Travel plan idea blog

Book on travel writing by Lonely Planet Brazil author

Former Lonely Planet writer, Thomas Kohnstamm, has a book out called Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? He apparently (I haven't read the book - I only just heard about it) argues that travel writers (himself included) fabricate work, accept freebies they're not supposed to. He uses himself as an example - he worked on Lonely Planet Brazil.

Spokesperson for the Associated Board of Travel Agents (Abta), Sean Tipton, defends guide books: "I think they have been a great help and a boon to the travel industry and travelers in general.

"Of course, mistakes will creep [in] - the very nature of any publication means that it
can become out-of-date very quickly, things can change."

As I said, I haven't read the book. But I do have experience with guidebooks and while sometimes they are very helpful (my wife and I found our favorite restaurants of all time - Il Duomo in Assisi and Pizza Re in Rome with help from Let's Go and Lonely Planet respectively), there are other times when we wasted all kinds of time searching for a restaurant that we couldn't find.

I remember one of those guides recommended a cheap hotel in Assisi. They said something about the woman who owns it being one of the nicest people in the world. We get to Assisi, check in, no drama, decide we like the town and want to stay longer. So we ask the person there (the owner's father it turns out) if we can stay another night. He sends us to another room and we think everything's good.

We come back to the hotel and the owner starts yelling at us to get out of her hotel because the room we're in is booked. I asked her why I was getting yelled at when the hotel is one that messed up. Turns out the nicest person in the world was a real jerk. I wonder if the author had accepted a free room or was somehow bribed into making that stupid claim...

Anyway, can anyone review this book for us?

Smithsonian magazine recommends American vacation spots

I thought this press release would interest some. I could pass on the frog festival but the Chicago Blues fest and some of the other ideas here seem like great vacations:

New York, New York (April 28, 2008) – The May 2008 issue of Smithsonian uncovers the most notable places to explore in North America. “Destination America” reveals five of the most distinguished destinations inside the US including an ancient homeland in Acoma, New Mexico and an underwater odyssey in Silver Springs, Florida. “Destination America” joins “Destination Asia,” in the March 2008 issue, as part of Smithsonian’s commitment to bringing its readership the inside scoop on the most awe-inspiring locations around the globe.

“‘Destination America’ proves that you don’t need to scour the world to find exotic and inspiring destinations,” said Smithsonian Editor Carey Winfrey. “Some of the most beautiful places this world has to offer are right here in our own backyard. The May 2008 issue offers the perfect opportunity for American’s to begin researching for summer vacation destinations close to home.”

“Destination America” includes:

“Acadia Country” (pg. 46) - Harbor islands, placid lakes, deep forests: in Maine, a beloved stretch of coast exerts it piney allure

“Ancient Citadel” (pg. 56) - A native homeland for thousands of years, Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico is now the site of an unusual cultural center

“The Life Aquatic with Bruce Mozert” (pg. 62) - For 40 years, the photographer’s inspired underwater tableaux drew tourists to the crystalline waters of Silver Springs, Florida

“Back to the Frontier” (pg. 66) - Where can you tan a hide and play vintage baseball? At the Conner Prairie living-history museum in Indiana

“End of the Road” (pg. 70) - Winding from Tennessee to Mississippi, the Natches Trace, aka the “Devil’s Backbone” thanks to its bloody history, is a hike (or stroll) to remember

“Destination America” also includes an all-inclusive list of other hotspots and highlights around the nation:

The Chicago Blues Festival that showcases such greats as guitarist B.B. King and singer Koko Taylor

North American Indian Days, a celebration in Browning, Montana that includes Native American drumming and dance competitions

The California Rodeo in Salinas, California where nearly 1,000 contestants test their skills in challenges that include calf roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding

The Frog Festival in Rayne, Louisiana offers an old fashioned frog racing and jumping contest

The Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota where 350 artists set up a street market to peddle crafts from painting to glass sculpture and jewelry

About Smithsonian

Founded in 1970 with the launch of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Media—comprising Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian and the Smithsonian digital network—allows the intellectually curious to indulge and engage their passions for history, the arts, science, the natural world, culture and travel. Smithsonian Media’s flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, has a circulation of more than two million. This multimedia network is also affiliated with the world’s most visited museum and research complexes at the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, visit www.smithsonian.com

Connecticut tourism marketing: The Quiet Corner postcard

I recently learned about this postcard designed to publicize "the Quiet Corner" - a group of rural New England towns in the northeast corner of Connecticut.

The publicity firm handling the campaign has promised to send me some travel plans based on the following ideas which I should be publishing over the next month or two:

Guys' Weekend. Motorcycle rental and touring, dirt bikes, mountain biking, golf, fishing, camping, driving school, deep lake diving, and of course hearty tavern dining.

Family Weekend. Camping, horseback riding, wild west cookouts, swimming, mining, canoeing, river tubing, alpacas, bison, biking, farms, pick-your-own, ballooning, general stores and family friendly inns and restaurants.

Wine and Dine. Farm to table dining in wine gardens, fireside in taverns or in historic registry homes and restored barns. Award winning vineyard and distillery visits and Best of Connecticut menus for the hard to please foodie.

Outdoors and Fitness. Riding, biking, camping, fishing, hiking, bird watching, guided nature walks, canoeing, white water kayaking and hearty meals to satisfy any hunger.

Historical Mills and Mansions. Explore textile mills, their communities and their history.

American History. Travel the lesser-known Revolutionary war routes. Stay in unique town green B&Bs. Enjoy historic exhibits and delicious dining in colonial era buildings refreshed for the new century.

Girls' Weekend. Relaxing inns, bike riding, spa amenities, antiques, boutiques, arts, exploring gardens, riding, outdoor wine gardens, and leisurely, healthy meals with award winning wines.

Antiquing and Art. Specialty shops, artisan and antique dealers and beautifully designed perennial gardens. Find it before it comes to your city at twice the price!

I hope you're looking forward to these travel plans as much as I am!

New book on road trips and American culture coming out

I link to this article hesitantly because I fear the comments that may follow but I do think this book is likely to be worth reading: Are We There Yet? The Golden Age of American Family Vacations by Susan Rugh. Apparently part of the book is dedicated to how difficult it was for black Americans to experience the freedom of the open road.

Coming out in May, the book's press release notes say: "Rugh's study recounts how postwar prosperity and mass consumption - abetted by paid vacation leave, car ownership, and the new interstate highway system - forged the ritual of the family road trip and how that ritual became entwined with what it meant to be an American."

I think road trips are a pretty American experience. I don't think they are nearly as big a part of the culture in most European or Asian countries for example.

By the way, if anyone knows of an article or TV episode or documentary that talks about the importance of road trips in American culture, please leave a comment here because I'm teaching a course on US culture and would like to consider including this as a topic in my class.

And of course there are some related blog entries:

California road trip
Baseball road trip
Elizabethtown
With kids
LA to San Francisco
Memphis to Portland
Jamaica
Baseball (out of date but a good example for a more current plan)

Interview with Silk Road photography tour guide, Simon Foster

I recently learned about the following tour:

Silk Road Photo Tour
15 day adventure, 13-27 October 2008 from Xian to Kashgar
Maximum of 8 people
US $3400 per person. Further details go online to www.ewenbell.com.

I've sent interview questions to the two tour guides, photographer Ewen Bell and travel writer Simon Foster. Here are responses from Simon:

1. Can you give us an idea of the trip itinerary? What do travelers see the first day, the second day, etc.?

Days 1-3 = Xi'an
Days 4-5 = Jiayuguan
Days 6-8 = Dunhuang
Days 9-10 = Turpan
Days 11-15 = Kashgar and Lake Karakul

2. How is this tour different from other Silk Road tours (many of which do the Terra-Cotta Warriors of Xi'an to Kashgar)?

Whilst this tour visits many of the “regular” Silk Road destinations, that is where the similarities with other trips end:

Firstly, as a photographic tour, the emphasis is on spending enough time at each of the places we visit (rather than the whistle-stop tours offered by some operators). This enables us to capture the ambience and scenery of the environments we pass through as well as to interact with locals and thus get some great people shots.

Secondly, travelers will enjoy the benefit of two expert leaders. This being a photographic tour, Ewen Bell’s skills both as a photographer and an instructor are paramount (Ewen was voted Australian Travel Photographer of the Year 2007). But the experienced tour leader, Simon Foster, is also an accomplished author in his own right and has contributed to numerous guidebooks, including the current editions of the Rough Guide to China and Frommer’s China as well as having penned a solo adventure guidebook to the Middle Kingdom for Hunter Guides (www.hunterpublishing.com).

3. I know that I can't even imagine 100,000 people in a Sunday market like you would have at kashgar. Would you mind sharing a photo to help people like me picture Asia's (and the world's?) largest market?

Not sure quite how many people head for Kashgar’s Sunday market, but it’s safe to say there are at least ten times more animals than people! In order to get a feel for the atmosphere of the market I’ve attached a few photos to a separate mail, but it’s also worth checking out my blog (www.simonfoster.wordpress.com) which has a story about the Silk Road markets (“Silk Road Rocks”) and my photo website (www.flickr.com/photos/mebesimon).

Note: I did receive several photos, but I need to resize them before I can post them here. So a future blog entry will have the photos...

4. Which part of the itinerary is the least heard of and can you explain why you chose that place?

Lake Karakul is probably the least well known destination on the tour. It was chosen as it offers both spectacular scenery (a crystal clear lake at 4000m surrounded by 7000m peaks, including mighty Mustaghata) and an insight into nomadic life in these harsh conditions, Bactrian camels and all! We spend the night in a typical Tajik or Kyrgyz yurt which gives us the opportunity to interact with the hardy locals, witnessing mountain life firsthand, idyllically beautiful and yet at the same time, unforgivingly tough. What’s more the journey to Karakul (along the start of the Karakoram Highway) is as stunning as the lake itself, starting from the desert and ascending through colossal barren mountains and high plains dotted with goats and yaks.

5. What will travelers learn on this tour?

As well as getting an understanding of the cultural and geographic diversity of China, travelers have the opportunity to learn about photography with a wide range of subject matter, and tips from an expert photographer. The tour leader is also conversant in Chinese and will pass on the basics of the language.

6. What photography equipment should travelers bring (is a pocket size digital camera good enough)?

I’ll defer to Ewen for more expert advice on this one, but a pocket digital is certainly adequate, although many travelers bring a digital SLR.

7. In what ways is this tour eco-friendly, low impact, or sustainable tourism?

By limiting the group size to 8, visits to out of the way communities remain personal and uninvasive. Furthermore, to support local communities, we use local services and guides, which also gives a more accurate regional perspective than is achieved with some of the larger operators who often use Han guides.

Well that's the end of this interview. I hope you found hearing about the Silk Road from a travel writer / tour operator as interesting as I did. I'll get the pictures resized and posted soon, probably tomorrow.

Tours of Harlem, New York City

Here's a press release that I thought was worth sharing. I don't know anything about this company, Harlem Spirituals, but I do know that too few people understand Harlem. People all over the world are scared of Harlem - I know a restaurant in Jinju (a small city in South Korea) where on the wall in completely broken English they have a few lines of text about a woman who had never cried but broke down in tears the first time she saw Harlem.

I guess that's the problem. People don't understand or know Harlem. And yes, terrible city planning has left some areas dangerous but that doesn't mean tourists need to ignore the entire area.

Anyway, here is the press release:

How would you like to travel back in time and see New York City through the eyes of an African-American? What was it like during Dutch colonialism in the 17th Century? How did New Yorkers aid slaves seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad? Did jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie live in Harlem? If not, where did they live?

All of these points of interest and many more are being offered as part of an African-American Heritage tour by Harlem Spirituals, a leader in NYC’s specialty tour and travel industry for 25 years. This tour is only being offered during the month of February in honor of Black History Month. And if anyone knows how to give a tour of Harlem, it’s Harlem Spirituals. After all, their 2008 African-American Heritage tours are built upon tours for which this company won a White House award in 2000.

Prices and dates for these special tours are as follows:

African-American Heritage NYC all-day (9:30am to 4:30pm) with lunch: $99 per adult, $89 per child. Tour available on Saturday, February 9th and Saturday, February 23rd.

African-American Heritage NYC Harlem tour plus soul food brunch (9:30am to 2:30pm): $79 per adult, $69 per child. Tour available on Saturday, February 16th.

In addition to offering educational tours of cultural value that allow thousands of visitors to experience the rich culture of Harlem, the company also provides tours to many of the historical multiethnic neighborhoods in and around New York City. Recently the company was featured in an Associated Press article as part of travel story featuring Harlem tourism.

Scotland’s famous Loch Ness may see more visitors

The new movie The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep that opened in the US on Christmas Day 2007 (and opens in the UK in early February) is sure to inspire more tourists to visit Scotland’s famous Loch Ness. The story is about a boy who finds a mysterious egg from which a lizard-like creature hatches and eventually is let loose in a lake to become the Loch Ness Monster.

If you are planning a trip to Loch Ness, there is no guarantee that you will see “Nessie” as the locals have christened him, but there are plenty of other monster-themed attractions in the area.

Perhaps one reason why the monster has never been caught or proved beyond doubt to exist is that the lake is so huge – it’s by far the largest lake in Great Britain, measuring over 20 miles long and over 700 feet deep. Some people have spent many years and a lot of money watching the Loch – but without success.

Loch Ness is also launching a bid to become a world heritage sight, along with other such famous places as the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Travel Channel (about which there has been a lot of discussion on these pages recently!) airs quite a lot of shows in which somebody goes in search of mysterious creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, etc. And there are several tours that take in Loch Ness, although I’m not sure if you can ask for a refund if you don’t see the monster.

A lot of places have benefited from “movie tourism’ – the UK for example saw a big increase in visitors to London, Oxford and other places featured in the movies, following the success of the “Harry Potter” films.

If you need some more inspiration for visiting movie locations, Budget Travel magazine has a list of the movies of 2007 that will most inspire you to travel!

Celebrate National Winter Trails on Saturday January 12, 2008

I thought the following press release might interest a few people who like being outside in the winter snow...

WHAT: The 13th annual Winter Trails® event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and/ or cross-country skiing free at more than 100 locations in 25 states and four Canadian provinces. Through these easy-to-learn activities, participants can have fun and discover the health and fitness benefits of snow sports. Most Winter Trails venues are located at Nordic Centers while others are on National Forest and Park Service land and at snow resorts. Equipment is provided free by venue or product suppliers. Many venues offer educational programs, lessons, clinics and guided tours.

WHO: Winter Trails is presented through a partnership between SnowSports Industries America, the not-for-profit member-owned trade association representing snow and winter sports companies, American Hiking Society, a recreation –based conservation organization that promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience, and Cross Country Ski Areas Association, a national organization representing Nordic Centers across North America.

WHERE: More than 100 venues across North America. Visit www.wintertrails.org for updates on locations and event details.

WHEN: National Event on Saturday, January 12, 2008; Final Event at Estes Park, CO on Saturday, February, 16, 2008. Visit www.wintertrails.org for hours.

British Airways sale from US to London

For travel through March 23, 2008 British Airways has reduced fares from US cities to London. Apparently there's also a free hotel involved. Naturally there are lots of restrictions but this may be the most important: Only valid for new bookings made November 13-20, 2007.

Still you'll want to read the fine print. From what I understood however, if you register for their website and login before buying tickets you get an additional $20 off. However if you call them you have to pay an extra $20.

Fare to London (economy class, one-way, requires round-trip purchase)

New York (JFK) $169
New York (Newark) $169
Boston $189
Philadelphia $186
Washington DC $169
Baltimore $199
Miami $259
Atlanta $229
Chicago $207
Houston $239
Phoenix $251
Los Angeles $243
San Francisco $235

If you're not sure what you'll do in London, here are some free things, Sherlock Holmes literary tourism, London & Amsterdam vacation plan, and this England vacation plan.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIGITAL MEDIA ZOOMS IN ON PHOTOGRAPHY BUFFS

For many of us, taking pictures is one of the great joys of traveling. So I thought this National Geographic press release might be of interest:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2007 - National Geographic Digital Media has dramatically expanded its online photographic offerings to include new interactive features such as original videos, guides and new uses for famous images.

Debuting on the National Geographic site (www.nationalgeographic.com/photography) is an original video series featuring renowned photographer Mark Thiesen.

In the "Photo Tips" video series Thiesen walks shutterbugs through the dos and don'ts of getting that perfect shot, whether it's capturing a candid action moment at a birthday party or telling a story with a series of photos.

National Geographic Digital Media's expanded offering also tells behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most iconic National Geographic images. The site even offers users the chance to purchase prints and download wallpapers and screen savers of famous National Geographic photos.

Visitors have long been able to explore stunning picture galleries from the National Geographic archives and check out incredible pictures accompanying news stories, but additional features to the site now allow users to become more involved than ever.

Budding and skilled photographers alike will benefit from the recently added photo tips section, which offers advice from professional photographers on everything from how take magazine-quality shots to printing great-looking digital photos. The experts even give their advice on choosing the right digital camera and offer up comprehensive do-it-yourself workshops for anyone looking to improve their skills or turn from appreciative fan to photographer.

Amateur photographers can show off how well they put those photo tips to use by entering various photo contests including a chance for possible publication in the famed National Geographic magazine.

Photo hobbyists and fans alike will find the new National Geographic photography web site to be a truly interactive experience.

Where not to take a road trip: England

Here's a press release about driving in England. Is it really worse than the New York area?

THE thrill of the open road is a distant memory across the nation, according to a study released today - almost half of all Brits can't name a great place to drive.

New research by YouGov for Sat Nav experts Garmin found that endless traffic jams (84 per cent), accidents (35 per cent), boring scenery (26 per cent) and confusing road signs (20 per cent) are to blame.

Garmin's Claire Carter said: "Driving in America conjures images of Route 66 and Route 1 and in Australia it's the Great Ocean Road. In Britain, we're more likely to think of the M25 and the M6. It's hardly surprising that driving in Britain is regarded as more pain than pleasure."

Endless traffic jams saw the M25 crowned the worst road in Britain to drive by almost one in three people (31 per cent).

London was voted the worst city for driving with confusing road signs, one way systems and constant road works making the experience particularly unpleasant.

In contrast, the A591 between Keswick and Lake Windermere in the Lake District was voted the best road in Britain to go for a drive, closely followed by the A82 Glasgow to Fort William in Scotland.

Garmin's Claire Carter added: "The open expanses and sweeping hillside routes of Cumbria, Scotland and Devon dominate Britain's best drives taking the top three spots in our poll. The stunning scenery, challenging twists and turns and almost traffic-free driving on these roads are ideal for an enjoyable and relaxing journey."

Former F1 driver Perry McCarthy, Top Gear's original "Stig", said: "For most of us, driving in Britain is one long traffic jam, but it doesn't have to be like that. It's easy to forget how much pleasure you can get from driving down a country road with its variety of corners, views and challenges.

"With all the headlines about congestion, speed cameras and poor road surfaces, it's easy to forget that driving can be such a positive experience."

More that one in five (22 per cent) of British men regard driving to a holiday destination as their most memorable drive - more than said their own wedding day (6 per cent).

Just one in ten men (10 per cent) reckon taking their baby home from hospital for the first time was their most memorable journey.

Sunday was voted as the best day to go for a drive by almost a quarter (23 per cent) of those polled, apart from younger drivers between 18 and 24 years old who prefer driving late at night on a weekday.

Top Ten Worst Roads in Britain
1) M25
2) M6
3) Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham
4) North Circular in London
5) Oxford Circus
6) M1
7) Hanger Lane Gyratory in London
8) South Circular
9) M62
10) M5

Top Ten Best Roads in Britain
1) A591 between Keswick and Lake Windermere in the Lake District
2) A82 Glasgow to Fort William in Scotland
3) A38 from Exeter to Plymouth
4) M48 across the Severn Bridge
5) A696 from Newcastle Upon Tyne to the Scottish Borders
6) A3 overlooking the Devils Punchbowl in Surrey
7) A1 or A167 when you see the Angel of the North
8) A537 out of Macclesfield
9) A25 from Dorking to Guildford
10) Oxford Street in London

Top Five Most Memorable Drives
1) Going on a holiday
2) Taking your baby home from the hospital for the first time
3) Going to your wedding
4) Going on a road trip with friends
5) Going on a romantic drive/date

For more information, visit www.garmin.co.uk

Or see my previous entries:

California road trip
Baseball road trip
Movie tourism road trip
Road trips with kids
Memphis to Portland
Jamaica road trip

71,000 Volkswagen fans in Hanover

I thought this was an interesting press release. It sounds like there weren't any Americans crazy enough to go (surprising actually) but some Australians and a bunch of Europeans made it to Hanover for a special event:

Hanover, 9 October 2007. An official event to celebrate 60 years of Volkswagen vans held in Hanover, Germany, last weekend (5-7 October) attracted 71,000 visitors with a selection of over 5,000 Transporter vans and camper vans - from the original 'split-screen' T1 to today's fifth-generation models - and included the highlight of an exclusive concert by British rock legends, The Who.

Volkswagen van fans travelled from as far away as Australia, Portugal, Russia, The Ukraine, Denmark, Poland, the UK, France and Holland. They came in Volkswagen vans from every decade since the 1950s and when gathered, covered a total area of 255,000 square metres - the equivalent of around 35 football pitches.

The celebrations started with a special convoy through Hanover from the Volkswagen factory to the showground hosting the event where there was a covered stage to honour vehicles nominated for special prizes, plus a display of 100 historic and unusual models and exhibits from the Volkswagen museum, including the original design sketch from 1947.

The weekend generated some impressive figures: 11,500 visitors camped overnight in 3,724 Volkswagen vans, while 6,000 German sausages and 100 barrels of beer were consumed at the food stalls.

The exclusive, open-air concert by The Who on Saturday night was enjoyed by 44,000 people. They were pleased to hear that Pete Townshend owns a Volkswagen van and particularly enjoyed the performance of the song 'Magic Bus' which was played against a backdrop of footage of the iconic 'split-screen' Volkswagen Transporter from the 1950s.

Laptop tips for travelers

If you frequently take a notebook PC (laptop) with you when you travel, try out these tips Michael Miller, author of the new book, Your First Notebook PC.

If you’re flying and don’t have enough room to place your widescreen notebook on the coach class tray table, consider investing in Keynamics’ Aviator Laptop stand, which positions your notebook at an angle to make the most of the available space. www.keynamics.com.

Don’t be tempted to place your notebook PC in a plane’s overhead storage area; it can easily get knocked around or even stolen by your fellow travelers. Instead, store it under the seat in front of you, where it’s always in sight.

Some long-haul flights provide power ports that supply 15V direct current to power your notebook and other devices. Your best bet for finding such power ports are on cross-country and international flights on American, Delta, United and US Airways. To use a power port, you’ll need a compatible DC auto/air power adapter. Keep in mind that power adapters are device and model specific – although you can always go with the iGo Juice power cord, an all-in-one power adapter that connects your device to any AC or DC power source.

If you’re a mobile professional who likes to check in during driving breaks, consider investing in a mobile notebook desk that provides a good resting surface for your notebook. Some of these mounts attach to the passenger seat, some mount permanently to the front floor of the car, and others just sit on your lap.

If you travel by car, use a cellular data card for roving Internet access. You’ll find lots of Wi-Fi hotspots when you stop your car at rest stops and hotel parking lots, but not on the highway. For connecting from anywhere you get cellular phone service, invest in a broadband cellular data card for your notebook, and the accompanying data service.

If you can get Internet service, there’s no reason not to use your notebook to help you navigate – and find gas stations, restaurants and hotels on the road. I like to use Google Maps (maps.google.com) for these tasks, although any general-purpose mapping site will do the trick.

If you’re traveling with kids, let them use your notebook PC for in-car entertainment. It can function as a mobile game player and a portable DVD player. For long trips, you might want to consider a rear seatback notebook mount.

For safety of your notebook PC, identify it before you take your trip. Try taping a business card to the bottom of your notebook; if it gets stolen and found, you can identify it as yours.
Take an extra battery – it doesn’t hurt to travel with a second fully-charged battery. When your main battery runs out, replace it with the auxiliary battery.

Want to keep your nosy seatmate or the guy at the next table from seeing what you’re typing? Use a privacy screen filter. It fits on your notebook screen and uses microlouver technology to reduce off-angle viewing. You can see what’s onscreen, but people on your left and right can’t.

Videos of Switzerland

I got an email about some films of Switzerland at MySwitzerland.com:

Switzerland offers great experiences whatever the season, indoors and outdoors, come rain or shine. Some holidaymakers regularly make their best experiences available on our video portal.

Body flying - Another fun thing you can do in Switzerland: dressed in a special suit, jump into a wind tunnel and fly like a bird.

Arosa light show - This summer Arosa offered a very special spectacle – a breathtaking colour show near the lake accompanied by the song «I want it all». Why not come and see it for
yourself next summer?

The Alpamare near Lake Zurich is great fun all year round - This video shows all the fabulous experiences that are to be had in the waterscape - with or without family. A perfect excursion destination - even on dull autumn days!

I was especially curious about that last one, the lake, because I'm not sure if that's the lake where I go to see fireworks when I'm in Zurich for New Year's. Be careful if you're at work though - I'm pretty sure I saw a woman's butt in one sauna scene...

Anyway, I did find this video of Zurich's fireworks from last year:

Zurich Fireworks - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

The rest of what you need to know about traveling in Rome with Kids: interview with J.M. Pasquesi

Yesterday we published the first 6 questions and answers from the author of Rome with Kids. Here's what J.M. Pasquesi wrote in answer to #7:

QUESTION: 7. I would love to see a discussion of your 'possible topics' listed in your introduction above particularly the first five. I'm planning on taking a trip to Europe with my then 6 & 9 year old next summer and Rome is right up there at the top of the list. Posted by: Todd Harris at July 21, 2007 4:25 PM

ANSWER: Each topic on the list is huge and many of them were briefly answered by me in the other Q&As I have already responded to (ie. Family friendly accommodations/ how young is too young/safety etc.)

Any dialogue on family travel abroad is best served by beginning with “how and when” to start planning. Each family is different: they have different wishes, needs, vacation schedules, and ages of children. However, for every family planning early is the best start. Just as soon as you get nail down the dates, begin looking for airfare bargains and then accommodations. High season sees the best locations filling up months and months in advance – and with a family, you want to shoot for the best locations. That means finding accommodations as central as is affordable for your family. Since adjoining rooms are rare, especially in Rome, you will do well to explore apartments, B&B’s, modest but central hotels, and even convents at the earliest. Such places are snapped up for good reason. You may pay a little more for a small place in the center of town, but it pays off by practically eliminating the need for transportation.

Shelling out for several cab rides each day can really add up. In addition, you’ll gain flexibility, like the convenience of ducking in and out of your room for naps, rest periods, or to drop shopping bags. It feels a lot more like a vacation when you can simply fall out your door to sights and restaurants without worrying about logistics like directions, transportation, and having to plan how much you can do before you “can go back to the hotel.” Finally, you gain the flexibility of splitting into groups: Teens may wish to “chill out” for an hour or so while adults tour an additional museum, for example.

Once you finally make it to your dream location, keep kids in mind for a truly special xperience. History and art are not boring; following behind adults on tour is very boring. It is simply a matter of presenting everything in fun and dynamic ways. You can do this in Rome by simply buying and following my book, Rome with Kids: an insider’s guide, since I’ve already done the work for you but, you can also create the same experiences in other cities with a small bit of homework. Just keep in mind that kids like to be active and they love dramatic stories, so present art and history in dramatic and active ways. Get to know a few people: pick a small group of historical figures who shaped the city you’re visiting and give the kids a thumbnail biography. I like to pick a major artist, a colorful patron (whose family symbols will likely be all over the city (bees, dragons etc.) and other such major players.

In Rome, for instance, Barberini Pope Urban VIII’s bee adorns many famous structures, fountains, and sculptures. Imagine the kids spotting it first: They will actually be able to tell you something for a change!

And remember to stay active. Don’t just drag them to the Spanish Steps, make them count how many there are; take a “Where’s Waldo” picture by letting them pose somewhere in the crowd and taking their picture. Blow it up when you get home for a great memento. Do not go to the Roman Forum and try to identify rubble; tell a story about Caesar’s murder and bring flowers to place at his temple. Whether touring the Louvre in Paris or the Pitti Palace in Florence, balance art museums and other confining visits with outdoor activities so kids can blow off steam. You get the idea.

Finally, always be mindful of children’s major needs: play, food, and bathroom breaks! With a little heads up, you can avoid the meltdowns caused by the absence of any of these three “deal breakers.” I like to include bathrooms on any of the custom maps I have made since it is a necessity for families. Small babies need to be changed, toddlers constantly have to make a trip when you’re least prepared, and having to cut a tour short in order to wander in search of a loo is no fun for anyone. Pepper your day with small treats to keep energy high and stomachs happy. One of the best reasons to choose Italy as an American Family destination is the food! What kid does not like some form of simple pasta (butter only, salt and pepper, tomato sauce), pizza, and gelato (ice-cream). Use small portions for quick snack breaks. Kids may not want to walk from the Pantheon to the Trevi fountain, but give them a cone of gelato and they won’t even
notice the march!

What you need to know about traveling in Rome with Kids: interview with J.M. Pasquesi

Here's the interview with J.M. Pasquesi, the author of Rome with Kids, that I promised you a while back.

1. If we only have 2 days in Rome with our 12yr. old grandaughter, what do you suggest we see? Posted by: Sue Rosa at July 18, 2007 3:40 PM

ANSWER: With any child, but especially when you have so little time, efficiency in touring is your best friend. Take the time to plan a course ahead of time – that means double checking hours of operation. You don’t want to plan to see the Sistine Chapel on a day it’s closed! In my book, you’ll find 11 “mini-tours” that take you step-by-step in the most efficient way possible. Pick a few together with your child and then hit the road. A 12-yr. old can handle 2-4 of those tours a day. You should not miss the Forums/Colosseum/Pantheon/Trevi and a few major piazzas – like Piazza Navona or Piazza di Spagna.

2. We're thinking of taking a two week trip to Italy next summer with our 3 children ages 14, 18 and 21. We'd like to try to stay in or near Venezia, Firenze and Roma and take day trips from each city to explore some smaller towns. Can you give us any suggestions to keep everyone involved and no one too tired from trying to see everything. We'd really rather not go to a new hotel every night if possible. Can you help? Posted by: Rob at July 18, 2007 9:05 PM

ANSWER: I’m tired just reading this question. Even though your kids are older (14-18 years) you still need to be mindful of my “Space and Pace” rule. Kids need space to relax and wind down from lines, touring, following, driving, flying, waiting, waiting, waiting...! You also need to tour at a much slower pace in order to avoid burn out. That means getting through museums quickly, but taking your time at lunch, actively engaging sights, piazzas and shops etc. Trying to pack in too much in will lead to stress.

Venice does not require more than an overnight, in my opinion; you can even make it a long day trip from Florence. The Eurostar wisks you between the two cities in 2:45 minutes!

Florence and Rome have a wonderful selection of apartments for let that will give you more than double the space of hotels for half the price! Plus, you can stock the fridge with snacks and drinks, and even enjoy breakfast at “home.” Many hotels offer family rooms with four beds (sometimes 5) or adjoining rooms. Some B&B’s are small enough that you can take the whole place over (3 bedrooms). Look for accommodations ideas in the back of the book or try venere.com, a popular European site that lets you enter number of people and number of rooms (i.e. 5 people, 1 room). What ever you choose, stay as close to the center (centro) of town as you can afford to allow for easy access to breaks.

Finally, keep the day trips to a minimum and a short range. For instance, from Rome, you may wish to skip Pompeii (6 hours of your day will be spent in transport) and take the ½ hour train ride to Ostia Antica, where you can hop off the train, walk across a pedestrian bridge and see similar ruins of an abandoned town (Rome’s ancient port town) and then walk into the charming little center of Ostia for lunch and a quick tour of a castle.

To keep kids involved, share a little background (major artists, patrons, popes etc.) ahead of touring so that they are armed with a little info. Then, when you’re touring, they may even be able to tell you a few things rather than always being lectured. Make history fun by including activities, dramatic stories and compelling questions (who was murdered here? How many steps are there at the Spanish Steps? Let’s find the belly button of Rome).

3. I am taking 3 grandchildren to Rome during Easter, would it be less crowded Good Friday or Easter week end? Posted by: wanda edler at July 19, 2007 3:08 AM

ANSWER: It’ll be about the same. Easter is high season for Rome, but it’s one of my favorite times to be there, too. Keep in mind that the Pope leads a huge, candle-lit procession from the Colosseum on Good Friday. This is a pretty neat event to witness. Holy Thursday Mass is usually at San Giovanni. The first week of April also brings Cultural Heritage Week, an annual week which brings free entry to many sights (but also crowds). April 21 is Rome’s official birthday, so you’ll be treated to many street festivities, especially around the forum which hosts an historical parade of sorts that week.

4. We are bring our 2 children, aged 12 and 9 to Italy. We are planning to go to Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan. Please advise on accomodations, food and places of interest. Thank you. Posted by: Vivien at July 19, 2007 7:25 AM

ANSWER: See my answer to #2 above. As for sights: in Milan, be sure to take the kids to the roof of the Duomo for a fairy-tale like experience among the gothic flying buttresses and stone paths; in Florence, climb the tower to get a good view of the famous dome and enjoy some time strolling the wonderful gardens behind the Pitti Palace – especially since Florence is so museum heavy (which can be boring for kids); in Venice, don’t miss a tour of the Doge’s Palace. Spend the bulk of your time in Rome since it’s most kid-friendly and nearly everything is walking distance.

5. How young is TOO young for children in Rome? Our youngest will just turn 7 before our trip. We also have a 8, 12, and 14 year old. Are there places that accommodate a family of six without splitting us up? Thanks! Posted by: CJ Treangen at July 19, 2007 9:56 PM

ANSWER: Italians love children, so you never need worry about them being accepted at any age. Waiters will dote on them! As for touring ages, it’s best, in my opinion, to travel with babies that you can still carry in a backpack or kids old enough to walk a fair amount on their own (little legs wear out quickly). Ages 7 and up are the best for stamina and ability to hold interests. They can be given fun tasks and enjoy stories; they can eat and sleep on adult schedules; and they can retain memories of the lovely experience you’ve created for them.

There are plenty of places to keep the six of you together. Your best bet will be an apartment for lots of space in close proximity to the sights, but several hotels accommodate families, like Lancelot Hotel, for example. Just be sure to use a quality apartment service and check them out using a site like tripadvisor.com or slowtrav.com, which post reviews.

6. Me and my family (including a 1, 1 1/2, and 7 yo) are traveing to Italy in a few months and were a bit worried it would be to much for the kids to go from city to city. We were planning on visiting Florence, Venice, and Rome. Do you have any suggestions? any concerns? Posted by: Tatiana Donis at July 20, 2007 12:23 PM

ANSWER: You don’t say how long you will be traveling. 3 cities in two weeks or more is about right, but 3 cities in 1 week is too much. You are right that kids like to stay put. Adult and kids alike can benefit immensely from digging in and really exploring a city and culture that is foreign to them. It makes for a rich and intimate experience rather than checking sights off a list, systematically moving from city to city to do so. Find a nice balance and make sure to schedule in parks, botanical gardens, and some peaceful down time. Keep snacks on hand for train rides and alternate museums with outdoor activities like piazzas and fountains. And don’t forget safety: I like to stuff pockets of small children with business cards from the hotel you’re staying (or cards with your phone number) in the case they get lost. Book advance reservations for all the major museums you wish to see; you’ll avoid long lines by skipping them and going to will-call.

I hope that was helpful. There was a 7th question that hasn't been answered yet. I'm not sure what will happen with that one...

July 4th fireworks around the USA: Where are you going? Where have you been?

I got an email from Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau in California about their July 4th events. I'll publish part of their press release below and then add some other fireworks related stuff of my own:

Red, White and Blues Festival – Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton
This non-stop festival features outstanding blues acts homegrown in Tri-Valley and the surrounding cities. Plan for a full day enriched by a truly American cultural experience with roots right here at home. Festival is from 12-8 p.m., and is free with admission to the Alameda County Fair. For more information call (510) 836-2227.

Star Spangled Spectacular – San Ramon Central Park, San Ramon
Bring the entire family for a fun old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The festivities will kick off at
5 p.m. with food booths, entertainment and fireworks. For more information call (925) 973-3200.

Livermore Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – Robertson Park, Livermore
Gather for music, family games, food, and the grand finale of fireworks with synchronized music. Event runs 4-10 p.m. For more information call (925) 373-5748.

4th of July Parade – Downtown Danville
Celebrate the nation's history with a traditional, patriotic parade. Starting in Downtown Danville at 10 a.m. For more information call (510) 297-7693

Now, without a doubt, the best fireworks on July 4th I've seen were in Boston. Boston Harborfest goes from June 28th to July 4th. This article is a good description.

One place I'd love to see July 4th fireworks is in Washington DC. At the National Mall, the Smithsonian's annual Folklife Festival (June 27-July 1 and July 4-8) features the Mekong River, Northern Ireland and the great state of Virginia. You'll want to find a spot near the Capitol for the fireworks accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra.

Here's an article on fireworks in Detroit. It took me a long time to read because I kept going back to look at the awesome picture at the top.

New York City has its famous Macy's Fireworks display. It's kind of funny that New York City and Jersey City can't both set off fireworks from the water thanks to an 1834 treaty... One time I watched this from the roof of my friend's apartment in Queens. That was good but the view of lower firewors was somewhat obscured.

The Southeastern US has lots going on. This list covers July 4th and beyond.

I've also seen fireworks in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I think the Pennsylvania Pops Orchestra or Pennsylvania Philharmonic (can't remember which) performed. The last piece was the 1812 Overture and the fireworks started during the piece. I don't know if they still do this - there doesn't seem to me much about it online.

Anyway, where have you been or where are you going for July 4th fireworks?

Opera vacations: press release turned musical travel idea article

I get a lot of emails from different companies who want free publicity. Most of the time they want me to publish their press release (obviously the one offering me a free cruise on Liberty of the Seas was a nice change of pace) but most of them aren't really inspiring. I mean here we have big companies that make a lot more money than I do looking for what amounts to free advertising.

This one is different so here is the first press release I'm publishing on this blog. Actually now it's more an article on different opera-related vacation ideas than the original press release. I asked the company to add some real travel ideas for people who like opera but know next to nothing about it (like me). Anyway, here goes:

Multi-lingual text technology from http://Figaro-Systems.com motivates travelers to go see Opera around the world at some of the worlds most historical and forward thinking spaces - because Figaro is making enjoying arias easier.

Finally, you can get into opera with the aid of a simple technology that is revolutionizing live subtitling. With supertitles, everyone can keep up with the story. And if the opera house has our seatback system, just push the little red button from Figaro Systems, and you can glance at simultaneous translations on the back of the seat in front of you.

Theater goers now expect a similarly connected experience that can offer them performance notes, and simultaneous translations in up to seven different languages on cutting edge screens. The message is: now you can get into Opera without knowing a thing about it, just push the little red button from Figaro Systems.

These are just some of the houses running Figaro subtitles or supertitles.

New York, Metropolitan Opera: Kirov Ring cycle.

Wiener Staatsoper:

Vienna is a city of cafes, and is the second home to Motzart, who was born a cobblestone’s throw away in Salzburg. The light charms of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Zauberflöte have long rendered it a favorite of both experienced operagoers and first-time attendees. Set against an Egyptian backdrop, the plot seamlessly unites comedy, romance, and intrigue. The opera's musical highlights are some of the most memorable in the operatic canon, including an overture that is a fixture in concert repertoire and the Queen of the Night's celebrated aria, "Der hölle rache."

http://www.staatsoper.at/Content.Node2/en/spielplan/saisonvorschau.php?month=

Royal Opera House:

London is known for many things, and one of those things is the Royal Opera House. A classic tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto unfolds in the court of the Duke of Mantua. A poor jester goes to great lengths to shield his daughter from the excesses of the aristocracy, with tragic results. Verdi's lush score is punctuated by classic arias such as the Duke's "La donna è mobile" and several spectacular ensemble pieces.

http://esales.roh.org.uk/tickets/production.aspx?pid=120

The Santa Fe Opera:

The southwestern city dedicated to the arts has a forward thinking reputation. The Santa Fe Opera has long been known for its commitment to presenting new works from rising contemporary composers. The 2007 season is no exception, featuring the American premiere of Tan Dun's widely acclaimed Tea: A Mirror of Soul. In this work, based upon the story of a doomed love affair between a Japanese monk and a Chinese princess, organic sounds of nature unite with vocal, percussive, and orchestral strains to evoke the power of the four elements.

http://www.santafeopera.org/TEA/

Teatro alla Scala, Piermarini:

This is one of the worlds most famous opera houses, in Milan, and includes a museum dedicated to one thing – opera, of course. Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata offers a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a courtesan. Based upon a play by Alexander Dumas, this audience favorite goes far beyond a typical love story to explore themes such as filial duty and the transience of pleasure. With dazzling arias and sumptuous duets, the tragedy of La Traviata is a joy to behold.

http://www.teatroallascala.org/public/LaScala/index.html

Opera Theatre of St. Louis:

Who knew the home of the Cardinals was also hosting one of the funniest opera’s of all time this summer? Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado deserves its status as one of the most frequently performed musical theatre pieces in history. Set in Japan, the work centers around an absurd plot: the Lord High Executioner must execute himself unless he can find a replacement. With its beloved music and brilliant libretto, The Mikado offers a hilarious send-up of the British obsessions of the Victorian era. Hurry, the last performance is on June 23rd

http://www.opera-stl.org/Season_Operas_show1.aspx

Des Moines Metro Opera:

Yes, Iowa has more than farms and political primaries – and Des Moines is actually a pretty happening town. Georges Bizet's Carmen is already sold out, but many critics consider Giuseppe Verdi's Otello to be one of the composer's finest works. Based on William Shakespeare's epic tragedy, the opera's sophisticated musical themes underscore a classic tale of love and jealousy. With stunning choral passages and rich orchestration, Otello offers viewers an intense and moving theatrical experience.

http://www.desmoinesmetroopera.org/event_otello.htm