trains Archives - Traveling Archive

A Merry-Go-Round and a Miniature Train Ride at Griffith Park

Greg Aragon — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 20:21:00 +0000

Story and photos by Greg Aragon

I’ve been going to Griffith Park in Los Angeles my whole life. From its world famous Zoo and Observatory, to hiking trails, parks and picnic areas, and the legendary Greek Theater, the place is a wonderland of outdoor activities. The family and I recently visited Griffith Park to experience a couple more of its attractions: the historic Merry-Go-Round and the miniature train ride.

The historic merry-go-round at Griffith Park has been a local treasure since 1937

Our getaway began when we exited the 5 Freeway near Glendale and entered the 4,200-acre park. Once inside we meandered through winding, hilly roads looking for our destination. A couple miles in, we found our parking lot and followed the sounds of old waltz music to the captivating carousel, spinning beneath a large blue and white roof reminiscent of an old circus tent.

Built in 1926 by the Spillman Engineering Company and brought to Griffith Park in 1937, the merry-go-round boasts 68 horses. Each horse is finely carved with jewel-encrusted bridles, detailed draped blankets and decorated with sunflowers and lion heads. A Stinson 165 Military Band Organ, reputed to be the largest band organ accompanying a carousel on the West Coast, plays over 1500 selections of marches and waltz music.

Kids love riding on the big wooden horses.

The roughly 4-minute merry-go-round ride is a fun and memorable ride back in time to the days before modern theme parks and roller coasters. Rumor has it that the carousel gave Walt Disney inspiration to create Disneyland, after frequenting it with his kids in the early 1950s.

To ride, we bought a couple of $2 tickets at the old ticket booth and then stepped onto the historic platform to search for a horse to saddle-up. We quickly found one – a beautiful brown, wooden stallion, with intricate carvings and blue, yellow and red jewels inlaid. Like all 68 of the spinning horses, ours bobbed up and down while the carousel spun around and blasted carnival music.

The merry-go-round inspired the creation of Disneyland.

Besides the horses, the merry-go-round also offers bench seats for people who want to sit and watch their kids ride. But for smaller kids it is better for parents to stand next to them and help them hold on because the ride does spin fast and things could get scary.

After riding wooden horses we drove to the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, a miniature train that has served the public in Griffith Park since 1948. Youngsters of all ages enjoy the experience of riding the Freedom Train or the Colonel Griffith. The railroad was also featured in the classic Steve Martin movie, “The Jerk,” where Martin briefly worked as the train conductor.

The Griffith Park Southern Railroad meanders more than a mile, taking riders past pony rides, a lush green meadow, an old Western town, and a Native American village. The choo choo also goes under several bridges, including a 60-ft-long wood and steel box girder bridge through thick vegetation, through an 80-foot-long tunnel, and past several attractions, and at times offers views of the 5 Freeway and other sections of Griffith Park. On our ride we even saw a large coyote walking through the brush.

The Griffith Park Railroad takes kids and adults on a memorable ride through lush vegetation and old west towns.

The miniature railroad trains are 1/4th and 1/3rd scale models of actual locomotives and the passenger cars carry nearly 500,000 passengers each year. Weather permitting, it operates 364 days a year, closing on Christmas Day only. The Griffith Park & Southern track is about one mile long.

During the Christmas season, the track is lined with snow-covered decorations featuring Santa Claus and his village, Christmas trees, elves, reindeer and more. The ride starts and begins next to the Griffith Park Pony rides, which I plan to experience on my next visit. After riding the train, we bought snow cones at a concession stand next to the railroad.

The trains are 1/4th and 1/3rd scale models of actual locomotives.

After riding the rails, we explored some more of Griffith Park. With over 4,210 acres of both natural chaparral-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, the Park’s elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level.

Griffith Observatory Viewed from the north end of the lawn at dusk, March 2006

With an arid climate, the park’s plant communities vary from coastal sage scrub, oak and walnut woodlands to riparian vegetation with trees in the Park’s deep canyons. The California native plants represented in Griffith Park include California species of oak, walnut, lilac, mountain mahogany, sages, toyon, and sumac. There are also small quantities of threatened species of manzanita and berberis.

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is located at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive (Near Los Feliz & Riverside) Los Angeles, CA 90027. For more information on current hours and prices, call 323 664-6903. The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round is located at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For more information on the Merry-Go-Round, the railroad and Griffith Park in general, visit: www.laparks.org/griffithpa rk/

The post A Merry-Go-Round and a Miniature Train Ride at Griffith Park appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Crowd-Free Vacations, “The Brando” in Tahiti

Ed Boitano — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 14:12:32 +0000

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

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

Why Are These Hotels Famous?

Courtesy of Shannon McMahon

You might already know these famous hotels by name, but do you know why they’re famous? Here’s what earned some of the world’s best-known hotels their prominence — and why you should stay there.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

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

Where to Stay in Germany: Lodging Tips You Need to Know

Independent Traveler

With so many tempting possibilities, deciding where to stay in Germany can turn into a dilemma. Should you choose ultra-modern hotels or charm-filled historic properties? Should you dream away your nights at country inns, fairytale castles, or pampering spa resorts? Even if you’re on a budget, Germany’s lodging options include hotels, B&Bs, and hostels that are among Europe’s very best. Or, for a change of pace, you can spend a few days on a farm or a countryside vineyard. Can’t choose? The best plan may be to mix and match as you travel through the country, sampling some of Germany’s best accommodations.

Happy Spring from the Staff at Traveling Boy

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

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

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

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

Berlin Gearing Up to Celebrate “30th Anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution/Fall of the Wall”

Berlin is preparing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Wall with a large, city-wide festival to be held from 4 to 10 November. Over the course of seven days at seven historical sites, the city will transform into a unique open-air exhibition and event location.

Cunard Cruise Line Partners with English National Ballet

Courtesy Travel News Online

Cunard has announced that the world-renowned English National Ballet will join the Queen Mary 2 for a unique voyage from Southampton to New York from 11-18 August 2019. Guests on the seven-night transatlantic crossing will have the opportunity to meet the leading dancers from the British ballet company, including lead principal, Erina Takahashi, and first soloist, James Streeter, watch their morning ballet class and drop in on afternoon rehearsals.

Five Benefits Of Using Your Credit Card While Travelling

Courtesy Savi, Bruised Passports

The annual fee that needs to be paid for any credit card prevented us from getting one for a long time. But after much evaluation and chats with other traveler friends, we got a credit card and we’ve never looked back!

Rio de Janeiro Named Must-Visit Destination in 2019

Christ the Redeemer. Photo: Pedro Kirilos, Riotur

Rio de Janeiro was named one of the world’s five most cost-effective destinations for 2019. A survey conducted by British air travel website Skyscanner revealed, after analyzing flight and hotel offers, that in addition to being a great cultural experience, visiting the Americas next year could also be an excellent idea for those who want to save money. According to the study, the day rates in four-star hotels in Rio dropped by 20%. The website also bets on the drop in air tickets prices due to the creation of new direct flights from Europe to the city. We list five classic and unforgettable tours for those who arrive in the Marvelous City. Check out:

The 13 Safest Places in Mexico for Travelers

Courtesy Ed Hewitt, SmarterTravel

The walled city of Campeche is one of the most beautiful Spanish colonial capitals in Mexico. UNESCO named it a model of colonial baroque city planning, and it joined the list of World Heritage Sites in 1999. It’s also one Mexico’s safest places. Photo courtesy Deb Roskamp.

“Is Mexico safe?” It’s a question many American travelers have asked themselves, especially in the wake of a sweeping security alert for Mexico issued by the U.S. State Department in early March 2018. Such travel advisories can be confusing, but this one is pretty clear and even includes a color-coded map revealing the most dangerous (marked in red) and safest places in Mexico (marked in white).

Norway’s Best Kept Secret Revealed in 50 Degrees North’s New Signature Tour for 2019

Nordic Travel Specialist, 50 Degrees North, has introduced an innovative new 8-day tour for 2019: ‘The Western Fjords of Norway’. Although largely unknown to international visitors, the Western fjords are a rare gem: The landscape is pristine and exceptionally beautiful even by Norwegian standards!

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

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

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

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

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

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Photo: Marijan Močivnik

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

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

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

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

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

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

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

Happy Birthday, Liechtenstein!

In 1719 Liechtenstein was elevated to the status of an imperial principality. For Switzerland’s neighbor its 300th anniversary is not just an occasion for the inhabitants of Liechtenstein to reflect upon their own history, but is also attracting the attention of many tourists and visitors. To mark the occasion, the tiny landlocked nation officially launches the Liechtenstein Trail in May – a hiking and biking trail that connects all the country’s municipalities and features castles, cottages, villages and vistas.

Country Information – State Department Travel Warnings and Alerts

Learn About Your Destination

We provide safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

10 of the World’s Most Amazing Train Journeys

Courtesy Lonely Planet

There’s something magical about a journey by train. Sometimes the magic is inside – on a train you can meet people, while eating and sleeping with the sound of steel wheel swishing on steel rail beneath you. Sometimes the magic is outside, in the landscape the train traverses – an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

What Are The Best Car Seat Cushion For Long Drives in 2019?

Courtesy Helen Sanders, Healthy Ambition

A Common Mistake to Avoid When Visiting Hawaii

Photo courtesy Deb Roskamp

Don’t Tell a Local or Fellow Visitor You’re From the USA. If someone asks you where you are from, don’t say “the USA.” Hawaii is a US State and has been so since 1959. It is the 50th State in the Union. (Everyone’s heard of Hawaii Five-0.) If someone asks you where you are from you can say either “the mainland” or just specify the city and/or state where you live.

Guyana Becomes First Country to Adopt International Guide Standards

Courtesy Dan Moore

Several guides in Guyana participated in the five-day training. © Kamrul Baksh, Guyana Tourism Authority

On November 5, 2018, Guyana, a small Caribbean nation in South America, became the first country in the world to commit to to the Adventure Travel Guide Standard (ATGS). Originally called The International Adventure Travel Guide Qualification & Performance Standard, the ATGS was created in 2015 by a cohort of guides and industry professionals from 15 different countries convened by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).

Cuban Cruise Arrivals Break Record in 2018

Courtesy www.caribbeannewsnow.com

By the end of October, 703,519 cruise passengers had arrived in Cuba, a growth of almost 117,000 compared to the previous year, said Manuel Marrero Cruz, minister of tourism. Despite the achievement, arrivals were affected by the measures adopted by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, and the return of his country to the policy of isolation from Cuba, which has caused a considerable decrease in travelers from the northern nation, he said

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.

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.

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

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

The post Crowd-Free Vacations, “The Brando” in Tahiti appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Nude Resort Etiquette, Walking Mistakes, Branding

Ed Boitano — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 11:48:08 +0000

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

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog heals his wounds 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

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.

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.

Mushing Mania

This winter kicks off mushing season in Alaska, with festivals and races that are legendary worldwide. Here’s how to have an adventure with these animal athletes any time of year.

Some Very Interesting World War II Facts

German troops in Stalingrad, 1942. (Original photo courtesy of the German Federal Archive. Photo retouched by Ruffneck88, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.)

Four of every five German soldiers killed in the war died on the Eastern Front.

Over 100,000 Allied bomber crewmen were killed over Europe.

Had it been necessary for a third atom bomb, the city targeted would have been Tokyo.

The Siege of Stalingrad resulted in more Russian deaths (military and civilian) than the United States, Canada and Britain sustained (combined) in all of World War II.

Meet the Woman Who Helped Book Hotel Rooms for 80 Homeless People in Freezing Chicago

View Video Here

11 Etiquette Rules You Probably Didn’t Realize You Should Follow When Flying

Courtesy Carina Wolff

When it comes to traveling, most of us spend our time trying to figure out what to pack and what our itinerary looks like. With all that hustle and bustle, we can sometimes get so caught up in ourselves that we forget some etiquette rules to follow when flying. Spending long hours in a cramped space can cause some sticky situations, but if you’re doing your best to be courteous and polite, you’ll help yourself and everyone have around you have a more enjoyable journey. Plus, you would want everyone else to act the same, right?

View Video Here

LA Road Trippin’ – A Musical Map of Los Angeles

Courtesy Air New Zealand

Photo by Mike Dillon, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

When you think of Los Angeles, it’s easy to imagine sun-drenched streets, impossibly-beautiful people – and, of course, great music. This is a guide to the top musical hotspots in LA which continue to inspire today’s musicians, from areas which launched rap superstars to the cities which have inspired thousands of great songs.

If you’re flying to LA, take some time out to explore its musical history and get closer to the places which inspired the music you love.

Paul McCartney’s Lost ‘Bruce McMouse Show’ Film Heading to Theaters

By Jon Blistein/RollingStone

Paul McCartney with Linda McCartney. Photo courtesy of Jim Summaria, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Bruce McMouse Show opens with Wings performing “Big Barn Bed,” after which the camera travels through the stage into an animated world where the McMouse family lives. While Bruce McMouse shares stories from his past with his family, his son runs in and informs him that Wings are currently playing right above them. Bruce decides that the band needs his help as a producer, and as the concert continues, a host of animated mice flock to the stadium to enjoy the show.

The Coolest New Things Coming to America This Year

Courtesy Thrillist Travel

The State Hotel is a contemporary downtown Seattle boutique hotel, located steps from Pike Place Market with easy access to the Seattle waterfront. Photo courtesy The State Hotel

As a species, we are forever enamored of new things. As we look ahead to what 2019 will bring, we at Thrillist get particularly hyped about what new attractions we can expect.

How to Meditate

Courtesy David Gelles

Jane Asher, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Cynthia Lennon, Pattie Boyd, George Harrison, Maureen Starr and Ringo Starr pose with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at the International Academy of Meditation (1968). Photo courtesy: Reddit

Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. Here, we offer basic tips to get you started on a path toward greater equanimity, acceptance and joy.

A Taste of Iceland

Courtesy Tony Tedeschi, Never Stop Traveling

Photo courtesy: James Boitano

8 Popular Destinations Where Air Pollution Could Ruin Your Trip

Air pollution does a lot more than cause canceled or postponed vacations — it kills millions of people worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Some of the worst places for air pollution are also home to bucket-list-worthy sights. But missing them might be the least of your problems if smog ramps up during your visit: Symptoms of air pollution sickness include nausea, coughing, headache, itchy eyes — and air pollution can cause long-term breathing problems.

Here are some of the worst destinations for smog, especially if you already suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems.

India

Photo courtesy of Adithya0376, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Taj Mahal attracts thousands of travelers every day, but the city it’s in is one of the worst in the world for air pollution. Smog in Agra can cut visibility so dramatically that you can’t see much more than an outline of the giant tomb, and visitors who don’t cancel their trip during a period of heavy smog can be seen wearing face masks to visit.

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.

Question: The Beatles pioneered electric guitar feedback on what hit single?

Scroll down for the answer

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’s Most Sung About Cities

An interesting piece of research has revealed The World’s Most Sung About Cities and 12 of the top 20 are in the US.

Photo courtesy The London Eye

With a total of 161 songs mentioning The Big Apple, New York has been officially revealed as The Most Sung About City In The World, with LA and Miami also appearing in the top five.

Over 200,000 songs have been analyzed to create Music Mapped – a first-of-its-kind interactive music map that plots the places around the world that have been mentioned the most in songs since the 1960s.

Live the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.

There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.

Martin Scorsese’s Film on Bob Dylan’s ‘Rolling Thunder Revue’ To Be Released

By Chris Willman, courtesy Variety

Netflix describes Scorsese’s look at Dylan and famous friends in ’75 as part documentary, part concert movie and part “fever dream.”

Bob Dylan. Photo courtesy of Chris Hakkens, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0.

For years, rumors have circulated among Bob Dylan fans that a documentary about his legendary, star-studded “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour of 1975-76 was in the works, and occasional whispers had a name attached: Martin Scorsese. Now, the cat can come officially out of the bag. Variety has exclusively learned that Netflix plans to release the movie in 2019, with the director’s name actually in the title: “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese.”

Revolutionize Your Healthy Travel Game

Courtesy Well and Away

Traditional guidebooks are handy for learning about museums and city landmarks. But would you ever reach for one to explore a new city like a local?

We had this challenge, and for years traveled with bookmarked pdfs and digital lists from friends, but the research that went into curating the perfect itinerary that balanced cool hidden gems with healthy destinations. So together with a small team of travelers, designers and wellness junkies, I’ve created Well + Away to offer the guidebook of the future: one that will show you a new city from the point of view of a hip-healthy local.

Words and Phrases You’ll Need to Eat Out

Courtesy Courtney Traub

Photo courtesy of Brasserie Gallopin

Are you a bit nervous about eating out in Paris or elsewhere in France, worried you may not be able to get by without fluent French? Use this guide to learn basic expressions and understand most signs and menu headings at restaurants in Paris.

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

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

The Spring

By Lord Byron

Now that the winter’s gone, the earth hath lost
Her snow-white robes, and now no more the frost
Candies the grass, or casts an icy cream
Upon the silver lake or crystal stream;
But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth,
And makes it tender; gives a sacred birth
To the dead swallow; wakes in hollow tree
The drowsy cuckoo and the humble-bee.
Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring
In triumph to the world the youthful spring.
The valleys, hills, and woods in rich array
Welcome the coming of the long’d-for May.
Now all things smile; only my love doth lour;
Nor hath the scalding noonday sun the power
To melt that marble ice, which still doth hold
Her heart congeal’d, and makes her pity cold.
The ox, which lately did for shelter fly
Into the stall, doth now securely lie
In open fields; and love no more is made
By the fireside, but in the cooler shade
Amyntas now doth with his Chloris sleep
Under a sycamore, and all things keep
Time with the season; only she doth carry
June in her eyes, in her heart January.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Iain Macmillan, courtesy Apple Corps/via REUTERS

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: The Beatles pioneered electric guitar feedback on what hit single?

Answer: In the opening note of the 1964 song, “I Feel Fine,” Paul plucks a note on his bass, which causes John to get amplifier feedback from his guitar. The idea was the brainchild of John, who plays the lead-guitar intro riff.

The post Nude Resort Etiquette, Walking Mistakes, Branding appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Overtourism, Worst Plane Seats

Ed Boitano — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 10:26:11 +0000

Happy Spring from the Staff at Traveling Boy

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

Photo courtesy of Venezia Autentica/Sebastian Fagarazzi

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

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Berlin Gearing Up to Celebrate “30th Anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution/Fall of the Wall”

Cunard Cruise Line Partners with English National Ballet

Courtesy Travel News Online

Five Benefits Of Using Your Credit Card While Travelling

Courtesy Savi, Bruised Passports

Rio de Janeiro Named Must-Visit Destination in 2019

Christ the Redeemer. Photo: Pedro Kirilos, Riotur

The 13 Safest Places in Mexico for Travelers

Courtesy Ed Hewitt, SmarterTravel

Norway’s Best Kept Secret Revealed in 50 Degrees North’s New Signature Tour for 2019

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

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.

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

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

Happy Birthday, Liechtenstein!

Country Information – State Department Travel Warnings and Alerts

Learn About Your Destination

10 of the World’s Most Amazing Train Journeys

Courtesy Lonely Planet

What Are The Best Car Seat Cushion For Long Drives in 2019?

Courtesy Helen Sanders, Healthy Ambition

A Common Mistake to Avoid When Visiting Hawaii

Photo courtesy Deb Roskamp

Guyana Becomes First Country to Adopt International Guide Standards

Courtesy Dan Moore

Cuban Cruise Arrivals Break Record in 2018

Courtesy www.caribbeannewsnow.com

12 Things You Should Never Do in an Airport Security Line

Courtesy Neil Gladstone

Photo courtesy: pittaya/Flickr

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The post Overtourism, Worst Plane Seats appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Anniversaries, Passport Photos

Ed Boitano — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:37:13 +0000

Happy President’s Day from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated 2019 to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

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

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The Lynton & Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway

Ed Boitano — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 03:42:30 +0000

This installment of Three Things is courtesy of Ashley Clarke, Manager and Engineer of the Lynton & Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway

1. Question: What are some of the “ fun things” that passengers enjoy on the Lynton & Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway?

Answer:

The famous Lynton & Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway is the most exciting way to travel between these two historic towns and will be the highlight of any visit. Passengers enjoy stunning views of the North Devon Coastline as they ride the steepest totally water powered railway in the world! Perched on the cliff top is our “grade I” listed historic cafe offering perhaps the best views and location for a Cream Tea in the Westcountry.

2. Question: What’s one thing the public probably does NOT know about the Lynton & Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway?

Answer:

During a busy year the Cliff Railway can carry up to 400,000 passengers.

3. Question: Share some aspect of what is unique about Lynton & Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway.

Answer:

During really hot weather of 86 degrees (F) the 262 metre track expands by up to 10mm an hour until the sun goes off the track at 1300 hrs.

The post The Lynton & Lynmouth Funicular Cliff Railway appeared first on Traveling Archive.

This Month — 2 Classic Trains in England. One’s Powered by Water. Really.

John Clayton — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 17:51:43 +0000

It’s surprising that something so automatically associated with Switzerland, should be one of England’s top tourist attractions. As a kid growing up in Great Britain, and even then seeking out offbeat things to see and do in travel, I loved the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. Situated in a setting of steep, ruggedly rolling green hillsides alive with unequalled beauty, below which lies a perfect picture postcard sea, and enriched by a town that looks as if it stepped out of a Beatrix Potter book, Lynton & Lynmouth in the English county of Devon and the Cliff Railway there, is a tourist treasure beyond compare.

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, as one of the railway’s 2 cars, nears the top of the journey

As it nears the bottom part of the journey, the car discharges the water.

What makes this so exceptional is that the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is powered entirely by water! Yes, you read that right. Built originally to bring cargoes and produce from Lynmouth up the hardy, steep cliffs to Lynton at the top in 1887, passenger and freight service began in 1888. The railway has 2 cars, or carriages, with each able to carry 40 people. They’re connected by steel wire ropes, which go around a 5 ft, 6 inch pulley at each end of the incline. But here’s where you get the most ingenious and, I think, truly unique aspect of this extraordinary “Must Ride” railway.

The car at the bottom in pulled to the top by the fact that the one at the top is heavier. That’s because under each car is a huge 700 Imperial gallon tank filled with – are you ready – WATER! Water is discharged from the car at the bottom, until the heavier top car begins to descend – the departure and speed of each car is coordinated by a “Brakeman” or engineer, in each car. The 3 ft 9 in gauge track is 862 feet in length, with the top station at Lynton being 500 feet away – so giving the track an incline of 1:1.75. They “Bend” in the middle part of track allowing both cars to pass one another.

Left: Lynmouth Bay. Right: The Railway can be clearly seen by the “Center Line” in the middle part of this photograph

The water comes in an endless supply from the West Lyn River (about a mile away) and is discharged from/by the “Bottom car” onto the nearby Lynmouth beach. Another fact I found equally intriguing, is that they’re allowed by law, to extract 60,000 gallons of water a day from the nearby river.

At the top, Lynton part of the journey. Photo courtesy TRIP ADVISOR

As someone who loooooooves (!) Devon cream teas, you absolutely must have one of the famous Cream teas at the railway’s Cliff Top Café where you’ll not only get a spectacular view of Lynmouth Bay and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds you, but also enjoy homemade cakes, tasty sandwiches and, of course, their mouthwatering cream tea. Aaah, wish I was there now.

I’m always on the lookout for classic, truly unique trains to tell you about. 4 miles from the Cliff Railway you’ll find “an adorable, timeless steam train.” Regular bus service is every day except Sunday. The steam engines? Well, you’ve got “AXE” and “ISAAC” built in 1952. They traverse gorgeous wild moorland, with super views of the picturesque coastline. A replica of one of the lines original locomotives “LYN,” and built by Baldwin in Philadelphia, is nearing completion and she’ll bring a memory involving taste of the American West to the landscape of North Devon.

Two photos of the L&B Railway – evoking memories of times when Life was simpler and peaceful

The engines, carriages and rolling stock and entire operation are one of the finest examples anywhere of narrow gauge railways, and I urge to see the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at www.lynton-rail.co.uk Then relish a memorable trip back in time aboard this classic train of yesteryear. I know you’ll love it!

Next month, UNDER the Oceans. Would YOU go in one?

The post This Month — 2 Classic Trains in England. One’s Powered by Water. Really. appeared first on Traveling Archive.

trains Archives - Traveling Archive

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