Wego : Wise words! via. Travel as much as you can... | Travel Inspiration. WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest. Here are the winners from the 2013 contest. Please subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future contests. Grand Prize winner: Rebecca Myers for Missing the Best ShotAdventure Category winner: Maureen Fisher for Tale of the Toilet FrogFood & Drink Category winner: Jan DeGrass for Toasting the Tuscan KitchenPassion Category winner: Sarah Katin for The International Expiration DateSpiritual Category winner: Shara Johnson for My Only Prayer Have a thrilling tale to tell? A story that pulls on heart strings (or zip-line cords)?
We have four categories this year in our 6th annual WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest (for women). The Prizes Grand Prize – Six-night stay for two at the beautiful Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal on the Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica including two $600 airfare vouchers on Expedia. WIN a 6-night stay at the Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica, including airfare vouchers!
How to win Write a travel story (yes, you can enter more than once!) A traveler's view of the iPhone 5. From its mind-boggling array of useful apps to a camera that now ranks as most popular on the photo sharing site Flickr, the iPhone has been a game changer for travelers. Some travel-related features in the just-unveiled iPhone 5 are more incremental than revolutionary, including slightly longer battery life. But, with a faster processor and access to to speedier wireless networks, it does promise to make getting from Point A to B (or Z) and back again easier -- and more fun.
The new Apple iPhone 5 is used to make a panorama after the Sept. 12 introduction of new Apple products in San Francisco. Some specifics: --Better camera. While avid iPhoneographers (yours truly included) may have been hoping for more bells and whistles, the iPhone 5 features a larger, 4-inch screen and better video, including three microphones with improved noise-canceling effects and the ability to snap photos while you're recording. --Improved mapping.
Stand up for your ImageRights. Toronto here I come I’m off to the centre of the universe, otherwise known as Toronto. This will be the last time I’ll be able to go this year and it makes a record 4 times this year that I visit the Queen city. Toronto is a fantastic place to visit for all those seeking a fun and adventurous city. From walking through the busy streets and gazing at the modern architecture to relaxing with a few friends in a sleek hotel, Toronto has it all. Toronto City Hall I’m really proud of them for deciding to follow their dream to move somewhere warm and simplify their lives. Good for you sis! “By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day.” ~Robert Frost I’m inspired by this news and excited for both my sister and brother in law. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ~Confucius My brother in law has always been a big inspiration to me and I hope that he knows that.
“All men dream, but not equally. ~T. Food, Glorious Food: What to Eat in St. Lucia. St. Lucia offers a variety of food options to suit just about any palate, from the gourmet to the gourmand or the mac-and-cheese-addicted child. Freshly-caught fish and seafood abound, combined with locally-grown seasonings, vegetables and traditional Caribbean preparations, making for healthy, delicious, and unique culinary experiences.
Some popular dishes are found in different forms on other Caribbean islands, but St. Lucia puts its own twist on food. Even if you think you know what Callaloo or Shark & Bake tastes like, you haven't tried it until you've tasted it here. Green Figs & Salt Fish The national dish of St. Floats & Bakes "Bakes" are a popular form of bread in St. Shark & Bake The same dough recipe can be deep-fried to create a "float", a popular base for St. Callaloo Callaloo is a dark green leafy vegetable that comes from the leaves of the taro plant.
Street Food Throughout St. Caribbean Fusion Pumpkin seem to be a favorite ingredient among St. Indian Food St. Bay Gardens Hotel & Bay Gardens Inn: Affordable Paradise. Looking for a budget-friendly, charming place to relax in sunny St. Lucia? Check out Bay Gardens Hotel or Bay Gardens Inn. Both locally-owned and operated properties are part of the same group as the ultra-fab Bay Gardens Resort, but a little farther from the beach and a little easier on the wallet. A great place for solo travelers, honeymooners, a friends' retreat or a family vacation, Bay Gardens Hotel offers a comfortable accommodations and two lovely pools in a lush, green garden setting.
I had the chance to tour Bay Gardens Hotel on my trip to St. The lovely travelers: Jordanne Hunter, Donna Owens, and Julia Landry It was hot and humid when we arrived, and we were all sweating within minutes. Julia, couldn't resist dipping their toes into the cool and inviting pool at Bay Gardens Hotel. Lunch at Spices was equally delightful, with fresh, locally-grown salads, fruits, and vegetables and a variety of entrees to please any palate.
We were joined by the owner, Mrs. Destination Weddings. Jordanne, Donna & Julia in St. Lucia. Sunset in St. Lucia. Press Release: We’re Hiring!!! And Restructuring | Vagabundo Magazine. Our Current Situation… I started Vagabundo Magazine, and the brand that’s begun to shape around it, with two things in mind. For one, I wanted to provide a magazine option for people looking for stories that cut below the superficial level of travel destinations. I wanted great journalistic stories. Articles that make people stand up proud of the world they live in. Articles that make people realize that the world we live in is beautiful, but it also needs some work. I wanted to publish articles that inspired people. Secondly, I wanted to provide new and aspiring travel writers the opportunity to have someone publish their work, and give them a bit of guidance when they need it.
However, over the past couple months I’ve come to realize that we are missing something important with our online content – a voice. So What??? Well, I truly believe that the voice of the magazine has been drown out by the variety of online content. How??? Does this Mean no More Freelance Work??? Will there be Pay??? Bay Gardens Resort & Spa: St. Lucia Hospitality At Its Best. Walking into the Bay Gardens Resort & Spa, you immediately know one thing: You're on vacation. One of St. Lucia's premiere luxury resorts, Bay Gardens Resort is situated on lovely Rodney Bay, not far from the capitol city of Castries, but in a world all of its own. If you're planning to visit St. Lucia, Bay Gardens Resort should be on the top of your list of accomodations for a fun family vacation, romantic getaway, or a honeymoon trip for memories that will last longer than most marriages.
Step inside, where you'll be greeted by the friendly desk staff, a huge tropical flower arrangement (more like a giant, colorful bush), photos of the flora and fauna of the island, comfy wicker furniture, a gift shop stuffed with island memorabilia and gear, and a delicious island breeze wafting through, and you will quickly realize that it's exactly the way a tropical vacation ought to be. In fact, it would be nice if life were like this all the time. Ready to go? Places I've Been. Am. United Raises Second Checked Bag Fee on International Flights. Jun 12, 2012 3:04pm (Image Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images) United Airlines quietly raised the fee for a second checked bag earlier this month from $70 to $100 on some international flights. Passengers traveling on trans-Atlantic routes between North, Central and South America and Europe, the Middle East, India and selected countries in Africa will see the increase.
On those routes, the first checked bag is free of charge. Passengers traveling from the United States (except Hawaii) will pay $100 for the second checked bag to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India but $70 to South America (except Brazil and Venezuela) and $40 to Central America. Confused yet? Here’s a link to a chart outlining the new fees on United’s website. United raised the fees on these routes from $50 to $70 a year ago.
The new fee applies only to tickets purchased after June 1, 2012. Summer airfare to Europe is up 11 percent, according to Kayak.com. SHOWS: Good Morning America. Am. Go Wild on an Urban Safari. Haejangguk - The Korean Hangover Cure | Video. Both sides of Jeju Island in South Korea draw tourists - Related Stories - ASTA SmartBrief. Skip to main content Browse All Briefs by Topic Both sides of Jeju Island in South Korea draw tourists Forward to a friend 04/23/2012 | Washington Post, The The abundance of UNESCO World heritage sites on South Korea's Jeju Island has long attracted tourists, but a new tourism segment known as dark tourism has highlighted the island's unique and troubled past. View Full Article in: Washington Post, The Travel & Hospitality | Travel & Lodging Published in Brief: ASTA SmartBrief ©2014 SmartBrief.
Passports With Purpose 2011 – Help Build a Library in Zambia. Each of the last 3 years the travel blogging community has gotten together this time of year to do something useful. This effort is call Passports with Purpose. This year Passports with Purpose is raising money to build a library in Zambia. If you go to the Passports with Purpose website between December 16th you can donate $10 (or more) to help build the library and at the same time enter to win some great prizes.
My thanks to Sony who furnished me with a camera as the prize sponsored by Amateur Traveler. 16.2 MP Exmor R CMOS Digital Still Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080/60i Video (Silver). When I visited Africa I talked to teachers who talked about classrooms with one teacher, 100 students and only 2 books. By Chris Christensen I am the host of the Amateur Traveler.
The Launch of Vagabundo Magazine. It is with great excitement I reveal one of my projects: an online travel magazine for independent travellers. I would like to present you to Vagabundo Travel Magazine The Inspiration Interesting projects and opportunities seem to have come and gone through my email inbox and conversations at a rapid pace over the past year. Many of those projects disappeared as fast as they arrived. To be quite honest, I had become frustrated with the lack of progress made. At the end of the day, I decided that sometimes it’s best to just put yourself out there and do something that is really meaningful to you.
I once dreamed of publishing my own work in a magazine, and now I have the opportunity to create one, how amazing is that? The Goal of Vagabundo Vagabundo I am very lucky to have been given opportunities in the travel writing world. What is an Online Travel Magazine and How it will Work An online magazine is exactly as it sounds; it is a magazine published online. Writing for Vagabundo I contribute. Aulani Resort & Spa: The Disney is in the Details. I had the opportunity to visit Disney's new Hawaiian Resort & Spa, Aulani last week. It is a gorgeous resort that was much more Hawaiian than Disney, but a little Disney magic thrown in for good measure. The decor and ambience pays homage to the Hawaiian culture, without being over-the-top or kistchy. There isn't a tiki bar in sight (which is not authentically Hawaiian anyway), nor is there an anthropomorphized animal wearing a grass skirt and doing the hula at every turn.
Instead, it's a restful, rejuvenating place where familes can relax and have fun, while learning a little about Hawaiian culture along the way. The standard room with two queen-sized beds is big enough for a family of three or four to enjoy without tripping over themselves. The decor is fairly simple, with accents of koa wood, batik-style prints, and Hawaiian quilt patterns. My room had a balcony with a "partial ocean view", meaning the ocean was right behind the parking lot. Restaurants. Disney Aulani Resort: A Very Disney Sunset.
I'm in Hawaii this week, attending the opening of the Disney Aulani Resort. As if on cue, the first night fell with a gorgeous sunset on Oahu's northwest shore. The colors were spectacular, and I could swear I could see a hidden Mickey in the clouds. More on this adventure later, but I had to share a little bit of Disney magic, Hawaiian style. Disclosure: Disney Parks & Resorts paid for my airfare and accommodations to attend this event. I did not receive any compensation for writing this review, or payment in exchange for posting. Chukka Caribbean Adventures: The Ride of Your Life. Hope this isn't really the "final" Chukka On my recent trip to Jamaica, I had the opportunity to check out Chukka Caribbean Adventures, an adventure sport company that offers horseback riding, dune buggies, ATVs, and ziplining for the adventurous types who don't want to spend their entire vacation vegging out in a lounge chair by (or in) a pool. Whether or not I'm the "adventurous outdoorsy type" is open to some debate,and a great deal of raucous laughter by all who know me.
Sign me up for the "Old Lady Beach Chair Tour," featuring hot cabana boys with an endless supply of frozen drinks with umbrellas in them, and I'll be your spokesmodel forever. Mr. Ed's More Reticent Cousin, Mr. The night I arrived in Jamaica, our Jamaica Tourist Board guide and host, Jarron, told me with much delight, "We've arranged for a special horseback ride for the group, followed by going into the ocean on horseback!
"Great! " Hot Damn! JJ is Ready for Action The view from on-high No, those are not age spots. Hotel Review: Riu Hotels of Jamaica. During my trip to Jamaica, I was fortunate enough to be hosted by the Riu Hotels & Resorts in both Montego Bay and Negril. I have to admit, I'd never heard of Riu Hotels prior to the trip, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I'd also never stayed at an "all-inclusive" resort, so I didn't know what to expect with that, either. I was in for some delightful surprises on both counts. Riu Hotels are a family-owned chain of resort hotels based in Spain. With over a hundred properties in Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico, and one in the US, Riu Hotels offer luxury and affodable accomodations at some of the world's best beach destinations. I arrived at the hotel later than expected, due to a delay in my layover in Miami.
It was a bit of a walk across the sprawling compound to my room, but everything was clearly marked. I also noticed that there was no minibar with tiny bottles of alcohol inside with exhorbitant prices attached to them. Sept. 5 Twitter Party: Travel Fears. Top 5 Things to Do in Jamaica. Cayenne Travel Guide. Capture Your Summer™ Sweepstakes. Dining in Kaua'i: 2010 Edition. 5 Fun Things to Do with Kids In & Around Anchorage. Napa Valley for Kids: What to Do (and Not Do) The Silent I. Where William and Kate are honeymooning.
Why travel bloggers need to establish their own brand. Christmas Road Trip 2010. Travel Writing. Tilt Shifting | Sharing Travel Experiences: Travel More | Travel Concierge Services. Passengers asked to leave plane after threat. Getting to know Korea by eating snacks - Typical and very Korean snacks. Travel Encounters - a Lonely Planet blogsherpa carnival | The Brink of Something Else: expat life in Cusco, Peru. New York. World Bloggers Travel Contest. Homeschooling Essentials: HBO's "Rome" Blogsherpa Blog Carnival: Kids Around the World. Blog Carnival: Family Summer Travels with Teens and Tweens Part 1 « Travel With Teens and Tweens. The Travel Mama's Blogs & Trip Reports - Accommodations, Air Travel, Disney Travel, Road Trips, Trip Reports.
Blogsherpas. Travel Complaints. Disney. California. Travel Books. Travel Sites. Hotels.Com - I Need A Vacation Look Sweepstakes. Restaurants.