China’s Hidden Outdoor Wonderland

by Kraig Becker on

The Wall Street Journal published a really interesting story over the weekend about the Guangxi Autonomous Region in Southeast China, which is a gateway to a seldom visited paradise for outdoor enthusiasts looking to climb, mountain bike, or paddle their way through a remote area surrounded by stunning scenery.

The largest city in the area is Guilin, but for outside visitors coming to play, Yangshuo is the destination of choice. The small town is located on the Li River, which has carved a path through the sprawling limestone cliffs that dominate the horizon, and help to isolate the region from the majority of the tourist traffic.

Yangshuo has, in recent years, become a destination for backpackers coming to the area to whitewater raft on the Li or mountain bike in the near by mountains. The backpacker influence has meant that there are a number of cheap places to eat and sleep in the village, as well as guide and outfiter services looking to help visitors take advantage of the natural wonders at their disposal. The article offers tips for travelers planning on visiting Yangshuo, such as how to get there, and the best places to stay and eat after you’ve arrived.

For the most part, the Guangxi Region is still relatively unknown to outsiders, which makes it a wonderful opportunity for adventure travelers who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy outdoor activities in a quiet, undiscovered environment. Yanghuo is actively courting tourists though, so you may want to go before the word gets out.

Your guide to luxury rail travel

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Trade a plane for a train, and experience genuine luxury. Hitting the rails in style has been gaining steam around the world, according to the Wall Street Journal, in Asia, Europe, Russia and Africa. In a sense, this is becoming the new “cruise,” without the worry of being pinned on a boat by that insurance salesman who’s intent on saving your financial life.

Many of the luxury train excursions seek to offer upscale accommodations with incredible cuisine and constantly changing scenery. Here a few ideas to get you started.

The Ghan (Platinum Service) connects Adelaide and Alice Springs in Australia and is named for the camel drivers that once used the same route (the rail service was extended to Darwin five years ago). In September, the upscale version of the trek was offered. You’ll have plenty of elbow room and privacy, but it will set you back close to $4,000 for three days. And, you have to get yourself to Australia to take the trip.

On the Thai Explorer, a route of the Eastern & Oriental Express, you can relax in a Presidential Suite or the lesser but still comfy State Compartments, or enjoy the open air section of the observation car at the end of the train. You’ll track through northern Thailand, with plenty of time to explore the stops along the way, but you’ll pay for the privilege. Four days for two guests in the state department costs $5,120.

If driving in India’s Karnataka state intimidates you (and it should), give the Golden Chariot a try. You can ride the train from Bangalore to the beaches of Goa. Launched early in 2008, this luxury rail alternative features massage rooms, gyms, comfortable beds and wireless internet access. Of all the alternatives reviewed by WSJ, this is the most cost-effective. Eight days costs approximately $4,000.

[Via Wall Street Journal]

12-Year-Old Climber Sets Sights on Seven Summits

by Kraig Becker on

The Seven Summits are the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents, and climbing them all is considered one of the premiere achievements for climbers and adventurers the world over. The concept originated with a man named Dick Bass who was the first to successfully gain this achievement back in 1985, and since then, dozens of other climbers have followed in his footsteps.

Currently, the youngest person to have climbed the Seven Summits is Samantha Larson, who accomplished the feat at the age of 18 when she topped out on Mt. Everest back in 2007. But there is another young climber looking to snatch that record, as 12-year-old Jordan Romero closes in on the mark.
Jordan, who was recently interviewed by Outside Online, caught the climbing bug when he reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, at the age of 10. After that, he made it a goal to go after the remaining summits as well, and has now successfully reached the top of Elbrus (Europe), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), and Kosciuszko (Australia). That leaves Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, and Everest in Asia, as the two remaining mountains in the traditional Seven Summits. This summer, Romero will climb a mountain called Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea. Carstensz is considered the tallest mountain in Oceania, often replacing Kosciusko as the seventh summit. Jordan’s covering all his bases and climbing both, making this a Seven Summits plus One.

If everything goes as planned, the young climber will be on Everest by the time he’s 16, and finishing off his quest. Jordan says that the most difficult challenge is actually fund raising, and he estimates he’ll need roughly $180,000 to complete the Seven Summits, the bulk of which will be used on Everest and Vinson. Good luck Jordan!

Kuwaiti airline still pushing for $1.3b

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The Iraqi government is going to write a $300 million check to Kuwait Airways. So, the airline believes there’s only another $1 billion to go. The cash is related to damages caused by Saddam Hussein‘s 1990 invasion of its wealthy neighbor.

A spokesman for the Iraq Cabinet, Ali al-Dabbagh says that the approved settlement was “final and comprehensive.” The country’s Justice Ministry will make sure the payments are sent to Kuwait Airways.

Where there are two sides, of course, there are two opinions. Kuwait Airways has stated that the settlement is definitely not final. There’s another billion dollars at play, not to mention nearly two decades of accumulated interest.

It’s a good thing the Iraqi government is nice and stable … and that there isn’t a war to get in the way of these payments …

Maybe you can help Iraq pay its tab to Kuwait Airways. Take a trip to Baghdad, and put some money into the local economy!

[Via USA Today]

[Thanks, Brian Sayler, for the galleries and photo of Saddam’s palace above and the gallery below]

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Sun, sea, surf — and a boob job?

by Scott Carmichael on

Some people travel to see the sights and sounds of a foreign country, others travel to enjoy the beach.

Then there are those that pack their bags and head abroad to get some work done on their nose, face or other body part.

Medical tourism is big business – so big in fact that Asia expects a whopping 1.3 million people heading their way for medial procedures in 2009. The 2 most popular clinics in Thailand receive 650,000 foreigners a year.

The foremost reason for heading abroad to get some work done is of course the cost – many Europeans go to Turkey for LASIK, and do so for just $2200, which includes airfare. Compared to the $6000 a local procedure will cost, shows how big the savings can be.

The newest development in overseas surgery is in package deals – you get some work done on yourself, then you spend some well deserved time on the beach recovering, which is a hell of a lot more comfortable than in your own bed in bad weather back home.

There are of course some risks involved, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has compiled a handy checklist which may help make the right choice, and select a safe location for your procedure. The society has members in over 80 countries, and many of them are located in clinics mainly used by medical tourists so it is not too hard to find a reliable clinic.