Slovakia is the New Prague

by Erik Olsen on

Although the piece here focuses
on much more than just Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, it is
apparent by the place’s growing popularity among Americans that Slovakia is the new Prague. Prague, which has come into
its own as a truly modern European city, is now so modern that it carries the higher price tag of other major European
cities. Not that it’s London, but Americans heading to Prague aren’t going to find the easy $15 a day deal they used
to.

Not so for Slovakia, where Americans and Europeans are now flocking for its delightful mix of old European culture and
softer impact on their wallets.

Angkor Wat Getting Robbed

by Erik Olsen on

There are few places as amazing as Angkor Wat. I was
there two years ago, and vividly remember coming upon the ruins there for the first time, how they seemed to rise
out of the mist and transport me back 500 years. The place took my breath away. And so it is with profound sadness that
I read this article on the looting
that is taking place at Angkor today. Cambodia is a very poor place. Happily, it has overcome the horrors of its recent
past, and there is something that might almost be called a vibrant optimism in places like Phnom Penh today.  But
it is still third world, and so the resources to protect the countries’ amazing antiquities is just not there.

Doggie Bag Please

by Adrienne Wilson on

Pet owners looking to pack their pooch for the plane might want to check out the
Celltei Traveler B’pak-o-Pet.  Huh?  To keep it simple we’ll call it a
doggie bag for now, but USA Today has the
complete details on this stylish tote for your pup.  Only one of many new items being showcased at the Travel Goods Association’s annual show in Orlando, you’ll also
find other clever inventions like suitcase coats and stereo luggage.  The new products being displayed fall under
three categories: comfort, convenience, and coolness.

Spring Into Kennebunkport

by Adrienne Wilson on

Alas, the first day of spring has come and I can’t keep images of charming little cottages,
surrounded by nature, trumpeting spring’s arrival from my mind.  And what
better place to experience the changing of the seasons than New England?  Kennebunkport, Maine has an awesome
selection of accommodation for the
interested visitor, but I’m being lead to believe nothing gets better than the
White Barn Inn.  Zagat seems to find it magical and it landed a spot in
Conde Nast’s 2005 Gold List.  Looking at the web site it’s easy to imagine what makes the inn so great and
though the price may be more than a pretty penny it appears very much worth the cost.

Faux Snow

by Erik Olsen on

CNN runs a bit on the
trend towards fake snow skiiing.
For skiers in Europe and parts of Asia who don’t have any of the real freshie, they can hit indoor runs
at the local snow dome. What are snow domes, you ask? Snow domes are like stadia that house realistic snow and ski
slopes to slake the powder jones of skiers who seek year-round fixes. They are often just one slope with a
couple of runs. No double blacks, is my bet. And no “gang”ola to be sure.