Unless you’re an all-all-inclusive traveler (or one of those people who considers a twirl around Epcot Center to be a shot of culture), you’ve probably uncovered a hidden gem or two during your travels. And chances are, it wasn’t simply the fortuitousness of your find that made it so satisfying: it was the prospect of all those bragging rights. The nominators of 2007’s Local Secrets, Big Finds can vouch for that…along with every IgoUgo member who has written a travel review since the community’s inception in 2000. Travelers’ love of bragging rights, in fact, is precisely what makes the IgoUgo community such an excellent resource for travel planning and inspiration (if we do say so ourselves). As an IgoUgo editor, I’ve been reading about our members’ picks and pans for the past 3 years, and trust me—these are travelers who know the what, where, and how of finding little-known treasures all over the world (and talking them up freely upon their returns). The best part? You can see who’s doing the bragging.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member UCLArocks

The third edition of Local Secrets, Big Finds is bubbling over with choice travel tips, and IgoUgo members’ accounts provide an extra dash of color. At Organ Stop Pizza in Arizona, one IgoUgo member was transported back to her childhood, while Reno’s Pneumatic Diner had quite the opposite effect on another member—despite its young-snowboarder clientele, he says, “we older hippies felt right at home.” Another IgoUgoer overcame her brunch-phobia at Chicago’s Bongo Room, and a native Atlantan member planned her husband’s surprise party at Georgia pick Café Intermezzo, an “artsy but not brooding” spot that allowed everyone to have their cake and eat it too (including her young son, who “enjoyed a triple-chocolate cake that only a child's metabolism wouldn't find scary”). Off the continent, one wisecracking Alaska native found out the hard way that “parking at the ‘Tooth’ is a ‘Bear’” at the Bear Tooth Theater Pub in Anchorage, and a first-timer to Hawaii was bowled over (literally) by the exotic flavors at Waiola Shave Ice: “We had Waiola seven times in seven days—not to mention three other inferior shave ices. Of everything we ate in Hawaii, this is the thing I can’t stop thinking about.” You can’t beat that for indulging one’s bragging rights.

But you can try, especially if you’re an intrepid road-tripper who literally stumbles upon a treasure like Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. This member (a mother of three) was pleased to find a “completely unplanned” kid-friendly stop to break up the long drive home to Nova Scotia from Washington, DC. Speaking of the outdoors, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Preserve is a longtime favorite of one Texan IgoUgoer, who returns regularly for the hiking, camping, and “some of the best rock climbing” she’s ever experienced in a “wild, rugged, and weathered” landscape. Then there are those whose outdoor preferences cater to the well-heeled; one IgoUgo member and former Chicagoan shares the kind of insider advice on the Ravinia Festival that only a veteran of the annual music-and-food extravaganza could provide. And leave it to the museum nuts to dig up a delightfully obtuse exhibit, the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, housed in the Harvard Museum of Natural History. “A tour-de-force of artistry and scientific accuracy was the last thing I’d expected to see,” recalled one frequent IgoUgo contributor. “Only my rumbling stomach, registering a steady complaint about our long-deferred lunch, prompted the end of our visit.”

Now that your competitive juices are flowing (and we know they are), tell us about your own proudest travel discoveries—the ones that put all the others to shame. Leave us a comment or, better yet, join IgoUgo to share them in travel reviews of your own. It’s free to become a member, and you’ll be part of a worldwide community of travelers who are all about exchanging those bragging rights (and getting rewarded for it). Give us a chance to say “we told you so.”

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Posted in Guides & Planning, LSBF '07
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“Think Global, Act Local.” I can’t think of a better example of a company that embodies this ideal than Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor. Even if Zingerman’s hadn’t been named as a Travelocity Local Secret, Big Find for Michigan, it would’ve still been at the top of my list of places to visit during the 24 hours I had in town. You see, back in the ‘90s, I was introduced to Zingerman’s as a U of M freshman, and it’s been true love ever since.

This Monday, I moseyed in at high noon to a practically drooling sandwich line that snaked past olives, salami, fresh-baked breads and magic brownies—and was greeted by a cheese wizard named Marshall who, if he hadn’t already had me at hello, sealed the deal when he asked, “would you like to try some of our homemade creamery cheeses”?

It was with the anticipation of a giddy fan that I was then introduced to Head Chef, Rodger Bowser, who took time out of his very busy schedule to chat with me about Zingerman’s considerable connection to the local community.

As we sat at a picnic table outside in the June sunshine, he described how he has pushed over the years to get more local ingredients on the menu. Why? Because in addition to supporting the area’s farmers, it means he knows exactly where his ingredients have come from, and how many hands they’ve passed through before his own. “We are so disconnected from our food these days,” he said, “and this is one way to bridge that gap while supporting the local economy.”

Another way he bridges that gap is by working with local schoolchildren to teach them about healthy eating, the importance of fresh ingredients, and how to plant a garden. Zingerman’s wholeheartedly supports these efforts. The company encourages all of its employees to make a difference locally with a quarterly matching grant—if an employee can raise enough money for a local cause, the company will match all the money raised.

Although local, Zingerman’s reach is national. Apparently, Chef Mario Batali had been there just the day before stocking up on ingredients, and the company’s mail-order catalog bursts at the seams with only the most quality products, from paesano breads as soft as pillows to “rockin’ reuben sandwich kits.” The company has spun off a community of businesses to compliment the deli, including a gourmet restaurant, a mobile coffee shop, a creamery, and a bakery.

Once Chef Bowser went back to work, I ended my Zingerman’s visit with a sandwich so gigantic and good I almost wept when I couldn’t finish it. That didn’t stop me from buying some brownies to bring a lovable bit of Ann Arbor back home.

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Posted in Culinary Travel, LSBF '07, Michigan
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When I say that I’m from Dallas, Texas, I get one of two responses. Some begin to serenade me with the theme song from that ubiquitous 1970s TV show. Others produce a scowl on the face, implying pity and dismay. Then they proceed to tell me about “this one time they went to Dallas in July…” The stories almost always make me laugh, and I find myself defending my hometown, touting its hidden secrets and promising that “it’s not always that hot.”

Of all the places I’ve been, I admit that Dallas is among the most spread out and difficult to navigate. Visitors are often overwhelmed with the sprawl, and they simply don’t know where to start. My advice: get recommendations from the locals. No doubt, your travels will be richer and more rewarding, and you’ll certainly see a side of Big D that would have otherwise been missed.

Photo courtesy of Bishop Arts District, Dallas, Texas.

Dallas is known for its unfortunate connection to JFK, Southfork Ranch and unbearably hot summers, but the nooks and crannies that are often overlooked by visitors is what makes this place home to me. I’ve spent many of those hot summer nights eating fajitas and drinking frozen margaritas poolside at Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth, a local tradition that makes you look forward to summer, even if means enduring 100 degree days. Ask anyone from the area, and they’ll tell you that this is the spot for Mexican food.

Knox-Henderson, an easily missed nook just off I-75, boasts some of the best bars, restaurants and shopping in Dallas. Café Madrid is one of my personal favorites and serves some of the best Spanish tapas and sangria in the city. (Try the red bell peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Sooooo good!)

As a traveler, I know how important it is to truly experience the culture of a destination, and that’s what Local Secrets, Big Finds is all about. Whether you’re traveling to New York City or Dallas, Texas, discovering those insider spots where the locals go will make you realize, more often than not, that you can’t judge a book by its infamous cover.

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Posted in Culinary Travel, Dallas/Fort Worth, LSBF '07, Texas
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The year was 2005. The place was Charleston, South Carolina. The temperature was pushing 80 and I was hot, sweaty, in a rush, and--worst of all--insanely hungry. I needed something to eat. I needed something delicious to eat. I needed something delicious to eat fast. Tall order? Well, it could have been. Until I remembered that a place called Ted's Butcherblock had just opened on the street I was driving down. I pulled over. I parked. I ordered. I swooned.

When I discovered two years later that Ted's had been nominated as one of our Local Secrets, Big Finds in the great state of South Carolina, I was hardly surprised. The place is a foodie's dream, with huge deli-style sandwiches (chicken, pancetta, and avocado? What is this, heaven?), to-die-for gourmet sides, an excellent wine selection, and walls and walls of fancy treats that gastronomes may well have a fainting fit over. (Well, I know I did. What can I say? Cheese has that effect on me.) Every month, the eponymous Ted chooses a region--June, for example, is the Caribbean--and offers featured dishes inspired by its culinary traditions. And as you'd expect from a place named Ted's Butcherblock, the piece de resistance is a full-scale, old-school butcher counter boasting an impressive array of all-natural beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry game, smoked sausages, salami, bacon, and cold cuts. You don't have to be a carnivore to love Ted's, but it helps.

Of course, there are plenty of other epicurean Edens in our 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds round-up, so don't feel you have to book your ticket to Charleston just yet (although if you do, make sure you also check out Jack's Cosmic Dogs in Mount Pleasant, another of our readers' picks.) There's the Seven Stars Bakery in Providence, Rhode Island, Tryst in Washington, D.C., and Tartine in San Francisco, all guaranteed to inspire a hearty "mmmmmmm." And next time you're hungry, here's some homework: check out the other popular picks on the Local Secrets, Big Finds list and see what you can discover in your neck of the woods. And don't forget to report back!

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Just what is Local Secrets, Big FInds? It's a special project that we do every two years at Travelocity -- a project that is more than just a project -- but a huge labor of love. As we sift through thousands of nominations that you, our favorite fellow travelers, tell us are terrific places that you won't find in any other guidebook. These are spots where the locals frequent and they're found all across america. So if you're looking for that something unique to do on your summer travels, your road trip, or just this weekend Local Secrets, Big Finds is full of ideas.

In this, our third issue of Local Secrets, Big Finds – we teamed up with IgoUgo and culled down over 10,000 entries to select our 295 winners. I always have to hand it to our phenomenal editorial team for doing this work – it is truly the biggest project we do! Jenn, Holly, Rachel – you are amazing! This year they've taken citizen journalism to new heights.

This entire week our blog is going to be devoted to Local Secrets, Big Finds (or LSBF as we affectionately refer to them around here)-- so check out our latest pages or look back at Local Secrets, Big FInds 2005 for even more ideas...But be sure to check back here and learn what all the buzz over our great LSBF 2007 is about.

If you have an idea for Locals Secrets, Big Finds 2009, email us! Our work has already begun!

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Posted in Family & Kids, Festivals & Events, LSBF '07
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Common etiquette dictates that one has a year after a wedding in which to buy the wedding gift. Question: when does this rule not apply? When the couple has requested travel as their present, that's when.

Forget Crate and Barrel and Macy's--an increasing number of brides and grooms are turning to honeymoon registries to collect on the goodwill their guests will be feeling upon the announcement of an engagement. In fact, I'm attending a wedding this weekend not with a toaster in my arms but with a voucher from Honeymoon Wishes for the Mr-and-Mrs-to-be to indulge in a couples' massage. In Mexico.

And it makes sense, doesn't it? No-one can deny that air fares appear to be on the high side at the moment--coach fares to international destinations costs an average of 10% more this summer than last summer, according to Sabre Airline Solutions--and, besides, traveling in style costs money. The surfing lessons, the pina coladas, the honeymoon suite--these things add up. Surely it's a smart business decision to ask for your guests to pitch in for your first dream vacation as husband and wife?

Well, not everyone thinks so. Some people, apparently, consider honeymoon registries poor form, preferring that brides and grooms stick to the traditional and request saucepans and silverware rather than scuba diving adventures. But what's your opinion? I know you have one.

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Posted in Air Travel, Travel News
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Editor’s Note: G’day mate! I write you after my long haul to the land down under, where I’ve been hanging with the Aussies and roos. It’s been an experience, so, come on, have a go! Join me for my three week Australian series, Adventures of Oz. (3 of 3)

Cupid’s arrow has struck. I’m definitely in love, and my significant other has an Australian accent, an unbridled passion for nature and beauty like I’ve never seen before. That’s right; I’ve developed a soulful love affair with the land down under. (What? Were you expecting stories of a tan, buff surfer or a hunk from the Outback? No such luck!)

My recent trip to Australia led me through some of the most treasured spots on the continent, quite literally sweeping me off my feet. I experienced the bustling cities of Sydney and Brisbane; took a leisurely drive through Northern Queensland’s lush countryside; and indulged in local seafood at beach towns that dotted the coast. (Try the Morton Bay Bugs – and don’t forget to wear a bib!)

But the hidden gems that stole my heart were the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Our first stop was Magnetic Island, a backpacker’s paradise just off the coast of beautiful Townsville. It’s rustic in that special way that makes you forget about the rest of the world, not pine for it. More than 75 percent of the island is a protected national park, which serves as a sanctuary for koalas, wallabies, crocs and other wildlife that inhabits the land. We even had the chance to eat breakfast with some of these critters at Bungalow Bay’s Koala Village – a must-do when you visit the island! It’s alfresco dining at its best. Picture a patio with picnic tables nestled in a forest, and visits by the resident koala, a wild wallaby named LuLu and a baby croc. The authentic Australian breakfast featured food from the bush. Think wild berries, veggies, honeycomb, tomato bush chutney and green ant tea – yes, they actually boil the entire mound of ants! The tea is infused with the potent taste of eucalyptus, and the ants serve as a floating garnish. An Australian specialty that I can do without!

Our next stop was Dunk Island, a polished resort nestled in a tropical rainforest. The experience was definitely different than Magnetic Island, but equally enjoyable. Dunk is the type of place where you could spend days relaxing on your private verandah, reading a good book and relishing the scenery that surrounds you. I enjoyed a relaxing facial at their topnotch spa then relaxed in a comfy bathrobe on the garden patio. It was heaven!

Even though my love affair with the Great Barrier Reef islands continues, I admit that I am both a smitten traveler who’s easily charmed AND a certified commitment-phobe. More often than not, I leave a destination promising love and honor. That is until the next locale comes along to win my heart. Although, I think Australia may be the one.

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Posted in Australia, Beaches, International Travel
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“Kilts. Bells. Lake. Fun.” These four words are on my friend’s wedding website, and this weekend I’ll be seeing those words come to life near Lake Huron in Michigan, where the Sean Connery-esque dress code will be a quirky nod to Scottish heritage.

No longer do traditional wedding destinations like Vegas and Niagara Falls get all the “I do” action. For that reason, the dress code is getting more and more varied—in the Maldives, for example, brides and grooms can don their scuba-gear finest and get married underwater, using hand signals and bubble-blowing to exchange their vows. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a white wedding in the custom-carved chapel at Sweden’s Icehotel is all about wearing layers—the bride pictured on one website is wrapped in fur.

When I went to a wedding in Peru last year, I was on the same flight as the bride-to-be, and she went to great lengths to ensure that her wedding dress survived the journey without rips and wrinkles. Despite her efforts, at the reception a friend of mine accidentally spilled red wine on her gorgeous white gown, which she handled with complete grace. The overarching theme of this trip was realizing how special it was that we all carved out time to come together in a meaningful setting and celebrate such a wonderful occasion so far away from home.

For me, a wedding is the happiest excuse to travel, and no matter what the dress code, being able to spend time with close friends or family in a fascinating destination is just like so much icing on the wedding cake.

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Posted in Michigan, Packing & Baggage, South America
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It's the season of the White nights in St. Petersburg – an amazing time of year when night is as bright as day and the whole city celebrates. I was in St. Petersburg for the very beginning of white night season –this picture was taken on a boat ride at 11pm! While I was there it stayed light until around midnight. That kind of light is a wild thing. You know you should be getting ready for bed but when it's so light outside….Wouldn't you rather walk along the cobble streets and view the canals?

The White Nights offer a perfect time to take in the beauty of St. Petersburg. The city is very walkable (though you'll need to be wearing comfortable shoes) and in fact the traffic is so horrid that you're almost always better off hoofing it than taking a taxi. (As a side note taxis are also extremely expensive and if you don't know the language you're really at a loss when it comes to bargaining.) You can appreciate the details of the city if you take it in by foot and you can stretch that to the max during the white nights. From St. Isaacs Cathedral to the Hermitage, the summer palace to the Peter and Paul Fortress – you could spend days in St. Petersburg and not get the time to see all of the art and architecture.

A lover of art myself I was particularly blown away by the vast amount of art in this city – especially at the Winter Palace (the Hermitage) and could have spent several days really taking it in but of course only had one day to devote to it. Even though I'd heard about it – how the Hermitage is one of the largest art collections in the world – so large that they can only display a fraction of the collection at one time. Still I was unprepared for all it would contain. An entire room of Rembrandt portraits – the biggest collection that's outside of Holland; a large room with 40 paintings by Peter Paul Rubens; two rooms of Picassos; three rooms packed by Matisse paintings; two Leonardo paintings and so many other master's works as well as a stellar collection of Russian artists. Beyond the works themselves the palace is just amazing. Oh, the opulence of it! The full walls of marble, the massive chandeliers, intricate frescos, detailed flooring, and all of the detailed plaster – only to see it is to appreciate it. And with it – what an insight into Russian history and so many events that have shaped the people there.

The city of St. Petersburg is so different from Moscow, the capital today. St. Petersburg was developed by Peter the Great in the 1700s when he fled Moscow and made it the capital of the day. He specifically designed the city to feel like a 'European' style of city back in those days. While there are elements of many of other European cities it is said that he specifically had Amsterdam and Stockholm in mind. The parks are plentiful, the plantings pretty, the statues abound and the plans of the canals, streets, and beautiful architecture still survive today.

There are plenty of restaurants too. We particularly loved one called Seventh Guest – an upscale but fairly priced (for Russia anyway) – spot where the locals frequent. I highly recommend a guide in Russia (we used Baltic Travel) – a guide makes all the difference if you don't speak the language. Ours was able to navigate many of the odditites (like when things were open) and what days to plan since the museums and palaces have varying days that they are open which seemed to change from on guidebook to the next. You'll start to understand you don't ask why…And just accept, as the people there do, this is Russia.

My tip – the best way to go to St. Petersburg is by boat. Take a cruise but be sure you have at least 2-3 days in port to be able to see enough of the city. And go on the tours!

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Posted in Educational & Historic, International Travel, Russia
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This blog isn't called The Window Seat for nothing, you know. I mean, as far as airline travel goes, the spot beside the window is obviously the best seat in the house. In second place, of course, you've got the old aisle, whose pros (easy access to the bathrooms, a bit of room into which to stretch your legs) are tempered only slightly by its cons (flight attendants crashing into your ankles and elbows with the drinks cart, having to get up and down every few minutes to let your neighbor--lets call him Mr. Overactive Bladder--make his non-stop trips to the lavatory.)

But who in the history of the world has ever asked for the middle seat?

No-one, that's who. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 25% of people polled wouldn't sit in the middle seat on a plane no matter how much money they were offered in return. Obviously blessed, however, with lower standards and looser morals---and perhaps shorter legs and the patience of Job--forty two percent said they'd do it for a hundred bucks.

A few months ago, Northwest unveiled a $15 surcharge for aisle seats; the response was not pretty. United will apparently charge you a fee to "upgrade" from an aisle to a window, even if the plane is only half-full and you could move to a window yourself. What's next: charging $25 for window access? And while we're at it, why not offer a discount to those brave souls who take one for the team and pick the middle seat? I'd say $100 was about right, wouldn't you?

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Posted in Air Travel, Travel News
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Editor’s Note: G’day mate! I write you after my long haul to the land down under, where I spent my holiday with the Aussies and roos. It was an experience, so, come on, have a go! Join me for my three week Australian series, Adventures of Oz. (2 of 3)

The very first time you see something is always the best. Well, it is at the very least the most emotive. That first sight, the very first glimpse of something truly amazing, is a rollercoaster of emotions. You’re stunned, awed, captivated, ecstatic and overwhelmed all at the same time. That’s how I felt when my cab emerged from the underground tunnel and followed the curve of the street toward the harbor to expose one of the world’s grandest masterpieces in all its glory.

I landed in Sydney the night before and had to make a tough decision. I only had 12 hours in one of the world’s most beloved cities before jetting up the coast to my final destination. What can one intrepid traveler, accompanied by a ferocious case of jetlag, accomplish in just half a day? Sydney’s top ten list danced in my head: Bondi Beach…Harbor Bridge…The Rocks…Olympic Park…The Opera House…The Opera House…YES…The Opera House!

Even without experiencing the other must-sees on the list, I knew the instant I caught my first peek that I made the right decision. The abstract building is truly a work of art, and it only took a split second to know exactly why it’s on the voting ballot to become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. (Cast your vote before July 6! The winners will be announced on July 7.)

It’s a marvelous sight, with its glossy white shells reaching upward into the sky, surrounded by the waters of Sydney Harbor. Its history dates back to the 1940s when music enthusiasts lobbied for a venue to suit large theatrical performances. The plans didn’t take off until 1955 when international innovators began to submit their ideas. Today, visitors from around the world see the work of Danish architect Jørn Utzon, whose design beat out more than 230 others.

Knowing that my visit to the Opera House would be a short (and early) one, I crawled into bed when I arrived at my hotel during my first hours in Sydney in an attempt to get a good night sleep and beat the jetlag. Like an anxious kid, my excitement kept me up, and I was out of bed before the sun even had a chance to crash its way through my window.

I only spent two short hours with The Opera House before I had to catch my flight up the coast. I explored its grounds with early morning joggers and peeked into its windows. It’s a stunning masterpiece, and I wouldn’t have spent my 12 hours in Sydney any other way.

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Posted in Australia, International Travel
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Paris Hilton’s little stint in the slammer has been defined by her weepy “boo-hoos” and her very vocalized desire to get out. If only she knew that a new trend in the travel industry is to go to jail--directly to jail--and even pay for it, she might sit back, relax, and revel in her lack of freedom like any other properly adventurous prison tourist.

That’s what guests are doing at Malmaison in Oxford, which was once a real functioning jail. Today, each “prison cell” comes complete with free broadband, and--from the pictures on their website--they actually look pretty inviting. In this same spirit is the ironically named Liberty Hotel, due to open in Boston this summer, and once the former site of the notorious Charles Street Jail. While rooms and amenities speak to pure pampering, historic catwalks arch over the lobby, and remnants of an old jail cell add ambiance to the lobby bar.

There’s clearly a huge demand for so-called prison tourism. Alcatraz has long been one of San Francisco’s top attractions, and thousands flock to tour Philly’s Eastern State Penitentiary. Even in Croatia, the tourism council on Rab Island wants to open up its prison to visitors as part of an effort to promote extreme tourism.

Bangkok adds its own twist by letting tourists visit face-to-face with western inmates at its overcrowded maximum security prison, where your visit helps brighten some very dark days. Like the song goes, “one night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble,” and these prisoners have some incredible stories to tell.

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Posted in Educational & Historic, Hotel Travel
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Last month I went to a wedding in Mexico with a group of friends, requiring several of them to get a passport because of the new regulations implemented by the U.S. State Department earlier this year. Two weeks before our big departure, most of them still hadn’t received their documents, which should have already been in their hands. One of my friends even made the drive from Dallas to the Houston passport office to pick it up in person.

Lucky for summer travelers who procrastinated (shame on you!) and didn’t apply for their passports in time, the U.S. eased the new passport restrictions, allowing passengers who haven’t received their documents to travel with just an official passport receipt and photo ID.

Passports have been a hot topic in travel since January, when the U.S. began requiring a passport for travel to all international destinations – including Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Travelers have been forced in recent months to alter or cancel their vacation plans because of the time it took to receive a passport, a process that normally takes only six weeks but is now taking at least 12. (Back in the day, I got mine in less than two!)

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Posted in International Travel, Travel News
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Being sick while on vacation is beyond disappointing, and when it’s serious, you just want to beam yourself back home and into your own bed—even if you’re in a spectacular setting. That must have been what T.B. patient Andrew Speaker was thinking when he hopped on a plane home from Europe last month. While accounts vary as to how much he knew about how contagious he was, a case like this definitely brings up the risks of traveling among the public when you’re sick.

Just recently, on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, one passenger came onboard with the Norovirus, a really nasty stomach bug, and unwittingly passed it along to almost 200 passengers, plus the entire ship had to be delayed in port while the staff carried out the Center for Disease Control’s required cleaning procedures. I’ve been on enough cruise ships to know that if you have any symptoms of an illness like this, you’re supposed to report it before you get on the ship to avoid these kinds of situations.

But air travel is a less clear-cut issue. I’ve been on planes where the person in front of me is coughing the whole time, or the person next to me keeps wiping his nose on his sleeve, and I can’t help but feel like I want to wrap myself in a bubble to keep away whatever’s catching. And sometimes, though I hate to admit it, that under-the-weather person has been me, when travel plans just couldn’t be broken, and a box of decongestant pills had to become my new best friend.

So was this guy with T.B. right to get on that plane and go home? Should he have just stayed put, as many people are suggesting? It will be interesting to see how his dilemma impacts travel industry policy in the months to come.

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Posted in Air Travel, Cruise Travel, Health & Wellness
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Editor’s Note: G’day mate! I write you after my long haul to the land down under, where I spent my holiday with the Aussies and roos. It was an experience, so, come on, have a go! Join me for my three week Australian series, Adventures of Oz. (1 of 3)

It always makes the most sense to start a story from the beginning. So before I dig into tales of the Sydney Opera House, the outback or the Great Barrier Reef, let’s first explore ancient Australia.

On my recent trip, I had the chance to hear native stories -- about how the ancestral spirits emerged from the earth and the sky to create the land, the people and the traditions. The passion in the voice of the native who told the stories made me feel more intimately connected to Australia, magnifying its beauty and giving me deeper understanding of its origins. For me, exploring the history of a culture always makes me feel closer to the destination. After all, traveling is about truly experiencing a place, not just seeing it.

Photo courtesy of Brisbane Marketing and Riverlife Adventure Centre.

The very roots of Australia are possibly the best way to experience the continent. The Aborigines are said to be one of the oldest living culture on earth, and they’re sharing their stories with the world through the growing trend of Aboriginal tourism. The indigenous roots date back more than 60,000 years to a culture that, even today, lives to the beat of the land. This spiritual connection to nature is the ancient Aboriginal belief system known as Dreaming.

One of the most sacred places to the indigenous people of Australia is Uluru – that massive chunk of rock that you’ve probably seen a thousand times in guidebooks. This rock is indescribably huge. It stands up nearly ¼ of a mile with its red surface rising boldly against the clearest blue sky you’ll ever see. The rock is the landmark of the Red Centre, named obviously for its rusty red sands and location right smack in the middle of Australia. Anangu guides, the traditional landowners, lead walking tours to teach visitors about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the area.

Experiencing Aboriginal culture goes far beyond Uluru. Each tribe that lives in the outback has a story to tell through its language, arts and traditions, and they’re waiting to share these tales with visitors.

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Posted in Australia, Educational & Historic, International Travel
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I’m off on a quick trip to Chicago next month, and I’m trying to resolve the dilemma of bringing two laptops. There’s my work one, of course--I’ll want to stay in touch with colleagues and check e-mail--and then there’s my personal one, the shiny white iBook with all my music and bookmarks and photos. I’ve always carried one computer with me on my vacations--the idea of potentially being out of touch makes me hyperventilate just a tad--but am I over-egging the pudding a little with two?

It seems we can't stop, any of us. According to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released last week, one in five people took their laptop on their last vacation, and the same number admitted to doing some work when they were supposed to be relaxing. Twice as many checked their e-mail.

My biggest problem, really, isn’t which laptop to bring--or whether I should even bring a laptop; frankly, that’s not up for discussion--but how I’m going to get both on the plane with me. Most airlines only allow you to bring one laptop bag, in addition to another piece of carry-on luggage. What I need, I think, is the bag equivalent of the double stroller. Anyone know where I can get one of those?

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Posted in Air Travel, Business Travel, Packing & Baggage, Polls & Studies
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I once made the mistake of bringing Sophie’s Choice with me on a beach vacation. Not that it’s a bad book, but with a perfectly blue sky overhead, the book's dark subject matter seemed totally out of synch with the lighthearted vacation mood I was going for.

Now that summer’s coming, the reading lists are starting to roll out, and I found this one by NPR’s All Things Considered commentator Alan Cheuse to be a great start to the beach-reading season. His list is a nice blend of modern and classics, fiction and poetry. You can check out the list right here. From Chekhov stories to a collection of travel tales, happy reading everyone!

And please feel free to send any of your favorite summer reads my way. I'm always looking for a good book recommendation.

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Posted in Beaches
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