African Highlands
February 28, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
African highlands, Lesotho and the adjacent South African Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains), fall like soft folds of green felt and stretch beyond the horizon. This fairytale landscape is very different from the Africa I’ve been seeing so far. Iridescent green sunbirds with bright red bibs drink from equally bright red flowers in strange-looking trees. Every puddle has a frog in it, and if I didn’t already have... [Read more]
Backpacking Wellness
February 26, 2009 | Written by Catherine Keil
The term “backpacking” has changed over the last several years as travel has become more accessible to a greater number of people. It refers to travellers who organize their own trips and usually stay in cheap accommodation. This type of traveller can be exposed to additional health risks.
Vaccinations
“It is now generally accepted that no other measure taken by man, apart from... [Read more]
Carnival Times Continue in Montevideo,
February 26, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
It’s the longest Carnival in the world – 40 days of party right? I had my reservations…what kind of place (and who) could join festivities for 40 days straight? Impossible. But I have been proven wrong, once again. And last night I experienced my favorite Carnival times thus far.
I’ve gone to the opening Inaugural Parade, the following Las Llamadas parade with the candombe drumming groups,... [Read more]
Lucia Leopard
February 26, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
This is Africa for you – a seemingly boring place can produce the most interesting of sightings. I shouldn’t knock St. Lucia. If you’ve never seen a croc or a hippo in your life, this is probably a good place to start. Cheap enough tours will take you everywhere from whale to bird watching, and though the park still recommends not getting out of your car, it’s relatively safe to do so – there are... [Read more]
Heathrow, Terminal 5 Facts
February 25, 2009 | Written by Julian Worker
The main Terminal 5 departures/arrivals building at Heathrow Airport is the largest free-standing structure in the UK. It has five storeys above ground and more below, including its own Tube station on the Piccadilly Line (central London around 50 – 60 minutes). This main terminal is where all the ‘A’ gates are. Two further sets of Gates, ‘B’ and ‘C’, are connected to the main terminal by dedicated connecting... [Read more]
This Guy Should Win the Best Job on Earth Contest
February 24, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Even though he is only 42-years-old, I have known him for 100 years — at least that’s how long it has felt. I can attest to the 75 lb. weight loss and the excessive ukulele playing. The family is a gem and ready to head for Queensland with nothing more than a giant suitcase of ukuleles. Okay, so I made that part up.
More importantly, I can guarantee his desire to keep losing weight and will continue... [Read more]
Téann an Saol Thart Mar a Bheadh Eiteoga Air…
February 22, 2009 | Written by Stephanie Fairbanks
…Life goes as quickly as if it had wings.
I have no idea how many times I’ve told that story over the last 20 years. With each telling of that moment in time, it comes from further in the past, the images blurring more and more around the edges. Now I find myself wondering; Do I really remember that moment or have I just told the story so many times that... [Read more]
Wild Dog Chase
February 21, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
I’ve met my match, and it’s the wild dog. My check of rare African animals is almost complete, but the elusive wild dog, numbering only in the few thousand for all of Africa, has evaded me so far. I knew Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Nature Reserve had them, and for two days straight I roamed its dirt roads in search of the elusive animal. I was not the only one. Apparently some of the dogs have radio collars, and besides... [Read more]
A Moment in Dublin
February 21, 2009 | Written by Stephanie Fairbanks
Once upon a time, long ago, a young woman found herself, quite by chance, running in the rain through the streets of Dublin, when suddenly it dawned on her, “I am having the happiest moment of my entire life.” At the enormity of this thought, she stopped and scanned the panorama of where she stood, taking in every nuance, every light, every sound, every smell, absorbing the moment with every cell in her body. And it... [Read more]
Travel Stimulus Voucher: Download Now, Travel Later
February 20, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
WESTON, FL – February 17, 2009 – For a limited time only, those considering travel in 2009 can log on to paradisebymarriott.com and download a “Travel Stimulus voucher” to receive an additional $100 off any direct booking or package deal offered by Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean and Mexico Resorts. With the savings already available at these nine properties,... [Read more]
The Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort in Aruba: When can I move in?
February 20, 2009 | Written by Jenny Block
Sometimes a girl needs a little time to herself. That was exactly why I headed to the Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort in Aruba. Nothing like a little island R & R.
The best part about staying at the Village, for me, was that I literally got to have it all. I had a gorgeous one-bedroom apartment with a lake and golf course view. I could get a lift to the beach with one phone call or enjoy the ten-minute walk... [Read more]
Lion Overdose
February 19, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
As I entered the gates of Kruger National Park, it took less than a minute to spot a lion. Lions in Kruger are traffic-jam animals – the herd of cars around them being a dead giveaway. I wonder what lions think when their sleep under a thorny tree is disturbed by engine roars and an occasional angry outburst from a tourist whose view becomes abstracted by yet another inching car. I didn’t even bother slowing down.... [Read more]
Riding the “L”
February 19, 2009 | Written by Harold Rhosen
There are things that locals take for granted, mass transit for example. However, if visiting the Chicago area, do yourself a favor and take the “L” train at least once, and not just to get from point A to point B.
The L, also known as the El, is Chicago’s rapid transit rail system. It is known as the L because it was first envisioned as, and still is mostly, an elevated train system. It is the... [Read more]
Pack a Little Extra in Zimbabwe
February 19, 2009 | Written by Susan Tornga
I recently traveled to Zimbabwe as part of a tour to southern Africa. Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is located at the western point of this despot-governed country. Rich as it is in natural resources, Zimbabwe is also suffering from the world’s worst inflation. The Ten Million Zimbabwean Dollar note that I brought home had an expiration date of June 30, 2008. It is, or better said was,... [Read more]
Hostel Finds
February 18, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
Hostels are a beautiful way to get to know a new place. Most times the owners/workers enjoy sharing views on their respective cities or towns (unlike some of the hotels I have occasionally stayed at). And they do so without expecting tips as well.
But one of the best feelings while traveling happens when I find a fantastic hostel. This doesn’t mean it has all the trendiest amenities or styles. It is... [Read more]
“Do” on a Trip to Key West
February 18, 2009 | Written by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte
I started in Front Street and walked along Whitehead Street all the way to the Southernmost point of the continental USA. Along the way, I made a stop at the Oldest House Museum, a beautifully preserved conch house, with original furniture arranged in a way that made it appear as if the occupants had just left for a stroll. That’s the kind of museum I love.
The route also leads past the Hemingway House which... [Read more]
Oak Park, Historic Chicago Suburb
February 17, 2009 | Written by Harold Rhosen
Chicago is a fast-paced city. There is so much to see and do. The city is vibrant and full of energy. Everywhere people are hustling and heading somewhere. Sometimes you just want to slow down, but still use your valuable vacation time to see experience something new. I found a great destination, minutes from downtown, but worlds apart to your sensibilities. It is a visit to the suburb of Oak Park. Known as a village, Oak... [Read more]
Still Accepting Aps for the Best Job in the World
February 17, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Only six days to go before applications for The Best Job in the World close.
Anthony Hayes, CEO of Tourism Queensland, said that more than 15,500 would-be Island Caretakers had so far applied for The Best Job in the World, but urged potential applicants to post their video application soon to make sure they didn’t miss the deadline.
“All applications need to be submitted by 11.59pm UTC on the 22nd of... [Read more]
Makapu’u Hike on Oahu
February 12, 2009 | Written by Eileen Moran
When I hear “light house” I think of a towering spire, withstanding the wrath of monolithic waves and protecting lost ships from the jagged shore. The Makapu’u Lighthouse is a cute, little thing. It has a bright red top and is seated half-way up a jagged ocean cliff. The Makapu’u Lighthouse hike trail goes all the way to the top of the cliff, above the lighthouse so that hikers actually look out... [Read more]
The Luster of Lanquin, Guatemala
February 11, 2009 | Written by Jeni Stembridge
Take a canopy tour in Tikal. Climb a volcano outside of Quetzaltenango. Lounge on the sunny shores of Lake Atitlan. Guatemala offers a variety of places to partake in both adventure and relaxation, but no place combines the two more perfectly than the rural village of Lanquin and its enticing surroundings.
Lanquin is located in central Guatemala near the city of Coban, about halfway between the better-known tourist... [Read more]
Potato sculpture in Munich
February 9, 2009 | Written by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte
What to do on a rainy day in Munich? I looked at the information leaflet I had picked up at the Tourist Information Centre on Marienplatz and found, to my delight, two quirky sounding museums. One was the Nachttopf Museum (chamber pot museum) and the other the Kartoffelmuseum. (Potato museum). Chamberpots first I decided and set off. It wasn’t easy to find, but when I arrived, slightly soaked and in need of…you... [Read more]
The Road to Shiloh, Israel
February 8, 2009 | Written by Irene Fernandez
Shiloh is so full of history, the kind I have poured hours over while reading and mail-exchanging with David Rubin, former mayor of Shiloh and author of God, Israel and Shiloh. I had a need to be there in the Biblical heartland and experience the walk up to the place where the Ark of the Covenant once rested for 369 years; stand in the synagogue where childless Hannah gave birth to her son Samuel, who became the... [Read more]
The Hancock Observatory Chicago
February 7, 2009 | Written by Harold Rhosen
I usually don’t like doing touristy things when I visit a place for the first time. I like to live like the locals and thus really experience the place. But, sometimes it is necessary and actually helpful and enjoyable, if you know how to pick and choose which attractions to partake in.
Let me tell you this: the Hancock Observatory in the Magnificent Mile district of Chicago is helpful and extremely enjoyable.... [Read more]
And the Winner Is… ITKT’s Favorite Destination
February 6, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
In a year filled with fantastic surprises at every destination I visited, one stood out as a favorite. One that I could see myself one living in at some point down the road. It’s charming, interesting and has lots to explore – ITKT’s Favorite Destination of 2008 is Denmark.
In Copenhagen, I found that meandering through the great pedestrian streets like Strauss, exploring the nooks and crannies of one hundred-year-old... [Read more]
Chicago in the Dead of Winter
February 6, 2009 | Written by Harold Rhosen
Most people, other than me, think traveling to Chicago, or any other Midwest city during the dead of winter, especially one of the coldest winters in memory, is crazy. I, on the other hand, have discovered that it can be far superior to traveling during peak seasons when the weather is warmer.
Before I left Los Angeles many people questioned my sanity by going to Chicago during February. I had to go now to visit... [Read more]
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