tipping Archives - Traveling Archive

Yeti, Anthony Bourdain, Dubai Pirates

Ed Boitano — Fri, 10 May 2019 09:10:55 +0000

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill fated attempt to shut down an illegal puppy mill in Idaho.

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

MORE Dog Quotations

New Billion Dollar Cruise Ship to Dubai in Anti-Pirate ‘Safe Haven’ Lockdown

Courtesy Logistics Middle East Staff

Photo courtesy of bassheiner via FleetMon

Lights out after dark, curtains and shutters closed, exterior decks restricted and armed security guards patrolling the ship – how brand new $960-million Spectrum of the Seas mega cruise ship is protecting itself against pirates on the way from Europe to the Middle East.

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘A Day in the Life’ John sings ‘I saw a film today, oh boy.’ Name the film.

Scroll down for the answer

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.

Spain May Officially Say Goodbye to Siesta Hour

For travelers, the implications are varied — but significant.

By Nikki Ekstein, Travel+Leisure

Just as nap pods are becoming a thing in the American workplace, Spain is calling a quits to its famous siesta hour. According to a flurry of news reporting coming out of Europe, the country’s Prime Minister has proposed legislation that will nix the daytime break for once and for all. What does it mean for travelers? A few things, actually.

The One Country Where Anthony Bourdain Refused to Film an Episode

Courtesy, Marissa Laliberte, Reader’s Digest

The late Anthony Bourdain was world-famous for breaking down barriers to other countries’ cuisines, showing the world why you shouldn’t fear the unfamiliar. He rarely shied away from any crazy food choices (he once ate a still-beating cobra heart in Vietnam), but he did refuse to visit one surprising country. You’ll be surprised by the answer.

Spring into Summer with Dignity Travel

Dignity Travel is committed to providing easy and accessible international tours for people who have difficulties walking or use a wheelchair. Our tours and services are designed to provide unique experiences while also delivering accessible accommodations, transportation and sightseeing opportunities. Our intimate group tours make sure that you have a worry-free travel experience, presented in a dignified, fun and adventurous manner. Our groups are hosted by one or more of our staff members and individual travel companions. There is always a host to assure your travel arrangements go as planned, provide a push of your wheelchair or assist you with any other needs you might have.

Dignity Travel at the Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg

Incredible Story of Only Man to Survive Titanic Disaster AND the Sinking of the Lusitania

Courtesy Ed Riley for Mailonline

Photo courtesy of F.G.O. Stuart (1843-1923), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A family has revealed the incredible story of the only sailor to survive the Titanic and the Lusitania disasters. George Beauchamp is the sole person to escape with his life from the two worst maritime disasters of the 20th century, according to relatives. Nearly 75 years ago, he revealed this startling line to his family: “I’ve had enough of large ships.”

Tipping, touching, and pointing can get travelers in trouble very quickly

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

One of the biggest mistakes rookie travelers make is assuming that cultural norms around the world are very much aligned with their home country. As a result, new adventurers often end up in trouble with the locals simply due to the fact that they did not understand that a simple gesture – like a handshake, a tip, or even pointing – is looked down upon.

How to Do Laundry on Vacation (No Laundromat Required)

Courtesy: Caroline Morse Teel

If you want to travel light and still be clean, you should know how to do laundry on vacation. But no one wants to spend precious travel time at a laundromat or pay exorbitant fees for hotel laundry service. Here are some quick, easy, and cheap ways to wash your clothes while traveling.

This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station

Courtesy Catherine Smith

People rarely rave about the meals they eat at gas stations, but that is not the case in Franklin, North Carolina. Hungry diners – locals and tourists alike – happily line up in the Hot Spot gas station parking lot, waiting for a table at Caffe Rel, a European bistro offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Chef Richard stands before Caffe Rel’s delicious dessert counter. Photo courtesy of Zaier Katz

10 Walking Mistakes You May be Making

Courtesy Wendy Bumgardner

Walking is great exercise: It’s easy on joints and doesn’t require special gear or a gym membership. There’s more to an effective walking workout than simply putting one foot in front of the other though. Learn how to correct these common trip-ups.

15 Surprising Things TSA Allows Past Airport Checkpoints

By Benet Wilson

Some items — like guns (real or replica), large scissors and flammable liquids — are never allowed. But the agency continues to make changes when it comes to what can get past the checkpoint.

Below are 15 surprise items you can actually take past the checkpoint. But in case you still have questions, you can take a photo of the item and send it to either AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or via Twitter. Staff are online with answers from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET during the week and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays

Hitchhiker

By Jack Kerouac

‘Tryna get to sunny Californy’ –
Boom. It’s the awful raincoat
making me look like a self-defeated self-murdering imaginary gangster, an idiot in a rueful coat, how can they understand my damp packs – my mud packs –
„Look John, a hitchhiker’
„He looks like he’s got a gun underneath that I. R. A. coat’
‘Look Fred, that man by the road’ „Some sexfiend got in print in 1938 in Sex Magazine’ –
„You found his blue corpse in a greenshade edition, with axe blots’

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Beast From the East: Indian Soldiers Reckon They’ve Found Yeti Footprints

Courtesy Devjyot Ghoshal

Footprints are seen in the snow near Makalu Base Camp in Nepal, in this picture taken on April 9, 2019 obtained from social media on April 30, 2019. Indian Army/via REUTERS

Mountaineers from the Indian army on a expedition in Nepal have found mysterious large footprints in the snow that they think belong to the Yeti, or the abominable snowman, the military said on Tuesday. Largely regarded by the scientific community as a myth, the Yeti is part of Nepali folklore and is said to live high in the snow-capped Himalayas.

How to Become a World Traveler for Next to Nothing

Courtesy Stacy Fisher

Volunteering to work on a farm is an option. In this case, you also learn about the agave plant in Mexico’s Yucatan. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

Being able to travel the world for free might sound like an unreachable dream, but you can make it a reality if you know where to look. These are practical ways on how to travel the world for free, or at least next to nothing. They include getting a job overseas, volunteering, and spending some time with the locals. Some require some education or experience but most opportunities are open to anyone who’s looking for an adventure.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program

Photo courtesy of 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.

Leadership Lessons from Wild Rice

Dr. Kathleen Allen

In my last blog What if Leadership Exists in Abundance, I invited people to imagine an abundance instead of scarcity of leadership. If we believed leadership could occur throughout our organizations and communities, would we have higher expectations of our leaders? If there were plenty of good leaders to choose from, would we stop following leaders if they didn’t live up to the expectations of serving the organization and communities above their own interest?

Cruise Line Showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean for Families

Courtesy Gene Sloan, The Points Guy

Meet your favorite characters aboard a Disney Cruise Line voyage. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

You might assume Disney is the Hercules of family cruising — the all-powerful competitor with no rival. But in the cruise world Disney is still somewhat of a niche player. With just four ships compared to the 52 operated by family cruise giants Carnival and Royal Caribbean, Disney is like the cruising equivalent of Olaf from “Frozen” — a bit secondary to the plot, if still much beloved. In terms of passenger capacity, Disney is barely a tenth the size of Royal Caribbean alone, and it doesn’t offer nearly as diverse an array of home ports and itineraries.

How to Complain Effectively at a Hotel

Courtesy Charlyn Keating

Demand satisfaction when you have a valid complaint

(Click to enlarge) Photo courtesy of TripSavvy 2018

Costa Expands Food Donation Program with Costa Fortuna

Surplus food not served aboard the ships is collected and distributed to local organizations that support people in need. Launched in Savona on July 22, 2017, the project currently operates in Italy, in the ports of Savona, Civitavecchia, Bari and Palermo, and has been exported as an Italian “best practice” to France and Spain, in Marseilles and Barcelona and, since last December, in Guadeloupe and Martinique as well, according to a prepared statement.

Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Courtesy Patricia Magaña

Aside from a few key considerations, nude resort etiquette is general resort etiquette. There’s also the fact that most everyone is naked. Skip the potential awkwardness at a clothing-optional experience and go with an open mind, plus these helpful tips.

Dont’ stare

Nude resort newbies may experience initial shock at the sight of a sea of nakedness. It’s fine to look. What is not OK, however, is to stare. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, but if you’re not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, wear sunglasses whenever appropriate.

Burping Is Good Manners & 25 Other Global Etiquette Surprises

Courtesy The Daily Meal Staff

In Italy, Never Order A Cappuccino After A Meal

When you’re dining the Italian way, be sure to order an espresso or a coffee after a meal. Do not order a cappuccino, as Italians believe milk beverages slow down digestion.

Inuit Tribes: Passing Gas

You’re probably not visiting any Inuit tribes soon, but it’s interesting to know that this culture shows appreciation through… flatulence? Yup, a good meal is praised by letting one rip afterward.

MORE Global Etiquette Surprises

Iain Macmillan, courtesy Apple Corps/via REUTERS

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘A Day in the Life’ John sings ‘I saw a film today, oh boy.’ Name the film.

Answer: Richard Lester’s ‘How I Won the War,’ which featured Lennon in a dramatic role. It was his third film with Lester. The other two: ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Help!’

The post Yeti, Anthony Bourdain, Dubai Pirates appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Titanic Survivor, Rating Cruise Lines, The Beatles

Ed Boitano — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 03:45:43 +0000

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill fated attempt to shut down an illegal puppy mill in Tennessee.

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

MORE Dog Quotations

Incredible Story of Only Man to Survive Titanic Disaster AND the Sinking of the Lusitania

Courtesy Ed Riley for Mailonline

Photo courtesy of F.G.O. Stuart (1843-1923), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tipping, touching, and pointing can get travelers in trouble very quickly

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

How to Do Laundry on Vacation (No Laundromat Required)

Courtesy: Caroline Morse Teel

This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station

Courtesy Catherine Smith

Chef Richard stands before Caffe Rel’s delicious dessert counter. Photo courtesy of Zaier Katz

10 Walking Mistakes You May be Making

Courtesy Wendy Bumgardner

Photos courtesy of United Press International (UPI Telephoto); Cropping and retouching: User: Indopug and User: Misterweiss, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: Name 5 or more Beatle compositions on LPs that does not include all the members of the Fab Four?

Answers:

Back in the U.S.S.R.: No Ringo, who had temporarily left the band due to studio squabbles. You can hear Paul attempting to emulate Ringo’s signature tumbling fills, but the same sophisticated spark just isn’t there. Ringo has always taken a lot of flak for being the Beatles’ weakest link, but “Back in the U.S.S.R.” proved just how important he was — ironically, through his absence.

She Said She Said: No Paul, George on bass guitar. McCartney’s melodic bass work is a signature of the Beatles’ oeuvre, but Harrison did a great job approximating it on the psychedelic Revolver meditation “She Said She Said” — one of the band’s only tracks not to feature Sir Paul. “I think we’d had a barney or something, and I said, ‘Oh, fuck you!’ and they said, ‘Well, we’ll do it,'” McCartney told Barry Miles in the 1998 biography Many Years From Now.

Here Comes the Sun: No John. Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” is an optimistic mantra which he wrote in Eric Clapton’s garden. Harrison dominated the sessions, tracking high-capo’d acoustic picking, electric guitar, harmonium and washes of Moog synth. An injured Lennon, recovering from a car crash, didn’t contribute.

The Ballad of John and Yoko: No Ringo or George. The band’s final U.K. chart-topper, was written by Lennon during his Paris honeymoon with Yoko Ono, outlining the media circus that followed the couple across the globe. The duo tracked “John and Yoko” without their bandmates (Ringo was busy filming his part, opposite Peter Sellers, in the comedy The Magic Christian) — Lennon handling the call-and-response lead guitar and McCartney adding a snappy drum track.

Martha My Dear: No John, George or Ringo. This jaunty White Album ditty is pure McCartney from start to finish, so it’s no surprise he recorded everything but the orchestrations himself: music-hall piano runs, swooping bass, brash electric-guitar leads, minimal drums and handclaps.

He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

By W. B. Yeats

Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

An Overview of the Lines

Cruise Line Showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean for Families

Courtesy Gene Sloan, The Points Guy

Meet your favorite characters aboard a Disney Cruise Line voyage. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

It’s surprising how many classic Beatles songs feature Paul McCartney behind the drum kit, or John Lennon on lead guitar. Name 5 or more Beatle songs on LPs that does not include all the members of the Fab Four?

Scroll down for the answer

How to Complain Effectively at a Hotel

Courtesy Charlyn Keating

Demand satisfaction when you have a valid complaint

(Click to enlarge) Photo courtesy of TripSavvy 2018

Costa Expands Food Donation Program with Costa Fortuna

Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Courtesy Patricia Magaña

Dont’ stare

Burping Is Good Manners & 25 Other Global Etiquette Surprises

Courtesy The Daily Meal Staff

In Italy, Never Order A Cappuccino After A Meal

When you’re dining the Italian way, be sure to order an espresso or a coffee after a meal. Do not order a cappuccino, as Italians believe milk beverages slow down digestion.

Inuit Tribes: Passing Gas

MORE Global Etiquette Surprises

15 Surprising Things TSA Allows Past Airport Checkpoints

By Benet Wilson

Some items — like guns (real or replica), large scissors and flammable liquids — are never allowed. But the agency continues to make changes when it comes to what can get past the checkpoint.

The post Titanic Survivor, Rating Cruise Lines, The Beatles appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Top Rated North Carolina Gas Station Restaurant

Ed Boitano — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 04:56:26 +0000

This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station

Courtesy Catherine Smith

Chef Richard stands before Caffe Rel’s delicious dessert counter. Photo courtesy of Zaier Katz

Once inside, guests are comfortably seated, surrounded by an eclectic display of art. A dessert counter filled with triple layer cakes, dessert tortes, and other sweet treats reminds diners to save room. The wait staff, dressed in freshly pressed white dress shirts, serve up a variety of dishes you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the area, let alone at these prices.

But from the outside, Caffe Rel is unassuming; just another gas station restaurant, except for the sign that reads, “It’s about the food.” If you didn’t know it was the area’s top-rated restaurant on Yelp, TripAdvisor and Facebook, you probably wouldn’t think twice about stopping in, but that’s exactly how owner and chef Richard E. Long likes it. In the fifteen years they’ve been in business, he has never done any advertising, believing his food will speak for itself.

Chef Richard is the last guy you would expect to be running a restaurant out of a gas station. His extensive resume of close to 50 years is mostly filled with time spent managing kitchens in five star hotels, restaurants and private clubs. He got his start working under chef Otto Indemauer III at the Hershey Resort in Pennsylvania, and after seven years, went on to complete his training at the Greenbrier Resort’s exclusive culinary training program.

He took classes at Le Cordon Bleu and had the opportunity, as part of the Greenbrier team, to cook for political heads, like Secretary of State Alexander Haig, and even the Iranian hostages after their return home in 1981.

And it is for each one of these highly esteemed reasons that he intentionally chose to end up in Franklin, a small rural mountain town of about 4,000 residents, running a restaurant out of a gas station.

Sautéed shrimp and fresh vegetables in a Thai peanut sauce served over jasmine rice. Photo courtesy of Zaier Katz

In 2003, after more than 30 years in the industry, chef Richard chose to leave his six-figure salary and highly respected position to open his own restaurant. He selected the local Hot Spot’s vacant restaurant space simply because it was the exact opposite of what he was leaving behind.

“I wanted to drop the pretension and cook for real people who appreciate good food at a fair price. I was tired of all the nonsense and tired of the average guy not being able to take his family out for a meal without going bankrupt.” To chef Richard, the food is more important than anything. He explains, “It’s about the food, like the sign says. I want to serve food to people who have never eaten my type of dishes.”

Grilled Frenched bone-in pork chop finished with a brandied lingonberry sauce. Photo courtesy of Zaier Katz

Cultural Mistakes to Avoid Traveling Abroad

Tipping, touching, and pointing can get travelers in trouble very quickly

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp

Before traveling, it is important to understand what behaviors are considered acceptable, and which are considered rude, unwarranted, or unwanted. By understanding these common cultural mistakes, travelers can make sure their next international interaction does not start a conflict.

Understand the tipping rules in your destination country

In North America, tipping is seen as a customary gesture to wait for staff at restaurants and bars. In fact, it is considered rude and unorthodox to refuse a server a tip, even if their service skills were less than acceptable. What about the rest of the world?

In certain parts of the world, it is not only unwarranted to give a tip, but can be considered rude. In Italy, the tip is always included as part of the bill, and leaving extra can sometimes be looked at as an insult. In parts of China and Japan, offering a tip can be considered a rude gesture to the staff, though some major cities are becoming accustomed to accepting gratuities from tourists. In New Zealand, tips are not expected, and should only be given when someone has gone out of their way to assist.

Before visiting a destination, be sure to understand the tipping culture at your destination. If there is any doubt about the culture, err on the side of adding extra for only excellent service.

Be careful with the hand signs you make while abroad

Depending on where a traveler ends up, even making the simplest hand gestures can result in big trouble for a traveler. Many know which gestures are unwelcome in North America – but what about the rest of the world?

The customs for hand signs vary around the world, but the consensus is clear: any pointing gesture at a person or a gesture using the back of one’s hand could be considered rude or vulgar. Around the world, pointing at someone is still considered to be rude and potentially threatening body language. In Western Europe (especially Ireland and the United Kingdom), giving a backward “peace sign” isn’t considered hip – it’s considered the same as extending a middle finger. Other potentially rude gestures include the “OK” sign, and a thumbs up.

When using hand signs around the world, the more open and vague, the better. Instead of pointing, offer an arm motion to show where something is or what direction to go in. When it comes to hand signs, it may be better to avoid them entirely.

Don’t touch the locals (unless you know them well)

By-in-large, Americans are also known as a very affectionate lot. In addition to pointing and tipping, Americans are known for touching – even when the locals are uncomfortable with it. In Europe (and other parts of the world), touching is generally reserved for close friends and family – not strangers.

In a study done by researchers at the University of Oxford and Aalto University, over 1,300 Europeans responded with the areas of the body they would not be comfortable making contact. Across the respondents, the message was clear: touching was tolerable from family members, but nearly forbidden from strangers. If a touch is absolutely necessary, opt for a handshake, unless the other party initiates.

A word of caution for those who seem too eager to greet their new American friends: in many cases, would-be assailants could be using a physical greeting to attack an unknowing target. A hug can be an easy way for a thief to pickpocket a victim, or even begin a violent attack. If someone seems too affectionate, it may be time to get away.

Cultural differences don’t have to endanger a traveler’s experience while they are abroad. By knowing how to act while in another country, travelers can make sure they get the most out of their next adventure without offending the locals.

Beginner’s Guide to Train Holidays: Swiss Glacier Express

There is something glamorous about taking a train holiday. You’re traveling the world, but you also get the chance to relax and enjoy the journey. Sip tea, listen to live music, enjoy a five-star meal, all while the gorgeous scenery provided by Mother Nature glides past. The Swiss Glacier Express is all that and more.

The world is a big place, filled with so many beautiful things. Picking how you spend your first train holiday may seem overwhelming at first. With all the wonders to see through the window panes of your train, how can you choose between them? Switzerland is an excellent choice for first time train travelers looking to see the world, with a few less carbon emissions.

Swiss Glacier Express Train Options

Glacier Express Train is Eco-Smart

See some of the Earth’s most spectacular views while making conscious and eco-friendly travel choices via the Glacier Express!

When it comes to traveling in order to reduce your carbon footprint, taking a train is a great idea. Avoiding the airport all together, the Glacier Express offers options where you can travel in and out of Switzerland without ever setting foot on a plane!

Full Ride on the Glacier Express Train

Your breathtaking and awe-inspiring train holiday with the Glacier Express can be as long or as short as you’d like. There are an array of options including meals, hotel stays, various destinations, and travel extensions. Whether you stay on the Glacier Express the whole way through, or choose other travel options, there are packages to suit your travel needs. The length of the Glacier Express starts at either Zermatt, or St. Moritz. Take your time as you enjoy the full ride from terminus station to the other.

The 180 mile (289.68 km) journey averages around 24 mph (38 kph), so taking in the sights won’t be difficult! The soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps will great you through the extraordinarily large viewing windows on the Glacier Express. This full ride lasts approximately eight hours, as you cross 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, cross river valleys, explore mountain passes, and see all that Switzerland has to offer!

Extended Journeys and the Matterhorn

Swiss Alps Matterhorn

Spend days three and four taking in the grandeur of the Matterhorn. Your package for your holiday can even include a trip on the Gornergratbahn, Europe’s highest open-air cog railway. There have been plenty of studies that show taking a single, extended holiday each year can help to reduce harmful emissions. By reducing the amount of times you travel, you can help the environment. Days five, six, and seven will be traveling on the Glacier Express all the way to St. Moritz. By extending your holiday, you will get to experience these amazing additions to your vacation.

Skiing in St. Moritz!

This region is well known for the amazing ski resorts and hotels. Take on the slopes yourself by traveling during ski season and extending your train holiday with a longer stop in St. Moritz.

Rail Passes

You can purchase a deal that also includes rail passes on different trains to Lake Geneva or Chamonix. These trips would be great extensions at the beginning of your Matterhorn journey in Zermatt.

Swiss Alps Hotels

Booking with a company that takes your personal preferences into account allows for you to choose your own hotels. Choosing green hotels while you travel will help to eliminate your impact on the environment while you travel!

Tickets

Your packages can also include ticket upgrades. You can choose to travel in first class while on the Glacier Express to experience five-star dining, extra space, a luxurious bar car, and exciting stories and informative anecdotes from the on board staff. A longer holiday made for really immersing yourself in the beautiful Swiss Alps!

Magical Journeys of Switzerland

Start your five-day holiday by entering Switzerland via Zurich. Then you’ll board a train to the sweet Alpine town of Chur. You don’t have to fly into Zurich however, you can choose to save on emissions and take a full day to ride the train from London to Chur! Once there, you’ll spend the night in the hotel of your choosing, then board the Bernina Express towards Tirano, Italy. Spend the day exploring Tirano before heading back to Chur and boarding the Glacier Express! The Glacier express will take you from Chur to Brig, where you’ll spend another amazing night before boarding the Jungfrau Mountain Railway.While riding the Jungfrau, you will pass the awe-inspiring Aletsch glacier before heading on into Interlaken.

Glacier Express Train in the Graubunden

For the Love of Trains Glacier Express Train is Amazing

The Glacier Express can take you through the world and help you experience it in new ways! Whether you use it as a means to get to another destinations, or travel along its entire route, the Glacier Express is an amazing way to see the beautiful Swiss Alps!

Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Courtesy Patricia Magaña

Don’t Stare

Get Nude

While there are no clothes cops patrolling clothing-optional resorts or beaches, it’s somewhat of a gimme that guests who booked the experience are there to be fully clothes-free. When booking a nude resort, be open to embracing new and unexpected occurrences, but feel free to ease into clothing freedom with beach cover-ups.

Use a Towel When Sitting

Nude resort etiquette calls for guests to sit on a towel. Resorts will have them at the ready, but bringing your own beach towel is a great way to easily identify your seat. Grabbing someone else’s towel by mistake isn’t something you want to do at a clothing-optional beach.

Don’t Take Photos Without Consent

Clothing-optional resorts take great care to ensure their patrons feel safe and comfortable. As such, many have strict policies around photography, some going so far as completely banning smartphones. Seize the opportunity to unplug, relax, and make new friends. If you’re not used to being without your phone, bring a great book to read.

Pro Tip: Bring a Beach Bag

The obligatory towel, sunglasses, sun lotion, a cover-up, and anything else you’d walk around a clothed resort with is also essential at a nude resort. Even when wearing nothing, there’s still a lot you’ll need — including a beach bag to carry it all in.

Branding for a Changing World

Courtesy Gary Szenderski, Book of Szen

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a great brand? Have you thought it must be some kind of “secret sauce” or unique algorithm that makes it so great? What about your own brand? Are you sure how to take advantage of what makes it special? You have questions. We have answers. Join me beginning April 1st as we explore the science and art of branding.

The UCI course is online and runs for 6 consecutive weeks. There are no prerequisites for the class which includes 5 live weekly ZOOM meetings. Join students from around the world and have an opportunity to learn how to take your own personal brand or the company you’re working for to the next level. Class size is limited. For more information

The post Top Rated North Carolina Gas Station Restaurant appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Catch Up With the Latest Traveling Boy News

Ed Boitano — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 05:32:04 +0000

Season’s Greetings from the Staff at TravelingBoy

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

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.

Holiday Travel Hacks

Holiday season is also peak travel season. Millions of people are getting away on vacation or getting together with family, and you want it to go as smoothly and effortlessly as possible.

So here are the World Nomads Holiday Season Travel Hacks.

That’s up from just over half of all traffic now.

JetBlue’s ‘All You Can Jet’ Pass Is Back

Courtesy Cynthia Drescher

Courtesy JetBlue

How many free flights can you fit into one year?

Buy one flight, get a full year of flights for free. It sounds crazy, but it’s true for the next two weeks, as JetBlue awards travelers who book even one ticket on their website with a chance to win one of three ‘All You Can Jet’ passes for 2018. Dubbed “AYCJ” for short, the pass allows for unlimited travel from February 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019. Hopefully winners are bursting with wanderlust, as these AYCJ passes will be valid for flights to the more than 100 cities on JetBlue’s route map, including international destinations like Mexico City, Grand Cayman, Bermuda, St. Lucia, and Cartagena, Colombia.

Four Affordable, Luxurious Christmas Getaways in Ireland

Courtesy Shivani Voranov

Christmas and the days leading up to the holiday are a magical time to visit Ireland, according to Siobhan Byrne Learat, founder of Adams & Butler, a Dublin-based company selling trips to Ireland. “The Irish go all out for Christmas with décor and celebrations, and the mood is cheerful and generous,” she said. “And over the years, it has become more of a cultural holiday for us than a religious one.” Ms. Learat said that while pubs and restaurants throughout the country are full of revelers, hotels have a lull in business, which means that enticing, amenity-inclusive deals abound for a Christmas-themed Ireland getaway.

Three Holiday Travel Myths You Can Debunk Now

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Year after year, holiday travelers often believe numerous holiday travel safety myths that are passed down through anecdotes. Although these tales may have at one time held some truth, the actual holiday travel hazards can create even more problems – or potentially be fatal.

When making holiday travel plans, it is critical to separate fact from fiction. Here are three holiday travel myths you can debunk right now, allowing you to focus on more important tasks as you plan gatherings with friends and family.

American Pilot Shortage Could Cause Flight Cancellations During the Holidays

Courtesy Tim Winship

Travel over the Thanksgiving holiday period was robust, and predictions are for similarly strong demand for air travel during the period between Christmas and New Year’s. For most airlines, that’s good news. For American, however, it’s a potential nightmare.

Cycling Through Cinema Sites in Europe On Freewheel Holidays’ Bike Vacations

The late actress Anita Eckberg showcsed Rome’s allure while splashing in the Trevi Fountain in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita. Scores of movies today have cemented plots in locales that, like the fountain, intersect with planned vacation itineraries offered by leading tour operators.

One trend-setting company, Freewheel Holidays, specializing in self-guided bicycle vacations throughout Europe, offers the chance to visit cinema locations on several of its 2018 itineraries. Included in program rates are lodging with breakfasts, detailed route notes, point-to-point luggage transfers and complimentary bike rentals.

Movie buffs or anyone with a love of history and adventure will enjoy these bike tours:

Dublin Makes National Geographic Travel “Best Of The World” List

Ireland’s capital city Dublin has been named as one of the 21 best cities in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine. The list is an annual selection of “must-see” destination for the year ahead, and Dublin has made a claim for one of the finest cities in the world.

How to Fight Jet Lag

Being outside during daylight, exercising early and avoiding caffeine, alcohol or nicotine before bedtime can help lessen the effects of jet lag after returning home across time zones. Complete recovery can take multiple days.

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

As North Americans, tipping is a reality, and we are sensitive that the wait staff receives their due. We generally like to tip at the amount of 15% to 20%. After all, the wait staff in North America depends on it.

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

Most Popular Instagram Photos of 2017

Photo credit: REUTERS/Jody Martin

Residents view the first iceberg of the season as it passes the South Shore, also known as “Iceberg Alley”, near Ferryland, Newfoundland, Canada April 16, 2017.

View the slideshow

Calls for Greater Fossil Fuel Divestment at Anniversary of Paris Climate Deal

Campaigners call for an end to fossil fuel finance and subsidies to avoid dangerous global warming at a meeting to mark two years since the signing of the landmark agreement.

12 Things You Should Never Do in an Airport Security Line

Courtesy Neil Gladstone

Photo courtesy: pittaya/Flickr

If you’ve ever wondered whether airport agents perform a necessary function, take a look at the TSA Instagram account. You’ll find a stupefying collection of objects confiscated from passengers, including axes, crossbows, and handguns (and that’s just in the last few days). Acting foolishly, though, can get you delayed from a flight or even detained. To help explain what you shouldn’t do in an airport security line, we tapped Lewis Sage-Passant, a former British infantry officer who is trained in intelligence and has worked in security and crisis management for several corporations, including Goldman-Sachs. These days, he runs How Safe Is My Trip, a company that creates advisory reports for people going to risky destinations.

Christmas Trees

By Robert Frost

The city had withdrawn into itself
And left at last the country to the country;
When between whirls of snow not come to lie
And whirls of foliage not yet laid, there drove
A stranger to our yard, who looked the city,
Yet did in country fashion in that there
He sat and waited till he drew us out
A-buttoning coats to ask him who he was.
He proved to be the city come again
To look for something it had left behind
And could not do without and keep its Christmas.
He asked if I would sell my Christmas trees;
My woods—the young fir balsams like a place
Where houses all are churches and have spires.
I hadn’t thought of them as Christmas Trees.
I doubt if I was tempted for a moment
To sell them off their feet to go in cars
And leave the slope behind the house all bare,
Where the sun shines now no warmer than the moon.
I’d hate to have them know it if I was.
Yet more I’d hate to hold my trees except
As others hold theirs or refuse for them,
Beyond the time of profitable growth,
The trial by market everything must come to.
I dallied so much with the thought of selling.
Then whether from mistaken courtesy
And fear of seeming short of speech, or whether
From hope of hearing good of what was mine,
I said, “There aren’t enough to be worth while.”
“I could soon tell how many they would cut,
You let me look them over.”

“You could look.
But don’t expect I’m going to let you have them.”
Pasture they spring in, some in clumps too close
That lop each other of boughs, but not a few
Quite solitary and having equal boughs
All round and round. The latter he nodded “Yes” to,
Or paused to say beneath some lovelier one,
With a buyer’s moderation, “That would do.”
I thought so too, but wasn’t there to say so.
We climbed the pasture on the south, crossed over,
And came down on the north.
He said, “A thousand.”

“A thousand Christmas trees! —at what apiece? ”

He felt some need of softening that to me:
“A thousand trees would come to thirty dollars.”

Then I was certain I had never meant
To let him have them. Never show surprise!
But thirty dollars seemed so small beside
The extent of pasture I should strip, three cents
(For that was all they figured out apiece) ,
Three cents so small beside the dollar friends
I should be writing to within the hour
Would pay in cities for good trees like those,
Regular vestry-trees whole Sunday Schools
Could hang enough on to pick off enough.
A thousand Christmas trees I didn’t know I had!
Worth three cents more to give away than sell,
As may be shown by a simple calculation.
Too bad I couldn’t lay one in a letter.
I can’t help wishing I could send you one,
In wishing you herewith a Merry Christmas.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

8 Weird Things You’re Allowed to Bring on Planes

Courtesy Stefanie Waldek

Many travelers know the drill when it comes to packing your carry-on bag for a flight. Make sure your bag fits the size and weight requirements. Check to see if you’re allowed to bring a personal item in addition to a full-sized carry-on. No liquids greater than 3.4 ounces, no firearms, no large sharp objects. There are seemingly endless banned items, but if you read the fine print, there’s actually a whole range of odd things that you’re actually allowed to fly with. Here, we name eight such items.

Falcons
Antlers
Christmas Trees
Pies and Cakes
Cremated Remains
Camp Stoves
Parachutes
Bowling Balls

8 Neck Pillows That Won’t Embarrass You on the Plane

Courtesy Shannon McMahon

Photo courtesy of Trtl

Some of the best neck pillows are also the most packable. Skip clunky, over-engineered travel pillows with these simple-yet-effective options.

Unimpressed by some of the newest travel pillows to hit the market? Many are virtually unpackable or outright embarrassing, with armrest-mounted stands or bulky padding that makes them quite the spectacle. Luckily, over-engineered travel pillows aren’t the only way to sleep on the plane; some of the best neck pillows are also the most packable. Here are eight simple-yet-effective options that won’t embarrass you or take up unnecessary space, making them some of the best neck pillows out there.

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.

The NAACP Warns that “travelers — especially African Americans … could [be] subject [to] disrespectful, discriminatory, or unsafe conditions.”

Courtesy Tim Winship

When Muslim Advocates and the NAACP issue a joint letter accusing the U.S. airline industry of racism, it’s big news. And when the NAACP, the “nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization,” follows that up with an advisory specifically questioning the racial policies of the nation’s largest airline, American, it’s nothing less than a media firestorm. Indeed, all the major news media covered the story exhaustively. And “American Airlines” has been a trending Twitter topic for several days.

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

The post Catch Up With the Latest Traveling Boy News appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Catch Up With the Latest Traveling Boy News

Ed Boitano — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 16:00:53 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving from the Staff at TravelingBoy

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

Scott Pruitt Is ‘Hell-Bent’ on Dismantling EPA Rules

By Robert Redford

Photo: Jim from Stevens Point, WI, USA, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

How to Fight Jet Lag

New Security Measures Implemented for US-Bound Travelers

Photo by EoRdE6, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

US-bound air travelers from Europe and Asia reported that new security measures weren’t very different from those already in place, although more passengers were selected for secondary airport security screenings. Procedures vary by country, leading to confusion for some travelers.

ViaHero: How to Have a Local Plan Your Personalized Trip

Judy Koutsky

When Kevin Maloney started to plan his trip to Iceland, a friend mentioned a new service called ViaHero. “I knew there was a lot to see in Iceland and I had a short period of time. I didn’t want to spend a lot of personal time doing the research,” Maloney says. “My goal was to have an expert map it out for me.”

He was looking for someone with expert knowledge of the area, but tailored to exactly what Maloney wanted to do on vacation. “It wouldn’t have been difficult identifying some of the big landmarks, like Blue Lagoon,” he says. “But it would have been hard for me to identify great local food spots, or natural springs that aren’t in the guide books.”

So he signed up for the service and received a local “Hero” in Iceland.

“Uncommon Flavors of Europe” Campaign Will Promote Three Delicously Italian Ingredients for Three Years

Under the “Enjoy, it’s from Europe” program adopted by the European Union, a new campaign titled “Uncommon Flavors of Europe” will bring the attention of consumers to three products from Italy for the next three years through grocery store promotions in the U.S. and Canada: Asiago PDO cheese, Speck Alto Adige PGI ham and Pecorino Romano PDO cheese.

The Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World: Mastercard Index

According the latest edition of the annual Mastercard Destination Cities Index, Bangkok, Thailand received 19.41 million international overnight visitors in 2016 — a figure that’s expected to grow another 4 percent this year to 20.19 million.

Photo by Deb Roskamp

Rounding out the top three spots is London, which is forecast to receive 20.01 million international overnight visitors by the end of 2017, and Paris, which trails at an estimated 16.13 million.

Sports Tours International Invites Amateur Cyclists to L’Étape du Tour 2018

Sports Tours International, the UK-based provider of vacations built around nail-biting, world-class cycling and running competitions, is taking reservations now for amateur cyclists who want to participate in L’Étape du Tour 2018, an opportunity to tackle a mountain stage of the 2018 Tour de France.

L’Étape du Tour 2018 is scheduled for Sunday, July 8, 2018, in Annecy, France. The finish is at Le Grand-Bornand, a resort in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This finish was used in the 2009 Tour de France on Stage 17 when Alberto Contador famously went against team orders and left Lance Armstrong on both the Col du Romme and the Col de la Colombière.

Riders experience highs and lows while traversing a distance of 169km and climbing to heights of up to 4,000km, just like the pros when the 2018 Tour de France begins on July 7 and runs through July 29. For example, the Col de la Colombière will be the final climb for Stage 10 (Annecy to Le Grand Bornand, 159km) on July 17.

Non-Traditional Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Roast turkey feasts, food comas, and football marathons are all perfectly fine Thanksgiving traditions. But if you’re looking to shake things up this year, check out these alternative ideas for T-Day.

All-Inclusive Pricing or Hotel

We’ve all been bushwhacked by hidden hotel fees. The one that always gets me is paying a ‘resort feel’ to use an oceanfront properties’ swimming pool, towels, beach chair, etc – the very reason that I selected that property.

Here’s an intriguing blog by Mark Kahler, which addresses that issue.

United Details How New Overbooking Compensation System Works

Courtesy Lewis Lazare

United Airlines launched a new voluntary overbooking compensation system Tuesday that will notify passengers upon checking in if they may be on a flight with potential overbooking problems. The notification will give passengers several compensation options, and if the gate agent chooses to rebook one or more passengers, travel vouchers will be issued.

How to Rack Up Airline Miles (Without Actually Flying)

You don’t have to book a flight or hotel reservation to earn points with these programs.

Courtesy Danielle Brown

When it comes to loyalty, we all know the typical ways to earn rewards – book a flight, open a rewards credit card, make a hotel reservation, enroll in a dining plan, rent a car. And chances are you’re earning points and miles this way already! While these methods tend to be top of mind, not many people know that there are actually a variety of ways to accrue valuable loyalty points.

Ready For A Nap?

Weary travelers can rent sleeping pods and shower time in the Nine Hours hotel at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport
Courtesy Chris Weller – Business Insider

There aren’t many frills at the Nine Hours hotel, but when you’re only staying for a nap or a layover between flights, soft sheets and a dark space are pretty much all you need. Nine Hours is a Japanese chain of pod hotels started in 2009, with each chain designed to accommodate people for between one and nine hours depending on their needs. For $44, guests gain access to a private pod, sleepwear, and access to the bathrooms and lounge. Or for $7 you can just take a shower.

Never Collect Inanimate Objects, Because They Collect You

I was forty years old when I read this statement many years ago, and it struck me like a thunderbolt. I got it! Over the next couple of weeks, I had begun going through the things I had been accumulating since I was married.

Canada Will Have the World’s Longest Trail Network in 2017

The Great Trail, also referred to as the Trans Canada Trail, is a 14,864-mile network of paths set to be completely connected by 2017, to coincide with the country’s 150th birthday.

The trail passes through Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Photo by Laval Poulin/Trans Canada Trail

Operation Homefront

A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.

Worldwide Vacation Rankings

U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type.

7 Frequent-Flyer Tricks Worth Learning

Master the art of earning miles, attaining elite status, and working the system to earn free flights and other perks.

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

Milan Tour: Highlights and Hidden Gems with Francesca

I just returned from a spectacular vacation to vibrant Milan. Thanks to With Locals’ guide, Francesca Giorgetti, I was introduced to a Milan that I never even knew existed. Francesca personalized my family’s walking tour to our interests, which covered historical sites, unique architecture, daily life in Milan and secret insights in which we would have never known on our own. Francesca is a walking encyclopedia on all things Milan. If you have an obscure question not generally asked, she would jump on her iPhone and have your answer in a matter of seconds. A true high point, was Francesca organizing a tour of the La Scala Museum, which included her edifying oral history of La Scala, seeing intricate outfits, musical instruments, various stage props and an actual viewing of a rehearsal at La Scala from a balcony setting. We later learned that she was actually at the museum the day before, in preparation of our tour. Milan was great, but it became a multi-dimensional city experience thanks to Francesca’s expertise.

More information about tours With Locals

Hands down, this Canadian gem is our pick for the most hilarious, madcap travel show on the cybersphere.

In this zany episode, the Travel Guys take on Las Vegas.

WATCH Travel Guys Take on Las Vegas

The NAACP Warns that “travelers — especially African Americans … could [be] subject [to] disrespectful, discriminatory, or unsafe conditions.”

Courtesy Tim Winship

One Day is There of the Series

By Emily Dickinson

One Day is there of the Series
Termed Thanksgiving Day.
Celebrated part at Table
Part in Memory.

Neither Patriarch nor Pussy
I dissect the Play
Seems it to my Hooded thinking
Reflex Holiday.

Had there been no sharp Subtraction
From the early Sum —
Not an Acre or a Caption
Where was once a Room —

Not a Mention, whose small Pebble
Wrinkled any Sea,
Unto Such, were such Assembly
‘Twere Thanksgiving Day.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

Courtesy Shannon McMahon

Photo courtesy of Trtl

Some of the best neck pillows are also the most packable. Skip clunky, over-engineered travel pillows with these simple-yet-effective options.

Courtesy Shannon McMahon

This Is the New ‘Best Airline’ According to Savvy Travelers

Every year, Conde Nast Traveler gets a lot of mileage out of its Readers’ Choice Awards, with feedback from over 300,000 travelers.

According to the travel-savvy group that comprises Conde Nast’s survey base, the world’s 20 best are as follows:

1. Air New Zealand
2. Qatar Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Emirates
5. Swiss
6. Virgin Australia
7. Virgin Atlantic
8. Asiana
9. Aegean
10. Cathay Pacific
11. Korean Air
12. Qantas
13. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
14. Finnair
15. Turkish Airlines
16. Etihad
17. Japan Airlines
18. EVA Air
19. Lufthansa
20. KLM

And in the Best U.S. Airline category, readers voted as follows:

1. Virgin America
2. JetBlue
3. Alaska Airlines
4. Hawaiian Airlines
5. Sun Country

The 10 Best Airports in the World

Skytrax has released its latest World Airport Awards based on what it calls the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. Nearly 14 million airport survey questionnaires were completed by 105 different nationalities of airline customers between July 2016 and February 2017. It covering 550 airports worldwide and evaluated travelers’ experiences via performance indicators including check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration. The awards were handed out by Skytrax at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

See the top 10 airport winners

“Shoot for the Stars” Winners Announced by Global Connections

Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) has selected exceptional photos from nearly 1000 entries in its 12^th Annual “Shoot for the Stars” Contest.

First, second and third prizes were awarded in each of the three categories: Wild and Fun, Family & Friends, and Landscape. In total, prizes were valued at more than $3,000 overall.

“Another year, another amazing collection of photos from GDV members,” said Melanie Gring, GCI’s VP/Strategic Alliances. “Our members shared their memories from worldwide travels and it was a tough decision to limit our winners to only nine images.”

“It really is exciting to see all the places and activities our members experienced on their vacation,” she continued. “We’re particularly fortunate these photos are so great because we use them in member collateral materials, on the website, and in testimonials.”

See the winners in each category

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-earned break after organizing a protest at an alt–right Neo-Nazi rally in North Florida.

Dog Quotations

10 Free Scenic Drives for Budget Travel

Courtesy Mark Kahler, TravelSavvy

Free scenic drives provide some of the best budget travel values available. A breathtaking variety of vistas and views can highlight your stay in a new destination.

100 Trips Everyone Should Take in Their Lifetime

Business Insider UK asked 20 top travel bloggers and writers/editors from the likes of Lonely Planet, Suitcase, and Airbnb for the top five destinations they’ve ever visited – or the ones that are at the top of their bucket list.

Based on their advice, here’s a list of must-see places across the globe that everyone should visit in their lifetime.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

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

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

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.

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

The post Catch Up With the Latest Traveling Boy News appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Catch-up with the Latest Traveling Boy News

Ed Boitano — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 13:25:45 +0000

How to Rack Up Airline Miles (Without Actually Flying)

You don’t have to book a flight or hotel reservation to earn points with these programs.

Courtesy Danielle Brown

Scott Pruitt Is ‘Hell-Bent’ on Dismantling EPA Rules

By Robert Redford

Photo: Jim from Stevens Point, WI, USA, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

JetBlue Adds Seats, Reduces Legroom

Airfares are low, but a checked bag will now cost you up to $95 each way.

Anne Wiazemsky, French Actor, Novelist and Muse to Jean-Luc Godard, Dies Aged 70

She was French culture royalty, as granddaughter of novelist François Mauriac and the lead in Bresson’s Au hasard Balthazar (1966). Later an acclaimed novelist on her own.

Anne Wiazemsky, who has died after a battle with cancer. Photo courtesy of Gawain78 at the Italian Wikipedia project, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The 8 Best Lightweight Items Luggage to Buy in 2017

Making schlepping heavy luggage through the airport a thing of the past.

All-Inclusive Pricing or Hotel

Here’s an intriguing blog by Mark Kahler, which addresses that issue.

Unique art galleries offer something for everyone.

Sedona’s beauty has inspired and drawn in artists from all over the world making it a popular destination for art collectors. The galleries in Sedona offer a diverse selection that appeals to art enthusiasts of all types. Whether you’re a collector of modern art, Native American pieces, or bronzes, Sedona’s bustling art scene has it all.

United Details How New Overbooking Compensation System Works

Courtesy Lewis Lazare

Your Guide to Experiencing Oktoberfest and Its Historical Roots, One Stein at a Time

Oktoberfest is celebrated around the world, but only in Germany can you return to the original source of the world’s largest Volkfest. You’ve travelled for the live music, traditional costumes, parades and sheer joy of festival revelers. But after the Oktoberfest festival running from September 16 – October 3, it is possible to trace the festival’s historical roots while exploring Munich, and a side-trip to majestic Berchtesgaden, where the festival is very much an important part of Bavarian culture and heritage.

Here’s an alternative guide on how to do that

TIME CAPSULE CINEMA

Five Easy Pieces

By Walt Mundkowsky

Directed by: Bob Rafelson
Writers: Carole Eastman (screenplay, as Adrien Joyce), Bob Rafelson (story), Carole Eastman (story, as Adrien Joyce)
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Susan Anspach, Lois Smith, Billy Green Bush,Ralph Waite, Sally Struthers, John Ryan
Cinematography by: László Kovács

Ready For A Nap?

Weary travelers can rent sleeping pods and shower time in the Nine Hours hotel at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport
Courtesy Chris Weller – Business Insider

Happy Autumn from the Staff at TravelingBoy

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

Never Collect Inanimate Objects, Because They Collect You

7 Frequent-Flyer Tricks Worth Learning

Master the art of earning miles, attaining elite status, and working the system to earn free flights and other perks.

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

10 Free Scenic Drives for Budget Travel

Courtesy Mark Kahler, TravelSavvy

Free scenic drives provide some of the best budget travel values available. A breathtaking variety of vistas and views can highlight your stay in a new destination.

Canada Will Have the World’s Longest Trail Network in 2017

The Great Trail, also referred to as the Trans Canada Trail, is a 14,864-mile network of paths set to be completely connected by 2017, to coincide with the country’s 150th birthday.

The trail passes through Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Photo by Laval Poulin/Trans Canada Trail

Nobel Says to Korea Nuke Players: We Are Watching!

They couldn’t award it to Kim Jong Un or Donald Trump; that much was certain.

But the granting of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons opened itself to a clear interpretation across Asia: When it comes to the nuclear-saturated war of words on the Korean Peninsula, attention must be paid and treaties must be signed. And it must be done in a preventative way, at top speed, before something happens that can’t be undone.

The Bigger Get Bigger While Smaller Airports Suffer Greater Loss

Airports Council International (ACI) has released the latest edition of the World Airport Traffic Report. ACI’s flagship publication, representing over 2,400 airports in 175 countries worldwide, reveals that the world’s mega-hubs achieved passenger traffic growth of 5.5% year over year in 2016.

Hallowe’en

By Robert Burns, 1759 – 1796

Upon that night, when fairies light
On Cassilis Downans dance,
Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze,
On sprightly coursers prance;
Or for Colean the route is ta’en,
Beneath the moon’s pale beams;
There, up the cove, to stray and rove,
Among the rocks and streams
To sport that night.

Among the bonny winding banks,
Where Doon rins, wimplin’ clear,
Where Bruce ance ruled the martial ranks,
And shook his Carrick spear,
Some merry, friendly, country-folks,
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, and pou their stocks,
And haud their Halloween
Fu’ blithe that night.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

100 Trips Everyone Should Take in Their Lifetime

Based on their advice, here’s a list of must-see places across the globe that everyone should visit in their lifetime.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-earned break after organizing a protest at an alt–right Neo-Nazi rally in Idaho.

Dog Quotations

The Most Affordable Countries to Visit in 2017

In the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, countries were given scores on 14 sets of criteria. These are not your typical tourist destinations, which can add to their price competitiveness.

Money-Saving Tips all Travelers Should Try

As part of USA TODAY’s new travel research portal Embark, an expert panel of travel bloggers has been assembled to share their best advice to help you travel smarter, safer and more economically.

What Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line

Roll through security like a pro by avoiding the following attire
Courtesy: Smarter Travel

The best way to ease through airport security is to dress for success. Certain garments and accessories could get you flagged for extra screening, slowing down your progression through the airport. Want to roll through the security line like a pro? Avoid wearing the following attire:

10 Urban Legends About Flying That Aren’t True

Courtesy Caroline Morse, SmarterTravel

From terrifying tales about airplane bathrooms to mid-flight door-opening fears, there are a lot of myths about air travel flying around out there. Here are 10 urban legends that just aren’t true.

Carry-on Luggage Tips for a Stress Free Security Check-in at the Airport

Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

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.

Operation Homefront

Worldwide Vacation Rankings

U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type.

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

The post Catch-up with the Latest Traveling Boy News appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Catch-up with the Latest Traveling Boy News

Ed Boitano — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:29:10 +0000

Richard Bang’s Quests

Like passing through a pool of light, it is a traveler’s thrill to delve and I’m thrilled to announce two huge upcoming adventures.

First, in partnership with the ever-inquisitive Atlas Obscura and MTSobek, I’ll be leading an unexampled trip through the Sultanate of Oman next year (see the itinerary below). We’ll explore, by camels, dhows, and feet, the souqs, sandscapes, palaces, and mosques of a welcoming Arabaian country that retains its ancient culture and otherworldly beauty. Next, for those with a higher sense of adventure, we’ve got the peak-perfect expedition lined up for you this year. Explore the rooftop of the world by helicopter in what is, without a doubt, the ultimate way to experience the Himalayas.

Photo courtesy of Andries Oudshoorn, Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Your Guide to Experiencing Oktoberfest and Its Historical Roots, One Stein at a Time

Here’s an alternative guide on how to do that

TIME CAPSULE CINEMA

Five Easy Pieces

By Walt Mundkowsky

Ready For A Nap?

Weary travelers can rent sleeping pods and shower time in the Nine Hours hotel at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport
Courtesy Chris Weller – Business Insider

The Shortest Path to Real-Life Conversations

Which language would you like to learn? Try it out for free!

John Heard – RIP

Actor John Heard (1946–2017) passed away on July 21, 2017. He was 72-years-old. Though much has been made of him as a ‘character actor’ in trifles like Home Alone and Big, there are many who have been enamored by him for his earlier leading roles. In particular, his acting in Ivan Passer’s Cutter’s Way is regarded as a true Shakespearian performance. In the film Heard plays a cynical, hard drinking, conspiracy driven Vietnam War veteran who lost an arm, leg and one-eye on the battlefield. Romantic roles included Joan Micklin Silver’s Head Over Heels (aka Chilly Scenes of Winter) and Paul Schrader’s remake of Cat People. Between The Lines (JM Silver again), Trip to Bountiful, Martin Scorsese’s After Hours and his portrayal of Jack Kerouac in Heartbeat were also among critic’s favorites.

Visit this page for more details

Heard considered Cutter’s Way his finest performance.

Heard & Lisa Eichhorn in Cutter’s Way.

Clear Your Schedules: Events Throughout Buenos Aires Fill Up The 2017 Calendar

South America’s Capital of Cool Abounds with Festivals Throughout the Year

Buenos Aires, a city renowned for its vivacity, cuisine, passionate people and unique culture gets even more thrilling and interesting in 2017, with a top-notch lineup of festivals and events. Travelers visiting Buenos Aires this year will have many things to see and do including agricultural festivals, tango competitions, design and fashion events, and gay parades. Festivals are also a great way to meet the Porteño locals, who are known for their warmth and welcoming attitude.

Upcoming events in the City of Many Passions during the second half of the year, include:

Happy Summer Months from the staff at TravelingBoy

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

John Lennon’s Typewriter

SFO’s mini art exhibit has a gem right now in current exhibition.

Hands down, this Canadian gem is our pick for the most hilarious, madcap travel show on the cybersphere.

In this zany episode, the Travel Guys take on a Mediterranean Cruise.

How to Resolve Fights over Reclining Airplane Seats

An investigation into the economics of reclining
Courtesy of Christopher Buccafusco & Christopher Jon Sprigman, Evonomics

Not since the Battle of the Somme has such little space been the subject of such intense conflict.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Man Tried to Bite Flight Attendant, Jumped From Plane

The man then made his way to the galley, pried open the door and jumped. He appeared in federal court Friday on a charge of assaulting/intimidating a flight crew member.

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

You Can’t Get Fired

I have been cleaning house since I was very young. My mother was a good housekeeper and I guess it’s true that, “Apples don’t fall very far from the tree.”

A Whole Lot of Ships

I was thinking about importance of friendships, kinship and companionships are to me, and all of these other words that contain ships just popped into my mind.

How to Donate to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims in Texas

The rain may have finally stopped in Houston, but relief efforts are just getting started as devastating flooding has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes.

Italy Installs Barriers at Landmarks

Concrete barriers have been installed at famous landmarks across Italy following the terror attack in Barcelona last Thursday.

Major tourist sites in Milan, Rome, Bologna and Turin are all stepping up security in pedestrianised areas. Although Italy has not suffered any attacks on its territory there have been repeated warnings by Isis that the country is on its hit list.

100 Trips Everyone Should Take in Their Lifetime

Based on their advice, here’s a list of must-see places across the globe that everyone should visit in their lifetime.

The World’s 50 Best Bar Awards

The drinks industry’s most anticipated night of the year, The World’s 50 Best Bars awards, will take place on Thursday, 5th October, 2017. Now in its ninth year, The World’s 50 Best Bars provides an annual ranking of bars as voted for by over 500 industry experts from across the globe. The list represents the ultimate international guide to the world’s top bars and drinking destinations. This year’s awards event will take place at a brand new location: the historic Southwark Cathedral in London, UK.

Vacationers Get Rock-Bottom Prices on Cruises With This Industry Secret

There’s nothing like getting away from it all on a cruise. You aren’t just going out of town… you’re going out to sea and away from work and stress and even housework. Just sailing the sea and enjoying the breeze – it’s the ultimate vacation. And now, it’s easier to get a great deal on cruises thanks to less demand but plenty of supply.

JetBlue Leads in Legroom for Coach Flyers

JetBlue leads the industry when it comes to legroom for passengers in coach, writes Avi Salzman. The airline has also committed to a policy of not overbooking flights.

How to See San Francisco Without Spending a Fortune

It’s important to visit San Francisco on a budget. As with most tourist meccas, San Francisco offers plenty of easy ways to pay big money for things that won’t really enhance your experience. Consider some budget travel planning tips.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-earned break after organizing a protest at an alt–right Neo-Nazi rally in Idaho.

Dog Quotations

For All

By Gary Snyder

Ah to be alive
on a mid-September morn
fording a stream
barefoot, pants rolled up,
holding boots, pack on,
sunshine, ice in the shallows,
northern rockies.

Rustle and shimmer of icy creek waters
stones turn underfoot, small and hard as toes
cold nose dripping
singing inside
creek music, heart music,
smell of sun on gravel.

I pledge allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the soil
of Turtle Island,
and to the beings who thereon dwell
one ecosystem
in diversity
under the sun
With joyful interpenetration for all.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

The Rich and Famous Get Their Own Terminal at LAX

Courtesy Tim Winship, SmarterTravel

Los Angeles airport has a new terminal where wealthy travelers can enjoy private suites and chauffeured BMW rides across the tarmac to their gates.

The Most Affordable Countries to Visit in 2017

Money-Saving Tips all Travelers Should Try

As part of USA TODAY’s new travel research portal Embark, an expert panel of travel bloggers has been assembled to share their best advice to help you travel smarter, safer and more economically.

Solving the Puzzle: When the First Humans Arrived in the Americas

A Newcastle University expert is leading a new study which aims to resolve a longstanding debate about how and when people first came to the Americas.

Courtesy Phys.org

What Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line

Roll through security like a pro by avoiding the following attire
Courtesy: Smarter Travel

Airplane-Provided Water, Ice, Coffee, or Tea

It’s important to stay hydrated while flying, but you’re better off BYOW (Bringing Your Own Water) rather than grabbing a free drink from the beverage cart.

Tests done by the EPA a few years ago showed that one out of every seven planes had tank water that did not meet federal standards, and in fact contained bacteria like E. coli. Although beverage carts might give you “bottled” water from a large bottle, that bottle could have been refilled using the tank water. Coffee and tea are often made from the same tank water, which is usually not heated enough to kill germs. Ice is also sometimes made on board, so it’s best to pass on that as well.

10 Urban Legends About Flying That Aren’t True

Courtesy Caroline Morse, SmarterTravel

From terrifying tales about airplane bathrooms to mid-flight door-opening fears, there are a lot of myths about air travel flying around out there. Here are 10 urban legends that just aren’t true.

Carry-on Luggage Tips for a Stress Free Security Check-in at the Airport

Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

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.

Operation Homefront

Worldwide Vacation Rankings

U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type.

7 Frequent-Flyer Tricks Worth Learning

Master the art of earning miles, attaining elite status, and working the system to earn free flights and other perks.

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

The post Catch-up with the Latest Traveling Boy News appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Catch-up with the Latest Traveling Boy News

Ed Boitano — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 06:05:45 +0000

BEATLE BEAT TRIVIA HODGEPODGE

A T-Boy staffer was listening the other morning to “Breakfast with the Beatles,” and DJ Chris Carter (more than a serious Beatle-ologist) said years ago a friend posed this question to him: “If you encountered a visitor from another world and could play only ONE Beatles song that would explain their overall greatness, what would that song be?” Carter said his friend “then shoved a note into my pocket and said, ‘I already know what your answer will be and I wrote it down on that piece of paper.’” Carter continued, “Well, the pressure was on… so I went through all the mental deductions like, can’t use anything off Sgt. Pepper for example because those songs would only be representative of their psychedelic era…etc.” Anyway, he came up with a song and it was indeed what his friend had written down on the note.

I was initially floored by his answer, but it made perfect sense and was the best choice the more I thought about it. (I likely would not have arrived at this on my own).

THE ANSWER

Ready For A Nap?

Weary travelers can rent sleeping pods and shower time in the Nine Hours hotel at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport
Courtesy Chris Weller – Business Insider

The Shortest Path to Real-Life Conversations

Which language would you like to learn? Try it out for free!

John Heard – RIP

Visit this page for more details

Heard considered Cutter’s Way his finest performance.

Heard & Lisa Eichhorn in Cutter’s Way.

Clear Your Schedules: Events Throughout Buenos Aires Fill Up The 2017 Calendar

South America’s Capital of Cool Abounds with Festivals Throughout the Year

Upcoming events in the City of Many Passions during the second half of the year, include:

Happy Summer Months from the staff at TravelingBoy

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

Star Wars Resort Coming to Disney World

Disney World vacationers will one day have the opportunity for an all-encompassing Star Wars experience, from hotel to theme park.

Every Star Wars fan knows the park attraction is coming in 2019 (the 14-acre land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando now has an official name, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). A Florida resort is coming, too, and Disney touts it as a “one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.”

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks

John Lennon’s Typewriter

SFO’s mini art exhibit has a gem right now in current exhibition.

The Battle of Algiers – A Look Back

By Walt Mundkowsky

Directed by: Gillo Pontecorvo
Writing Credits: Franco Solinas and Gillo Pontecorvo
Music by: Ennio Morricone and Gillo Pontecorvo
Cinematography by: Marcello Gatti
Cast: Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi

Hands down, this Canadian gem is our pick for the most hilarious, madcap travel show on the cybersphere.

In this zany episode, the Travel Guys take on a Mediterranean Cruise.

How to Resolve Fights over Reclining Airplane Seats

An investigation into the economics of reclining
Courtesy of Christopher Buccafusco & Christopher Jon Sprigman, Evonomics

Not since the Battle of the Somme has such little space been the subject of such intense conflict.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Man Tried to Bite Flight Attendant, Jumped From Plane

The man then made his way to the galley, pried open the door and jumped. He appeared in federal court Friday on a charge of assaulting/intimidating a flight crew member.

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

We Are All Terminal – We Just Don’t Know Our Expiration Date

Addressing the elephant in the room about your own death is something most couples avoid doing together and it is a big mistake.

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

New Luxury Hotel Orania.Berlin to Open in Berlin’s Edgy Kreuzberg District

A Schloss Elmau sister property, the Orania.Berlin will be the first high-end hotel in the diverse and authentic district.

Los Angeles / Berlin – For 28 years, Berlin’s Kreuzberg district was in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, home to squatters, draft dodgers, anarchists, free thinkers and the largest Turkish community outside of Turkey. Graffiti strewn, edgy Kreuzberg is the cultural heart of the city – but also the antonym of luxury. Yet, the team behind the famous Bavarian Schloss Elmau spa hotel chose Kreuzberg’s Oranienplatz square for their new hotel, the Orania.Berlin. The 41- room luxury hotel will be opening in a many-times-repurposed historic building from the early 20th century and feature subtle but rather luxuriously furnished rooms, minimalist design, and wood floors throughout. Soft opening is scheduled for August 21, 2017.

Los Angeles Times Expeditions

The Los Angeles Times has introduced a series of travel packages that include a movie backlot tour with film critic Kenneth Turan, an exploration of World War II-era art theft in Vienna with staff writer Deborah Vankin and a swing through New Orleans Jazz Fest with music journalist Randy Lewis. Los Angeles Times Expeditions, a series of custom small-group tours, are open for booking now with the first trips departing in 2018.

“Los Angeles Times journalists have a wealth of experience, traveling the world and telling some of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Times Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Davan Maharaj. “This travel program is another way for us to spread our journalism, connect with readers and share a deeper understanding of the world around us.”

The tour packages were developed in collaboration with Academic Travel Abroad Inc., combining The Times’ expertise in its hometown, world affairs, food, the arts and photography with ATA’s decades of experience in the planning and logistics of education-oriented travel.

Each itinerary is designed to give travelers rare opportunities to experience some of the most interesting subjects that The Times covers accompanied by journalists and experts who can share first-hand knowledge, insider tips and behind-the-scenes access. Destinations include Southern California guided by a host of Times writers and editors including Christopher Reynolds, Yosemite with photographer Mark Boster, Oaxaca with author Lesley Téllez, Cuba with features writer Alice Short, Tuscany with restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, Milan with fashion editor Marques Harper, Johannesburg with managing editor Scott Kraft and Dubai with architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne. More than a dozen different trips are planned with the first expedition setting off next February.

For more information about the tour packages, itineraries and travel dates, visit latexpeditions.com.

The 2017 Global Peace Index finds that the world became more peaceful in the last year, however, over the last decade it has become significantly less peaceful.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-earned break after organizing a protest at a Mississippi puppy mill.

Dog Quotations

To a Mouse

By Robert Burns

Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi’ bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,
Wi’ murd’ring pattle!

I’m truly sorry man’s dominion,
Has broken nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An’ fellow-mortal!

I doubt na, whiles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen icker in a thrave
‘S a sma’ request;
I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
An’ never miss’t!

Thy wee bit housie, too, in ruin!
It’s silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!
An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s winds ensuin,
Baith snell an’ keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell-
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro’ thy cell.

Thy wee bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble,
Has cost thee mony a weary nibble!
Now thou’s turn’d out, for a’ thy trouble,
But house or hald,
To thole the winter’s sleety dribble,
An’ cranreuch cauld!

But, Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

Still thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me
The present only toucheth thee:
But, Och! I backward cast my e’e.
On prospects drear!
An’ forward, tho’ I canna see,
I guess an’ fear!

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

The Rich and Famous Get Their Own Terminal at LAX

Courtesy Tim Winship, SmarterTravel

Los Angeles airport has a new terminal where wealthy travelers can enjoy private suites and chauffeured BMW rides across the tarmac to their gates.

The Most Affordable Countries to Visit in 2017

Money-Saving Tips all Travelers Should Try

As part of USA TODAY’s new travel research portal Embark, an expert panel of travel bloggers has been assembled to share their best advice to help you travel smarter, safer and more economically.

Solving the Puzzle: When the First Humans Arrived in the Americas

A Newcastle University expert is leading a new study which aims to resolve a longstanding debate about how and when people first came to the Americas.

Courtesy Phys.org

What Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line

Roll through security like a pro by avoiding the following attire
Courtesy: Smarter Travel

Airplane-Provided Water, Ice, Coffee, or Tea

It’s important to stay hydrated while flying, but you’re better off BYOW (Bringing Your Own Water) rather than grabbing a free drink from the beverage cart.

10 Urban Legends About Flying That Aren’t True

Courtesy Caroline Morse, SmarterTravel

From terrifying tales about airplane bathrooms to mid-flight door-opening fears, there are a lot of myths about air travel flying around out there. Here are 10 urban legends that just aren’t true.

Carry-on Luggage Tips for a Stress Free Security Check-in at the Airport

How Does the U.S.’s Amtrak Compare to China’s Bullet Trains?

China’s high speed railway is the most heavily used in the world, with 1.44 billion passengers every year. Amtrak in 2016 hit a new record with around 31.3 million passengers. So, how do they compare?

**8 Ways to Live Hygge While Traveling**

Even if you don’t know the word, you know hygge when you feel it
Courtesy Ashley Rossi, SmarterTravel

After all it’s a feeling of comfort and coziness, like a good conversation by the fire, a cup of steaming coffee in a warm cafe on a cold day, or a blissful moment of contentedness that holds you like a hug. And while travel is typically the opposite of hygge, there are plenty of ways you can bring the concept to your travels. Whether it’s the destination you pick or a hotel’s design, here are eight ways you can be a hygge-happy traveler. While you’re at it, check out T-Boy’s A 24 Hour Quest for Hygge.

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.

Operation Homefront

Worldwide Vacation Rankings

U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type.

7 Frequent-Flyer Tricks Worth Learning

Master the art of earning miles, attaining elite status, and working the system to earn free flights and other perks.

MORE

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

Beatle Beat Trivia Hodgepodge Answer

The one they picked was “We Can Work It Out,” which I thought was brilliant in hindsight. It captures both the “sunniness” of the early Beatles and the introspection of the middle and later periods. The harpsichord gives a nod to the musical experimentation that was to come… but perhaps most importantly, it was a classic Lennon/Macca collaboration with Lennon writing the middle 8 (“life is very short …”). It also features the trademark John and Paul harmonies on the chorus. In some respects, “We Can Work It Out” is a transitional song which reflects the overall greatness of the Beatles’ sound, and who they were, in one stunning song.

The post Catch-up with the Latest Traveling Boy News appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Travel News and Eclectic Stuff

Ed Boitano — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:13:23 +0000

Frommer’s Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Vacation Giveaway

Was it really 60-years ago when Arthur Frommer published the iconic “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day?” To mark the milestone anniversary, Frommer is partnering with HomeAway, offering free vacations to six military families.

Arthur Frommer was stationed in the Army in Germany when he wrote his first travel guide. (Photo: Frommer’s)

TIME CAPSULE CINEMA

Director: James Foley
Writers: David Mamet (play), David Mamet (screenplay)
Cast: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce

Good Mean Fun

A Look Back at Glengarry Glen Ross
By Walt Mundkowsky

Hands down, this Canadian gem is our pick for the most hilarious, madcap travel show on the cybersphere.

In this zany episode, the Travel Guys take on London.

How to Resolve Fights over Reclining Airplane Seats

An investigation into the economics of reclining
Courtesy of Christopher Buccafusco & Christopher Jon Sprigman, Evonomics

Not since the Battle of the Somme has such little space been the subject of such intense conflict.

BEATLE BEAT TRIVIA HODGEPODGE

Photo courtesy of Iberia Airlines, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

What was the name of Ringo’s band before joining the Beatles?
How many films did John Lennon appear which were directed by Richard Lester?
George wrote Something about what woman?
Who is the tallest Beatle?

The answers are revealed at the end of this article.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Man Tried to Bite Flight Attendant, Jumped From Plane

The man then made his way to the galley, pried open the door and jumped. He appeared in federal court Friday on a charge of assaulting/intimidating a flight crew member.

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

We Are All Terminal – We Just Don’t Know Our Expiration Date

Addressing the elephant in the room about your own death is something most couples avoid doing together and it is a big mistake.

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

Operation Homefront

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.

Worldwide Vacation Rankings

U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type.

7 Frequent-Flyer Tricks Worth Learning

Master the art of earning miles, attaining elite status, and working the system to earn free flights and other perks.

Happy JUNE from the staff at TravelingBoy

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

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-earned break after organizing a protest at a Mississippi puppy mill.

Dog Quotations

To a Mouse
A Red Red Rose

Courtesy Tim Winship, SmarterTravel

O, my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June.
O, my Luve’s like a melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

As fair as thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
I will love thess till, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run:

And fare thee well, my only luve!
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho’ it ware ten thousand mile.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

The Rich and Famous Get Their Own Terminal at LAX

Courtesy Tim Winship, SmarterTravel

Los Angeles airport has a new terminal where wealthy travelers can enjoy private suites and chauffeured BMW rides across the tarmac to their gates.

The Most Affordable Countries to Visit in 2017

Money-Saving Tips all Travelers Should Try

As part of USA TODAY’s new travel research portal Embark, an expert panel of travel bloggers has been assembled to share their best advice to help you travel smarter, safer and more economically.

Solving the Puzzle: When the First Humans Arrived in the Americas

A Newcastle University expert is leading a new study which aims to resolve a longstanding debate about how and when people first came to the Americas.

Courtesy Phys.org

The ‘Coffin Homes’ of Hong Kong

Courtesy Alan Taylor, The Atlantic

What Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line

Roll through security like a pro by avoiding the following attire
Courtesy: Smarter Travel

Airplane-Provided Water, Ice, Coffee, or Tea

It’s important to stay hydrated while flying, but you’re better off BYOW (Bringing Your Own Water) rather than grabbing a free drink from the beverage cart.

10 Urban Legends About Flying That Aren’t True

Courtesy Caroline Morse, SmarterTravel

From terrifying tales about airplane bathrooms to mid-flight door-opening fears, there are a lot of myths about air travel flying around out there. Here are 10 urban legends that just aren’t true.

Carry-on Luggage Tips for a Stress Free Security Check-in at the Airport

How Does the U.S.’s Amtrak Compare to China’s Bullet Trains?

**8 Ways to Live Hygge While Traveling**

Even if you don’t know the word, you know hygge when you feel it
Courtesy Ashley Rossi, SmarterTravel

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

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

Beatle Beat Trivia Hodgepodge Answers

Ringo with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes

1. What was the name of Ringo’s band before joining the Beatles?
A: Rory Storm & the Hurricanes

2. How many films did John Lennon appear that were directed by Richard Lester?
A: Three: “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Help!” and “How I Won the War.”

Pattie & George

3. George wrote Something about what woman?
A: Harrison’s first wife, Pattie Boyd. Also the inspiration for Clapton’s “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight.” She later became Clapton’s wife.

4. Who is the tallest Beatle?
A: Official Beatle stats indicate John, Paul & George were all listed at 5’ 11.5”. I’ve been informed by a number of sources, though, that John was really shorter. Hard to tell with those Cuban-healed Beatle Boots.

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Yeti, Anthony Bourdain, Dubai Pirates

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

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

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Hitchhiker

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Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

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Cruise Line Showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean for Families

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Costa Expands Food Donation Program with Costa Fortuna

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Burping Is Good Manners & 25 Other Global Etiquette Surprises

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Top Rated North Carolina Gas Station Restaurant

This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station

Cultural Mistakes to Avoid Traveling Abroad

Tipping, touching, and pointing can get travelers in trouble very quickly

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Rail Passes

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Tickets

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