summer Archives - Traveling Archive

Unplanned Trip to Treasure Island Beach in Laguna California

Raoul Pascual — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 15:30:18 +0000

The street view of Treasure Island along the Pacific Coast Highway.

It was a Sunday and we thought we’d bring our out-of-town visitors to one of the beaches here in Southern California. Although I’ve lived here in Los Angeles county since forever, I rarely go to the beach. The salty west coast beaches are pretty to look at but notoriously cold at about 65 degrees F all through the year. The coin toss of choice was Treasure Island in Laguna Beach. So we packed our tent gear, swim suits and made a quick stop at the grocery store. Leaving at 10 am, the sun was already up but surprisingly, traffic was smooth and we arrived at our destination In less than an hour. All the street parking was already taken but one of our people knew a secret spot near some swanky residential area and we parked without a problem. If you do park in the street, remember to check if there are meters in that area … the old fashioned individual meters have given way to the modern credit card meters — no fun getting a ticket while on vacation, right? Speaking of fees, some routes have unavoidable tolls. Oh California — you and your endless taxes!

Just north of Treasure Island Beach is a more private cove. I believe they call it Middle Man’s Cove which is supposed to be a great snorkeling site.

Making a run for the only bathroom available which was below the resort’s sun bathing deck.

Treasure Island Beach is well maintained because of a partnership between the Montage Resort and the city. I’m sure the Montage resort would have preferred to keep this pristine area just for their guests but most beaches have lateral public access (meaning people can move along the coast). No, don’t feel too bad for the hotel guests because they had their own sun bathing deck in case they didn’t want to mingle with us mortals.

It was overcast at Treasure Island Beach from the resort pathway at 11 am.

There were no showers available by the sandy beach. In fact, the nearest bathroom was provided by the resort at the top of the hill. The walk downhill from the streets to the beautiful cove wasn’t bad. Good exercise for us couch potatoes. Several early birds had already pitched their tents and laid out their beach blankets but there were still enough spots to claim our territory.

The California summer temperature was about 90° fahrenheit inland but there, by the beach, it was much cooler because of the light breeze and overcast sky. But even though we didn’t have any direct sunlight the whole day, I still got sunburned from the diffused rays.

If you bring a cart, remember that the wheels will dig deep into the sand.

I enjoyed just observing the California beach goers. You know the song — “I wish they all could be California girls” — oh behave! They came in all shapes and sizes — chiseled vs. cellulite. From skins that were smooth and youthful to overcooked and leathery — the vegans mixed with the fast food junkies. It’s interesting how most sun bathers started out very demure — self-consciously peeling off each layer of clothing but, as the day progressed, all inhibitions were thrown by the wayside. You know the old saying — “When in Rome …” It was not surprising that phone cameras were out clicking (although there seemed to be an unwritten code not to ogle and stare too much).

You reserve your spot with chairs, tents, umbrellas and blankets.

Some hand-carried their bags. The others who wheeled them in had a difficulty navigating on the sand. Colorful tents, umbrellas and large beach blankets served as territorial boundaries. Life guards were constantly propping their necks like ostritches. In fact, they did rescue a teenager who got swept under by a freak mid-sized wave. Although a few ventured further out and a few more only went knee deep, the majority just paraded their colorful skimpy attire walking on the shoreline. They said that here was one of the best spots for snorkeling but I didn’t see one snorkel … much less scuba suit. What would be the point to bring your gear when the spoilsport lifeguards caution you not to go too deep. Every once in a while a helicopter would come policing the coast for sharks. Come on guys. A little drowning and a little shark attack would add so much to liven up the place. Where’s your sense of morbid adventure? Just kidding!

Just when you thought it was safe to go out in the beach … it really was safe.

We only stayed for three hours but that was enough to get our fill of surf and sand to last us the rest of the year. Treasure Island is indeed a natural treasure. I guess you can say this is where our tax dollars go.

There was a constant flow of beach lovers coming in and going out … they came in “waves.”

A checklist of things to bring on a short notice beach trip and some tips:

Bring your territorial marker like a tent, umbrella, chair, or towel
Bring succulent fruit (watermelon is a popular choice) and liquids (water, soda, beer, wine) to quench your thirst
Bring sun protection like sun tan lotion, sun glasses, wide brim hats, airy shirts to let the wind in but keep the radiation out
Wear sandals (you’d be crazy to wear shoes where sand can come in)
Big wheeled carts to carry your stuff are good only for the cemented areas and not really designed for sand
Bring toys: Water boards, football, kites, shovels and sand castle tools
The best time to go on a weekend? Any time really. The beach bums come in different waves so prime beach spots will be abandoned and made available for the new wave of people. Do keep in mind that it opens from 6 am to 10 pm the whole year-round.
Half of the year, dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm (June 15 to September 10). The rest of the year there are no restrictions. You do need to keep them on a leash though.
Unwritten etiquette: She/He may be HOT but thou shalt NOT stare. Behave!
Watch out for hungry seagulls who poke their bills on your snack food when you go to the water.
Traffic and parking may build up in the late afternoon during the summer months because of the famous Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. If you do plan to go, it may cost you $75 a head.

The post Unplanned Trip to Treasure Island Beach in Laguna California appeared first on Traveling Archive.

High School Reunion

Raoul Pascual — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:43:04 +0000

Raoul’s Two Cents: July 14, 2023

Summer’s Here

It’s beginning to look a lot like summer. Goodbye winter coats! Hello Hawaiian shirts, tank tops, bikinis, sunglasses and suntan lotions! I don’t know about you but I kinda like the bright sunny skies. It’s like creation announcing its presence in all its glory. I feel like stepping outside in the heat and welcoming this bright day. So far, no forest fires. So far no earthquake. It’s a true gift from God.

King David said it best in Psalm 118:
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
24 This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

I still need to prepare for my talk on AI this Sunday. But in the meantime, here’s a song I just wrote:

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Summer

(Verse 1)
It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer,
Everywhere you go;
From the sunny beaches to
The cloudless skies so blue
And lemonade pitchers that seem to appear on cue.

(Chorus)
It’s beginning to look a lot like summer,
Bikinis and sunglasses in every store;
But the sweetest sight to see,
Is the ice cream truck that beckons me,
Bringing all the flavors I adore.

(Verse 2)
Can you hear the sounds of laughter,
As waves crash on the shore?
Children playing in the sand,
With their buckets hand in hand,
And brilliant paper kites that fly and soar.
(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
A dip in the pool, a dive in the sea,
We’re feeling the summer vibes so free.
The sun is shining, the temperature’s high,
With sun tan in hand, we reach for the sky.

(Outro)
So let’s embrace this summer season,
With its warmth and joy so bright;
From the beach to the pool,
Any way to keep cool,
Let’s make memories of this delightful sight.

TGIF people!

Raoul

BTW, I didn’t really write that song above. It was AI generated. I just edited it a bit. Did you notice?

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Wyne of Mandaluyong, Philippines

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

PARTING SHOTS

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

I found these

The Traveling Boy

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

The post High School Reunion appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Tips for Surviving a Day at a Theme Park

Fyllis Hockman — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 03:29:39 +0000

It’s definitely that time of year when kids everywhere start clamoring for that most dreaded of family excursions — the annual trek to a nearby amusement park. Even more so this year because in most states, due to the Coronavirus, they have been inaccessible for so long — and some may remain so throughout the summer. But for those that do open, brave throngs will greet them. Whether it’s King’s Dominion, Six Flags or DisneyWorld, theme parks are among the most sought-after family attractions. Still, the hot sun, long lines and walk-weary kids can turn the most promising outing, even if long-awaited, into a disaster. A little advance planning and theme park strategy can go a long way to ensuring a successful visit to the midway.

July and August, of course, are the busiest months but if you can schedule your visit mid-week, you can still avoid the crowds that descend en masse on Saturdays and Sundays. Although early in spring is always recommended, this year that was not an option. And now since school schedules are up in the air, consider putting off your visit until September, when there are a lot less people to contend with.

Some parks vary their starting times depending upon the number of visitors they anticipate on a particular day. Call ahead of time to see when the gates open, and then get there before then. You’ll start reaping the benefits of an early arrival long before you get to the attractions in the form of empty parking lots and entry gates. If you have older kids, consider a night-time visit; the parks take on a special glow in the evening and the lines are generally shorter — all the better for social distancing.

Most people tend to stop at the rides, pavilions and shops they see when they first enter. Resist that temptation; start your day at the far end of the park and work your way back. That way you’ll miss the biggest lines and end up near the exit late in the day when you’re tired and ready to leave.

Lunchtime is an opportunity in disguise. While the rest of the troops are heading for the fast-food stands and restaurants, you head for the rides. They will have traded one line for another while you, if you can wait to eat until later in the day, can avoid both lines. Bringing a snack or a juice pack to keep the kids busy while on line may help temper the long wait. Arriving around dinnertime can accomplish the same thing.

Don’t expect everyone in the family to want to see and do the same things. Get several maps of the park and select the must-see attractions of general interest and plan the order in which to visit them. If part of the group separates to pursue different interests, decide on a definite time and place to meet. Make sure it’s somewhere easy to find and has a name to it, so it can be easily described when asking for directions.

Because there’s so much to see and do, families often try to do more than they have the time or the energy for. Hitting all your favorite rides and shows may seem like a good idea at the start of the day — and a frustrating impossibility by day’s end. Kids especially wilt under a hectic pace and often need some extra time to just relax along the way. Be flexible; and be prepared not to do everything on your list.

Many theme parks rent strollers and wagons for easier transportation that goes a long way to maintaining a young child’s enthusiasm as the day wears on and the child wears out. Dressing in loosely fitting clothes and comfortable sneakers also helps.

With theme park ticket prices skyrocketing almost as high as the roller coasters they entitle you to ride upon, you might give some thought to other ways to save while traipsing around Busch Gardens, Water World or Disneyland. Food at parks, like at airports, is priced according to the captured audience syndrome; you pay their prices or go hungry. Instead, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on a shaded bench while people watching.

Steer clear of machines, games and arcades that cost extra money. Kids can quarter and dollar you to death so be clear on the ground rules ahead of time. The same for souvenirs. Young children are as happy with a $1 balloon as an $8 hat. If you know you can’t convince your kids to leave empty-handed, try to budget ahead for something you know they’ll want and need, such as a T-shirt or baseball cap. Be sure not to buy those items in the weeks before your trip to the park. And stick to whatever monetary limits you set.

Wait until you get to the park and can check out prices before promising any extra shows or treats. Costly sideshows often sound more appealing than they actually are. Focus instead on free street entertainment such as mimes, jugglers and musical groups. Once again, letting your kids know ahead of time what to expect often diminishes disappointment. Emphasize all that they are doing and seeing to take the attention away from what they might think they are missing. But be sure to make sure ahead of time that your park of choice is actually open. In these crazy times, things can change quickly.

Anticipate a wonderful time. Be prepared for setbacks. And remember that whatever the realities of the day’s outing, when you hear your children describe it to their friends, it’ll sound just AWESOME!

The post Tips for Surviving a Day at a Theme Park appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Airbus Previews, Benefits of Cruising

Ed Boitano — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:04:49 +0000

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.

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Photograph by Deb Roskamp

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 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.

12 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Courtesy SmarterTravel

The Plain of Jars, located in Central Laos, gets its name from the 2,100 tubular-shaped megalithic stone jars that were used as tombstones during the Iron Age. Photo courtesy of Jakub Hałun via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0.

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

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.

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.

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.

How to Outfox Pickpockets, Hurricane Dorian Resources

Ed Boitano — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 00:20:51 +0000

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

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

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

Courtesy of Mariana Zapata, SmarterTravel

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

Courtesy Robb Report

Photo courtesy of Joe Rahim/Robb Report Media

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

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

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

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

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.

Dodging Sticky Fingers: How to Outfox Pickpockets

By Rick Steves, Tribune Content Agency

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.

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

Photograph by Deb Roskamp

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

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!

The Demand for Customer Success Managers

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.

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

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

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

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.

Ignorant Yanks, India’s First Cruise Line

Ed Boitano — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 03:46:35 +0000

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

British Airways’ biometric self-boarding gates. Image by British Airways.

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

Photos courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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.

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.

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

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.

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.

India’s First Cruise Line Arrives in Dubai

Courtesy Logistics Middle East

Photo courtesy: Cruise Arabia

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).

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

Photo courtesy of SmarterTravel

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

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.

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

A sinkhole (cenote) in Mexico’s Yucatan. Photo by Deb Roskamp

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

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.

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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.

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.

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Frenette Photography/Quebec City Tourism

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

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

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

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

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

The post Ignorant Yanks, India’s First Cruise Line appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Plane Facial-Recognition, World Population Clock

Ed Boitano — Thu, 09 May 2019 14:11:53 +0000

Happy May from the Staff at Traveling Boy

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

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

Courtesy Christian Tolentino

British Airways’ biometric self-boarding gates. Image by British Airways.

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

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Photo courtesy of Ed Boitano

Will you be visiting Holland in spring? Then be sure to visit Keukenhof, where you will experience the gorgeous views of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers for which Holland is famous. Keukenhof is the most famous and largest flower park in the world and lies not far from Amsterdam. In 2019 Keukenhof will be open until May 19th. This comes down to a total of 59 days to visit, compared to 53 last year. So you’ll have one week extra to visit the spectacle of 320.0000 square meters full of flowers.

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

Photos courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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.

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

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

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

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

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.

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

Photo courtesy of SmarterTravel

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

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

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

A sinkhole (cenote) in Mexico’s Yucatan. Photo by Deb Roskamp

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

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

Newly Renovated and Now Open

Furusato Sushi: Furusato Sushi reopened its doors following an extensive renovation to both the interior and exterior of its restaurant. The restaurant serves traditional and contemporary styles of sushi using the finest and freshest ingredients. Furusato Sushi is located on the 1^st Floor, Diamond Head Tower fronting Kalakaua Avenue.

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Frenette Photography/Quebec City Tourism

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

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

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

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

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

The post Plane Facial-Recognition, World Population Clock appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Facial-Recognition Technology, 7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane, World Population Clock

Ed Boitano — Thu, 09 May 2019 13:22:08 +0000

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

Courtesy Christian Tolentino

British Airways’ biometric self-boarding gates. Image by British Airways.

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.

You’ve probably guessed that in the future, airports will have biometric technology to speed up those long queues. Well, you don’t have to wait too long (hopefully) as it has already begun. In the last 18 months, passengers have experienced a glimpse of the journey of the future by using their face as their identity to board flights from the US.

Biometric facial recognition technology has transformed the airport experience for customers travelling from Orlando, Los Angeles and New York, JFK by streamlining the boarding process — cutting the amount of time in half to board an aircraft.

Customers no longer need to present their passport or boarding pass at the departure gate. Instead, travelers simply look into a camera prior to boarding, wait for their biometric data to be verified and then walk onto the aircraft.

Image by British Airways

The commitment to this technology is part of the airline’s GBP 6.5 billion investment for customers. British Airways was the first UK airline to use biometric technology to board flights from the US, working in close partnership with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement the technology, which has enabled the airline to hugely speed up its boarding process.

At Orlando, British Airways is boarding almost 240 customers in 10 minutes — becoming the first carrier to set up permanent facial recognition gates at the airport.

Biometric Boarding at Heathrow Airport

British Airways was also the first UK airline to use the technology on domestic (UK) flights. More than three million customers have boarded an aircraft this way — with all domestic departures from the airline’s home hub at Heathrow Terminal 5 now boarded biometrically.

For international flights, self-service boarding gates have now been installed at the terminal, allowing customers to scan their own boarding cards to gain access to their flight. It’s the first step towards biometric boarding on international flights from the UK.

“The airport of the future”

Raoul Cooper, British Airways’ senior digital design manager, said: “We are continuing to pioneer the use of technology and automation to enhance the airport experience and ensure that our customers’ flights depart on time.

“The airport of the future will be built upon biometric technology, from check-in and baggage drops to security checks and boarding. These days, automation is a part of everyday life, as is biometric technology via our mobile phones.

“We’re working with our technology partners and the US government to explore how we can use this technology in new and innovative ways to give our customers the stress-free, easy airport experience they tell us they want while ensuring security is always our top priority.”

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

Photo courtesy of SmarterTravel

Your plane ticket is your pass to far-flung destinations — on several conditions. Check your airline’s contract of carriage; there, buried in pages of text, you’ll find a list of violations that’ll get you banned from boarding or even kicked off a plane. Contracts of carriage vary slightly by airline, but most contracts have some kind of language prohibiting passengers from doing anything that endangers the safety or comfort of fellow flyers. This is all subject to interpretation by airline employees, which is why we often see so many wild stories of passengers getting the boot. So what, specifically, shouldn’t you do? The following seven behaviors should be avoided at all costs.

1. Refuse to Buckle Your Seat Belt

If for any reason a passenger can’t or isn’t willing to buckle his seat belt, flight crew will probably show him the door. It happened to a three-year-old boy who wouldn’t buckle up on an Alaska Airlines flight. It also happens when passengers are too large to fasten their seat belts. Travelers are required by federal law to wear a seat belt on some phases of all flights. And until recently, passengers of size could bring a seat belt extender onboard to help with fit. But in August, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declared that flyers must be able to buckle up using the aircraft’s original seat belt or with an extender offered by the airline, if available.

2. Bring a Crying Kid

Passengers who get loud, become aggressive, and spoil the comfort of fellow flyers could get kicked off a plane — even if they’re still in diapers. The crew of a JetBlue flight to Turks and Caicos forced the family of a tantrum-throwing toddler to debark the plane in March 2012. According to SmarterTravel editor Caroline Morse, “The parents tried to hold the screaming toddler down in her seat with the seat belt on, but the pilot and flight attendant made the decision to kick the family off the flight and leave without them. Undoubtedly, the people trapped near that toddler on the plane were grateful, but the Daily Mail reports that the family ended up paying more than $2,000 for a new flight and hotel room for the night.”

3. Wear Something Inappropriate

Airlines generally leave it up to flight attendants to judge whether or not a passenger’s attire is inappropriate for wear in the air. As a result, instances of flyers getting the boot due to unsuitable attire are relatively common. In the past, we’ve reported on flight crews banning passengers for wearing low-cut tops, rocking baggy pants, and sporting offensive T-shirts. For more in-flight style tips, read 9 Things You Should Never Wear on a Plane.

4. Get in a Fight

When a man smacked a fellow passenger in the head on a United Airlines flight to Ghana in 2011, the pilot, like a parent driving a car with feuding kids in the backseat, turned that plane around. But unlike your average parent, the pilot had the wherewithal to call up a few fighter jets as backup. The Air Force was summoned and two jets trailed the plane as it circled for half an hour, burning off fuel. The aggressive flyer, naturally, was removed from his flight once the plane touched down.

Here’s the most unbelievable part of this story: The whole brawl started when one passenger reclined his seat into the space of the guy behind him. Some travelers might even argue he deserved the smack.

5. Ignore the Request to Turn Off Electronic Devices

You’ve undoubtedly heard the notorious tale: Alec Baldwin was kicked off a flight for neglecting to pause his game of Words with Friends when the flight crew requested that passengers power down their devices. It’s important to note, however, that you likely won’t be removed from your flight if you simply forget that your device is turned on and your phone rings on the tarmac. It’s not that easy to get booted. But Baldwin seemed determined. He reportedly became aggressive and ignored repeated requests before the captain decided to leave the 30 Rock star behind.

6. Neglect Your Hygiene

You don’t have to wear a naughty T-shirt to offend fellow passengers. Simply skip the soap. A few years ago, a flyer did just that, and ended up on the wrong side of the boarding gate. According to ABC News, when passengers on an Air Canada Jazz flight to Montreal complained about a foul-smelling flyer, the malodorous man had to forfeit his flight before departure. A person on the flight told ABC News, “People were just mumbling and staring at him. The guy next to me said, ‘It’s brutal.’”

7. Drink Too Much

Visibly intoxicated passengers aren’t welcome on flights; most airline contracts of carriage contain clauses that specifically state this.

Some people apparently missed the memo, like country singer John Rich (of Big & Rich), who was removed from a Southwest flight for being too drunk to fly, and an intoxicated Bahraini prince, who lost his seat on British Airways. (It’s safe to say that these airlines offer no special treatment for the rich and famous.)

Even if you appear drunk but are really sober, your ticket could be in jeopardy. In July, we reported on a sober woman who was removed from a Southwest flight because a gate agent thought she was intoxicated. After being booted, the women obtained a toxicology test from a hospital, and her blood alcohol level was less than 0.003. Nevertheless, she wasn’t permitted to board that initial flight.

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

This same scenario happened with the blue whales, whose population in Antarctica passed, in less than a century, from 340,000 to just over 1,000 specimens. Fortunately, thanks to international protection, the population of this species is slowly recovering. However, some cetaceans such as the Mexican Vaquita or Gulf porpoise have not been able to improve their numbers and are on the verge of extinction with less than 50 specimens registered.

At this point in time, United Nations estimates show that 57 per cent of the world’s population already lives in cities, far from contact with nature and animals. In addition, it’s estimated that by 2050 that percentage will have exceeded 80 per cent, making contact with nature even scarcer, with many people never having the opportunity to bond with wild animals.

Asia is the most populous continent on the planet, with 4,478 million people and a density of 144 people per square kilometre, followed by Africa with 1,246 million and Europe with 739 million. Population densities in Europe and the Americas do not exceed 30 people per square kilometre, yet the enormous amount of infrastructure and agricultural use have fragmented and reduced natural habitats.

This problem of overpopulation affects all individuals, as resource depletion, deforestation and pollution are just a sample of the consequences that affect everyone.

For this reason, the role of wildlife conservation centres such as Loro Parque is more important than ever — necessary to maintain living contact between animals and the public. Therefore, the mission of modern zoos is to fight to preserve endangered species, work to increase scientific knowledge about animal species to protect them, and seek to inspire love and protection of the animals in all their visitors. Thus, in an increasingly populated and urban world, zoos are the embassy of animals and nature.

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

Courtesy Ed Perkins

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

The standard passport book covers all the bases: It’s all the U.S. government requires for you to enter a foreign country and re-enter the United States on your return trip. First-time application fees total $145. Many foreign countries require nothing more for entry than a U.S. passport book, although some also require visas.

The passport card can be used only to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at a land border crossing or sea port-of-entry, although these areas generally accept it as valid ID for entry as well. You cannot use it for international air travel, even when you re-enter the U.S. by land. The first-time fee for a passport card is $55.

You can get both a passport book and a passport card for $175.

Cruise Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. The State Department’s website offers complete details and an online application form.

Obviously, it’s far more useful to have a passport book vs. passport card in most cases where you plan to travel internationally. But if your international travel consists entirely of surface trips in the limited areas covered by the passport card, the card is both cheaper and a tad more convenient to carry and use versus the passport book.

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

A sinkhole (cenote) in Mexico’s Yucatan. Photo by Deb Roskamp

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

Despite a decrease by five percentage points in travel to Cancun, the hotspot still claims the #1 spot for the third year in a row on the 10 most popular international summer destinations for 2019. It is joined by Mexico’s third destination on the list, newcomer Puerto Vallarta (#9), and the Cayman Islands (#10), nabbing a coveted spot on the list for the first time, after placing #14 in 2018, according to a new survey by Allianz Global Assistance.

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance and assistance company, analyzed customers’ trips planned from May 24, 2019 through September 3, 2019*, and found that all 2019’s top 10 international destinations are in Mexico and the Caribbean. Past favorites of London (#9 in 2018 and #7 in 2017) and Paris (#8 in 2018 and #10 in 2017) were absent from the Top 10 for the first time.

Mexico’s defunding of the Mexico Tourism Board and closure of its international offices are dramatically impacting visitation, at a time when U.S. State Department alerts have spiked due to crime and drug violence. Summer travel to Cancun will drop significantly this year, with just 10.5 percent compared to 15.7 percent in 2018.

Meanwhile Aruba Island, Aruba (#2) saw an increase from 4 percent in 2018 to 6.6 percent this year, and travel to San José del Cabo, Mexico (#3) increased from 4.3 percent in 2018 to 6.2 percent in 2019. The following round out the list of top international getaways: Nassau, Bahamas (5.7 percent), Higuey, Dominican Republic (5.6 percent), Montego Bay, Jamaica (5.2 percent), Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (3.8 percent), San Juan, Puerto Rico (3.7 percent), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (3.1 percent) and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (2.9 percent).

Americans traveling domestically this summer are still planning trips to Orlando (7.4 percent), which has topped the list every year, and New York City (4.7 percent), #2 for the second year running. The next most popular domestic destinations are: Seattle (4.0 percent), Las Vegas (3.9 percent), Boston (3.5 percent), Los Angeles (3.5 percent), Maui (3.1 percent), Honolulu (2.8 percent), San Francisco (2.5 percent) and Portland (2.3 percent).

“Americans are staying closer to home this summer, with all top 10 international destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico for the first time,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Summer means shoulder season in much of the Caribbean and Mexico, so deals and discounts make it a great time to visit our tropical neighbors. With hurricane season beginning in June, it’s especially important to consider travel insurance for your summer vacations. Remember that once a storm or hurricane has been named, it’s too late to get hurricane coverage, so it’s important to buy travel insurance when booking your trip.”

The post Facial-Recognition Technology, 7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane, World Population Clock appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Keukenhof in Spring, Summer in Québec

Ed Boitano — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 03:11:51 +0000

Happy Spring from the Staff at Traveling Boy

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

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Photo courtesy of Ed Boitano

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

Photos courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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.

The White House Correspondents Dinner Celebrate Freedom of the Press

“In the First Amendment the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
– Justice Hugo Black

On behalf of the director and the executive producer of Mosul, Dan Gabriel we would like to extend an exclusive invitation to Embed, a celebration of War Correspondents. On Friday, April 26, 2019 we will honor the First Amendment to the United States Constitution by bringing together the most influential and celebrated leaders in our American communities of journalism, entertainment, public service and politics.

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

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

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.

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

Newly Renovated and Now Open

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Frenette Photography/Quebec City Tourism

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

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

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

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

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

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

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

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

The post Keukenhof in Spring, Summer in Québec appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Athens in the Summer

Gary Singh — Sun, 14 May 2017 15:15:43 +0000

On a scorching overcast afternoon in the summer of 2000 the Parthenon
looks down on Athens

I have Greece on my mind these days. I am revisiting both Zorba the Greek and Henry Miller’s Colossus of Maroussi. A few recent conversations with a few different friends, brought those books back into my consciousness and how they should be required reading for the herds of tourists who invade the country on a regular basis. Hence, the conversations also brought back a scene from July of 2000 – the last time I traveled to that country.

At that time, I had no job except for a few cobbled-together freelance writing assignments. I held two degrees from the university down the street, but I had drank away any possible academic career and was living on a friend’s floor above a supermarket.

Somewhere in Athens, on a hot summer day in July of 2000

My solution to this predicament: go to Greece.

So there I was, a pre-smartphone summer, and it was way over 100 degrees in the Plaka neighbhorhood of Athens. A squawking battery of American tourist families surrounded me. In a roped-off taverna courtyard with potted plants and dust, hazed with pollution, I occupied one of a hundred tiny square formica-looking tables. A bouzouki player, older than dirt and wearing a sequined vest, plopped himself on a chair by the counter and jammed like there was no tomorrow. With a plastic fork I powered through a dirt-cheap meal on a white paper plate: a slab of tourist Moussaka, plus a native salad and something else buried with an avalanche of garlic. I found it hysterical that the Greeks would bastardize their shtick to the point of force-cramming a “Greek Salad” on throngs of tourists.

I had studied enough to order a litre of beer – megalo meant large – but since I had finished it, along with the next one, a bountiful carafe of retsina now sat in front of me on the faded orange table. While I ingested concrete fumes from nearby sewer construction and god knows what other flavors of pollution, the bone-cold retsina provided a sandy, resin-flavored counterpoint. It is the Greek chilled wine, intended to accompany native food, lift the spirits and ease the pain of a grotesquely hot summer.

None of that pain, however, was even remotely as miserable as one particular American tourist family that paraded right in front of me. The husband wore a t-shirt and shorts, plus glaring white socks and athletic shoes that would have come out oversaturated in Photoshop. The wife’s outfit included a faded paisley mumuu and a flimsy sunhat almost as big as a sombrero. Under her arm she carried a three-inch-thick Lonely Planet book, a pompous tome dedicated to the entire country of Greece. Already engrossed in a clamorous argument and drenched in sweat, the couple dragged their two distracted kids between and around the folks eating at the tables. The husband complained over and over that it was too hot, way too hot. The kids didn’t seem to mind. Their faces were filled with introverted curiosity, like they were continuously trying to figure out something in their heads.

A street vendor near the Plaka neighborhood of Athens

I was somewhat drunk, the conventional pace of time was lost, and I could not stop staring at the American family, as the husband and wife complained about the unbearable Athens heat. “It’s too hot,” they kept saying. “Let’s find a place that isn’t so hot. Why is it so hot here?” And strained variations thereof.

Taking in the heat near the Plaka neighborhood of Athens

I wanted to howl and break plates, throw a tantrum, and wring them out like soaked bar rags, all while barking: Well, you’re in Athens in July. Of course it’s freakin’ hot. What the hell’s the matter with you? You paid thousands of dollars to bring your whole family across oceans and continents to be here. In Athens. In the summer. Sheesh. Take that nine-hundred-page travel guide you’ve been lugging around the whole country, and flip it open to page three, where it probably mentions the weather and where it probably indicates that July in Athens is hot.

But I felt indecisive, distant and cowardly, so I said nothing. I just watched them leave the courtyard and disappear into a labyrinth of cobblestone walkways, the children still trying to figure out something in their heads. Meanwhile, the dust lingered and the retsina was a glory to behold. The bouzouki player broke out a chromatic gypsy ballad. I closed my eyes and continued sweating. I don’t think I ever wore white socks to Europe after that.

Henry Miller would have been proud. And now I must go back to Greece, tourists be damned.

The post Athens in the Summer appeared first on Traveling Archive.