Paris Museums
July 1, 2009 | Written by Matt Scott
Paris has some of the best museums in the world, but not all of them have to cost you a fortune. All national museums are free on the first Sunday of each month ( but expect long queues) and if you’re under 25 you can enter the Louvre for free every Friday night (after 6pm) for free.
Many other museums offer free entry at various times and there are over a dozen free museums which are well worth checking out. Some... [Read more]
Mexico’s Sculpture by the Caribbean Sea
June 24, 2009 | Written by Sabina Lohr
An outdoor modern art exhibit stands at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, a colorful tribute to the area’s indigenous Mayan civilization. Situated about five miles away from the island’s little downtown area, Punta Sur Sculpture Garden was created in 2001 - the work of almost two dozen Mexican artists as well as sculptors from around the world. Travelers wanting to mix a little culture into their... [Read more]
The “You” Calls of Ehtiopia
June 15, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
“You! YouyouYOUyouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!” There is a reason every travel report from Ethiopia comes back with the same general complaint. The call of the youcalls (a nickname coined by Russian hitchhikers late in the last century) will ring in your ears the entire stay in the country. Farangas are rare in most of Ethiopia and they seldom stop to socialize (which I am always happy to do), especially if... [Read more]
Stranger in a Stranger land, Macau Eye-Opener
June 4, 2009 | Written by Jenny Block
I am the only Caucasian in the elevator, in the restaurant, on the street. I like it. It puts me in my place. It reminds me that English is a national language not an international one. Many people in Macau speak English. But plenty of others speak only Portuguese and/or Chinese. I am forced to attempt to interpret signs and evaluate context. I am forced to feel for the Asian tourist in the US holding up the line at McDonald’s... [Read more]
Travel Africa, Nairobi Airport
June 3, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
Africa might not seem like a spontaneous travel destination, but rest assured that in certain parts of this continent, Kenya for example, is, even the last minute no-plans-whatsoever visitors, a place of adventure.
Coming out the gates of Nairobi airport is like coming out to a dying down protest where nobody got what they wanted but still refuse to leave until they saw those who they protested for/against come... [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]
Travel Europe, Music and Festivals in Finland
May 27, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
This update come to In The Know Traveler the Visit Finland (their tourism board). -ed-
Along with the “white nights” of the Finnish Summer come unique and exciting summer festivals. The following are just a few highlights of many:
Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankylä, 10 June—14 June 2009
This 24-year-old festival founded by directors Aki and Mika Kaurismäki brings leading... [Read more]
Baobab Alley
May 27, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
Madagascar’s Baobab Alley is probably the most recognizable place in the whole country. Sadly, local children have been spoiled by tourists. The children have figured out a long time ago westerners want to take their picture but the kids are no longer interested to see their own image on the digital screen. Well, at least they are not faking it.
“Photo?” they come and ask as I photograph the baobabs.... [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 Real Cinco de Mayo
May 6, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
It’s gotten to the embarrassing point now. My friends, family and coworkers all repeated the same answer to the question, “What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?”
‘Mexico’s Independence Day’ being the answer. No.
In fact, most of Mexico does not celebrate this day - if they do it is only an excuse to drink (from what I have been told that is). Sounds similar to the custom in... [Read more]
Morocco’s Fès Festival of Sacred Music for 2009
April 1, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
New York, NY, April 1, 2009 – The Fès Festival of World Sacred Music has united music lovers and musicians from around the world in the spiritual joys of music. Since its inception in 1994, the Fès Festival has developed into Morocco’s most inspiring cultural festival, drawing diverse audiences into a realm beyond everyday life and strife, connecting souls through the peaceful strains of music.
In 2009, the... [Read more]
The Maya in Honduras: Copán Ruinas
March 29, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I am a Maya fan. I love these ruins, the genius the Maya left behind. I have enjoyed Tulum, El Rey, and one of the newly named Seven Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza hosts several engineering marvels including the main pyramid that creates an incredible shadow each Autumnal and Vernal Equinox. Check out the ITKT video on Chichen Itza here. So by the time... [Read more]
Belize (video podcast)
March 15, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I met with Shikira Oxley of Belize Tourism at the Los Angeles Times Adventure and Travel show at the Los Angeles Convention Center to learn more about Belize. Check it out.
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, we have now added a new feature so YouTube users can see this video here as well.
We are also on... [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]
Here Comes Carnival…In Montevideo
January 30, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
The festivities where scheduled to begin last night for one of (if not the) longest Carnival celebrations in the world. But something(one) upstairs was not ready to start; hence the strongest downpour of rain that I have seen here in the past 3 months arrived…along with the strongest wind.
But don’t fret, these Montevideans are not giving up and have scheduled to start the parade on Sunday - when the... [Read more]
You Buy From Me
January 28, 2009 | Written by Dawn Hagin
“Earrings, bracelets, pillow cover,” she said, waving a gnarled hand over her wares. “Necklaces, marijuana, hat, opium.”
Her deeply wrinkled face looked so innocent. Had I heard her right? She gestured for me to move closer, and I leaned in. Her wink confirmed that I had. Commerce, even the illicit kind, is booming and competitive in Sapa, Vietnam.
Located in the misty mountains ten miles south of... [Read more]
80s Tunes in Uruguay
January 27, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
I’m sitting in a small restaurant in an even smaller beach village on the east coast of Uruguay. I’m completely unconnected to the outside world (i.e. I had no internet connection and the mobile phone service was not too strong) and loving it.
Then the music starts up. It isn’t an Uruguayan or Argentine band. It’s the Stone Temple Pilots. Then follows a string of about ten 80s songs, including... [Read more]
Five Kilometers to Adventure
January 20, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
Travel Africa by car; go ahead, I dare you. Flat tires and sore bottoms from endless dirt roads are guaranteed, and so is a generous load of adventure. In six month in Central America driving 1971 VW old-timer “GreenGo”, I haven’t had half the trouble I am now having with a 1997 Toyota Hilux named “Columbus”, a professionally maintained long-term rental.
Funny things have been happening... [Read more]
Shams Ensemble with Whirling Dervish
January 19, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
This incredible performance comes to ITKT by way of Iran. I was fortunate enough to catch the Shams Ensemble on a recent tour of the US in Los Angeles at the Ebell Theater. The group was started by Kaykhosro Pournazeriin 1980 and was the first musician to compose music for the traditional Kurdish lute, tanbour. Their CD ‘The Voice of Endearment’ is also now available and a wonderful example of the sounds coming... [Read more]
Mercado del Puerto and Feliz Año
January 8, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
A lot of my friends headed for the beaches of Punta del Este or Rocha for Uruguay’s New Year times. But I had heard of the spectacle here in town. From everything I heard, on the day of the 31st the Mercado del Puerto sounded like a soggy version of Marti Gras in New Orleans.
I say soggy because the whole day involved people pouring, throwing, or spraying each other with a 4% alcohol apple cider drink. ... [Read more]
And the Ringing Continues
January 6, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
It was New Year time, and there was no other place I was looking to be than in Montevideo. And more specifically at the Mercado del Puerto area in Ciudad Vieja. Everything that I heard about the day of the 31st (yes, the celebrations start at noon in the daytime) led me to believe that I would be experiencing my second Marti Gras-like experience. I wasn’t let down.
The day started out innocently enough,... [Read more]
My Ears Are Still Ringing - Montevideo, Uruguay
January 2, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
So the festivities are all done here in Uruguay. And these people thoroughly enjoy their chance to let loose - specifically letting loose of their fireworks.
If I were magically transported to Uruguay on Christmas Eve without knowing where I had been placed, had no sense of time of the year, and the people around me were speaking American English, I would believe that I was at a July 4th party somewhere in the... [Read more]
My Mexico
December 30, 2008 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
For some people, Mexico signifies a land of poor people, of desperation, of dirtiness, and of corruption. For others it conjures visions of spring break fiestas or bachelor(ette) party sessions on pristine beaches in a resort town. And for yet others, Mexico is a combination of these memories. I live an hour away from the disheveled border town of Tijuana. In the four years preceding age 21, I sporadically crossed the country... [Read more]
Dancing with the Stars
December 13, 2008 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
I haven’t been able to watch much television here in Uruguay, but of the programs I have seen, their version (actually Argentina’s version but it is widely viewed here as well) of Dancing with the Stars is by far the most memorable. For a couple of reasons:
1) Not only is it on every night, but there are a few shows in the following day that go over the previous night’s results. Seriously.
Thanksgiving for Travel — ITKT Favorites
November 26, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Over the last year, I have had great experiences trekking through rain forests, gawking at art in museums, experienced on horseback, in sail boats, strolling through parks, flying, and sometimes being eaten by bugs. All of it was worth it because I love travel. Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting a great year in travel and the Editors of ITKT’s Favorites — our new awards!
These are the destinations,... [Read more]
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