Something about La Rioja
July 2, 2009 | Written by Carolyn Bonello
I love to search for charming little places around the world, the type that do not usually fall under the average tourist’s wish-list, places I wish I could savour all by myself and hide from all you other thirsty travelers out there. But, alas, here I am in the magical wine region of La Rioja in Spain, and I am about to-very reluctantly may I say-divulge my precious secret to all. How selfless of me. Or maybe, it could... [Read more]
In an Elephant’s Eye
June 21, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
I had been in Sri Lanka for a week, and now a couple of friends and I are passing through the interior of the island-nation the size of West Virginia. The road’s edge is lined with a four-pronged spacey wire fence standing roughly ten feet high, this marks the Minneriya National Park. Then we spot it – a monstrosity of a mammal standing on the other side of the electric fence.
“Tissa [the driver], please... [Read more]
Still Plenty of Good in Mexico
June 15, 2009 | Written by Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo
After months of cold and rain (even in L.A.), the time has come to forget about winter and take off to a warm beach destination. For many, this usually means journeying south of the border where temperatures soar, and prices are reasonable. Of course, this year Mexican resorts will be seeing a decline in U.S. tourists due to the media and governments push to discourage travelers from heading south, in fear of drug wars,... [Read more]
Camera Talk: Madagascar
June 9, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
Madagascar is a photographer’s paradise. Its creatures and colors are so otherworldly, even an experienced photographer might have a difficult time capturing it all with a click of their extra powerful and super sensitive apparatus. As an armature photographer, it pained me to visit such a magical place and be held back time after time by the impotence of my pathetic photographic equipment and my own lack of experience... [Read more]
Travel Mitiaro (video podcast)
June 7, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Here is the short interview I had with Glenda Tuaine of Cook Islands Tourism about her favorite place in the islands and why you should consider it when traveling to the South Pacific. It really is beautiful. Sorry that this video was so dark. It was at dinner and a spur of the moment interview request on my part, although still fun.
We are also on iTunes, Youtube, Current TV, and Google video. And be sure to scroll... [Read more]
The Bridge Between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
June 1, 2009 | Written by Wynne Crombie
Stands selling oranges frequented the E73 road from Dubrovnik to Mostar. The border crossing from Croatia to Bosnia-Herzegovina was more a formality than anything else. After Nebo, my driver, passed back my passports, he declared that hostilities still lurked underneath the surface
“Remember,” he said, “Mostar was shelled by both the Serbs and the Croats.”
As I approached the town, minarets started... [Read more]
The World’s First Recession Free Country, the Cook Islands!
May 28, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
After landing in Rarotonga’s International Airport, I was driven to a sacred Marae (temple, community area of the Maori people on a hill overlooking a Cook Islands’ coastline. There was a ritual, blessing and an opening prayer before media heard the news, “The Cook Islands are a ‘recession-free oasis.’”
A recession-free oasis? I am not all that sure what this meant, so I leaned in for further explanation.... [Read more]
Cofresi: Tranquility in the Dominican Republic
May 25, 2009 | Written by Mitch Morrill
Okay, so it was dumb luck that I booked a villa in this tranquil ocean front oasis, three miles west of the clamor of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The road to Cofresi would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the billboard directing me to Ocean World, but more about that later.
My home for the week, Villa Carolisol was reasonably priced and lovely with a large second story covered porch, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms... [Read more]
Seattle’s Pan Pacific
May 24, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
The rain was to be expected. The snow wasn’t. However, neither were able to dampen my enthusiasm for my first visit to Seattle in twenty years. I enjoyed the people and the small town vibe. I enjoyed walking from attraction to attraction.
I was told that the city had changed significantly, but the best parts of the city had remained. This turned out to be true. Pike’s Place Market and the Warf felt identical... [Read more]
A Maori Feast in the Cook Islands
May 19, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
One of my great joys in life when traveling internationally is taking the opportunity to experience food as it was traditionally prepared. As a rule, I find something both different and memorable. I have been in the Cook Islands for less than two days when a traditional food opportunity presented itself.
... The USA Finds a New Home at In The Know Traveler USA
May 15, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
When I first started In The Know Traveler almost five years ago. I never planned to run a single story about the United States. Yes, I know that it’s my home and a great place to live and visit, but I had planned to promote destinations outside of it. After all, the US is the number one traveled place in the world and I have driven across it several times and enjoyed it all. So I went off to promote the world.
However,... [Read more]
The Tibetan Travel Buddy, the Yak
May 10, 2009 | Written by Carolyn Bonello
‘Yakety-Yak don’t talk back’, would have been my answer a while back, if you ever asked me to tell you all I know about Yaks.
However, as I photograph my newly-found shaggy friend, it’s a completely different story. Let me explain.
At the moment I am on a high. Literally. 5210 metres above sea level actually. I am driving through the Gyawo-La pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world,... [Read more]
Experiencing the Mountain Pass in Ecuador
May 3, 2009 | Written by Mary Anne Lonze
At 10,000 feet, the air is perceptively thin in the Ecuadorean capital of Quito. Travelers puff and gasp the first few days of their visit. Stone steps and sidewalks seem steeper; footsteps tread slower.
This ancient, beautiful city is home to over 2 million residents. It fills the valley at the foot of 15,710 foot high Rucu Pichincha with thousands of single-story simple homes that creep halfway up its green slopes.... [Read more]
Cemeteries and Penguins in Southern Chile
April 26, 2009 | Written by Susan Tornga
I was doubly blessed that Christmas Eve. December in the Southern Hemisphere is a time of lingering twilight and balmy summer air, or what passes for “balmy” in southern Chile. I was in Punta Arenas, where the Chilean Andes meet the Straits of Magellan.
The first surprise of the day was the Cementerio Municipal, a walled, flower-riot of a gem where the paths are marked with street signs. Los Gladiolas and Las... [Read more]
A Stay in Trendy Montréal
April 18, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
The last time I stayed at the Opus, I arrived during a nighttime drizzle and melodic thumping as hipsters moved in and out of the doorway leading to not just a hotel, but a cool scene in the Yaletown area in Vancouver, British Columbia. As unhip as I am, I never felt out of place.
Two years later, I arrived during a daytime drizzle and, this time, something even cooler, about thirty degrees cooler. This time I arrived... [Read more]
The Eco-Vacation in Trinidad
April 15, 2009 | Written by Virginia Foley
When traveling it’s often hard to avoid the excesses of traditional hotels and restaurants, but for the eco-conscious tourist it is possible to find earth-friendly accommodations that celebrate and protect nature’s beauty.
My husband, Steve, and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Trinidad and I hoped to explore it in the greenest way possible. I surfed the net and was happy to discover that ecotourism... [Read more]
Trekking in Laos: the Nam Ha Valley
April 11, 2009 | Written by Daniel McIsaac
The pick-up truck carrying, me, a small band of travelers, and two local guides toward the Nam Ha forest reserve rattles through the mountain pass, and moves away from the sleepy little town of Luang Nam Tha in the north of Laos. It is along this mountain pass that I traverse the ridge crowning the Nam Ha valley. After a six-hour hike, I’ll descend from the ridge to the banks of the green Nam Ha river which will lead... [Read more]
Blue Eyes and Brazilian Hospitality
April 5, 2009 | Written by Stephen Lewis
As an American of Northern European ancestry, I have never considered my somewhat pale features to be anything out of the ordinary. In fact, I would laugh at the notion of ever being considered “exotic”. However, on a recent trip to Brazil, I found that my features are considered by some to be a delightful novelty.
I was relaxing on Ipanema Beach one day enjoying the sun and sand Rio de Janeiro has to offer.... [Read more]
The Copán Ruinas (video podcast)
March 28, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Here is my recent interview with Mike Valladares a master tour guide at the Copan Ruinas in Honduras. These Maya ruins are remarkable and this video features the steles, main grounds, underground passages and a few thoughts about the Maya calendar — and its completion in 2012.
As with all of our videos Quicktime 7.0 or better is required to see our great videos in all of their luster and highest quality. However,... [Read more]
Setting Sails with Barcolana in Italy
March 26, 2009 | Written by Noah Nielsen
I just witnessed the 40th Barcolana festival and sailing regatta, and I wish I could have been around for the previous thirty-nine. Barcolana is the largest such regatta in Southern Europe, drawing around two thousand sailboats to Trieste, Italy every year. The actual boat race takes place annually on the second Sunday in October, but the festival is in full swing for the entire weekend, featuring plenty of sailors, spectators,... [Read more]
The Turkish Carpert Quest
March 20, 2009 | Written by Dawn Hagin
I am banished from the ceramics store.
Not by the Turkish shopkeeper, who’s accurately reading desire in my facial expressions and body language, but by Adam, my dear life partner and traveling companion. As consummate poker face and world-class haggler, Adam knows I’m dragging down his game, and he’s having none of it. “Do you want the plate or not?” he growls under his breath and ushers me out the door.
Boy,... [Read more]
Moscow: Magical Mystery Tour
March 11, 2009 | Written by Becca Hensley
For a moment I am lost in a dream. Sitting at a hand painted eighteenth century table, in a gilded Damask chair that might as well be a throne, I accept a glass of champagne from a man wearing a brocaded, gold buttoned vest, buckled shoes, and velvet knickers. Venetian mirrors reflect two white wigged chamber musicians in elaborate party dresses. Their efforts at their instruments, a harpsichord and golden harp, turn... [Read more]
New Caledonia Spins South Pacific Travel
March 8, 2009 | Written by Dawna L. Robertson
For years, New Caledonians have used the catch phrase “France in the Pacific” to promote their country to the international tourist market. It’s certainly that, with fashionistas crossing paths with the more casual clad in brightly colored clothing reflecting an island lifestyle.
It’s that softened, exotic Pacific attitude that makes this destination even more appealing, especially among travelers into warm... [Read more]
My Mexico, part two
March 4, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
My welcoming hours in Mexico were a complete success. After those nocturnal events, the first true day of the Mexico City adventure was on stage. Luckily it fell on a national holiday. Talia, my new local friend, had the time to show off parts of her city. However, the ensuing 12 hours of memories aren’t so focused on the historic center of El Zócalo or the Museum of Frida Kahlo or any other sight that one reads about... [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]
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