more attention on the country if it enters the European Union in July.
"Zagreb is an interesting and underrated European capital, with a huge coffee and café scene," Murdock said. "If you have that image of Italy or Paris, sitting at a café and watching the world go by, that's preserved in Croatia.
"There's also an extension of northern Italian cuisine because the border in Istria (now Croatia) has jumped around, and the cuisine doesn't abide by the border," Murdock said, pointing to Croatians' "same Italian love of cured meats and cheeses," and there's seafood on the Adriatic as well.
For "Game of Thrones" fans, Dubrovnik is the place to visit to see King's Landing location shots. (Tours are available.) And you can find a hikers' paradise in the 16 turquoise blue lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Northern Ireland
If you're addicted to "Game of Thrones," Northern Ireland should be on your itinerary, too. A lot of the scenery is in Northern Ireland, including the Causeway Coast and the Glens. The sites on the self-guided and tour-guide-led tours are so magnificent that fans and non-fans alike can appreciate their majesty.
The Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it can be very crowded. Although its basalt columns can appear to look constructed by the might of giant Finn McCool, the causeway is actually the result of ancient volcanic activity. A new visitor's center opened last year.
The truly adventurous can walk the 16-kilometer route from Giant's Causeway to Ballycastle, taking a moment to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It's a 20-meter walk on the bridge to the island of Carrick-a-Rede, swaying 30 meters above the rocky waters below. It's not for those with a fear of heights, says Murdock, who loves it all. "There are all these inlets, islands, castles and ruins and sea birds and stunning scenery," he said.
Also not to be missed is Derry/Londonderry, this year's UK City of Culture. Remembering the religious strife in Northern Ireland, the walk and cycle Peace Bridge across the Foyle River opened in June 2011. It's considered a symbolic handshake across the river, connecting historically Catholic and Protestant sides of town.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is the place to visit for ecotourists and foodies. The city is a poster child for the green movement, where almost half of the residents commute to work by bicycle and hotels brag about their green construction.
In the two-Michelin star Noma, the city boasts the No. 2 restaurant in the world (according to Restaurant magazine's annual rankings). "It's the new Nordic cuisine with very clean and local experimental flavors," Murdock said.
And there's a little more Swedish mixing into the city these days. Ever since the 10-mile Øresund bridge and tunnel system was completed in 1999, the residents of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Malmo, Sweden, are more easily connected. "It changed the feeling of both cities once only connected by ferry," Murdock said.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/travel/lonely-planet-top-europe-destinations-2013/index.html?hpt=tr_c2
Mount Fuji registered as World Cultural Heritage
Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is with 3776 meters Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which most recently erupted in 1708. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. Another easy way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of the mountain can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40-45 minutes into the journey.
What your flight attendant really thinks of you
Airfarewatchdog.com – Thu, Jun 20, 2013
By George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog
Ever wonder what your flight attendant really thinks of you? What they'd tell you if they had the nerve? Or weren't afraid of being fired? What deep, dark secrets would they reveal about their jobs?
I have a number of friends who work as flight attendants. One of them recently retired after 20 years flying for the most storied name in commercial aviation, while others work for less glamorous domestic U.S. airlines. I asked them what they'd tell their passengers if they could tell them anything at all, or what secrets they'd reveal only if granted complete anonymity. All I can say is that these people do not represent every single flight attendant in the skies, so if you're a flight attendant yourself, please hold your fire and don't shoot the messenger. But I didn't make this stuff up. What you read here may shock you, or make you laugh, I'm not sure which.
1. You know that coffee you ordered? It's actually decaf even though you asked for regular. We'd rather that you sit back, relax and fall asleep so you don't bother us too much. Our airline sent around a memo wondering why the decaf supplies were going so fast, noting that decaf costs more than regular coffee.
2. When we "arm" the doors on your aircraft, each flight attendant checks the work of his colleague at the opposite door. You've heard it a million times: "arm doors and cross check." Did you hear "crotch check?" It wasn't your imagination. We get silly sometimes. And yes, despite all the cross checking, once in a great while we screw up and we forget to arm the doors, which means the emergency slides won't automatically deploy if needed in an emergency. We can get fired for that.
3. Our airline used to pay us when we showed up for duty at the airport. That was eons ago. Then we got paid our measly hourly wage when the cabin doors closed. Then it was when the plane's brakes were released. Now we get paid only when the wheels leave the ground ("wheels up" in airline parlance). We don't even get paid when we're taxiing! There can sometimes be hours of delay between the time we show up for work and when we're airborne. Different airlines have different policies, but it's a way for them to save money. So when we greet you at the door, we do that for free. When we serve you your pre-flight drink, we do that for free, too. No wonder our smiles are so fake.
4. If a flight is late, the airline might have to pay us overtime. If the flight is going to be late anyway, we've been known to delay it even further in order make sure overtime kicks in, which on our airline means up to double the hourly pay. We might find some minor defect in the aircraft or use some other ruse to make up for the money we don't get paid waiting for take off.
5. Yes, we can upgrade you to business class or first class after the airplane's doors close. No, we don't do it very often, partly because on some airlines we have to file a report explaining why we did it, partly because there has to be a meal for you and partly because the forward cabins are often full. Who do we upgrade? Not the slob who's dressed in a dirty tank top. It helps if you're extremely nice, well dressed, pregnant, very tall, good looking, one of our friends or all of the above.
6. Please don't take your computer and a newspaper into the lav. It's gross and it means you're going to be occupying it longer than you should.
7. Please don't ask me what we're flying over. I'm as clueless as you are. I am not flying the plane.
8. Please don't do deep knee bends in my galley while I'm trying to work. You won't get deep vein thrombosis on a flight between Houston and Austin.
9. Jiggling your glass of ice at me won't make me dash to the galley for a refill. In fact, it makes me want to scream.
10. When I ask you what you'd like to drink and you ask me "Well, what do you have?" I want to answer "Not a lot of time." But you wouldn't like that.
11. I want to yank your headphones off your head after I've asked you what you want to drink and you've responded "huh?" three times. After the fourth time I just move on or give you a Coke.
12. Yes, we do ask the captain to leave the seatbelt on long after the turbulence has ended so we can serve in the aisles.
13. On night flights, we sometimes hold off on meal service as long as we can so that you'll be asleep and we'll have less to do.
14. We really don't like children. Not just your children, children period. Why do you think we chose a career where we spend half our lives away from home?
15. If you poke me, I'm going to poke you back. Harder!
16. Don't ask me where you can shove your bag. I've been waiting 12 years to tell you where you can shove it.
2. When we "arm" the doors on your aircraft, each flight attendant checks the work of his colleague at the opposite door. You've heard it a million times: "arm doors and cross check." Did you hear "crotch check?" It wasn't your imagination. We get silly sometimes. And yes, despite all the cross checking, once in a great while we screw up and we forget to arm the doors, which means the emergency slides won't automatically deploy if needed in an emergency. We can get fired for that.
3. Our airline used to pay us when we showed up for duty at the airport. That was eons ago. Then we got paid our measly hourly wage when the cabin doors closed. Then it was when the plane's brakes were released. Now we get paid only when the wheels leave the ground ("wheels up" in airline parlance). We don't even get paid when we're taxiing! There can sometimes be hours of delay between the time we show up for work and when we're airborne. Different airlines have different policies, but it's a way for them to save money. So when we greet you at the door, we do that for free. When we serve you your pre-flight drink, we do that for free, too. No wonder our smiles are so fake.
4. If a flight is late, the airline might have to pay us overtime. If the flight is going to be late anyway, we've been known to delay it even further in order make sure overtime kicks in, which on our airline means up to double the hourly pay. We might find some minor defect in the aircraft or use some other ruse to make up for the money we don't get paid waiting for take off.
5. Yes, we can upgrade you to business class or first class after the airplane's doors close. No, we don't do it very often, partly because on some airlines we have to file a report explaining why we did it, partly because there has to be a meal for you and partly because the forward cabins are often full. Who do we upgrade? Not the slob who's dressed in a dirty tank top. It helps if you're extremely nice, well dressed, pregnant, very tall, good looking, one of our friends or all of the above.
6. Please don't take your computer and a newspaper into the lav. It's gross and it means you're going to be occupying it longer than you should.
7. Please don't ask me what we're flying over. I'm as clueless as you are. I am not flying the plane.
8. Please don't do deep knee bends in my galley while I'm trying to work. You won't get deep vein thrombosis on a flight between Houston and Austin.
9. Jiggling your glass of ice at me won't make me dash to the galley for a refill. In fact, it makes me want to scream.
10. When I ask you what you'd like to drink and you ask me "Well, what do you have?" I want to answer "Not a lot of time." But you wouldn't like that.
11. I want to yank your headphones off your head after I've asked you what you want to drink and you've responded "huh?" three times. After the fourth time I just move on or give you a Coke.
12. Yes, we do ask the captain to leave the seatbelt on long after the turbulence has ended so we can serve in the aisles.
13. On night flights, we sometimes hold off on meal service as long as we can so that you'll be asleep and we'll have less to do.
14. We really don't like children. Not just your children, children period. Why do you think we chose a career where we spend half our lives away from home?
15. If you poke me, I'm going to poke you back. Harder!
16. Don't ask me where you can shove your bag. I've been waiting 12 years to tell you where you can shove it.
Top 5 Travel Therapy Destinations
Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is filled with many sacred sites. Coba Archaeological Park is noted for several pyramids that can be found along ancient Mayan ceremonial roads.
The home to many Mayan legends, this large group of sites is connected to a central temple complex via a series of these Mayan ceremonial roads and more than 16 found at Coba.
Many travelers feel that climbing the 120 stairs to the top of Nohoc Mul Grand Pyramid is life changing in addition to enjoying panoramic views of the jungle canopy and beyond. The natural scenic beauty of this region makes it ideal for a spiritual journey.
Read more: http://www.thealternativedaily.com/top-5-travel-therapy-destinations/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=N130617
First flight of Airbus A350 reopens wide-body race
By | Associated Press – Fri, Jun 14, 2013
PARIS (AP) — Airbus sent a new wide-body plane into the skies Friday that sets the stage for intensifying competition with U.S. rival Boeing - with consequences for jobs, airlines' investments and the reputations of the powerful plane makers.
After years of delays and a revamp that cost billions, the A350 cruised for four hours in partly cloudy skies above Toulouse in southern France.
Most importantly, it then landed safely.
It met ear-to-ear smiles - and some sighs of relief - among the Airbus engineers and executives who helped the plane reach its maiden journey.
The flight marks a key step on the path to full certification for the jet, which can carry between 250 and 400 passengers and is the European aircraft-maker's best hope for catching up in a long-haul market dominated by Boeing's 777 and the 787, known as the Dreamliner.
Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/first-flight-airbus-a350-reopens-wide-body-race-082712171.html
Would you try one of the world's most dangerous tours?- News.com.au
They're places that are ridiculously popular with tourists simply because of the risk. But many have questioned whether tourists should be allowed to visit these destinations at all.
From bungee jumping over crocodile infested waters, to mining with dynamite, and cocaine lab tours. These are the holiday experiences you probably shouldn't tell your mum about.
Have you been on a dangerous tour? Tell us all about it below:
Colombia's cocaine factory tours
The drug that has plagued Colombia for years has now become a tourist attraction. For as little as $9 a guide will take tourists along the Caribbean coast to La Ciudad Perdida - The Lost City.
On the trail, the guide points out the many coca plants used to make the drug, before stopping off at a cocaine lab. Once at the lab - usually nothing more than just a piece of tarpaulin or a table - travellers are told how the drug is made.
These tours are not legal. Anyone caught with the drug makers could be arrested.
Mining with dynamite in Bolivia
Does crawling around in mud on your hands and knees carrying a bag of dynamite sound like fun? That's exactly what you can do at the Silver Mines of Potosi, Bolivia.
Travel blogger Britany Robinson published an article on her experience of touring the mines last week. In it she describes sloshing through flooded tracks leading down a dark tunnel wearing a mask that didn't seem to be doing much to filter out the dusty air.
Prior to entering the mine, her tour group was taken to the market to purchase gifts for the miners – a selection of coca leaves, alcohol, juice and as an additional option - dynamite. Yes. Dynamite.
Down in the mine the tour guide passed around 95 per cent alcohol from tourist to tourist and miner to miner before the dynamite show began.
"Ten seconds and a lifetime later, the tunnel shook with a deep groan. Dirt and bits of rock rained down, just outside our hole", Robinson writes. "Despite a fairly accurate countdown, I let out a yelp and fell against the wall."
Needless to say the tour could be incredibly dangerous.
Bungee jumping over crocodile infested waters
At the Victoria Falls bridge above the Zambezi River, tourists can leap head first over crocodile infested waters. The Safari Par Excellence website says the bungee experience is "111 metres of pure adrenaline!".
"Based on The Victoria Falls Bridge, the Bungi (sic) jump can certainly be classed as the most scenic in the world. Not for the faint hearted!".
It's not without risks, as 22-year-old Australian Erin Langworthy found out in December last year, when her bungee cord when the cord snapped in two and she fell with her feet tied together into the river.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/the-worlds-most-dangerous-tours/story-e6frfqai-1226661819580#ixzz2WCq49m00
The world's most expensive tours
From: Escape
June 09, 2013
The tour leaves on October 6 and visits nine countries in 26 days, all in complete luxury. Guests will travel on a chartered all-business-class Boeing 757-200ER with a "well-stocked bar".
"From the start, I wanted this trip to combine some of my favourite places with exotic destinations even I have yet to visit," Kent says.
"From Kenya's Masai Mara, the land where I grew up and A&K began, to destinations that are new to me such as Easter Island, which I've tried to reach three different times.
The itinerary includes the Amazon River, Easter Island, a tropical sojourn in Samoa before heading to the highlands of Papua New Guinea and an audience with the Huli Wigmen in the Sepik River Basin.
An A&K spokeswoman says the trip appeals to "wealthy travellers keen to explore exotic destinations with experts guiding the way". "It's for those people wanting a truly exclusive experience - the best hotels and lodges - and being able to avoid the hassles of airports, queues, customs and immigration formalities and one-on-one opportunities with Geoffrey Kent," she says.
The trip starts in Miami and ends in New York.
If you want to go, you should act quickly. There's only 18 spots left.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/the-worlds-most-expensive-tours/story-e6frfqai-1226659411417#ixzz2W6qCBU9o
Hotel room deaths raise carbon monoxide concerns for travelers
Mexico: As dangerous -- and safe -- as ever
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updated 12:08 PM EDT, Sun June 9, 2013
In just the last few weeks there have been stories of 12 young people allegedly abducted in daylight from a Mexico City club; the death by beating of Malcolm X's grandson, also in the capital; the kidnapping of a U.S. Marine reservist from his father's ranch; the freeing of 165 people, including two pregnant women, who had been held prisoner; and the case of an Arizonan mom traveling on a bus who was arrested and jailed, accused of smuggling drugs.
That's all before you look at the staggering toll of the years-long war between security forces and drug cartels -- at least 60,000 people killed in drug-related violence from 2006 to 2012, according to Human Rights Watch. Other observers put the number even higher.
Outside of war zones, more Americans have been killed in Mexico in the last decade than in any other country outside the United States, and the number of U.S. deaths jumped from 35 in 2007 to 113 in 2011.
But those numbers do not lead to any simple conclusion.
Millions of Americans visit Mexico every year without incident, and the number of tourists continues to grow. Nearly 6 million U.S. citizens visited Mexico in 2012, according to data from Mexico's tourism ministry. The first quarter of 2013 has seen a 5.9% uptick in American tourists compared to a year before, the ministry reported.
Analysts and travel experts agree that security in Mexico varies -- sometimes dramatically -- from place to place. It's a contradiction -- Mexico is both as dangerous as ever or as safe as ever, depending on one's destination, actions and common sense.
"I think what you see in Mexico over the past few years is this movable target of what's safe and what's not safe," said Shannon K. O'Neil, senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council for Foreign Relations.
Of course you can be hurt anywhere, but the risks are different for a business trip to the capital, seeking sun and sand in Cancun or visiting family across the border.
Mexico City caution
Residents of Mexico City were gripped this week by the disappearance of 12 young people from an after-hours bar in a popular entertainment district. The families of the missing, one only 16 years old, allege that they were kidnapped in broad daylight by an armed group. Investigators have confirmed that the group was at the Heavens After nightclub, but the case remains shrouded in mystery: There was no sign of an armed group or of a struggle at the scene, officials said.
The incident grabbed attention because it was a particularly brazen crime for the nation's massive capital. Throughout the violence spawned by the drug war, Mexico City remained a relatively safe place, not immune, but not awash in gangland violence.
Twenty years ago, the city had a reputation as a dangerous place, but successive local administrations have made it safe for residents and visitors. Analyst O'Neil points out that there is a large police and security camera presence to keep it that way.
"Even if there was this wave of organized crime coming in, the law enforcement capacity in Mexico City is much higher than in other parts of the country," she said.
Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X, died last month after suffering an apparent beating in Mexico City. Many of the details of his night out remain unknown, but he had been at a bar one block south of Plaza Garibaldi, a rough but famous patch of the capital known for its mariachis. Those who know the city say that, just like any other major metropolis, there are areas that visitors should stay away from at certain hours.
"Physical safety if you are in the main tourist areas and you are sensible is not a problem," in Mexico City, said John Bailey, professor emeritus at Georgetown University who has researched public security in Mexico. "Bad things happen to good people, but that's just a small fraction."
The State Department has issued no travel advisories for Mexico City.
Coalition of flight attendants commends TSA for keeping knives off passenger planes
Vicky Karantzavelou - 07 June 2013
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions was quickly joined by organizations representing virtually everyone else potentially affected by a new knife policy, including TSA security officers, pilots, gate agents, federal air marshals, and airline passengers.
WASHINGTON - The 90,000-strong Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions celebrated the success of its campaign to keep knives off planes and commended the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for holding the line against weapons on flights.
"We promised 'No Knives on Planes Ever Again,' and today that promise was kept," the Flight Attendant Coalition announced. "Terrorists armed only with knives killed thousands of Americans on 9/11/2001. As the women and men on the front lines in the air, we vowed to do everything in our power to protect passengers and flight crews from harm and prevent that type of atrocity from happening ever again. We commend the TSA for revising its policy based on input from front line aviation workers with the greatest stake in the rule change. The result is better security policy and the assurance that our nation's aviation security system continues to be vigilant for knives that could be used in a terrorist attack or criminal act against passengers or crew."
Five unions representing 90,000 Flight Attendants from across the industry quickly mobilized after the TSA announced plans on March 5, 2013 to allow knives with blades up to 2.36 inches long back onto aircraft cabins for the first time since 9/11. Knives in the hands of terrorists or mentally ill or drunk or drugged passengers would have posed a clear threat to everyone in the air and in airport secure areas.
Read more: http://www.traveldailynews.com/news/article/55130/coalition-of-flight-attendants-commends
Pet Friendly Los Angeles Hotels
Author: Esther Tseng
Discover Los Angeles, June 4, 2013
When it comes to traveling with your pet, Los Angeles hotels offer you and your furry family members the best amenities and service around. For some visitors, it may be enough to check out a hotel's pet deposit and corresponding policy. For more detailed information, read our guide to the amenities and services offered at LA’s pet-friendly hotels, a wide range of experiences for travelers and their best friends.
- Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites
- The Hotel Palomar Los Angeles - Westwood
- Sheraton Universal
FlightsFrom Singapore Airlines: Deals for Late Summer, Fall, Winter
Airfarewatchdog.com – Fri, Jun 7, 2013
Fly Singapore Airlines to select cities in Asia and Europe with these snazzy sale fares. Rules and restrictions vary by route, with fares to Singapore for travel as soon as late August.
As seen below, we easily found seats departing LAX on August 24, returning from Singapore on August 30, for $999.
New York to Singapore $999 round-trip, including all taxes
Los Angeles to Singapore $999 round-trip, including all taxes
San Francisco to Singapore $999 round-trip, including all taxes
Houston to Singapore $999 round-trip, including all taxes
World's Most-Visited Tourist Attractions
Embrace the wisdom of crowds by adding the world’s most-visited tourist attractions to your bucket list.
From October 2011
Where we choose to spend our vacation time says a lot about what we value, and despite—or perhaps because of—the lingering global economic crisis, we are traveling more than ever. International tourist arrivals were up 6.6 percent in 2010, according to the World Tourism Organization. China ousted Spain as the third most-visited country with 55.7 million foreign arrivals, while France and the U.S. held tight to their first and second place rankings.
Read more:http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-visited-tourist-attractions
10 Best Places to See From Above
-Huff Post Travel, June 7, 2013
Grand Canyon
Las Vegas
Hawaii
Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/viator/10-best-cities-to-see-fro_b_3268890.html?ref=topbar
World's Most-Visited City -- Not London, Paris or NYC
June 4, 2013
Think you know which city is the world's most visited? If you guessed London, New York or Paris, you would have guessed wrong.
Green Thumbs Up For Free Room And Board In Some Of The World's Most Exotic Locations
By: Suzan Haskins and Dan Prescher
And when you "hoeheartedly" enjoy what you're doing and it earns you free room and board in some of the world's most exotic locations, how bad can work be?
Okay, enough of the bad puns... If you like spending time in the garden, love to eat healthy, organic food, and enjoy traveling, there's a way to combine these passions. Best of all, you can do all this for free.
WWOOF -- an acronym for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms -- offers you a way to travel the world for next to nothing. (Normally, you pay only to get there.) At the organization's website, you can search the database of organic farms around the world to see who's looking for someone to help out.
WWOOF hosts are those with farms or gardens that need tending or other types of work. They don't pay volunteer workers, known as Wwoofers. Instead, they typically offer free meals and accommodation, which can range from rustic to luxurious. Wwoofers needn't have any serious experience. But a willingness to take on agreed-upon tasks is a must.
Read more:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzan-haskins-and-dan-prescher/wwoof-green-thumbs-up-for-free_b_3340390.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Report: Forgotten tape blamed for Japan Air 'problem'
(Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
JAL says the incident did not pose a safety risk, but it comes as airlines with Dreamliners are ramping up service on the jet after it had been grounded for four months on safety concerns. Overheating problems with the jet's batteries prompted safety regulators in the USA and elsewhere to ground the 787s in mid-January.
As for the JAL problem, Japan's NHK TV says it involved a sensor that detects overheating in the modified version of the lithium-ion batteries used in the aircraft. The batteries were encased to prevent overheating from spreading.
Wall Street Journal reporter Yoree Koh has more on the incident from Tokyo. Citing a JAL spokesman, Koh writes Boeing workers making "the approved safety modifications to the battery system forgot to remove two pieces of tape covering two small holes — roughly the size of the tip of a Sharpie pen. The openings allow for smoother airflow between the inside and outside of the container to help prevent overheating. Because the holes were covered, JAL engineers detected that the air pressure level inside and outside the stainless steel container housing the battery was different."
Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2013/06/03/report-japan-air-787-problem-caused-by-forgotten-tape/2384107/
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