Happy February from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated the month of February to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Gender, Age Reveal Travel Safety Concern Differences

By Bill McIntyre, Global Rescue

Gender and age drive the biggest distinction among travelers, according to results of the 2020 Annual Global Rescue Travel Safety Survey. The survey reveals unexpected travel safety concerns between the sexes and among the generations.

Men are about 50% more concerned about family travel than women. Travelers are very concerned about travel to the Middle East, but respondents between the ages of 40-59 are a third more concerned than their younger counterparts. Forty percent of travelers under age 40 believe health/medical issues are the greatest threat while touring and exploring, compared to only 29% of travelers between 40-60 years old.

More Than One Third Of Americans’ February Resolutions Involve More Traveling

Courtesy Calum McCloskey, www.10yetis.co.uk

• Almost two fifths of Americans have set themselves New Year’s resolutions for 2020
• Slightly over one third of these cite wanting to travel more as one of their resolutions
• 26% of Americans not wanting to travel in 2020 say so because they are fearful
• Japan, Britain and Canada most popular destinations for those wanting to travel this year

Tips from Rick Steves: Defend Yourself Against 21st-Century Travel Scams:

Courtesy USA Today

Europe is a surprisingly creative place when it comes to travel scams. Many of the most successful gambits require a naively trusting tourist, but seasoned travelers can be taken in, too. We should all be wary of the numerous subtle scams – a cabbie pads your fare, a hotel business-center computer records your password, or a waiter offers a special with a “special” increased price. But if you’re cautious and not overly trusting, you should have no problem. Here are some of the latest travel scams I’ve discovered on my travels, and how to skirt them.

7 Secret Amtrak Tips That Could Save You Money

by Ed Perkins

If you’re considering a trip on Amtrak, you could be eligible for a discount you don’t know about. Amtrak routinely gives up to 30 percent off bookings for an array of reasons, some based on status, some on when you buy, and some on short-term promotions. Here are the Amtrak tips you need to know to save money on a rail journey.

How to Avoid the Worst Seat on the Plane

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter, SmarterTravel

We’ve all been there. Make sure it never happens again with these simple tips.

Urban Safaris in Africa? Absolutely. Don’t Skip over Africa’s Best Cities With the Help of Timeless Africa Safaris

From Cape Town to Kigali, Nairobi to Arusha, transformative opportunities for travelers to discover culture and connect with locals.

There is more to an African journey than watching wildlife in the wilderness – and much more to Africa as well. Timeless Africa Safaris, the boutique Cape Town, South Africa-based travel designer has made a specialty of curating Urban Safaris for travelers intrigued by the culture of the continent, with transformative opportunities.

I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb

Courtesy Allie Conti

While searching for the person who grifted me in Chicago, I discovered just how easy it is for users of the short-term rental platform to get exploited.

The Swiss UNESCO World Heritage sites.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are witness to the history of the earth and humanity. Each one of these places embodies authenticity, quality and diversity across generations.

Thanks to Mother Nature and some eminent masterminds, Switzerland is home to no less than 12 wonders, a constellation of cultural and natural sites with the Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair, the architectural works by Le Corbusier and the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region among others.

On the anniversary of the convention adopted on 16 November 1972 in Paris at the 17th General Conference of UNESCO we pay tribute in this newsletter to our Swiss wonders.

We begin with a selection of our four favorite sites with the promise of more to come in the next few months…however, if you can’t wait, feel free to visit the exhaustive list available on our website: UNESCO World Heritage sites.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The 12 Best Places to Travel in 2020

Courtesy Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel

From Egypt to the Arctic, get inspired with this month-by-month guide.

MORE

17 Ways Flying has Changed Over the Last Decade

Courtesy Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Insider

Between the stringent security, long lines, packed-to-capacity planes, bland meals, and extra fees, flying can be stressful. However, flying today is cheaper, safer, and faster than it has ever been.

MORE

Delicious Winter Drinks From Around the World

Bored of eggnog? Sick of cider? Here are nine scrumptious winter beverages to sip on from across the globe

Courtesy Lila Thulin, smithsonianmag.com

In the United States, the winter months might conjure the image of a crackling fire, wrapping paper, lit candles and the taste of warm cider, eggnog or piping-hot chocolate. These libations — iced, boozy or once-a-year delicacies — reflect the culinary traditions, weather, religion and agriculture of the places they originated. Here are nine beverages that will be served at special occasions around the globe this winter.

MORE

22 Destinations that Were Ruined by Tourists Over the Past Decade

Courtesy of Ben Mack, Insider

• The 2010s saw more people traveling than ever before, according to The Guardian’s report on recent figures from the World Tourism Organization.
• But millions upon millions of people going on adventures has put pressure on numerous destinations.
• Some, like Venice, have long been affected by overtourism, but others like Dubrovnik, Croatia, are facing new challenges caused by the popularity of TV shows like “Game of Thrones.”
• Here are 22 of the places we’re loving to death.

See Slideshow Here

Why You Should Visit Hamburg in 2020

From Beatles’ Hamburg anniversary, to a new 5-star hotel, to off-beat festivals and culinary stars …. 2020 is the year to visit Germany’s maritime city.

Since the opening of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new concert hall, the city has become more popular than ever. If you have not visited this northern German city, 2020 will give you even more reasons to explore this maritime city on the Elbe river, as the coming year has plenty of new discoveries in store.

Come Together – The Hamburg Beatles Experience
March 27-29

It was in 1960, when five young musicians from Liverpool first performed at Hamburg’s Indra club in St Pauli as “The Beatles”. Sixty years later, Hamburg is celebrating the world’s most recognizable band, at the sites where their career started. A weekend of concerts at Indra and Kaiserkeller – both authentic venues where the band performed – as well as other locations, will bring back music history. An interactive Beatles’ tour, exhibitions and talks with Beatles’ experts will broaden the experience. Cometogether-experience.

MORE

Ancient Jerusalem Maze-of-Tunnels Discovered

Courtesy of National Geographic

A fifth-century church has been uncovered in Jerusalem. Built to commemorate the site where Jesus is said to have cured a blind man, the sanctuary fell out of use, its roof eventually collapsed, and the ancient building over time joined the city’s vast underground realm.Unearthing the  2,000-year-old, 2,000-foot-long street that once conveyed pilgrims, merchants, and other visitors to one of the wonders of ancient Palestine: the Jewish Temple, was one the world’s most expensive archaeological projects. Choked with debris during the fiery destruction of the city by Roman forces in A.D. 70, this monumental path disappeared from view.

MORE

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

MORE

Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

Mahendraparvata was one of the first capitals in the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries AD, but much of what we know come from inscriptions recovered from other sites. Scientists theorized that the city was located on the Phnom Kulen plateau, about 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) north of Siem Reap, but it was difficult to find evidence.

MORE

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

Going abroad provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the responsibilities/stresses of everyday life. Set in vacation mode, many people sometimes forget that they are a guest in another country and therefore, fail to ensure their behavior as well as actions are always respectful towards the visiting destinations local culture/customs.

MORE

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

MORE

The post Global Travel Rescue, Ruined Travel Destinations appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy New Year from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated the year 2020 to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

More Than One Third Of Americans’ New Year’s Resolutions Involve Travelling More In 2020

Courtesy Calum McCloskey, www.10yetis.co.uk

• Almost two fifths of Americans have set themselves New Year’s resolutions for 2020
• Slightly over one third of these cite wanting to travel more as one of their resolutions
• 26% of Americans not wanting to travel in 2020 say so because they are fearful
• Japan, Britain and Canada most popular destinations for those wanting to travel this year

Tips from Rick Steves: Defend Yourself Against 21st-Century Travel Scams:

Courtesy USA Today

Europe is a surprisingly creative place when it comes to travel scams. Many of the most successful gambits require a naively trusting tourist, but seasoned travelers can be taken in, too. We should all be wary of the numerous subtle scams – a cabbie pads your fare, a hotel business-center computer records your password, or a waiter offers a special with a “special” increased price. But if you’re cautious and not overly trusting, you should have no problem. Here are some of the latest travel scams I’ve discovered on my travels, and how to skirt them.

7 Secret Amtrak Tips That Could Save You Money

by Ed Perkins

If you’re considering a trip on Amtrak, you could be eligible for a discount you don’t know about. Amtrak routinely gives up to 30 percent off bookings for an array of reasons, some based on status, some on when you buy, and some on short-term promotions. Here are the Amtrak tips you need to know to save money on a rail journey.

How to Avoid the Worst Seat on the Plane

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter, SmarterTravel

We’ve all been there. Make sure it never happens again with these simple tips.

Urban Safaris in Africa? Absolutely. Don’t Skip over Africa’s Best Cities With the Help of Timeless Africa Safaris

From Cape Town to Kigali, Nairobi to Arusha, transformative opportunities for travelers to discover culture and connect with locals.

There is more to an African journey than watching wildlife in the wilderness – and much more to Africa as well. Timeless Africa Safaris, the boutique Cape Town, South Africa-based travel designer has made a specialty of curating Urban Safaris for travelers intrigued by the culture of the continent, with transformative opportunities.

I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb

Courtesy Allie Conti

While searching for the person who grifted me in Chicago, I discovered just how easy it is for users of the short-term rental platform to get exploited.

The Swiss UNESCO World Heritage sites.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are witness to the history of the earth and humanity. Each one of these places embodies authenticity, quality and diversity across generations.

Thanks to Mother Nature and some eminent masterminds, Switzerland is home to no less than 12 wonders, a constellation of cultural and natural sites with the Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair, the architectural works by Le Corbusier and the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region among others.

On the anniversary of the convention adopted on 16 November 1972 in Paris at the 17th General Conference of UNESCO we pay tribute in this newsletter to our Swiss wonders.

We begin with a selection of our four favorite sites with the promise of more to come in the next few months…however, if you can’t wait, feel free to visit the exhaustive list available on our website: UNESCO World Heritage sites.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

Going abroad provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the responsibilities/stresses of everyday life. Set in vacation mode, many people sometimes forget that they are a guest in another country and therefore, fail to ensure their behavior as well as actions are always respectful towards the visiting destinations local culture/customs.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The 12 Best Places to Travel in 2020

Courtesy Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel

From Egypt to the Arctic, get inspired with this month-by-month guide.

MORE

17 Ways Flying has Changed Over the Last Decade

Courtesy Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Insider

Between the stringent security, long lines, packed-to-capacity planes, bland meals, and extra fees, flying can be stressful. However, flying today is cheaper, safer, and faster than it has ever been.

MORE

Delicious Winter Drinks From Around the World

Bored of eggnog? Sick of cider? Here are nine scrumptious winter beverages to sip on from across the globe

Courtesy Lila Thulin, smithsonianmag.com

In the United States, the winter months might conjure the image of a crackling fire, wrapping paper, lit candles and the taste of warm cider, eggnog or piping-hot chocolate. These libations — iced, boozy or once-a-year delicacies — reflect the culinary traditions, weather, religion and agriculture of the places they originated. Here are nine beverages that will be served at special occasions around the globe this winter.

MORE

22 Destinations that Were Ruined by Tourists Over the Past Decade

Courtesy of Ben Mack, Insider

• The 2010s saw more people traveling than ever before, according to The Guardian’s report on recent figures from the World Tourism Organization.
• But millions upon millions of people going on adventures has put pressure on numerous destinations.
• Some, like Venice, have long been affected by overtourism, but others like Dubrovnik, Croatia, are facing new challenges caused by the popularity of TV shows like “Game of Thrones.”
• Here are 22 of the places we’re loving to death.

See Slideshow Here

Why You Should Visit Hamburg in 2020

From Beatles’ Hamburg anniversary, to a new 5-star hotel, to off-beat festivals and culinary stars …. 2020 is the year to visit Germany’s maritime city.

Since the opening of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new concert hall, the city has become more popular than ever. If you have not visited this northern German city, 2020 will give you even more reasons to explore this maritime city on the Elbe river, as the coming year has plenty of new discoveries in store.

Come Together – The Hamburg Beatles Experience
March 27-29

It was in 1960, when five young musicians from Liverpool first performed at Hamburg’s Indra club in St Pauli as “The Beatles”. Sixty years later, Hamburg is celebrating the world’s most recognizable band, at the sites where their career started. A weekend of concerts at Indra and Kaiserkeller – both authentic venues where the band performed – as well as other locations, will bring back music history. An interactive Beatles’ tour, exhibitions and talks with Beatles’ experts will broaden the experience. Cometogether-experience.

MORE

Ancient Jerusalem Maze-of-Tunnels Discovered

Courtesy of National Geographic

A fifth-century church has been uncovered in Jerusalem. Built to commemorate the site where Jesus is said to have cured a blind man, the sanctuary fell out of use, its roof eventually collapsed, and the ancient building over time joined the city’s vast underground realm.Unearthing the  2,000-year-old, 2,000-foot-long street that once conveyed pilgrims, merchants, and other visitors to one of the wonders of ancient Palestine: the Jewish Temple, was one the world’s most expensive archaeological projects. Choked with debris during the fiery destruction of the city by Roman forces in A.D. 70, this monumental path disappeared from view.

MORE

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

MORE

Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

Mahendraparvata was one of the first capitals in the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries AD, but much of what we know come from inscriptions recovered from other sites. Scientists theorized that the city was located on the Phnom Kulen plateau, about 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) north of Siem Reap, but it was difficult to find evidence.

MORE

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

MORE

The post Travel Resolutions, Rick Steves on Travel Scams appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Holiday Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this Holiday Season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Nine Delicious Holiday Drinks From Around the World

Bored of eggnog? Sick of cider? Here are nine scrumptious end-of-year beverages to sip on from across the globe

Courtesy Lila Thulin, smithsonianmag.com

In the United States, the winter holidays might conjure the image of a crackling fire, wrapping paper, lit candles and the taste of warm cider, eggnog or piping-hot chocolate. These libations — iced, boozy or once-a-year delicacies — reflect the culinary traditions, weather, religion and agriculture of the places they originated. Here are nine beverages that will be served at special occasions around the globe this holiday season.

Urban Safaris in Africa? Absolutely. Don’t Skip over Africa’s Best Cities With the Help of Timeless Africa Safaris

From Cape Town to Kigali, Nairobi to Arusha, transformative opportunities for travelers to discover culture and connect with locals.

There is more to an African journey than watching wildlife in the wilderness – and much more to Africa as well. Timeless Africa Safaris, the boutique Cape Town, South Africa-based travel designer has made a specialty of curating Urban Safaris for travelers intrigued by the culture of the continent, with transformative opportunities.

Europeans’ Favourite Flight Destinations and Opinions On The USA For 2019 Revealed

Courtesy Calum McCloskey, 10 Yetis Digital

• New York is the most searched-for flight destination from the UK, Germany, France and Spain
• Sightseeing, food and culture amongst the top things most enjoyed by Europeans visiting the States
• French, German and UK residents cited ‘the people’ as their least favourite part of travelling to America

The data was collated by the team at flight-comparison site www.us.jetcost.com, who looked at flight searches for 2019 conducted by residents of the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France (an even 25% split amongst the four countries).

I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb

Courtesy Allie Conti

While searching for the person who grifted me in Chicago, I discovered just how easy it is for users of the short-term rental platform to get exploited.

The Swiss UNESCO World Heritage sites.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are witness to the history of the earth and humanity. Each one of these places embodies authenticity, quality and diversity across generations.

Thanks to Mother Nature and some eminent masterminds, Switzerland is home to no less than 12 wonders, a constellation of cultural and natural sites with the Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair, the architectural works by Le Corbusier and the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region among others.

On the anniversary of the convention adopted on 16 November 1972 in Paris at the 17th General Conference of UNESCO we pay tribute in this newsletter to our Swiss wonders.

We begin with a selection of our four favorite sites with the promise of more to come in the next few months…however, if you can’t wait, feel free to visit the exhaustive list available on our website: UNESCO World Heritage sites.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

Courtesy Lloyd’s Register

Nuclear power as a fuel for ships is a completely zero-emission solution – it does not emit any SOx, NOx, CO2 or particulates. The technology is also millions of times more power-dense than fossil fuels and alternative fuel options that are currently being considered like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In terms of meeting the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition, it’s the only proven solution available today, capable of replacing fossil fuels in all marine applications.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a betterlast-cha spot on your next flight.

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

Global Rescue’s Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers

Courtesy Global Rescue

“Shoppers are flooded with holiday promotions,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and associate manager of operations at Global Rescue. “But the Global Rescue Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers is the only one compiled through the recommendations of our members and staff of travel experts and military special forces veterans all of whom are among the most experienced when it comes to the excitement of travel and necessity for preparation.”

MORE

New Year’s Eve in Bologna

Courtesy Alice Brignani, Bologna Welcome

“Bologna dances for the festive season” (Bologna Balla per le feste) from dances in the streets to fine-art videomapping on historical buildings featuring the best dance scenes in the history of cinema.

MORE

22 Destinations that Were Ruined by Tourists Over the Past Decade

Courtesy of Ben Mack, Insider

• The 2010s saw more people traveling than ever before, according to The Guardian’s report on recent figures from the World Tourism Organization.
• But millions upon millions of people going on adventures has put pressure on numerous destinations.
• Some, like Venice, have long been affected by overtourism, but others like Dubrovnik, Croatia, are facing new challenges caused by the popularity of TV shows like “Game of Thrones.”
• Here are 22 of the places we’re loving to death.

See Slideshow Here

Why You Should Visit Hamburg in 2020

From Beatles’ Hamburg anniversary, to a new 5-star hotel, to off-beat festivals and culinary stars …. 2020 is the year to visit Germany’s maritime city.

Since the opening of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new concert hall, the city has become more popular than ever. If you have not visited this northern German city, 2020 will give you even more reasons to explore this maritime city on the Elbe river, as the coming year has plenty of new discoveries in store.

Come Together – The Hamburg Beatles Experience
March 27-29

It was in 1960, when five young musicians from Liverpool first performed at Hamburg’s Indra club in St Pauli as “The Beatles”. Sixty years later, Hamburg is celebrating the world’s most recognizable band, at the sites where their career started. A weekend of concerts at Indra and Kaiserkeller – both authentic venues where the band performed – as well as other locations, will bring back music history. An interactive Beatles’ tour, exhibitions and talks with Beatles’ experts will broaden the experience. Cometogether-experience.

MORE

Ancient Jerusalem Maze-of-Tunnels Discovered

Courtesy of National Geographic

A fifth-century church has been uncovered in Jerusalem. Built to commemorate the site where Jesus is said to have cured a blind man, the sanctuary fell out of use, its roof eventually collapsed, and the ancient building over time joined the city’s vast underground realm.Unearthing the  2,000-year-old, 2,000-foot-long street that once conveyed pilgrims, merchants, and other visitors to one of the wonders of ancient Palestine: the Jewish Temple, was one the world’s most expensive archaeological projects. Choked with debris during the fiery destruction of the city by Roman forces in A.D. 70, this monumental path disappeared from view.

MORE

Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

Mahendraparvata was one of the first capitals in the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries AD, but much of what we know come from inscriptions recovered from other sites. Scientists theorized that the city was located on the Phnom Kulen plateau, about 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) north of Siem Reap, but it was difficult to find evidence.

MORE

Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

Going abroad provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the responsibilities/stresses of everyday life. Set in vacation mode, many people sometimes forget that they are a guest in another country and therefore, fail to ensure their behavior as well as actions are always respectful towards the visiting destinations local culture/customs.

MORE

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

MORE

One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

MORE

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

MORE

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

MORE

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

MORE

The post Bologna New Year, Global Holiday Drinks appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Europeans’ Favourite Flight Destinations and Opinions On The USA For 2019 Revealed

Courtesy Calum McCloskey, 10 Yetis Digital

• New York is the most searched-for flight destination from the UK, Germany, France and Spain
• Sightseeing, food and culture amongst the top things most enjoyed by Europeans visiting the States
• French, German and UK residents cited ‘the people’ as their least favourite part of travelling to America

The data was collated by the team at flight-comparison site www.us.jetcost.com, who looked at flight searches for 2019 conducted by residents of the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France (an even 25% split amongst the four countries).

I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb

Courtesy Allie Conti

While searching for the person who grifted me in Chicago, I discovered just how easy it is for users of the short-term rental platform to get exploited.

The Swiss UNESCO World Heritage sites.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are witness to the history of the earth and humanity. Each one of these places embodies authenticity, quality and diversity across generations.

Thanks to Mother Nature and some eminent masterminds, Switzerland is home to no less than 12 wonders, a constellation of cultural and natural sites with the Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair, the architectural works by Le Corbusier and the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region among others.

On the anniversary of the convention adopted on 16 November 1972 in Paris at the 17th General Conference of UNESCO we pay tribute in this newsletter to our Swiss wonders.

We begin with a selection of our four favorite sites with the promise of more to come in the next few months…however, if you can’t wait, feel free to visit the exhaustive list available on our website: UNESCO World Heritage sites.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

Courtesy Lloyd’s Register

Nuclear power as a fuel for ships is a completely zero-emission solution – it does not emit any SOx, NOx, CO2 or particulates. The technology is also millions of times more power-dense than fossil fuels and alternative fuel options that are currently being considered like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In terms of meeting the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition, it’s the only proven solution available today, capable of replacing fossil fuels in all marine applications.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a betterlast-cha spot on your next flight.

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

Happy Holiday Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this Holiday Season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

MORE

Why You Should Visit Hamburg in 2020

From Beatles’ Hamburg anniversary, to a new 5-star hotel, to off-beat festivals and culinary stars …. 2020 is the year to visit Germany’s maritime city.

Since the opening of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new concert hall, the city has become more popular than ever. If you have not visited this northern German city, 2020 will give you even more reasons to explore this maritime city on the Elbe river, as the coming year has plenty of new discoveries in store.

Come Together – The Hamburg Beatles Experience
March 27-29

It was in 1960, when five young musicians from Liverpool first performed at Hamburg’s Indra club in St Pauli as “The Beatles”. Sixty years later, Hamburg is celebrating the world’s most recognizable band, at the sites where their career started. A weekend of concerts at Indra and Kaiserkeller – both authentic venues where the band performed – as well as other locations, will bring back music history. An interactive Beatles’ tour, exhibitions and talks with Beatles’ experts will broaden the experience. Cometogether-experience.

MORE

Ancient Jerusalem Maze-of-Tunnels Discovered

Courtesy of National Geographic

A fifth-century church has been uncovered in Jerusalem. Built to commemorate the site where Jesus is said to have cured a blind man, the sanctuary fell out of use, its roof eventually collapsed, and the ancient building over time joined the city’s vast underground realm.Unearthing the  2,000-year-old, 2,000-foot-long street that once conveyed pilgrims, merchants, and other visitors to one of the wonders of ancient Palestine: the Jewish Temple, was one the world’s most expensive archaeological projects. Choked with debris during the fiery destruction of the city by Roman forces in A.D. 70, this monumental path disappeared from view.

MORE

Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

Mahendraparvata was one of the first capitals in the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries AD, but much of what we know come from inscriptions recovered from other sites. Scientists theorized that the city was located on the Phnom Kulen plateau, about 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) north of Siem Reap, but it was difficult to find evidence.

MORE

Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

Going abroad provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the responsibilities/stresses of everyday life. Set in vacation mode, many people sometimes forget that they are a guest in another country and therefore, fail to ensure their behavior as well as actions are always respectful towards the visiting destinations local culture/customs.

MORE

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

MORE

One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

MORE

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

MORE

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

MORE

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

MORE

The post Europeans’ Favourite Flight Destinations in the USA appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Fall Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Festival of Life and Death Traditions in Riviera Maya

Courtesy TravelPulse

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a holiday celebrated all throughout Mexico where living people honor the dead, giving the spirits of friends and ancestors who have passed on offerings including both food and drinks.

This year it takes place from October 30 to November 2, and the guest of honor is the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí. This will be Grupo Xcaret’s fourteenth annual Day of the Dead celebration.

There’s a Reason Why Last-Chance Tourism Happens, But We Still Need to Talk About It

Highlighting “go before it’s gone” messaging encourages people to visit endangered destinations.

Courtesy JoAnna Haugen, Adventure Travel News

In November 2017, the Associated Press reported that climbing on Uluru, Australia’s sacred monolith rock also known as Ayers Rock, would be banned beginning 26 October 2019. The park’s board made the decision in 2010 to ban the activity if interest declined and visitors were drawn to other activities. According to Parks Australia, only 16% of visitors climbed the rock between 2011 and 2015, a sharp drop from 74% in the 1990s.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

Courtesy Lloyd’s Register

Nuclear power as a fuel for ships is a completely zero-emission solution – it does not emit any SOx, NOx, CO2 or particulates. The technology is also millions of times more power-dense than fossil fuels and alternative fuel options that are currently being considered like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In terms of meeting the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition, it’s the only proven solution available today, capable of replacing fossil fuels in all marine applications.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a betterlast-cha spot on your next flight.

Ancient ‘Lost City’ of the Khmer Empire Discovered in Cambodia

Courtesy Jessie Yeung, CNN

Researchers have identified the elusive ancient “lost city” of Cambodia for the first time.

Mahendraparvata was one of the first capitals in the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries AD, but much of what we know come from inscriptions recovered from other sites. Scientists theorized that the city was located on the Phnom Kulen plateau, about 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) north of Siem Reap, but it was difficult to find evidence.

MORE

Americans Reveal What Makes a ‘Good Tourist’

Going abroad provides the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the responsibilities/stresses of everyday life. Set in vacation mode, many people sometimes forget that they are a guest in another country and therefore, fail to ensure their behavior as well as actions are always respectful towards the visiting destinations local culture/customs.

MORE

New Cruise Ships for Fall 2019: What People Are Most Excited About

Courtesy Cruise Critic

Love that new ship smell? This fall is proving to be a bumper season for new cruise ships, with megaships debuting from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises – all within a few months. Even though none of these ships are first in their class, each has new onboard activities, bars and restaurants that set them apart from their sister vessels.

MORE

Airbus Previews “Cabin of the Future”

The airplane cabin of the future will include luggage bins that glow red when they’re full, seats tailored to passenger preferences and seat belts that alert cabin crew when they’re unbuckled, according to Airbus. The company announced in-flight trials of its new “Airspace Connected Experience” cabin at an industry event in Los Angeles.

MORE

A Triple Crown – Swimming the English Channel, NY’s Twenty Bridges, Catalina

I had it marked on my calendar for several years: Diana, a friend of my daughter Jeannette and myself, would swim the English Channel in August, 2019 – and I planned to be there to see her off from the English shore and to greet her in France on the completion of her swim. It seemed only right because six years ago, I was one of her many friends and relatives to greet her on a Palos Verdes shore in California upon her completion of a swim from Catalina.

MORE

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

MORE

One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

MORE

The Demand for Customer Success Managers

Customer Success Managers proactively look for ways to connect companies to their audiences and build a culture of trust from the outset. Download this SmartFocus to learn about the rising demand for Customer Success Managers and the path to gaining this expertise.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

MORE

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

MORE

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

MORE

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Khmer Lost City, What Makes a Good Tourist appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Fall Season from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

7 Hidden Benefits of Cruising That Might Surprise You

Courtesy Albom Adventures

Are you wondering if a cruise holiday is right for you? While there are all the obvious benefits that come from a nearly all-inclusive vacation with a pre-planned destination itinerary, there are also many hidden benefits of cruising that might surprise you.

Could Nuclear-Powered Ships Help the Industry Meet the 2050 Emissions Target?

Courtesy Lloyd’s Register

Nuclear power as a fuel for ships is a completely zero-emission solution – it does not emit any SOx, NOx, CO2 or particulates. The technology is also millions of times more power-dense than fossil fuels and alternative fuel options that are currently being considered like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In terms of meeting the IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition, it’s the only proven solution available today, capable of replacing fossil fuels in all marine applications.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

New Cruise Ships for Fall 2019: What People Are Most Excited About

Courtesy Cruise Critic

Love that new ship smell? This fall is proving to be a bumper season for new cruise ships, with megaships debuting from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises – all within a few months. Even though none of these ships are first in their class, each has new onboard activities, bars and restaurants that set them apart from their sister vessels.

MORE

Airbus Previews “Cabin of the Future”

The airplane cabin of the future will include luggage bins that glow red when they’re full, seats tailored to passenger preferences and seat belts that alert cabin crew when they’re unbuckled, according to Airbus. The company announced in-flight trials of its new “Airspace Connected Experience” cabin at an industry event in Los Angeles.

MORE

A Triple Crown – Swimming the English Channel, NY’s Twenty Bridges, Catalina

I had it marked on my calendar for several years: Diana, a friend of my daughter Jeannette and myself, would swim the English Channel in August, 2019 – and I planned to be there to see her off from the English shore and to greet her in France on the completion of her swim. It seemed only right because six years ago, I was one of her many friends and relatives to greet her on a Palos Verdes shore in California upon her completion of a swim from Catalina. Although the song says Catalina is “26 miles across the sea,” her swim was registered at 20 miles because of the point in Catalina from which she started and the point in California where she landed. This swim took her 17 hours and 9 minutes.

MORE

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

MORE

One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

MORE

The Demand for Customer Success Managers

Customer Success Managers proactively look for ways to connect companies to their audiences and build a culture of trust from the outset. Download this SmartFocus to learn about the rising demand for Customer Success Managers and the path to gaining this expertise.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

MORE

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

MORE

The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

MORE

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

MORE

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Airbus Previews, Benefits of Cruising appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Triple Crown – Swimming the English Channel, NY’s Twenty Bridges, Catalina

I had it marked on my calendar for several years: Diana, a friend of my daughter Jeannette and myself, would swim the English Channel in August, 2019 – and I planned to be there to see her off from the English shore and to greet her in France on the completion of her swim. It seemed only right because six years ago, I was one of her many friends and relatives to greet her on a Palos Verdes shore in California upon her completion of a swim from Catalina. Although the song says Catalina is “26 miles across the sea,” her swim was registered at 20 miles because of the point in Catalina from which she started and the point in California where she landed. This swim took her 17 hours and 9 minutes.

Happy Indian Summer from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

2019’s Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations & Fun Facts

With Oktoberfest soon to kick off and the average flight from New York to Munich from mid-September to late-October costing $500-$1,000, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations as well as accompanying videos, along with fun and interesting facts about the event in its Oktoberfest Facts – History, Beer, Food & More infographic. To determine the best cities for partaking in the epic German festival, WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities across 24 key metrics, ranging from share of German population to number of beer gardens per capita to average price for Oktoberfest celebration ticket.

Hurricane Dorian Resources

Johnny Jet has created a Hurricane Dorian travel resource page to help you with everything you might need if you’ll be traveling. And don’t forget to download the hurricane app that Floridians and others use.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

A New Netflix-Style Travel Service Offers Unlimited Access to 60,000 Luxury Villas and Resorts

Courtesy Robb Report

Inspirato announced the nationwide rollout of a new subscription service offering unlimited access to 60,000 luxury villas, estates, hotels and resorts around the world for $2500 a month.

How to Survive Sitting on a Long Flight, According to a Physical Therapist

Courtesy Josh Ocampo, Lifehacker

I can never sit comfortably on a flight; I’ve struggled with lower back pain for years. After emerging from a long flight spent in a middle seat, I have been known to collapse on the floor of the airport like an infant that’s learning to walk.

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

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Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens: I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended: I was pickpocketed in Paris this summer.

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Airfare is Dropping — And You Can Enjoy the Trend Through September

Courtesy Washington Post

For those who can plan their leisure trips for later in the year, the rewards include fewer crowds, less-steamy weather and better prices on plane tickets.

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One in 11 Americans Has Gone On Vacation Without Their Partner Knowing

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

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Limited Time Travel Deals

Journey to exotic, far-flung destinations – and save money doing it! These limited-time vacation packages are hand-selected by our team of travel experts to inspire you to get out there and explore. Act now, because these offers won’t last long!

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The Demand for Customer Success Managers

Customer Success Managers proactively look for ways to connect companies to their audiences and build a culture of trust from the outset. Download this SmartFocus to learn about the rising demand for Customer Success Managers and the path to gaining this expertise.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

Half of the world’s star rated hotels are located in Europe.

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11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

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12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

This year UNESCO has added 29 new cultural sites to its World Heritage List. Here are 12 wonders to add to your bucket list.

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How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

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The Worst Seats on a Plane (And How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

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Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that the enormous pressure of the growing population is driving animals out of their habitats. For example, it’s estimated that in Africa, before the Europeans arrived, there could have been over 29 million elephants. However, as early as 1935, the population had dropped to 10 million and now stands at less than 440,000, according to a 2012 study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post How to Outfox Pickpockets, Hurricane Dorian Resources appeared first on Traveling Archive.

• 9% of Americans have been on vacation without their partner and lied to them about it
• Main reasons are to go with friends, drink more heavily and to have a break from each other
• More than two fifths got found out by their partner; one in five broke up as a result
• One in ten Americans have cheated on their partner whilst on vacation

The study was undertaken by the team behind flight-comparison website www.us.jetcost.com, in which more than 4,100 people over the age of 18 were quizzed about previous vacations. All respondents revealed that they are – or have been – in a relationship during the past five years while they’ve travelled.

Respondents were initially quizzed on things that they do without their partner, and the most common things were found to be ‘going to a club/bar’ (76%), ‘shopping’ (63%) and ‘going to a sports match’ (54%). What’s more, one in 11 (9%) admitted that they have been on vacation without their other half and lied about it, of which 71% were male and 29% were female. The most common reasons were ‘wanting to go with friends’ (38%), ‘to drink more heavily’ (26%) and ‘to have a break from one other’ (14%).

The most common excuses used by those that lied about going on vacation were ‘to stay with family’ (40%), ‘going on a work trip’ (31%) and ‘to visit a friend’ (26%). Of those that lied, more than two fifths (43%) said that they had been found out by their other half, and one in five (20%) of these broke up with their partner as a result.

A further one in ten respondents (10%) said that they had cheated on their partner when on vacation, and shockingly of these, 5% did the deed whilst they were away with them.

Conversely, a number of Americans admitted that they had been on a vacation with their partner without telling other people, with 14% admitting to this feat. On this occasion, 76% of people who did this were women, and the rest men.

The most common people lied to were friends (53%), and the predominant reason was ‘because my friends had asked me to do something at the same time’ (47%).

Commenting on the findings of the study, a spokesperson for www.us.jetcost.com said:

“It’s not healthy to spend 100% of your time with your partner, but there really shouldn’t be any need to go to the extent of lying about going on vacation. They should understand if you want to go away without them, whether it’s with friends or for a bit of a break, and vice versa your friends should understand if you want to go away with your partner.”

2019’s Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations & Fun Facts

With Oktoberfest soon to kick off and the average flight from New York to Munich from mid-September to late-October costing $500-$1,000, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Best Places for Oktoberfest Celebrations as well as accompanying videos, along with fun and interesting facts about the event in its Oktoberfest Facts – History, Beer, Food & More infographic. To determine the best cities for partaking in the epic German festival, WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities across 24 key metrics, ranging from share of German population to number of beer gardens per capita to average price for Oktoberfest celebration ticket.

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-oktoberfest/24327/

Oktoberfest Fun Facts:

• $5,000: Estimated cost for an American to attend Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
• 1.98 Million: Gallons of beer consumed during Oktoberfest.
• 510,000+: Number of whole roast chickens eaten, plus 60,000 sausages and 59,000 pork knuckles.
• $1.43 Billion: Oktoberfest’s annual economic impact on Munich.
• $70,120: Median annual income for German-American households ($60,336 for all households).

To view the full infographic, please visit: https://wallethub.com/blog/oktoberfest-facts/24332/

A Letter to British Airlines from Traveling Boy’s Brom Wikstrom

Dear British Airlines,

My wife and I recently returned from a 13-hour flight from Stockholm, transferring in Heathrow and continuing home to Seattle. Flight B049. I seek clarification of issues that have caused us both a great deal of distress and hope that you can help.

I do have an extreme issue regarding our flight re-assignment.  When we made our reservations several months ago we clearly stated that our need for bulkhead seating was a medical necessity as I am a high-level quadriplegic and am 6’4” long. On a flight of this duration I am at risk of developing pressure sores and need to be able to shift my weight frequently to avoid a complication. In bulkhead seating this is not a problem as I can readily move my body forward to relieve the pressure.

Imagine our horror when checking in at Heathrow and being informed that our seats had been switched because someone was willing to pay an upcharge to secure our prearranged seats. We were informed that nothing could be done since the flight was full and overbooked. This was simply not true as the seat beside us and in front of us were unoccupied. With no alternative, I was tightly wedged into the fourth row aisle seat and completely unable to move my body forward, to the side or otherwise adjust my position. About the 7^th hour of our 10 hour flight I began to experience sharp chest pains that did not subside for the remainder of the flight (nor have they abated since after spending all of yesterday at the emergency room with x-rays, ct scans etc.). I may have sustained an attack of pleurisy, something I’ve never experienced. I thought I was having a cardiac arrest and that you might have had a corpse on your hands.

I also sustained a pressure sore on my posterior that will take some weeks to heal. We are angry, perplexed and confused that we were not informed of our impending reassignment and would have gladly paid the up-charge to maintain the seats we so carefully thought we had secured. We observed the people who had our seats and they were not mothers with children nor did they have any other visible need to be there.

I write travel articles for Travelingboy.com and my personal site bromwikstrom.com and seek to give travelers with disabilities insights and advice on how to make their journeys as safe and as memorable as possible. This has been a memorable journey for us for all the wrong reasons. You may inform me of the fine print in your travel contract that allowed you to change our seating assignment without notification.

I do not fault BA for the hour delay in departing Heathrow nor blame BA for the 2-hour delay in recovering our bags in Seattle. Your staff and crew were excellent hosts and exemplify the fine service we have come to expect from BA.

Regrettably, I will no longer be able to recommend British Air to my readers.

Sincerely yours

Brom Wikstrom

11 Endangered Bucket List Destinations (And How to Visit Them Responsibly)

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

Climate change and overtourism make daily headlines now and are stark reminders that some of the most beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing. For many travelers, the natural response to this is “last chance tourism,” or a rush to see endangered places while they’re still here. But before writing obituaries for these endangered destinations, consider instead taking actionable steps before and during your trip to keep them from disappearing. Here are 11 at-risk destinations and what you can do to help preserve them.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Teeming with biodiversity, beauty, and Finding Nemo references, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world. Sadly, climate change and irresponsible tourism have placed a strain on this natural wonder. About half of the reef is estimated to have died since 2016.

What you can do to help: Switch to reef-safe, oxybenzone-free sun care products.

Where to stay: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is secluded, peaceful, and on its way to being 100 percent sustainable by 2020.

Venice, Italy

The unfortunate poster child for overtourism, Venice struggles with pollution, overcrowding, and the mass exodus of its locals. It’s also slowly sinking. Fast and convenient water taxis are often the preferred mode of transportation for tourists in the city, but it’s these same water taxis that contribute to many of the issues facing this historic city. Moto Ondoso, or wake pollution, is an issue distinct to Venice in which waves corrode the city’s structure and put it at risk of sinking.

What you can do to help: Go the scenic route and walk or enjoy a gondola ride instead. 

Where to stay: Formerly a monastery, the 500-year-old Santa Chiara Hotel lets you experience the city like it was before the giant cruise ships came.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu survived the fall of the Inca Empire, but it might not survive tourists. After earning a well-deserved place as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the breathtaking archeological site continues to see an extreme surge in tourism. The groups that arrive en masse are not always at their best—leaving trash behind on the Inca Trail and even vandalizing stones. One detrimental behavior that even conscious travelers often engage in is not respecting marked trails. Stepping over the ugly rope seems harmless and gets you a better Instagram picture, but when millions of people do it, the effect is substantial.

What you can do to help: Stay within the marked paths to help preserve this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, consider visiting one of the similar but lesser-known “lost” Inca cities like Choquequirao instead.

Where to stay: An upscale ecological retreat far from the noise of Aguas Calientes and the commercialization of Cuzco, explora Valle Sagrado is committed to responsible tourism across the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu itself.

The Florida Everglades

Nicknamed the “River of Grass,” the Florida Everglades is a unique and largely underappreciated ecosystem. Having already lost almost nine of its 11 million acres, the Everglades is officially the most endangered national park in the United States.

What you can do to help: The most eco-friendly way to see the Everglades is a walk through the swamp. (Yes, a walk.) Photographer Clyde Butcher offers guided swamp walks that will have you wading waist-deep in the water. If you’re not ready to get so close to nature, a minimal-impact airboat tour might be your best bet. 

Where to stay: The locally-owned Ivey House is a stone’s throw away from the Everglades’ wilderness

The Amazon

Spanning nine countries, the Amazon rainforest contains unimaginable biodiversity and hundreds of indigenous communities. But massive deforestation in the name of cattle ranching and mining is assailing the “lungs of the world,” threatening not just the Amazon but the health of the planet as a whole.

What you can do to help: When you visit the Amazon, choose a tour company that supports local communities most directly affected by the deforestation. Gondwana Ecotours, for example, works with indigenous communities to help them preserve their autonomy and customs. It also offers a carbon offset program for your flight to Ecuador.

Where to stay: Enjoy comfort in the heart of the jungle at Kapawi Ecolodge. 

Antarctica

Though one of the most remote places on earth, Antarctica is on the front lines of the effects of climate change. Ice is melting at an alarming rate, and overfishing of krill threatens the region’s entire food chain.

What you can do to help: You should endeavor to have as little impact as possible when you visit, and one of the best ways to do this is to go cozy rather than big when choosing a cruise ship. Smaller ships have a smaller carbon footprint and produce less waste; they also allow you more time on land, since only 100 people are allowed on shore at any given time. On bigger ships, you’ll have to wait your turn. 

Where to stay: Though you’ll spend most of your nights on board, One Ocean offers on-shore camping options for travelers. They also use their vessels to help conduct scientific research. 

Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia

While in Borneo, you’ll probably want to take in the beaches, hike Mount Kinabalu, and trek through the forest. In the past 30 years, the Bornean forest has been reduced by a third due to legal and illegal logging and palm oil plantations. The good news is that this is one example where visiting this endangered natural habitat can actually help the situation.

What you can do to help: Activists argue that spending money on park fees and sustainable tours will convince the government that preserving the forest is good for business, prompting leadership to support conservation efforts rather than the exploitation of the forest. 

Where to stay: Borneo Rainforest Lodge provides a five-star eco experience right in the middle of the rainforest. 

Big Sur, California

The extreme and somewhat unforgiving geographical conditions of Big Sur are also what makes it so breathtaking. The area has always been prone to heavy rainfall and landslides, but as climate change worsens, so do these natural catastrophes. To the dismay of lovers of dramatic landscapes and bohemian history, the scenic drive through Big Sur might not be possible in the future.

What you can do to help: Rent a hybrid or electric car for your road trip. The impact might seem miniscule, but if every one of the five million annual visitors who pass through Big Sur did this, it’d be anything but. 

Where to stay: Get scenic ocean and mountain views at the locally owned Post Ranch Inn.

The Alps

Global warming strikes yet again, and this time the victims are the iconic ice caps of the Alps. With rising temperatures, ice throughout this European mountain range is melting. Since many towns around the Alps depend economically on winter sport tourism, they are resorting to covering the snow with blankets and overusing snowmaking machines. The problem is that these machines contribute to global warming, and trap the towns in a vicious cycle of trying to preserve their livelihood in a way that contributes to its destruction.

What you can do to help: Enjoy the beauty of the Alps in summer. You’ll get lower prices and also help tip the balance towards activities that don’t depend on manmade snow.

Where to stay: The Austrian town of Werfenweng is leading efforts toward sustainable tourism in the Alps with carbon-neutral vacation offerings. Stay at Hochhausl Pension to support these efforts; the views aren’t too bad either.

The Great Wall of China

One of ancient humanity’s greatest accomplishments is endangered, in part, because people won’t stop tearing it apart. Whether to build other structures or to sell bits and pieces as souvenirs, locals are stealing parts of the wall and tourists are more than happy to buy them. The situation is so dire that almost a third of the wall built during the Ming Dynasty is gone.

What you can do to help: This one’s pretty obvious. Don’t buy parts of the wall.

Where to stay: Stay at Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall to escape being rushed through the most frequented parts of the wall. 

The Galapagos

If you visit the Galapagos today, you’ll still be able to see around 95 percent of the species Charles Darwin saw. However, scientists warn that if tourism continues to grow at its current rate, that might not be the case for long.

What you can do to help: Besides practicing common sustainable tourism practices like not feeding wild animals and staying within marked paths, you can also watch what you eat while traveling around the Galapagos. Overfishing and illegal fishing are endangering species like sea cucumbers, lobsters, and sharks. Avoid eating these and try to find restaurants that buy from artisanal fishers. If you’re really craving lobster, the WWF recommends buying it live rather than going for the tail. Doing this can increase the price, which raises profits and lowers demands on fishermen. 

Where to stay: Many people travel through the Galapagos on boat, but land travel is a great way to interact with the local community. Stay at locally owned Galapagos Eco Friendly for a relaxed, no-frills experience.

The Middle Seat Is About to Get Wider on Some Planes

(CNN) — It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle seats on airplanes are the worst.Being awkwardly sandwiched in between two people while fighting for elbow room is the bane of most passengers. Now a new design might actually make people want the middle seat — or at least make the travel experience less miserable. The S1 design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three economy seats in a staggered layout, putting the middle seat slightly behind the aisle and window seats, and at a slightly lower height.

Sitting directly adjacent to two people means that passengers only have so much shoulder room. But moving the middle seat back a few inches allows for more space, so the company made the middle seat about three to five inches wider than the standard 18 inch seat.

“That little bit of stagger means that every single person gets to spread out a little more,” Hank Scott, the founder and CEO of Molon Labe Seating, told CNN.

Passengers won’t have to fight over elbow space either. The armrests are also built so that they are not a uniform height from front to back. They will allow the aisle and window passengers to rest their elbows on the front of the armrest while leaving space at the back, which is lower, for the middle passenger.

“No seats are any smaller, one seat ends up being wider, and we’ve solved the elbow wars,” Scott said.

The seats are intended for shorter, domestic flights, though the company is developing a version for longer flights that include more padding and larger TV screens.

So when can passengers test out these seats for themselves?

The seats were certified by the Federal Aviation Administration last month, and are being manufactured by Primus Aerospace in Colorado. Scott said that he expected they would be available on two airlines by April or May of 2020. Though he could not disclose which airlines would feature the seats, he said one of them is based in North America.

It’s not just passengers who will be happier with the new arrangement, Scott said. The seats are lighter than standard airline seats, which could help cut down on fuel costs.

“For an airline, it’s kind of a no-brainer,” he said.

The S1 seats won’t fix everything about flying — the seats don’t recline or offer any more legroom. And that’s not to mention the food, the chatty passengers, the inefficient boarding and de-boarding processes … and the list goes on.

“It’s still going to suck,” Scott said. “Now it’s going to suck less.”

The post Americans on Vacation, An Open Letter appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill fated attempt to shut down a white supremacist rally in Alabama.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘Norwegian Wood,’ what exactly is Norwegian Wood?

Scroll down for the answer

7 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costellos

Be the best-dressed (and most comfortable) person in the cabin with our guide to in-flight apparel.

7 Common Travel Crises and How to Conquer Them

Courtesy Denise Caiazzo, Travel Planners International

Travel advisors are well-equipped to handle just about anything travel-related. Give them a destination, a budget, and a few key interests, and they can whip up an entirely personalized itinerary that will make a client feel over-the-moon, as they make their travel dreams come true.

But what happens when an unforeseen travel nightmare occurs? We’re talking, “I can’t find my passport and I leave for my trip in a week!” or “Surprise, a bad storm hit, and all flights are canceled.”

10 Crazy Las Vegas Tours Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

Courtesy

ed**********@sm***********.com

You know about the celebrity chef restaurants, world-class residencies, and high-limit tables in Las Vegas. But there’s another side of Sin City just begging to be explored. On your next trip to this neon-draped desert city, check out these unique Las Vegas tours that’ll have you rethinking what a weekend in Vegas really means.

The Best Navigation Tools to Keep You on Track on a Car Trip, Here or Abroad

Courtesy Catharine Hamm, L.A. Times

7 Travel Gadgets You Don’t Need & What to Buy Instead

Courtesy Nevin Spearman‎

There are all sorts of gadgets out there that promise to make traveling easier but often fall short. Some are cheaply made and fall apart after one trip. Others are just impractical, a realization that only comes after lugging them around the globe. Below are some of the not-so-great travel gadgets we’ve either purchased ourselves or have spotted in the wild, and the handy alternatives that you may find more useful.

France’s Fascinating ‘Wine Treatment’

Courtesy Melissa Banigan

In Strasbourg’s Hôpital civil, a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape would be prescribed for bloating, while a Côtes de Provence rosé was used to treat obesity.

5 Dangerous Hotel Habits You Can Break Today

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Many travelers believe their hotel rooms to be one of the safest places they can find while abroad. The hotel room becomes an immediate home away from home, giving travelers license to drop their guard as if they were in their own bedrooms. However, what they don’t realize is danger always lurks right around the corner — even in hotel rooms around the world.

Why Adventure Travel Professionals Must Care About Overtourism

Overtourism has become a buzzword of sorts in the travel and tourism industry, but understanding its complexities is the first step in addressing it. We recently shared insights about what exactly overtourism is and why it is a growing phenomenon in our professional sector. To further the discussion about how to tackle this challenge, we want to share our thoughts about why everyone working in the adventure travel industry must be proactive in preventing its further growth.

National Enquirer Theme Park Opens

National Enquirer Live! has opened in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Among the exhibits is a re-creation of the 1997 fatal car crash of Diana, Princess of Wales. Another National Enquirer Live! is coming to Branson, Mo., in late June. And no, we’re not kidding… PS, remind me to miss it.

Alabama Voted As The State Americans Would Least Like To Fly To

Courtesy 10 Yetis Digital

New research has found that Alabama is the state Americans would like to fly to the least, with 35% of Americans saying they wouldn’t fly there, with Nevada and New York making up the rest of the top three. California, Hawaii and Vermont were voted most desirable.

How to Complain Effectively at a Hotel

Courtesy Charlyn Keating

Demand satisfaction when you have a valid complaint

 

“Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art”

By John Keats

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art—
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—
No—yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever—or else swoon to death.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Behind the Bucket List: What Americans Really Want in Travel

Courtesy Tours.com

What do Americans want when it comes to Bucket List travel? A group from Provisional Living wanted to find out not only what’s on those lists, but why and how they got there. What they found was pretty revealing.

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Are Airlines Tracking Your Flight Searches (and Raising Prices)?

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

Ms. Caroline Morse Teel, Senior Editor of SmarterTravel, investigates whether or not searching for airfare makes the price go up. Also: perfume on a plane, tipping when gratuities are included, who can sit in an exit row, and more.

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Overtourism is a Problem; Here’s What We Can Do

Courtesy Milena Nikolova, ATTA

By now, it should be crystal clear that a major issue plaguing the travel and tourism industry is overtourism. Still unsure what overtourism really means and who it concerns? We recently explained the concept in detail and unpacked why every single person and entity working in the adventure travel industry needs to be aware of and care about overtourism.

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These US States are the Most Fun ⁠– And the Least ⁠– According to WalletHub

Courtesy WalletHub

The measure of “fun” is subjective. But that doesn’t stop us from trying. To that end, WalletHub recently released its 2019 ranking of most fun states in America.

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10 Safety Mistakes Women Shouldn’t Make When Traveling Alone

Courtesy  Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Solo travel can be exhilarating, freeing, and helpful in learning new things about yourself. But solo travelers, especially females, can also be more vulnerable while alone on the road. We spoke to some solo women travel experts who shared their top safety mistakes to avoid when traveling alone.

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Chinese Tourism to US Declines For First Time in 15 Years

Data from the National Travel and Tourism Office found travel from China to the U.S. fell 5.7 percent in 2018 to 2.9 million visitors. It marked the first time since 2003 that Chinese travel to the U.S. slipped from the year prior, The Associated Press reported.

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Customer Satisfaction in Airline Travel

A combination of newer planes, better ticket value, and improved customer touchpoints have driven overall satisfaction with airlines to its highest point in history.

Following are some of the key findings of the 2019 study:

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Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 10 Garments to Protect Your Stuff

Courtesy Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Nothing sours a trip like having your belongings stolen by a pickpocket. But chances are, if you travel frequently — or just happen to be unlucky — a sticky-fingered stranger will one day secretly separate you from your stuff. Since traveling sans cash, credit cards, and other valuables isn’t an option for most of us, I’ve rounded up a passel of pickpocket-proof clothing and accessories that’ll make you less of a target for thieves.

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Close Encounters of the Near-Death Kind

Courtesy Richard Collett

It was a hot, humid day in Manila, and I was sat on the rooftop of my hotel, five floors high, working on my laptop and enjoying the occasional sea breeze that flew in from the bay.

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The NOAA Marine Debris Program

Earth Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean good habits have to go away too! You can keep up the momentum, reduce your waste footprint, and do good for our planet, no matter where you are.

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Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘Norwegian Wood,’ what exactly is Norwegian Wood?

Answer: An inexpensive pine wood from Norway, popular in the 1960s.

The post Behind the Bucket List, Beatle Beat appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy July from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Ignorant Yankees: Two Fifths Of Americans Do Not Know The Official Language Of Brazil

New research has revealed that 42% of Americans do not know the official language of Brazil, with Spanish and Brazilian thought to be the most common alternatives. Nearly one in five are also unaware that French is spoken in Canada, and one in ten think Australian is a language.

These Smart Bags Comply with TSA Regulations

The Transportation Security Administration in 2018 banned smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries, but travelers don’t have to completely give up on smart luggage technology, writes Madhurima Nag. Options that will get through airport security include Kabuto Xtend Smart Carry-On Luggage, Genius Pack Supercharged Carry-On Luggage, the Salsa Deluxe Multiwheel Electronic Tag Suitcase, Samsara Smart Aluminum Suitcase and NoviConnected Smart Luggage Travel Roller by INCASE.

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

British Airways has used facial-recognition technology to streamline the boarding process for more than 250,000 passengers traveling internationally from US airports. The airline worked closely with US Customs and Border Protection to implement the technology.

Courtesy Christian Tolentino

The future of airport travel is happening now with more than 250,000 British Airways passengers using biometric tech on international flights from the US.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Courtesy Ed Perkins

The U.S. State Department issues two versions of a passport: a traditional passport book vs. a passport card. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrival/departure stamps; the passport card is a one-piece credit-card-sized ID card. Which you should get, passport book vs. passport card, depends on how you plan to travel and how much you want to pay for your travel documents.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling — even if you’ve never heard of them.

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

It’s a dilemma for many travelers: You want a better photo than you can take with your smartphone, but you don’t want to lug around a big camera. Sony’s Cyber-Shot RX100 VI solves your problem by putting a high-quality camera into a tiny, pocket-sized package. Upgrade your travel pictures without adding a big camera.

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

In a big win for Britain’s consumers, the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has told big online travel agencies that they must include any mandatory charges like hotel “resort” fees (which are often applied by non-resort hotels in big cities, as well) in the up-front listed price. It’s ok, says CMA, for hotels to break the full price into a base charge plus a mandatory fee, but all mandatory fees must be included in the initially displayed cost.

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

For better or worse, tourist traps are part of the American landscape. Countless overhyped, colorful, quirky, and sometimes downright mystifying spots draw sightseers nationwide. Whether an attraction qualifies as a tourist trap is often in the eye of the beholder, and some are still beloved by locals. Travel blogger David James of The GypsyNesters has his own test: Visitors usually leave feeling a little swindled.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

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A Letter to British Airlines from Traveling Boy’s Brom Wikstrom

Dear British Airlines,

My wife and I recently returned from a 13-hour flight from Stockholm, transferring in Heathrow and continuing home to Seattle. Flight B049. I seek clarification of issues that have caused us both a great deal of distress and hope that you can help.

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India’s First Cruise Line Arrives in Dubai

Courtesy Logistics Middle East

Karnika, the first cruise ship to be operated by Jalesh Cruises, itself the first-ever domestically owned mainstream cruise line in India, has made her maiden port call in Dubai, marking the start of her Arabian Gulf cruise season. Karnika will operate 29 cruises in total from Dubai (15 4-night roundtrip cruises, and 14 3-night roundtrip cruises).

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7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

When flying, the following seven behaviors should be avoided at all costs.

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Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that there are increasingly more inhabitants and endangered species whilst the forests and animal populations decline, based on estimates by the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

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Mexico and the Caribbean Dominate the 10 Most Popular International Summer Destinations for American Travelers in 2019

Travel to Cancun Declines, While London and Paris Disappear from Top International Destinations List, Shows Travel Data by Allianz Global Assistance.

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Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

New research has revealed that as many as 14% of Americans have lied to someone about going on holiday, with the top reasons being because they’re embarrassed, they’re wanting to seem well-traveled and they may be wanting to impress someone.

Along with one in seven lying about the destinations that they’ve travelled to, two thirds of Americans who have been on holiday have also lied about their experiences, with the weather, quality of accommodation and amount of sightseeing done found to be the most common untruths.

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The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

If you know what you’re doing, cruising can be an enriching form of travel. But plenty of people swear off the big ships because of some terrible experience that ruined their first time out. To prevent yourself from becoming yet another cruise hater, take note of these rookie mistakes—and don’t make them.

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What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

It’s officially train season at Nevada Northern Railway. Nevada Northern Railway is offering train rides now through Oct. 2019. See highlights for this year along with new offerings in the release below.

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The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!

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11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

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10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

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10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

These performance pieces will keep you warm from head to toe — but still look so good you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them no matter what the temperature.

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

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The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

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