Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern partners up with Pepto-Bismol

by Aaron Hotfelder on

Now this is a match made in heaven.

Travel Channel host Andrew Zimmern, whose show Bizarre Foods has made him famous for his love of unusual, stomach-churning fare, has agreed to endorse the famed indigestion-reliever, Pepto-Bismol. (Was Imodium AD’s offer too low, Andrew?)

Zimmern’s new Taste Adventure Guides, which provide the low-down on the culinary scene in several US cities, are featured on the CherryPepto website— which, I know, you already have bookmarked.

Zimmern’s guides might be helpful on your next trip around the US, especially if you’re interested in sampling some one-of-a-kind food, but if you head over there to check them out, be ready for a very pink website.

Twelve tips before making your pet a world traveler

by Jamie Rhein on

The story about the U.S. soldier who was granted permission to bring the dog she rescued from a trash pile in Baghdad to the U.S reminded me of the friends I’ve known who have brought their pets with them when they have moved to another country.

In the case of the U.S. soldier, the issue was with military regulations that needed to be worked out. In other cases, bringing a pet has to do with airlines and the regulations of the country to which you are moving.

Depending upon the country, regulations differ. Knowing what to expect right off can save you time and frustration in the end. For example, if you move with your dog or cat to Singapore, there is a lengthy quarantine process. One set of friends brought their two cats. Other friends brought their dog.

Every other day or so, both sets of friends would head out to the place where their pets were being held to visit. Along with the time and expense it took to get to the quarantine location, they had to pay several dollars a day for their pets’ lodging and care.

With pets offering undivided devotion, the desire to include them in a move is compelling. If you’re so inclined, here are tips to consider before turning your pet into a traveler:

These 10 tips are from the Website Living in Indonesia, but most of them are not Indonesia specific.

  1. Find out from the airline the regulations for the country to which you are moving. Also find out what you need to know about bringing your pet back with you.
  2. Consider the costs for both going overseas and coming back in your decision making. Getting there is only the first part.
  3. If possible, bring your pet along with you as access baggage which will allow you to check on your pet throughout the journey.
  4. Sending your pet via cargo may be more practical and cheaper.
  5. If you can, schedule layovers so your pet can have a travel break.
  6. Make sure your pet carrier meets regulations
  7. Clearly mark the carrier with the name of the pet, your name and your destination.
  8. Before your trip, put your pet into the carrier for long periods of time to get your pet used to being in the carrier.
  9. Put one of your pet’s favorite blanket or toy in the carrier to create a sense of familiarity
  10. Don’t feed too much
  11. Don’t give tranquilizers because they put your pet at risk
  12. Attach a water bottle to the cage that can be filled from the outside.

For more details for taking your pet along, click here. Some are Indonesia specific, but they give an idea of those things you should be thinking about.

Here are the guidelines for traveling with an animal on American Airlines. I chose this one for no particular reason. Other details are listed that are worth reading if you’re considering taking a pet on your move.

Photo of the Day (10/23/08)

by Kent Wien on

Misha Logvinov captured this picture near the summit of Yuriga-take in Japan, which rises to nearly 10,000 feet. What caught my eye were the breathtaking colors. I’m not sure if a filter was used or if there was any post processing involved, but this picture certainly carries some impact. It might be best viewed in it’s full size, in fact.

Way to go, Misha!

Can you top this? Are you a Flickr user who’d like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling’s Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!

Crashing parties to get free food and drink is on the rise

by Jamie Rhein on

If you saw Wedding Crashers, you are familiar with the story idea of people pretending to be connected to the bride or groom in some manner in order to have access to the single women attendees.

The possibility of a sexual tryst is not the only reason to pretend to be what you’re not.

According to this article at am New York, there are some people in New York City who pose as reporters in order to get into “swanky” events. The desire for free food and drinks is presented as one of the motivations. Another is to have up close and personal access to important people.

Lately, according to the article, the number of folks sporting fake ID or phony media-style business cards to gain access to party bliss, has dramatically increased. Another result of the economic doldrums, perhaps? Maybe it’s the stockbrokers who are off the A-list looking to regain the glory days?

It doesn’t sound as if those who try this tactic have a heck of a lot of success, although, they must have some because they keep trying.

A psychology professor who was asked to come up with reasons why people might attempt such antics said that it might be because people who try to get into fancy events who don’t belong may have a low sense of self worth and want to feel better about themselves.

Harumph! I’m thinking it’s because it’s a game to play. That, and the free food and libations.

Who hasn’t eyed that pastry tray laden with goodies or enormous piles of cubed cheese with toothpicks for dainty eating, the cornerstone of convention center events. There they are just inside the door of the room that is connected to the hallway through which you’re passing. So yummy looking. . . So free.

I’m not saying I’d grab one, not even an almond croissant, but isn’t temptation one of those fleeting thoughts?

Indonesian Gov’t Backs Off Bikini Ban

by Josh Lew on

Despite the fact that 2008 is “Visit Indonesia Year,” government officials have been debating for months about allowing bikinis on their country’s beaches. The idea of banning skimpy swimwear is part of an anti-pornography crusade by some high-ranking religious and political authorities. Of course, those working in the tourism industry are appalled at the idea and fear that such laws could kill their business.

Indonesia is a mostly Muslim country (save Hindu Bali), but is, for the most part, much more secular than neighboring Malaysia and the theocratic states of the Middle East. That’s why the idea of a bikini ban is such a surprise to most people. After all, this is the nation of Dangdut music. The genre is filled with hip-shaking moves that make Shakira look tame.

But fear not, traveling g-string aficionados, the government has made it very clear that heavily visited beaches, like those Bali, will be exempt from any anti-skin-showing laws that are passed down. For the rest of the archipelago though, some sort of decency law could come by year’s end.

[Via news.com.au]

Dispatches from around the world