Ten Anti-Resolutions To Make 2014 a Year of Fulfilling Travel

January 10, 2014, 5:22 am

≫ Next: Toronto Pearson Airport Boss Admits 'We Dropped The Ball'

≪ Previous: 5 Stargazing Spots That Will Take Your Breath Away

$

0

0

I know what you're thinking; you don't want to read yet another list of resolutions from another Internet stranger on Huffington Post right? Well, to be honest, I didn't want to write one either. Instead, I feel much more inclined to tell you the things I'm resolved NOT to do when I travel, because apparently I'm contradictory. Well, I'm not ok?

But if this list inspires you with your own list of anti-resolutions for a great 2014 full of adventure and new memories, then I'll consider this my swan song of articles thought up in 2013.

1. I will not waste money



There is enough information out there on the Internet that I really have no excuse for not spending my money wisely when it comes to travel. To that end I will refresh my memory with these money-saving travel tips and I will never again succumb to over-packing, under-researching and eating at over-priced tourist trap restaurants.

2. I will not worry


credit: kennymatic

Instead of stressing out over a missed train or an itinerary in shambles, I'll remember that I'm on an adventure and to go with the flow. Life is messy, and therefore so is travelling. Instead of planning out every event to the minute, I'll travel with a decent idea of what I want to accomplish, and see where the day (or night) takes me.

3. I will not be a bad houseguest


credit: Michele Kerstholt Photography

Staying in other peoples' homes saves me money and allows me to experience a destination much more like a local, but it goes without saying that there are many ways to enhance the experience further for myself and the homeowner. I will therefore always take my shoes off, never point my feet at your image of the Buddha, clean up after myself and put the toilet seat down, and in exchange my host may just reward me with recommendations for things to do or tips on where to get the best caipirinha in town.

4. I will not follow the crowds


credit: Gary Larson

I will travel where I want to travel, how I want to travel, when I want to travel. Trendy city breaks and glossy travel magazines will have no bearing on me; I will travel where my heart desires, and what do you know, I bet I have a better experience for it too.

5. I will not worry about my waistline


credit: Pranav Bhatt

Every meal, cake and ice cream I eat in 2014 will be accompanied by a little mental 'carpe diem' , because I'd never actually say #YOLO, even to myself. There is something very depressing about finding yourself in a new city and not trying a local pastry delicacy with your morning coffee or not ordering a bottle of local wine to accompany a meal. Of course, I'll counteract the extra calories with long walks, climbs up church towers and maybe a little cycling while I travel. Well, I'll try...

6. I will not fear the cold


credit: Studiolit

In line with Anti-Resolution No. 4, I will not be afraid to go against the trends and I will not wait for sunnier days until I pack my suitcase again. In fact, I will visit snow-covered cities in the deep of winter and I will marvel at how well they are equipped for the weather, while warming up with chai tea lattes or a local equivalent.

7. I will not let language be a barrier


credit: woodleywonderworks

We English speakers are already blessed when we travel, but in many ways the popularity has become a curse to Anglophones as sometimes we panic when suddenly face to face with someone who doesn't have a decent command of our language. No more! I will rely on phrasebooks, over-the-top hand gestures, my favourite translation app and a bottomless source of smiles to ensure I am brave enough to travel wherever I want regardless of language barriers.

8. I will not ignore my home town


credit: J.Salmoral

They say charity begins at home, well, I like to think travel does too. On the weekends I'm not away, I will explore my local surroundings like the avid tourist I am away from home, and I hope it will result in my discovering new reasons to like where I live.

9. I will not view the world through my camera lens


credit: _Hadock_

While I love photos and documenting my travels, there is something to be said for collecting more memories than photos of a place. On previous travels my endeavours to take the perfect photo has actually stopped me from capturing the perfect memory so I hereby vow to change this.

10. I will not forget my toothbrush


credit: ttcopley

Or my passport.

In fact, the toothbrush thing is fine, can pick up a new one anywhere - but I will never, ever forget my passport.

Again.

So, that's me done and all inspired for a year of crowd-beating, memory-creating, new food-eating travel experiences. Have you got any resolutions (or anti-resolutions) for travelling in 2014?

Find Andrew Matthews on Google+

---

Toronto Pearson Airport Boss Admits 'We Dropped The Ball'

January 10, 2014, 5:23 am

≫ Next: Coolest Airport Artwork

≪ Previous: Ten Anti-Resolutions To Make 2014 a Year of Fulfilling Travel

$

0

0

Greater Toronto Airport Authority CEO Howard Eng apologized today to passengers, admitting airport officials did a poor job Tuesday morning when Canada's largest airport was shut down to arriving flights, leaving passengers stranded for hours.

"I think we dropped the ball and we'll fix it," Eng said on CBC Radio's Metro Morning. "I apologize to all the passengers that were affected and the frustration they encountered."

Some 600 flights were cancelled Tuesday when temperatures in the –25 C range caused equipment problems and raised safety concerns for ground crews.

The weather led to long delays in processing incoming flights. The backlog quickly caused a traffic jam on the tarmac and a shortage of gate space.

Passengers sat in planes for hours — up to five hours in some cases — after flights landed. To clear the backlog the airport ordered a ground stop, essentially shutting down Canada's largest airport to arriving flights. That had a cascading effect, leaving some passengers stranded days later.

When passengers did eventually deplane, many waited hours for luggage to arrive. Some passengers were seen sleeping on the airport floor as unclaimed luggage piled up.

Lack of communication

Eng and airport officials came under fire for a lack of communication about the delays. Eng told Galloway he was managing the crisis by phone from Edmonton, where he was on a business trip.

"I was kept informed with staff and on the phone with them as the crisis unfolded."

When asked why he didn't speak publicly about the crisis until two days after it happened, Eng said his primary focus was to "stabilize" the situation at the airport.

"We will revamp our communication procedure and we'll do better next time," he said.

Eng said he approved the decision to call the ground stop, which he said was made with input from the airlines and Nav Canada, which oversees air traffic control.

A common complaint from passengers on Tuesday was a lack of staff to provide updates about their flights upon arriving at Pearson.

Galloway asked Eng why more staff weren't working when the weather forecast called for extreme cold temperatures.

"The volume of demand was above what was expected. There's no excuse," he said.

Eng mentioned the GTAA will conduct a "no-holds-barred" review with its staff and the airlines on how the situation was handled and how to prevent it from happening again.

"We will work with all our partners to improve the process," he said.

He said GTAA staff are helping passengers rebook their flights, and move on to their destinations.

Coolest Airport Artwork

January 10, 2014, 6:37 am

≫ Next: Top 9 Resolution-busting Destinations

≪ Previous: Toronto Pearson Airport Boss Admits 'We Dropped The Ball'

$

0

0

Seen any good art exhibitions lately? If air travel is on the agenda, you're in luck: A slew of airports around the world are hosting thought-provoking art exhibitions. It may seem counterintuitive—the frenetic terminal environment is hardly equivalent to a peaceful museum—but airports are catching on.

While airports abroad usually earn blue ribbons for concept and design, we're happy to report that the majority of impressive airport art collections are close to home: U.S. hubs from coast to coast have world-class exhibitions and permanent displays, along with dedicated curators. To see our list of favorites, go here.

Egalitarianism and accessibility are common denominators when it comes to the airports on our list. Many feature installations that can be touched and interacted with, such as artist Christopher Janney's "Chromatic Oasis," where lights and sounds are passenger activated, at Sacramento International Airport. Others, such as Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands, feature priceless works like the current display of Dutch masters on loan from the Rijksmuseum.

For more great airport artwork, click here. —Emma Sloley

More from Executive Travel:
Tips for Travel Upgrades
Get the Most Out of Coach
Most Unique Airport Shops
9 Surprising Facts About the A380
Best Airports for a Long Layover

Top 9 Resolution-busting Destinations

January 10, 2014, 7:25 am

≫ Next: NYC Travel Guide: Hate Shopping? The Big Apple Still Has Lots to Offer

≪ Previous: Coolest Airport Artwork

$

0

0

You've made a small dent in your New Year's resolution and that means -- for some -- the novelty of healthy eating, paying bills on time and getting eight hours of sleep is already starting to wear off. We aren't encouraging you to throw in the towel, but if your willpower is ready to crumble (or you're looking for a reward for making it to a milestone), then we say bust that resolution in style. We have the perfect spots that will help you say sayonara to those promises you made to yourself. That's right, we've compiled a list of the top destinations where your newly designed resolution will be the last thing on your mind. Check out Cheapflights.com's list of common resolutions and the best spots to break them.

NYC Travel Guide: Hate Shopping? The Big Apple Still Has Lots to Offer

January 10, 2014, 9:11 am

≫ Next: Jukkasjärvi, World's Largest Ice Hotel, Gets Parisian Influence (PHOTOS)

≪ Previous: Top 9 Resolution-busting Destinations

$

0

0

New Year, New York
With New York City featured on Conde Nast Traveller India's list of "25 Amazing Places to Go" in 2014 and with one-million Indian tourists set to visit the U.S. by 2015, New York City will never go out of style for travellers worldwide. NYCgo, the tourism site I used for planning my trip, has stats showing a 108 per cent increase in travellers arriving from India between 2005-2011.




With world class shopping, arts, culture, dining and the hustle and bustle of a buzzing city that never sleeps -- there's a reason why desi globetrotters are flocking here. According to Expedia India: "Indian travellers book their tickets months in advance to save money on expensive tickets, and instead, go for extravagant spending on shopping and nightlife." Extravagant shopping is definitely an option for travellers going to New York.

But I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm Indian...and I'm a girl...and...

I hate shopping. Especially when I travel. Blasphemous, I know.

Confessions of a Non-Shopaholic
"Not even in Bangkok?" Nope. "How about in London?" Nah. "You must have in Paris?" Non. I've been to some of the biggest cities in the world -- London, Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Mumbai, Bangkok, Vegas, L.A., New York -- and I have had no desire to spend hours upon hours trying on clothes, shoes or purses. And it looks like I'm not alone.

According to an article on Refinery 29, a third of women hate shopping and 50 per cent have never felt a "high" when getting a deal.

Don't get me wrong -- I do love window shopping. And I don't mind local boutiques or markets. But I usually end up purchasing only one small accessory as a souvenir on my trips, something with a story: a bracelet from San Telmo market in Buenos Aires; a hand-made necklace from a nomadic Berber in the Sahara desert; a copper-coloured purse from a flea market I stumbled upon in Barcelona; a pair of aviators from a lady boy in Bangkok -- with most of my purchases being under $50.

New York State of Mind: Multiple Personalities
I was recently in New York City in December during the holiday season -- one of the most magical, enchanting times to visit the Big Apple and I was in awe of the lights, department store window displays and holiday installations. But did I ever have the urge to "shop 'til I drop" at Saks or swoon over heels at Macy's? Nope. And that's OK.

The beauty of New York City is there's something for every type of traveller. There is so much to see and experience, you don't have to feel guilty for not indulging in retail therapy in America's largest shopping mecca.

Here's how I spent my four nights instead -- broken down into five of my travel personalities (I'm a little bit of each). An NYC guide for:

The Budget Conscious
New York is an expensive city to visit, no doubt. Save some money with my handy tips without sacrificing the authentic New York experience:

1. Attractions: Many of New York's attractions such as the Empire State, the Met, MoMA, Top of the Rock and Guggenheim are affordable for the budget conscious. Sometimes there are even discounts if you visit after certain hours. Select your top picks or see all. There are multiple options to group the attractions together for more savings. Check the local visitor's centre for more information.

2. Getting Around: Purchase a New York Subway MetroCard ($30 for seven days) to make good use of local transportation. Instead of single use tickets for our four night stay, we used our pass to take multiple trips in a day.

3. Theatre: Save 50 per cent on Broadway and Off-Broadway shows by buying tickets from the TKTS Discount booth in Times Square. Matinee shows available Wednesdays and weekends.



The Modernist
If you're a lover of modern art and design:

1. Stay at the Yotel Hotel NYC 570 10th Ave, Mid-Town: Innovative in design, futuristic in feel and unique in its efficiency and experience, the Yotel is equally made for design and tech aficionados as it is for Millenials who like a hip, urban retreat.

2. Visit The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) 11 West 53rd Street: For jaw-dropping installations, the MoMA is a must for a modern art enthusiast. This was one of my favourite galleries, especially floors three, four and five covering architecture and design (swoon!) and works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Van Gogh and Picasso. Sure, there maybe a few installations that have you crying "WTF!" a few times or raising your eyebrows, but that's the whole point: creating expression, dialogue and shocking amazement amongst the viewers. Do not miss! Tip: For boutique souvenirs and gifts with a design flair, I visited the MoMA Design Store in SoHo for inspiration.

3. Go to the Guggenheim | 1071 5th Ave at 89th: Architecturally ah-ma-zing. Although I wasn't a big fan of the feature show that was up when I was there (sorry Christopher Wool), the gallery in itself and Kandinsky's collection is worth the stop. Tip: check out their website for current exhibitions before going.


The Fashion Academic
The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) 7th Ave at 27th Street:
Newest Exhibit: Trend-ology on until: April 30, 2014

Although I hate shopping, I do appreciate the concept of fashion from a cultural and artistic standpoint. I visited the Museum at FIT (donning a fashion backward pair of comfortable yoga pants and runners) for their latest exhibition titled Trend-ology. Oh, the sartorial irony. The exhibit is free and masterfully curated, examining how trends have emerged over the past 250 years, including the influence of street style, art, music, film and culture. Get a fashion history lesson in an hour's time.

Did you know: Scotland imported shawls from Kashmir, India in the 1800s then mass produced their own version of the paisley print when the Jacquard loom was invented?

Did you know: When the Beatles were photographed in India in the 1960s wearing Nehru style collared jackets, they sparked a trend in the U.S.? Sammy Davis Jr. was rumoured to own over 200 Nehru suits.




The Classicist
For the traditionalist in you, don't miss the classics of New York. Stroll through Central Park, learn about New York's history, find out secrets of Grand Central Station. Some of my favourites include:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met)
2. Grand Central Station
3. Central Park
4. Rockefeller Center during the holidays
5. Empire State Building (especially at night!)

Gallery Tip: The Met, MoMA and Guggenheim all have massive collections, multiple rooms and floors -- it can take up hours of your time and tire you out quick if you're not prepared. Best strategy? Get a map of the gallery -- take a look at which floors are on your "must see" list and focus on those first and then see how much energy you have left over.




The Foodie
You can't mention New York without mentioning the food. There are so many world cuisine options available from high to low end and everything in between it's easy to get overwhelmed with where to eat, where to find the best pizza or the best pastrami sandwich.

Truth be told, there is good food in all of Manhattan. You don't need to flock to certain places. Sometimes, the "famous" ones are over-hyped and disappoint (Katz's Deli featured in Harry Met Sally failed, at least for me). You can stick to a few close by neighborhoods and still find really good food options. My hotel was in the Hell's Kitchen district. Here are a few restaurants where I noshed at and very much enjoyed:

1. Flatiron District: Almond 12 East 22nd Street
2. Hell's Kitchen: Nizza Restaurant 630 9th Ave
3. Hell's Kitchen: Shake Shack 691 8th Ave
4. Hell's Kitchen: 5 Napkin Burger 630 9th Ave
5. Chelsea: Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave
6. Street Grub: Falafel Carts throughout NYC

TIP: The Chelsea Market is a great place to buy artisanal culinary gifts and souvenirs if you're done with collecting T-shirts, mugs and keychains.

Shopping or not, I had so much fun in New York. It's an energetic city fit for all types of travellers. For more New York City trip ideas, savings and itineraries, you can visit www.nycgo.com. The site has a wealth of information and when you start feeling overwhelmed it's a good place to start.

Will New York be on your travel list for 2014? If you have visited before, what was your favourite part? Leave your comments below! For more travel related tips, destination guides and stories, visit www.desiglobetrotter.com.

Photo Credit: NYCgo; FIT

ALSO ON HUFFPOST:

Jukkasjärvi, World's Largest Ice Hotel, Gets Parisian Influence (PHOTOS)

January 10, 2014, 9:35 am

≫ Next: Toronto Pearson Flight Backlog Clearing Up According To Airlines

≪ Previous: NYC Travel Guide: Hate Shopping? The Big Apple Still Has Lots to Offer

$

0

0

(Relaxnews) - The romance of Paris and the wilderness of the Arctic Circle might seem worlds away from one another, but they have been brought together thanks to a new suite at the Icehotel in Sweden.

Created by French design duo Les Ateliers de Germaine, ‘Up There' features the skyline of Montmartre carved into its icy walls.

The suite features jagged rooftops and the basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, along with chimney pot ice sculptures, backlit windows and a bed frame made of blocks of ice.



Partners Luc Voisin and Mathieu Brison wanted to represent the "magical city, legendary city, romantic city, poetic city, symbolic city" that is Paris, and celebrate its position as a source of inspiration for artists and a destination for billions of tourists from all over the world.

"More than a design, more than an architecture, it's a trip to the heart of one of the historical districts that we offer," claim the pair. "You can feel the people living all around you, you might even see them if you're curiously peeking out the window. You are part of the city, you are the city."



It is one of ten suites specially designed ‘art suites' for the 24th edition of the Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, the world's largest hotel built from snow and ice which is rebuilt every year.

Other art suites include ‘Mind the Gap' by Marcus Dillistone and Magdalena Åkerström, which features an ice sculpture of an underground train, and ‘Pole Dancing' by Christine and Natalie Close, which counts a huge polar bear sculpture amongst its interior décor.

For more information about the Icehotel, see www.icehotel.com

Toronto Pearson Flight Backlog Clearing Up According To Airlines

January 10, 2014, 10:56 am

≫ Next: The Hungry Bank Machine, and Less Hungry Turtle: Zorritos, Peru

≪ Previous: Jukkasjärvi, World's Largest Ice Hotel, Gets Parisian Influence (PHOTOS)

$

0

0

TORONTO - Canada's two biggest airlines were in the home stretch Friday of clearing the backlog of passengers who saw flights delayed or cancelled during this week's partial shutdown of Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the airline's remaining travellers who had their plans disrupted when the airport temporarily stopped scores of inbound flights on Tuesday were to be in the air by day's end.

"Overall things have pretty much returned to normal operationally and the last of the delayed passengers are expected to move today," Fitzpatrick said.

Meanwhile, the last of the WestJet passengers impacted by the shutdown have all been booked on new flights, spokesman Robert Palmer said.

The delays and cancellations piled up after extreme cold led Canada's biggest airport to trigger a so-called ground stop early Tuesday morning, preventing North American flights from landing for more than eight hours.

Thousands of passengers ended up sleeping at the airport that night while mountains of luggage awaiting pickup grew. Fitzpatrick said the baggage backlog has since shrunk and that the rest of the personal cargo should be reunited with owners this weekend.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which runs Pearson, says it is reviewing its response to the deep freeze, which saw 600 flights cancelled Tuesday and another 400 scuttled Wednesday.

Pearson has come under criticism for the partial shutdown, including from federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, who urged the airport to take stock of what went wrong and be "better prepared should this happen again."

Airport executive Toby Lennox apologized to passengers but defended the stoppage, saying the volume of flights needed to be better controlled as ground crews scrambled to unload travellers while their equipment and even airplane doors froze in -40 C winds.

And he said Pearson wasn't alone on that front, pointing to major eastern seaboard hubs that collectively nixed thousands of flights as their operations strained under the harsh conditions.

"What all the air carriers and airports are doing is reducing their capacity in significant weather events," said Lennox, the GTAA's vice president of strategic development.

"In a sense what we did was the same thing that happened in New York and Chicago, we just called it something different."

Lennox said the ground stop will be one part of the review, which will also focus on how well the airport communicated with passengers — something he said was "not as good as we would like."

The review will involve airlines, ground handlers and civil aviation service NAV Canada, Lennox said, with a resulting "action plan" from Pearson to be made public.

Air Canada and WestJet flew in additional planes to ease the flight setbacks, which WestJet says affected some 22,000 of its passengers travelling to or from the airport.

Air Canada added roughly 5,000 more seats in the following days, while a chartered Boeing 747 jumbo jet carrying nearly 500 WestJet customers and 1,000 bags from Toronto touched down in Calgary on Thursday night.

"It's probably the biggest disruption in recent memory," WestJet's Palmer said.

The Hungry Bank Machine, and Less Hungry Turtle: Zorritos, Peru

January 10, 2014, 12:28 pm

≫ Next: Sochi Travel Alert: U.S. State Department Issues Warning For Americans During Olympics

≪ Previous: Toronto Pearson Flight Backlog Clearing Up According To Airlines

$

0

0

Canadian brother and sister Philip and Jayne Davidson are traveling on motorcycles from the Arctic Circle to Patagonia. This is the latest entry in their travel blog. Read their adventure so far, and see where they are right now, here.

I rode a turtle.

After our face-paint-fun border crossing, we ran out of light before our intended destination of Mancora, so stopped in Zorritos. Due to a hungry bank machine, this stop would last longer than intended. And involve meeting a turtle and lots of crabs. To start with, money: we had none.

This machine only partially helped.

After settling in to the "hotel" that we chose purely due to its existance at the side of the road at the exact moment the sun set, we caught a ride in the owners moto-taxi to this bank machine. The only bank machine in town. It promptly went "out of service" mid transaction on Jayne and ate her card. When it re-booted minutes later, her card did not re-appear.

After a local took a chance and succeeded in gaining cash, I also took the plunge and lucked out. I figured we had to come back anyways for Jayne´s card, so might as well try mine. With some luck, I won at the ATM game and we could buy dinner. That is where our luck ended however. When our hotel owner phoned the bank for us (we still struggle with spanish over-the-phone), he found out since the bank was closed the next day for a holiday, we would have to wait an extra day to get Jayne's card back. Looks like we´re staying in Zorritos awhile!

...and our faces are still painted from the border crossing. The local kids loved this fact.

After drinking adult beverages and chasing kids into oncoming traffic with our ghoulish selves, we bailed on the idea of a halloween pub night at an overpriced empty club. Went home, played cards, and went to bed. We´re getting old.

 

But not before chasing more kids with only one pant leg.

 

...and looking generally more dead than usual.

 

Post breakfast, the girls and boys split. Tom and I headed down the deserted beach, while the girls walked in town. It was overcast, but still quite nice. On our adventure, we spoted an odd lump floating in the ocean. We thought it was garbage at first, but as we walked closer... "Hang on, is that a turtle?!"


Yes it is! It´s Toby the turtle!

Toby the turtle washed ashore before our eyes. Unfortunately he was quite bloated and didn´t look very happy.

Toby didn´t look happy at all.

 

...So we tried to cheer him up!

 

That´s the spirit!

 

Toby much happier and chilled out given what´s happened. You know, being dead and all.

 

Hey you leave Toby alone!

 


Later on, even Kelly encountered Toby and gave him dirty looks.

 

Everyone is picking on him! Poor Toby.

Not easy being a dead turtle. Fortunately by nightfall Toby was happier and more at peace.

 

All smiles. Toby is in a better place.

 

On to the live ones. Our night walk to check on Toby led us to catch crabs!

 

Tom nom nom

 


These crabs were really bad at running away

 

But pretty good at catching things themselves! And look at his eyes!


Zorritos is a nice, relaxed beach town. Which is a nice way to say there isn´t much going on there. We played cards, drank beer, ate nice mangoes and played with dead turtles to kill the time while we waited to get Jayne´s bank card back. It was a nice break. When the bank re-opened, Jayne regained her card and we set off towards Mancora.

The owner was a great host, helping in every way possible!

Our stay at the unfinished hotel "Hospedaje El Encanto" was remarkable, likely will be even more remarkable when it´s complete. Friendly folks who bent over backwards for us. If you are looking for beach without the crowds and party, Zorritos is a nice alternative to Mancora.

The whole family from our hotel in Zorritos. Will be really nice when it´s finished!

 

You might even find yourself a pet dead turtle.

Next up: Saving lives and partying in Mancora!

 

---

Sochi Travel Alert: U.S. State Department Issues Warning For Americans During Olympics

January 10, 2014, 1:37 pm

≫ Next: Top 10 Remote Hotels Worldwide

≪ Previous: The Hungry Bank Machine, and Less Hungry Turtle: Zorritos, Peru

$

0

0

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans planning to attend the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, should be vigilant about their security due to potential terrorist threats, crime and uncertain medical care, the State Department advised Friday.

In a travel alert, the department said it was not aware of specific threats to U.S. interests related to the Games that begin next month. But it said large events like the Olympics are "an attractive target for terrorists" and Americans should be aware of their surroundings and take common-sense precautions to stay safe, notably on public transport. Public transport in the general vicinity of Sochi has been targeted by terrorists as recently as late December, although the department stressed that those attacks took place in the city of Volgograd, some 600 miles (965 kilometers) from the Games venue.

A group designated by the State Department as a foreign terrorist organization, the Caucasus Emirate, has called for attacks on the Olympics, it said. Although the group's ability to strike the Games is not clear, the alert noted that the group has in the past been responsible for large-scale attacks on targets including a ski resort, a metro system, a high-speed rail, an airport and a theater.

The alert pointed out that Russia has vowed to take appropriate security measures to protect athletes, spectators and infrastructure. On Thursday in Washington, FBI Director James Comey said the Russians are devoting substantial resources and effort to securing the Olympics.

"We have been in regular communication — including me personally — with their security organizations to make sure we're coordinating well. I think that we are," Comey told reporters in Washington. "We've improved our information sharing on counterterrorism and it's important. Securing any Olympics is an enormous task. It's particularly challenging in Sochi because of its proximity to areas of unrest and sources of the terrorist threat. The Russian government understands the threat and is devoting the resources to address it."

Comey said the FBI would deploy "at least a couple dozen people in Moscow and maybe a smaller number but still a dozen or more people of different specialties" in Sochi.

In addition to the potential for terrorism, the State Department said Americans should consider buying private medical evacuation insurance if they attend the Olympics as medical facilities are "untested" in Sochi, which has never before hosted such a large event.

It also warned Americans to be wary of common criminal activity, which tends to rise at most large gatherings around the world.

The alert also advised lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to review the State Department's LGBT travel information page if they plan to visit Sochi for the Games, noting that Russia has in place a law that bans the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors. It said authorities have been vague about defining "propaganda" and that the law applies to foreigners. A conviction on the charge could result in a fine, a jail term and deportation.

___

Associated Press writer Pete Yost contributed to this report.

Top 10 Remote Hotels Worldwide

January 10, 2014, 1:40 pm

≫ Next: Top 10 Places to Visit in 2014

≪ Previous: Sochi Travel Alert: U.S. State Department Issues Warning For Americans During Olympics

$

0

0

Ever want to get away from it all? GAYOT.com's list of Top 10 Remote Hotels features fantastic places to stay around the world that are far, far away. Enjoy Greenland's arctic landscapes, Namibia's sand dunes, or Chile's mysterious Easter Island. So rack up the frequent flyer miles and check into one of the Top 10 Remote Hotels Worldwide.


GREENLAND
Ilulissat
Hotel Arctic

In the Kalaallisut language, the word "ilulissat" means icebergs. That should give you an idea how cold this place is, not to mention how remote. After flying all the way to the settlement of Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland, you will board another 45-minute flight to the town of Ilulissat, where dog sleds are a common sight outside local houses. Reaching this lodging requires a serious commitment, but rest assured, it's worth it. The hotel sits on the edge of majestic UNESCO-designated Ilulissat Ice Fjord, and though the town and harbor views are charming, make sure to ask for a room with an iceberg view -- after all, you've come this far. The menu at house restaurant Ulo includes Greenlandic specialties using fresh local ingredients.


CHINA
Shangri-La
Banyan Tree Ringha

True, this destination isn't James Hilton's legendary Shangri-La from his novel Lost Horizon. It was in fact given the designation by the Chinese government. But that doesn't detract from its utopian atmosphere. Snow-covered mountain peaks, pine forests, meandering rivers and clear lakes embrace the Tibetan valley setting of Banyan Tree Ringha. The hotel's architecture and décor take their cues from Tibetan culture, so much so that the suites and lodges are actually decades-old farmhouses that have been painstakingly reassembled on the property and given a glamorous facelift. Along with tea in the Jakhang lounge and hotpots and steamboats at Chang Sa Bar & Restaurant, foodie highlights include a horseback ride to a private gauze-draped dining room overlooking the Shudugang River on the Tibetan Plateau. You can also take excursions to see rare black-neck cranes in the upper Yangtze Gorge and the stunning White Water Terraces at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain.

Top 10 Hotels in China


NAMIBIA
NamibRand Nature Reserve
Wolwedans Private Camp

Situated in the peaceful NamibRand Nature Reserve and surrounded by striking red sand dunes and mountain ranges, Wolwedans is a satisfying payoff for making the long trek to Namibia. Among its unique collection of accommodations is the isolated Wolwedans Private Camp. Up to four guests (and only four) may stay in the wood-framed structure, crafted so that canvas flaps open on three sides to take full advantage of the panoramic surroundings. The "camp" has two spacious en-suite bedrooms, decks and a central lounge, which includes a study, living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen. If you tire of simply taking in the breathtaking landscape in an atmosphere of immense solitude, you can sign up for guided activities including hot air ballooning, nature walks or scenic drives. This is a perfect honeymoon getaway or a relaxing vacation retreat for close friends looking for a quiet, one-of-a-kind retreat.


FRENCH POLYNESIA
Motu Tetraire, Tahiti
Motu Teta

With cell phones and social networking taking over the world, it can feel as if life is in your face 24 hours a day. But it's still possible to escape -- we promise! Simply catch a flight to Tahiti and make your way to the Rangiroa Atoll, where your own private nine-acre island awaits. Powder white sand and clear blue waters surround a main villa and guest residence, both of which have been crafted in classic Tahitian style with hardwoods and open beams. A dedicated chef is on hand to create dishes using local seafood and French techniques. This makes it easy to never leave your secluded stretch of beach. That said, there is plenty to do both on the island and a short boat ride away: lobster fishing, outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, ocean reef exploring and shark watching, to name just a few of the activities included in your stay. You can even visit a unique South Pacific vineyard in the middle of a coconut plantation.

PERU
Isla Suasi
Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi

The pinnacle-of-privacy Andean Cottage is part of the solar-powered Suasi Island Hotel. Situated 12,500 feet above sea level and surrounded by the waters of Lake Titicaca, the property is accessible by a four-hour speedboat trip across the lake. The two-bedroom cottage is built entirely out of traditional materials including stone, wood and totora reed, and it includes a bathroom, living room and kitchenette. Furthering the indulgence level are private butler service and a pier for soaking in the lake views. For exploring, there are plenty of trails in the area, and excursions include visiting Andean farming plots and canoeing around the island.

Peru Travel Guide


MORE ON GAYOT.com

The Rest of the Top 10 Remote Hotels Worldwide with Photos

More Top Remote Hotels Worldwide

The World's Top 10 Extreme Hotels

Top 10 Places to Visit in 2014

January 10, 2014, 2:43 pm

≫ Next: Lost Engagement Ring Finds Its Way From Hawaii To Alaska

≪ Previous: Top 10 Remote Hotels Worldwide

$

0

0

From Ushuaia, Argentina to Chang Mai, Thailand, here are the top 10 travel destinations for 2014.

-- Stephanie Ainza, Hipmunk.com

Lost Engagement Ring Finds Its Way From Hawaii To Alaska

January 10, 2014, 4:32 pm

≫ Next: Toronto Pearson Airport, Montreal-Trudeau Airport Experiencing Delays

≪ Previous: Top 10 Places to Visit in 2014

$

0

0

Julie Douthit was devastated when her engagement ring slipped off her finger while on vacation in Hawaii.

She and Sam Simeon were newly engaged in November and were vacationing with Sam's family. The ring was "maybe just half a size" too big, Julie told the Anchorage Daily News, and slipped off when she was in the ocean.

The family spent an hour snorkeling and looking for the ring to no avail.

Sam's father, Jon Simeon, started reading into the situation. "Maybe this is not meant to be," he recalled, "maybe they are getting married too young."

Sam, 20, and Julie, 19, are high school sweethearts from Alaska. Sam is in the Navy and stationed in San Diego. The engagement ring was all they could afford: gold with two heart-shaped stones, one emerald and one topaz, with their names engraved alongside the phrase, "Our love grows stronger."

A week later, at the same beach where the ring had been lost, Jon Simeon came across an off-duty lifeguard, Jason Freitas. Freitas had a metal detector and the two got to talking about the ring. Freitas searched, again to no avail.

The young couple and their family eventually returned to Alaska, where Sam and Julie -- undaunted by the bad omen -- were married at the courthouse before Sam returned to his duty station. The two did not exchange rings.

"In my heart," Julie told to the Anchorage Daily News, "there is no way me and Sam aren't going to be together. I love that boy more than anything."

Back in Hawaii, Jason Freitas ran into Rick Pepperworth, another metal-detecting hobbyist, on the same beach. Pepperworth lives in Hawaii but was with his twin brother, who was visiting from Alaska.

Freitas mentioned the lost engagement ring story and the distraught family from Alaska. He described the ring for Pepperworth, who exclaimed, "I found that ring last Wednesday!"

The ring had been underwater and buried in about 10 inches of sand. (Pepperworth, who has a high-quality metal detector, gets regular calls from hotels about lost rings. "I have found some really whopping big diamond rings for some desperate people," he said.)

Freitas recalled that Jon Simeon was a State Trooper in Alaska. Pepperworth's twin brother knew another State Trooper in Alaska, and it wasn't long before the two were connected. When the twin returned to Alaska, he had the ring in tow.

Sam wanted to surprise his fiancee with the news so his parents wrapped it and put it under the Christmas tree.

"I opened it," Julie said, "and pulled it out, and the only thing I could say was, 'Oh my God.' What are the odds?"

Julie will be joining Sam in San Diego soon, and no one is doubting their happily-ever-after any more.

"If they can find this wedding ring," Jon Simeon told the Anchorage Daily News. "Then this is meant to be. They are meant to be together forever."

Head over to the Anchorage Daily News for photos and more details about this amazing story.

Toronto Pearson Airport, Montreal-Trudeau Airport Experiencing Delays

January 11, 2014, 6:32 am

≫ Next: Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Temporarily Closed Due To Freezing Rain

≪ Previous: Lost Engagement Ring Finds Its Way From Hawaii To Alaska

$

0

0

MONTREAL - There were more delays at airports in Toronto and Montreal on Saturday — for very different reasons.

Operations at Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport were briefly suspended earlier in the day due to freezing rain.

By mid-afternoon, dozens of flights were still delayed and several more had been cancelled as crews worked to reopen all the runways.

"Conditions are gradually returning to normal and will continue to do so throughout the day," a statement on the airport website said. "Thanks for your understanding."

Meanwhile, a computer software glitch at Toronto's Pearson International Airport saw all its check-in counters malfunction. Instead, passengers were checked in manually by airline staff, resulting in slowdowns.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority said IT providers were trying to fix the problem.

"If you're flying tonight, confirm flight status with your airline and use web check-in or self serve kiosks to ease the check-in process," the airport tweeted.

The Toronto airport authority and the airlines have additional staff on duty.

The latest hold-up at Pearson follows the cancellation and delays of hundreds of flights, and dozens more in Montreal due to bad weather earlier in the week.

Toronto officials triggered a so-called ground stop early Tuesday, preventing North American flights from landing for more than eight hours.

Thousands of passengers ended up sleeping at the airport that night while mountains of luggage awaiting pickup grew.

Officials said Friday the baggage backlog had since shrunk and the rest of the personal cargo should be reunited with owners this weekend.

The GTAA says it is reviewing its response to the deep freeze, which saw 600 flights cancelled Tuesday and another 400 scuttled Wednesday.

Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Temporarily Closed Due To Freezing Rain

January 11, 2014, 7:47 am

≫ Next: WestJet Plane Makes Rapid Descent After Pressure Problem

≪ Previous: Toronto Pearson Airport, Montreal-Trudeau Airport Experiencing Delays

$

0

0

Travellers planning to fly to or from Montreal-Trudeau Airport were facing difficulties Saturday.

Officials temporarily shut down operations at the airport due to freezing rain in the area, according to the CBC, but flights have since resumed. A message posted to the airport website advised travellers to speak to their airlines.

Operations are gradually starting back. Thanks for your understanding. For more information on departures and arrivals, please contact your carrier.

One runway is now operational, but the two-hour delay has created some travel backlog. Around 145 flights have been affected, according to CTV, many of which have been cancelled.

For more information, you can head to the airport's website.

WestJet Plane Makes Rapid Descent After Pressure Problem

January 11, 2014, 5:52 pm

≫ Next: The 11 Most Ridiculous Travel Ads Ever Printed

≪ Previous: Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Temporarily Closed Due To Freezing Rain

$

0

0

WINNIPEG - Passengers aboard a WestJet flight heading for Winnipeg put on oxygen masks and held on tight when their jet experienced a pressurization problem.

WestJet spokesman Robert Palmer says the Boeing 737-700 was on its way from Phoenix to Winnipeg on Friday night when the trouble developed.

The pilots declared an emergency and made a rapid descent which took the plane from 12,000 metres to below 3,000 metres in just a few minutes.

Palmer says the plane landed safely at the nearest available airport — Rapid City, South Dakota.

Passengers were put up in a hotel in Rapid City for the night and were due back in Winnipeg Saturday evening.

There's no word yet on what caused the pressurization problem but Palmer says the airline is investigating.

There were 38 passengers, two pilots and a flight attendant on board.

Palmer said such incidents are uncommon. The last time a WestJet plane experienced a pressurization problem that required a rapid descent, he said, was three or four years ago.

"This is a descent that is faster than normal, than say, when you're landing." Palmer said.

"It took a few minutes. It's not like in the movies where the aircraft does a nose dive."

He says both the National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. and the Transportation Safety Board in Canada are satisfied with WestJet's response and won't be investigating.

---

The 11 Most Ridiculous Travel Ads Ever Printed

January 12, 2014, 5:08 am

≫ Next: World's Coolest Underwater Lodgings

≪ Previous: WestJet Plane Makes Rapid Descent After Pressure Problem

$

0

0

Some advertisements are nostalgic. Some advertisements are inspiring. Some travel ads are... just plain ridiculous.

From senseless slogans to photos of playboys rollin' in unnecessary amounts of dough, here are a few ads that won't help to boost tourism.

Himachal Pradesh, India
Yes, a small child holding a lamb on an ice rink is "a surprises" indeed.


Trump Hollywood
Is he checking out the view of the beach, or the view of his “roommate?” Either way, this guy's vibe does NOT convince us to buy a loft.


Virgin America
Bonus points if you can get Virgin crew members to actually let you do this on their plane.


The Nation of Switzerland
Confusion. Just confusion.


The Roosevelt Hotel, New York
But really... what does the size-0 runway model have to do with your place of lodging? And why are you making us play Mad Libs?


The Elysian Hotel, Chicago
We like to think we’re down-to-earth enough to be surprised by just a simple, nice turndown service, thank you.


The Nation of India
Wait, what? Is this Scotland or India?


The Nation Of Greece
Judging by the poses, we’re pretty sure these people were Photoshopped in from a beginner’s dance class.


Conrad Hotels & Resorts
This whole socioeconomic setup looks just... kind of... wrong.


Club Med
We don’t know what "our idea of happiness" is, but we’re pretty sure there are no fruit-bearing men on stilts -- nor private, miniature islands -- at the average Club Med.


PST Travel
We find it hard to believe this ad -- which encourages a fireman to "forget about work for a while" while a city burns -- is real (though the company it mentions appears to be). If the ad is legit, then it's disturbing, not funny.

World's Coolest Underwater Lodgings

January 12, 2014, 5:09 am

≫ Next: Your Weekly Travel Zen: Caribbean Islands

≪ Previous: The 11 Most Ridiculous Travel Ads Ever Printed

$

0

0

Undersea hotels represent one of the newest frontiers in hospitality. From Zanzibar to Sweden, beautiful underwater properties with one-of-a-kind views have been popping up around the globe, featuring some of the most unique rooms that travelers can book. Meanwhile, closer to home, many celebrated US aquariums offer sleepovers that aren't just for kids anymore. Check out our picks for places that allow you to sleep under the sea (or at least pretend that's where you are).--Rachel B. Doyle



More from Fodors.com:
10 Best New Cruise Itineraries for 2014
World's Most Stylish Airports
10 Great Restaurants in Culinary Schools

Your Weekly Travel Zen: Caribbean Islands

January 12, 2014, 5:09 am

≫ Next: Pearson Airport Glitch That Caused Check-In Delays Mostly Dealt With

≪ Previous: World's Coolest Underwater Lodgings

$

0

0

This week's Moment of Travel Zen comes to us from Lauren De Niro Pipher (@LDPgalactic). Her photo exemplifies the natural serenity of the Caribbean Islands. Of her photo she says:

"The photo was taken on Necker Island in the BVIs while on holiday there in Nov 2013. Necker is Sir Richard Branson's private island and home – one of the most magical places I've ever visited!"

A perfect escape from the cold, the Caribbean Islands offer serene sunny beaches, lush tropical wildlife and a laid-back atmosphere that will melt your troubles away.



Where have you traveled for a moment of zen? Email travel@huffingtonpost.com with your travel zen or submit below!

Pearson Airport Glitch That Caused Check-In Delays Mostly Dealt With

January 12, 2014, 7:25 am

≫ Next: Calgary Makes New York Times' Travel List For 2014

≪ Previous: Your Weekly Travel Zen: Caribbean Islands

$

0

0

TORONTO - Things are almost back to normal at Toronto's Pearson International Airport after a computer glitch wreaked havoc with the check-in process.

An airport spokeswoman says the issues are mostly resolved and that nearly all the delays have been dealt with.

The problem started Saturday when all of the busy airport's check-in counters malfunctioned, resulting in delays as passengers were instead checked in manually.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority and the airlines brought in additional staff — including IT experts — to deal with the problem.

The latest hold-up at Pearson followed the cancellation and delays of hundreds of flights earlier in the week.

Pearson officials triggered a so-called ground stop early Tuesday, preventing North American flights from landing for more than eight hours.

Calgary Makes New York Times' Travel List For 2014

January 12, 2014, 2:21 pm

≫ Next: No Pants SkyTrain Ride In Vancouver Shocks, Amuses (PHOTOS)

≪ Previous: Pearson Airport Glitch That Caused Check-In Delays Mostly Dealt With

$

0

0

A booming Canadian city has made the list of must-visit destinations for 2014.

Number 17 on the list, Calgary is the only Canadian city to make The New York Times list of 52 Places To Go in 2014.

"An oil boom town gets its cultural legs," states the article. "Flush with oil money, Calgary has morphed from ho-hum city on the prairie into a cultural hub, with offerings far beyond the Stampede, the annual rodeo and festival."

The list highlights the city's controversial Peace Bridge and downtown Bow Tower, among other things.

Destinations joining Calgary on the list include Cape Town, Perth, Dubai and downtown Los Angeles.

Here's a look at the top 10 destinations on the list: