Two chicks with major wanderlust who live to see the world: themselves, through others, or just living vicariously with the latest & greatest gadgets, travel accoutrements - from luggage to skincare
Fuelmyblog.com recently teamed up with Lastminute.com to launch a competition to find the best blog post about "the best ever weekend break". Open exclusively to bloggers, the highest quality 300-word post wins a a weekend in Vienna with business class flights from London. "We are delighted to be joining forces with one of the most successful dot-com businesses in the world," explains Fuelmyblog Founder, Kevin Dixie. "Many bloggers write about their travels and exotic experiences in far-flung destinations and, as the home to the world's blogging community, we wanted to support their efforts with a special prize."
All entries will be published on Lastminute.com & Fuelmyblog.com, with the best ten judged by Internet pioneer and the creator of Freeserve, Ajaz Ahmed.
SFGate.com offers these tips for staying green on the road:
BEFORE YOU GO: Turn down the thermostat & water heater in your home; place a hold on your newspaper delivery.
PATRONIZE GREEN TRAVEL PROVIDERS: How can you tell if a hotel, tour company or other travel provider has a genuine commitment to environmental preservation? Have them e-mail a copy of their eco-policy, and see if their catalog is printed on recycled paper. If you're booking a tour, ask if accommodations are at chain hotels or locally owned lodgings. A good place to start is Lonely Planet's Code Green which lists almost 100 eco-friendly trips.
REUSE HOTEL TOWELS & SHEETS: Many hotels now change towels & sheets only upon request. If a towel is on the floor, it will be replaced, while those hanging on the rack are left to dry. Leave housekeeping a note stating that you don't need the towels or sheets changed, and ask that the hotel refrain from from using chemical air fresheners and cleaning products in your room.
IS YOUR TRIP GREEN...OR GREENWASHED? According to Jim Sano of Geographic Expeditions, many companies present themselves as green when they really are not. Ask outfitters how they select tour operators, whether they support local people, and what they do to minimize impact on the areas they visit.
BE ECO-ACTIVE In a new city, travel by bus on on foot. Walking is not only greener but also opens you to fun encounters. Bike touring, whitewater rafting and kayaking can also be green, depending on the tour operator.
BYOT (BRING YOUR OWN TRASH) If you're in a remote area such as the mountains or the desert, bring as little potential trash along, and pack out whatever waste you create.
CONSIDER YOUR FOOTPRINT After a day of trekking in the Himalayas, it might be high time for a cold beer and hot shower, but bear in mind that tourist demands can lead to increased deforestation (to heat water) or to the disruption of traditional ways.
For more green travel ideas, check out these resources:
This week, down-and-dirty travel site Travelfish launched their downloadable PDF guide to Ho Chi Minh City, the latest in their growing stable of snappy insider guides, and their first for Vietnam. "We want travellers to navigate their way through Southeast Asia's top destinations without being weighed down by out-of-date guidebooks containing way more information than they need," says Travelfish founder and veteran traveller Stuart McDonald about the concise but comprehensive guides; they print out to A4 size paper before the trip or on-the-go at Internet cafes. "Travellers can simply choose Travelfish guides to the places they are actually going -- each usually costing far less than an airport cab in the city they're travelling to."
While heavy, bulk print guidebooks can take more than six months to reach shelves after a researcher has been on the ground, Travelfish guides are up-to-the-minute. "The writing is on the wall for the legacies [traditional guidebooks]. There is a whole new way of travelling for the latest generation of backpackers -- and flashpackers -- thanks to the internet." says McDonald, who spent years backpacking in Southeast Asia and has now lived in the region for a decade. "Travelfish is at the forefront."
Each Travelfish guide is thoroughly researched on the ground by experienced travellers who do their best to conceal their identity and never accept freebies, to ensure their readers get realistic, warts-and-all reviews of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars and sights:
Cambodia: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat with Phnom Penh launching in two weeks
Laos: Vientiane, Champasak & more off-the-beaten-track destinations in remote southern Laos
Thailand: Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Bangkok; diver's paradise Ko Tao on the way
Coming soon: 24 titles by the end of 2007, including Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon & Central Highlands
"I want an honest evaluation about my travel destination with candid
photos, traveler's opinions and real-life stories from locals on the ground and from recent visitors," explains Katherine Morrow, co-founder of TheRatingGuy.com - which just released their new list of Great Travel Sites...of which a scant 19 made the grade. "Printed books can't keep up with the rate of change in the travel industry. So many options are available today, and with the power of web-based social communities, I can find what suits my
personal needs so much better. My Google search today for "travel sites" revealed 273 million results. What is that going to do for me? We help the consumer to get to the better site sooner and here they are."
Rating a variety of travel & leisure sources - from the traditional travel publishers to the new digerati-based social networks whose content has been created by travelers themselves, hosting editorial,
photos, commentary, reviews, ratings, and, of course, rants - what is exceptional about The Ratings Guy list is the superior level of content which helps a traveler get where they're going with minimal hassle and the best planning advice.
TribecaRadio.net's newest show offers an insider's look at trips for people of all lifestyles, budgets, age groups and physical abilities. Host Susan Raphael interviews a vast array of globe-trotters, artists, writers, chefs, musicians and designers from around the world about their personal adventures, cultural perspectives and found treasures! She also shares news of the joyous journeys and secret hideaways of the show's listening audience. An intrepid traveler herself, Raphael has braved the sands of the Sahara in search of the perfect Berber carpet, maneuvered through the moterini of Milan to find the quintessential Italian handbag and scoured the patisseries of Paris for the fluffiest French croissant. "Our show is for people of all means, ages and abilities," she explains. "We want to excite listeners, surprise listeners and send them "packing"!
For the premier show, Raphael visit Italy, the number one destination for returning travelers, and scores tips & trics on everything from securing the most coveted reservations in Italy to the best current travel promotions from Consul General of Italy to the United States, Antonio Bandini, and Dottore Riccardo Strano, director for North America of the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT). Upcoming shows discuss looking at architecture when you travel with Joan Blumenfeld & Frederic Bell of the New York City chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); Morocco & Andalusia with a Moroccan Gnawa trance dance musician and two American filmmakers; traveling for the physically challenged; how to feel "at home" abroad; how to pack and what to take; travel bargains; around the world in 80 meals; doing business abroad; medical advice for travelers; and traveling celebrity style.
Each show is podcast the following Tuesday so stay tuned at TribecaRadio.net
Schmoozing on the ninth hole. (photo: Bernard Napthine)
Ayers Rock (photo:Chris Mellor)
Melbourne by night (photo: David Hannah)
Australia, for all its fabulousness, does have some pitfalls - like weather - as the honeymoon couple headed for the Great Barrier Reef found out. Unaware that it was monsoon season, they spent five days in rain, and never saw the reef. "Australia is such a big place with an array of travel choices that the traveler can easily spend to much money and wasted time if they are not educated on their options," notes David Frederick of LetsGoToAustralia.com whose goal it is to help travelers fully enjoy their time Down Under. "It should be the first choice of everyone to visit in their lifetime and I want to make sure it's the best trip of their life."
For the scoop on where to go in Oz, what to see, and the cheapest way to get to there, visit LetsGoToAustralia.com.
Eilean Donan Castle near Kyle of Lochalsh. (photo: Loch-Ness.org.uk)
The best way to visit a place like Scotland is to make sure that the major touristy places don't dominate the agenda. And the recently launched Secret- Scotland.com wants to keep this from happening. Specializing in hidden, offbeat gems, they customize budget-friendly itineraries that also avoid the pitfalls of traditional guides which often cause the misinformed to try and see Inverness, Loch Ness and Skye in a day. Instead, their guides are logical, day-to-day, easy-to-follow sequences of route directions, punctuated with recommendations for sightseeing, including attractions away from the beaten tourist trails.
"The idea for Secret Scotland came about as a result of helping friends discover just how
much there is to see and enjoy in our small, but unique, nation. The market place was crying out for a new style of easy to follow tour guide, but, importantly, a tour guide with sufficient flexibility to allow visitors to create really bespoke itineraries," says Mike Peddie, a native Scot who started the site with his French partner, Aurelia Reymond-Laruinaz. "Of course we will help people to see the main attractions in Scotland, but it's a pity that all too often they leave our country without seeing many of the varied and special places tucked away around every corner. We have spent the last two years meticulously researching every aspect of our guides to ensure that, when a tour is selected, a really successful visit to Scotland is likely to ensue. We also believe that our guides are second to none when it comes to offering value for money."
In order to find out what tourists actually needed, Peddie went right to the source. "Some French tourists were telling me how misled they felt by their guidebook. They had spent £6.50 each to get entry to Urquhart Castle and discovered that the Castle was mainly a ruin. In our guides, we advise people to take a picture from the car park!" Adds Reymond-Laruinaz: "We pride ourselves on our 'local' knowledge base of Scotland. We really do know where to find the scenic spots, quiet side roads, great pubs and eating places that other guides never mention because they only have space to focus on the major attractions".
If you're the adventurous sort who enjoys your travel off the beaten path, but still digs excellent accomodation, Lonely Planet's Haystack is serving up a unique 'invitation only' booking service that features only properties that have been chosen, visited, reviewed and recommended by a Lonely Planet
author.
"Whenever you go checking places out grumpy hotel owners say "Why do you guys come at such difficult times?" and that's exactly why we do it. We want to see places at their best and worst," explains one of Lonely Planet's intrepid authors. "First thing in the morning when people are checking out is always a good time to see how people handle being busy, plus there's always a helpful cleaner who might let you see a room that you might not otherwise have caught on the grand tour. The most important thing is to avoid the "official tour," where the people at the desk get the manager and you get shown how light switches work or invited for a cup of tea. Sometimes this can mean sneaking around the front desk or talking to people who are staying there or even just breaking up that tour by saying "What about these rooms?" You have to review against what you're being shown, which often means being pretty annoying to hotel staff." Adds another of their authors: "I don't really jump on beds, but I do look closely to see that the bedspreads are clean (I hate gunky-looking patterned bedspreads), suss out the bathrooms for water pressure and mould, test the windows to see if they can be opened and open wardrobes to look for wire coat hangers (yuck!). I often check minibar prices to see if they're extortionate, and I like to look at communal areas to see how guests and guests of guests are treated. I like to say hello to the people who clean the rooms to, you can tell a lot about a place by the greeting that's returned - and I think everyone in a hotel/motel or wherever should be happy to be there, even if it's for work."
In fact, many of their properties were not previously bookable online through any other service. "We are inviting our favorite properties from around the globe to join the service -- whether it's a backpackers in Sydney, an eco-resort in Yap, or a boutique hotel in Rome," says Dan Christian, Lonely Planet's Haystack Product Manager. "Haystack is a unique service in that every property listed is recommended as a great place to stay. Every property review is 100% independent and written by an experienced travel writer." Currently, Haystack boasts over 1000 properties in more than 58 countries, and more are being added all the time. "Haystack will continue to grow daily as more destinations and
properties are added to the site throughout 2007 and beyond."
If your personal holy trinity involves great wine, food & scenery, it's time to add Walla Walla to your travel plans. Extending from eastern Washington State to the south, and across the Oregon border (one-third of Walla Walla's vineyard land is actually in Oregon), the Walla Walla Valley increasingly the talk of wine & foodie circles. "We surveyed the most intriguing wine producing regions of the world, looking for the perfect launch destination for Inspired Travel," explains Steve Woodward, managing director of HinsdaleCellars.com, about their boutique travel service which specializes in small group experiences, private tours and custom dining."The choice soon
became obvious -- Washington's incomparable Walla Walla Valley."
In addition to connoisseurs, the region has been luring winemakers from tradition-bound parts of the world such as Christophe Baron of the acclaimed Cayuse Vineyards, who uprooted from his native France more than a decade ago - drawn by the rocky soils of Walla Walla. "The best wines made in Washington rank among the best wines produced anywhere in the world," notes author and Washington native John Doerper. "(Yet) much of Washington's Wine Country and many of its wines are still little known, making this a perfect region
to explore."
If the frigid weather is simply unbearable, ShermansTravel.com has what you seek: the best six beach deals of the season:
Bahamas for $499: Escape to the Bahamas' beachfront Paradise Island Harbour resort with this unbeatable deal from CheapCaribbean.com. The five-day package includes lodging, meals, drinks, and all non-motorized water sports.
Hawaii for $527: Experience world-famous Waikiki Beach for five nights at the family-friendly OHANA Waikiki Malia with this package through PandaOnline.
Belize for $880: If you can bear to wait until April, Tara Tours is offering a seven-night jaunt to the Banana Beach Resort on Amergris Caye, an island renowned for its stunning beach and first-rate snorkeling. Want to leaver earlier? Winter departures are just $200 more.
Florida Keys for $914: This Orbitz deal includes a three-night stay at
the luxurious Hyatt Key West Resort & Marina and airfare from
Atlanta to Miami. Winter rates at this hot spot usually go for at least
$350/night.
Cancun for $1089: Balcony suites run up to a wallet-busting $800/night during peak-season, but this extraordinary deal from Expedia includes a four-night stay at the upscale Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach and airfare from Los Angeles. This offer is only valid for one departure date - March 1st.
St. Croix from $1143: Spoil yourself at The Buccaneer, St. Croix's top-rated, four-star resort for four-nights. This extraordinary deal represents a more than 50% savings since the average winter rate is a whopping $840/night
To find editor reviews of each of these winter beach getaways, including pricing and booking information, visit ShermansTravel.com. The site's Top Ten Easy Winter Weekends Abroad has other winter getaway ideas, including both warm and cold weather destinations such as Collingwood, Canada, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and Isla Taboga, Panama. In addition, they also feature the top 25 deals each week in their free Top 25 e-newsletter, while their The Luxe 15 covers the best smart luxury values.
According to the World Trade Organization, the number of Americans traveling to Egypt in 2006 soared to 228,165, up from 195,800 the year before. "We were very pleased with 16% growth of American travelers in 2006," notes Ayden Nour, Consul-Director of USA & Latin America for the
Egyptian Tourist Authority. "In 2007, we anticipate beating the 2000
record of 235,000 visitors [from the US]."
Yanks ranked 6th in total visitors, after intrepid Western Europeans from England (1,033,000), Russia (998,000), Germany (966,000), Italy (786,000), and France (372,000) - adding up to a total of 9,082,000 in 2006. In a year when the global growth rate for wordwide tourism measured 4.5%, Egypt racked up an impressive 5.5% increase over 8.7 million visitors the previous year. "Egypt has always been a powerful draw for visitors, with numbers increasing year after year," says Ahmed El Khadem, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, which has an ambitious strategic program to double the number of annual visitors to 16 million by 2014. "I am therefore pleased to see that world travellers continue to recognize the many diverse and beautiful treasures that can be found in Egypt. People are coming not only for first-time visits, to see our world-renowned sights, but also for repeat stays to enjoy another helping of our year-round sunshine and our wonderful beaches and resorts."
Featuring 360 days of sunshine per year, famous
historical sights, spectacular beaches and coral reefs, as well as golf, ecotourism,
shopping and wellness breaks, it's not surprising Egypt continues to rank at the top of many travelers' lists.
The recently launched site targeted at extremely well heeled males showcases top flight merch in all important areas of life: cigars, cigars, classic and luxury automobiles, men's fashions, motorcycles, wine and spirits, watches & jewelry, and, of course, travel.
What started as
simple social give and take between friends Terry Knealing and David Schoenecker soon blossomed into the idea for a website, based on their shared affinity for luxe items. Over sushi, they decided it was time to share their passion for the
posh with the rest of the online world. So whether it's a super-special place to pop the question (like the $20,000 package offered by the MGM Grand in Vegas), or a walk on the space station ($20 million to get there & back; an extra $15 million for the walk), you'll find it at LifeOnTop.com.
EuroCheapo.com now covers 21 cities throughout Europe, providing photos, budget travel articles, expert reviews of hotels & pensions - all visited and recommended by EuroCheapo editors. "As Europe continues to grow, so too does EuroCheapo's reach," says Tom Meyers, founder and editor-in-chief of EuroCheapo. "Our readers are always seeking to explore new and budget-friendly destinations. We're thrilled to add Bratislava and Krakow to our list of European travel guides." Both the Bratislava guide & Krakow guide provide extensive articles explaining neighborhoods, local transportation options, and budget travel tips.
The world is out there, and it's less expensive than you think. Check it out at EuroCheapo.com.
Along with publication of the final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix hits the big screen this summer, showcasing some stunning locations. Shot entirely in Britain, several historic sights provided the film's gorge backdrops, and the trailer shows Harry and other wizards flying at night along the
River Thames' landmarks such as Canary Wharf and a floodlit Houses of
Parliament. "Several of Britain's most historic sights provided the film's stunning backdrops and all have seen an increase in visitor numbers as a result," notes a guide with British Tours Ltd. "They include Christ Church, Oxford, which provided the setting for Hogwarts' staircase and the model for the School of Wizardry's dining room."
Sites featured in the Harry Potter saga:
Christ Church Oxford (Hogwarts' Library and Hospital - CLICK HERE for a Quicktime tour)
Gloucester Cathedral's ancient cloisters (several scenes in the Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets including the ghost scenes and overflowing bathroom scenes - CLICK HERE for a tour)
Australia House on the Strand in London (Gringott's Bank)
London Zoo (where Harry communicates with the snake)
King's Cross Station (Platform 9 and 3/4)
Borough Market & Leadenhall Market in London
Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral in the North of England (interior & exterior shots for Hogwarts)
Ghoatland Railway Station in North Yorkshire (Hogsmeade Station)
Fort William's Glenfinnan Viaduct (the flying car sequences)
King's Cross Station (features installation art at Platform 9 and 3/4 of a trolley 'vanishing' into the wall)
Westminster Underground Station - closed all day for filming Order of the Phoenix
Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
When asked where they most want to visit in Europe, just under 3,000 travellers participating in the TravellersConnected.com poll - a free UK travel Web site featuring travel forums and travelling information - voted for Kazakstan in droves. “It’s really quite fantastic what Borat has done to raise the public profile of Kazakhstan. For the country to get more votes than Spain demonstrates the sheer power of the media. When we compiled the same survey last year Kazakhstan barely got any votes at all,” notes Alastair Banks of TravellersConnected.com. "We understand that Kazakh president Nursaltan Nazarbayev thought that Borat had damaged the world’s perception of Kazakhstan. For the right reasons or wrong, it looks however that the film has really put the country on the map.” In fact, there's been such a surge in demand, Air Astana has now put a third scheduled weekly flight into Almaty, Kazakhstan from London.
The results of the TravellersConnected.com poll of the Top 10 European destinations that people want to visit:
Italy - 22%
UK - 18%
Kazakhstan - 16%
Spain - 12%
France - 10 %
Greece - 7%
Turkey - 5%
Austria - 4%
Germany - 3%
Holland - 3%
For more information about travelling to Kazakhstan or other countries, or to become a member, visit TravellersConnected.com.
From celebrating our nation's past, to exotic destinations, to hearing the crack of yacht sails as they race for the oldest active trophy in international sport, the Orbitz Insider unearths up-and-coming hotspots before they register on the mainstream radar:
New Orleans, Louisiana Continuing its remarkable comeback after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is once again bustling and thriving. Events are plentiful in New Orleans in 2007 as the city welcomes travelers back for its always-outlandish Mardi Gras celebration in February and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April. The French Quarter Festival, also in April, is another excuse to stroll down Bourbon Street, with music on 14 stages and booths teeming with famous Cajun cuisine.
Jamestown, Virginia This year marks the 400th anniversary of this historic city, the first English settlement in the United States. To mark the occasion, they are hosting America's Anniversary Weekend Celebration, May 11-13. From concerts to children's events and fireworks, this town and event make for the perfect educational and fun family vacation. History buffs can explore the life-size re-creations of the colonists' fort, a Powhatan Native American village and three replicas of the ships which sailed from England to Virginia bringing settlers to the United States. For more historic parks & family activities, historic Williamsburg is only a short drive away.
Cruising to Alaska Wildlife, glaciers, mountains, as well as whales, fjords, and maybe some Grizzly bears - all in the course of a single day. And adventures aren't just confied to the ship; serious adventure excursions are a fun option, such as helicopter touring, glacier trekking and sea kayaking, where you can get up-close and personal with Alaska's extreme -- and extremely beautiful -- landscape. The season only runs from May to September, so it's advisable to book far in advance.
San Juan Islands, Washington For sea kayaking enthusiasts, this is the spot. Located about an hour and a half north of Seattle, kayakers from novice to expert can explore the San Juan Islands' beautiful landscape and wildlife, which includes Orca whales, seals and a variety of birds. The Islands also boast outstanding scuba diving as well as fishing and sailing. As a great day trip destination from Seattle, ferry lines can be long, so purchase tickets in advance to avoid a long & boring wait in the passenger toll lines.
Valencia, Spain With roots dating back to 138 BC, the architecture of this Mediterranean coastal city is rich with history. It's also known for its excellent sailing conditions, and this year from June 23 and July 7, they will be hosting the 32nd Annual America's Cup final, the world's premier sailing competition. And you don't just have to watch. Learn to sail through the school organized by the Comunidad Valenciana Sailing Federation, where would-be mariners from the age of nine up can learn to sail and race in the same conditions as the America's Cup sailors.
Krakow, Poland Often referred to as the "new Prague," Krakow is considered the cultural center of Poland. Krakow is known for its museums and its extremely well-preserved architecture, including castles and cathedrals dating back to the Medieval and Renaissance periods. However, while its roots are deep, Krakow isn't stuck in the dark ages. This city has a vibrant social scene, with one of its most notable events being Carnival -- a two-month non-stop party in January and February with events at restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city. And don't forget to purchase a European rail pass so you can take advantage of the great rail system with short trips to neighboring countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam For a glimpse of a country on the verge of opening up to the world, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling blend of the modern and the traditional. Upscale restaurants and entertainment keep company with traditional Vietnamese street markets and sidewalk cafes; the Ben Thanh Market sells everything from flowers and seafood to fabrics and glassware; and the Museum of Vietnamese History features an extensive collection of Vietnamese antiquities. For a taste of the countryside, Ho Chi Minh City is a great launching point to the area's many beautiful beaches as well as the Mekong Delta, one of the richest agricultural areas of Vietnam.
2007 looks to be a very good year for stateside pooches.
According to BringFido.com - a popular dog travel website that provides online reservations at more than 15,000 pet friendly hotels - there are more than 200 dog friendly parades, festivals, fundraisers, and even beauty pageants to look forward to this year. "Attending events is a real treat for dogs, but it's often even more fun for the owners," says Melissa Kendall, BringFido.com's founder and president, noting that 70% of the dog events featured on their site benefit charities such as Animal Friends, Helen Woodward Animal Center, Greythound Guardians, North Shore Animal League and other local humane societies. "Attending events is also a great way for dog owners to help homeless pets in their community." BringFido's recently released Dog Events Calendar has the goods on:
Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade: February 11th in St. Louis, MO
Sandy Paws: March 2nd in Jekyll Island, GA
Pup-Games at PNC Park: April 26th in Pittsburgh, PA
WOOFstock 2007: May 7th in Decatur, IL
The World's Ugliest Dog Contest: June 22nd in Petaluma, CA
Sand Flea Pet Parade: July 22nd in Long Beach, WA
L'Oreal's 'Because Your Dog is Worth it Too' Day: August 18th in Cranbury, NJ
Art Bark Fest 2007: September 15th in Lake Tahoe, CA
Fantasy Fest Pet Parade: October 24th in Key West, FL
Filled with attitude, insight, and a fresh perspective on must-see destinations, MTV's new series of travel guidebooks will help some of the 190,000+ college students participating in abroad programs & upcoming fun-seeking Spring Break'ers get the most out of every trip. Penned in a fresh, edgy, irreverent and opinionated tone, the guides provide no-nonsense, insider advice on everything from staying in the best hostels to booking student tickets on-line for the Louvre to buying vintage chic for the chillest nightlife.
The first three in the series, MTV Guide to Europe, MTV Guide to Ireland, and MTV Guide to Italy cover the best places to indulge in a night of flamenco, chill out to jazz, do something other than get high in Amsterdam, surf in the North Atlantic, and indulge your inner sun worshipper on fabulous and unspoiled islands in the Adriatic. The guides' MTV Best icons highlight the most happening places and things to do, while mtvU icons provide handy, practical tips for students studying abroad. "Free" icons point readers to museums with no admission charge, complimentary bar food, and no-cover charge entertainment. Upcoming guides will cover Spain, France, England and American Road Trips in April 2007. Podcasts with the writers are available for download on frommers.com/podcast or iTunes.com.
Travelgrove, a travel search engine, recently launched its new travel community beta version where travelers can inform their friends of their travels and connect with others to receive advice, tips and hot deals. Travelers will be able to share info, upload travel pictures, review hotels and destinations, make friends, and ask real people for real advice.
As the beta version of the site continues to be built out, membership will be free, and 5,000 initial beta users will have no usage limitations. Although the pages are currently limited to English, German, Spanish and Italian are in the works. "We want to make this community a place to share, to give back and to learn from others," explains Peter Suhayda, CEO of Travelgrove. "This is as true for our users as it is for our own company trying to improve features on Travelgrove for our travel community." While the travel community model can also be profitable, Travelgrove is more focused on the actual users themselves, allowing them to fully customize their pages (similar to Myspace.com). "People want to express themselves, and they are happy to help others, as a result people will be coming back for more. A strong travel community cannot replace a travel professional's advice but it can add confidence when makin
