2010 › May

National Geographic Traveler’s Tours of a Lifetime 2010

by Kraig Becker on

With the economy starting to show signs of life, people are starting to plan to travel again soon. In fact, the outlook for 2010 is much more promising for travel companies and tour operators around the globe than it has been for some time. With that in mind, National Geographic Traveler magazine has released its 5th annual Tours of a Lifetime list, offering up suggestions for every kind of traveler looking to escape to a new destination this year.

The list, as usual, contains 50 “tours of a lifetime”, with a focus this year on “innovation and cross-cultural tours”. Those tours span the globe from the wilds of Africa to the remote regions of Asia, to the well worn paths of Europe, and beyond. We’re even invited to rediscover North America, with a host of adventures located relatively close to home. Whether you’re an adventurous traveler or prefer something a bit more relaxed, there is sure to be something on the list for you.

Traveler also has great suggestions for families planning a trip this year as well, offering tips for finding the right outfitter, planning your itinerary, and getting the kids involved in the process as well. Similarly, they also offer up their picks for the best deals in travel for the year ahead, with companies offering a variety of discounts and other special savings.

The latest issue of Traveler hit newsstands last week, and is available now to help plan your travels for 2010. I’m sure it’ll serve as a great resource, both now, and for future journeys, as this issue always has a knack for expanding that “life list” in new, and unusual ways.

Photo of the Day (5.2.2010)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Imagine getting lost and stumbling upon the scene above. An endless field of brilliant yellow flowers, capped off with little fluffy clouds and a brilliant blue sky. It looks straight out of a movie, doesn’t it? Except this time it’s real. Flickr user (flicts) happened upon this wonderful scene while driving around in Portugal. Getting lost isn’t always a bad thing – you might just end up having an unexpectedly great travel experience.

Did you get lost and take any awesome photos during your own travels? When not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Continental and United Airlines approve merger

by Grant Martin on

Two of the nation’s largest airlines, United and Continental have taken one step closer to joining forces to becoming the world’s largest carrier. Early last week, news in underground was that the two airlines were in high level talks to discuss merging operations. Things became more official with the announcement late last week that their respective boards had approved the undertaking.

The new airline, which would be called United Airlines, would have Continental’s CEO Jeff Smisek as the man in charge and would be based in Chicago. Continental’s livery would absorb United’s.

Despite the positive steps last week, several major milestones still need to be addressed before the merger gathers steam. Primarily, the airlines need to obtain regulatory approval from the government before joining forces, and in this political climate, that permission may be difficult to find.

Issues with unions, operations and finances will also take time and patience to address; as a result, even if an official announcement comes on Monday there are months left of negotiation and heartache. Get ready for a long ride.

Are noise-canceling headphones frivolous or necessary?

by Amy Chen on

Until recently, I’d always silently scoffed at the travelers who boarded planes with a pair of those obnoxious noise-canceling headphones pulled over their ears or wrapped around their necks. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with my (free) iPod earbuds, and the over-the-ear noise-canceling versions always seemed too bulky, too expensive, too obtrusive, and too frivolous. But now after testing out Phiaton’s PS 300 NC noise-canceling headphones, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I can see the appeal and am now trying to justify the cost.

Here are four reasons why noise-canceling headphones no longer seem as unnecessary as I (foolishly) once believed.

More compact than it looks

What I like about this Phiaton set, which debuted in April 2009, is that the collapsible design eradicates one of my previous complaints about being too bulky for travel. The ability to rotate the earmuffs for flat storage makes this pair a worthy rival for earbud headphones.

More affordable than you’d think

As for being too expensive, well, noise-canceling headphones will still cost more than the earbuds that come with your iPod. Bose seems to have cornered the market, and it’s not uncommon for a high-end pair to run you more than $300. It’s a little painful to realize that these high-end versions can cost as much as a plane ticket: PCMag.com favorably compares Phiaton’s PS 300 NC ($299.99) to Bose’s QuietComfort 3, which retails for $349.95. Not exactly budget travel.

Some good news: though Phiaton’s PS 300 NC retails for about $300, since it has been out for about a year now, Amazon.com is currently selling it for $189 with free shipping. (Bose’s QuietComfort 3, on the other hand, still shows up on Amazon.com for about $350).

UPDATE 5/3: Amazon.com seems to have increased its Phiaton price from yesterday’s $189 to $279. There are also apparently only five left in stock. Someone has been buying the headphones! The lesson? Sale prices do end, so act fast.

More inconspicuous than it seems

For those who just can’t stand the feel of over-the-ear headphones, noise-canceling earbud designs are available and at more affordable prices: JVC makes a solid pair for about $80.

More versatile than you’d assume

Are noise-canceling headphones too frivolous? Well, I still don’t think they’ll ever be necessary. Then again, not much travel gear is actually essential. I’d always assumed that people who owned noise-canceling headphones dusted them off a few times a year whenever they wanted to make plane rides a little more bearable. But as I’ve discovered, the right set can also soften the deafening drone of the New York City subway. Being able to hear my music or podcast? That alone could justify a purchase.

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Discover the pleasures of slow food – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

Food is the soul of every city. So when traveling, try to dine at least one restaurant that celebrates slow food – a grassroots movement that marries the pleasure of eating with a commitment to the community and the environment.

Slow food restaurants use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients to craft their dishes. So as you dine, you’re not only pleasing your palate, but you’re supporting local farmers and fisherman as well.

For the lowdown on slow food, visit slowfoodusa.org. The site allows visitors to search for restaurants by state. It also includes information on local farmers markets, farm tours, cooking classes and events.