BootsnAll call for guest writers

by Annie Scott on

BootsnAll wants more content, and that’s where you come in.

You’ve probably heard about AOL’s arm, SEED, which allows you to submit articles to a number of AOL sites (such as Gadling, everyone’s favorite) for consideration. It’s great because some of our readers are just as good at this as we are, and it enables them (you) to get paid to blog with us.

BootsnAll is launching a similar program called the BootsnAll Travel Writer Platform which is targeted specifically at those of you who would like to be professional travel writers. Basically, you can sign up to write about what you love and get paid a “base pay of $100-500/month with profit sharing of 30-40%” — not too shabby!

If you’re interested in becoming a BootsnAll Travel Writer, just send in your application by March 15, 2010. Watch the video above for more info, and visit the website here to apply.

European Union puts the thumbscrews on Google Street View maps

by Scott Carmichael on



Google Street View is probably one of the coolest mapping applications of the past decade (along with satellite images). I’ll regularly pull up a Street View map before I head to a destination I’ve never been to, and in most cases, the images make it much easier for me to navigate. I’ve even used it on my Google powered phone as a way to get an idea where I’m heading.

Sadly, the European Union isn’t as big a fan – their privacy laws are some of the strictest in the world, which is obviously great for privacy fans. but not so much for fans of Google Street View.

In a ruling last week, the EU has demanded that Google start deleting all uncensored Street View images after just 6 months (in Europe, Google has to blur all faces), and that Google has to start announcing in advance where their camera car will be filming.

The members of “The Article 29 Data Protection Working Party” want to see the announcements made on Google.com and in the local media.

Of course, these new measures may prove too problematic for Google, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Europeans find themselves without Street View images if the current plan doesn’t change.

Spain giving away travel on Facebook

by Tom Johansmeyer on

It looks like Spain is the latest destination to use a clever Facebook campaign to drum up some interest among traveling social media users. Free vacations are being offered to users who provide the best answers to questions about Spain and its customs. The contest is set to last through the end of February, so there’s still time for you to get in on the action. Winners wil receive a one-week trip ever year for three years, including airfare and lodging at Parador hotels, which are refurbished castles and monasteries – not a bad way to roll. If you think you have what it takes to get your vacations covered for the next three years,head over to Facebook to prove it!

A new way to find a spa in New York

by Tom Johansmeyer on

When you go to a resort, the spa decision is pretty easy to make. The resort is the main draw, so you just go with the spa that’s on property. If your trip involves a major city, though, you’d be nuts not to spread around your experiences a bit. Mix up your hotel, restaurants and spa choices: one-stop shopping isn’t always your best bet. So, I was thrilled to hear about SpaDealsNYC.com, which celebrated its official launch last week. In addition to finding the best spa for your tight muscles and weary spirit, you’ll score some great deals, too – no need to break the bank when you’re looking for a bit of relaxation.

SpaDealsNYC.com is the creation of Richard Cacace, owner of Body Beautiful Spa & Laser Center in the East Village. He wanted to give consumers a new way to find the right treatments and spas … and pick up a few discounts along the way. He says, “Given the situation with the economy and prioritizing how people spend their hard earned money, this site will be a way for people to receive a beauty service that they may have always gotten, but now forgo, due to financial reasons. It allows them to get that service again for a great discount.”

AT&T, Expedia.com partner for easier hotel bookings on-the-go

by Melanie Nayer on

AT&T and Expedia are partnering to provide travelers with easier access to hotels and destination information. The new agreement allows travelers to check hotel rates, room availability and book rooms on AT&T Interactive’s YELLOWPAGES.COM and YP.COM. The platform will be co-branded with Hotels.com, a subsidiary of Expedia.com.

HotelMarketing.com reported the new this morning, but no word on when the new hotel booking functionality will be launched. Once it’s launched, users can search hotels, find the best rates, book rooms and get destination information including downloadable maps, nearby restaurants and bars, and local tourist attractions.

“Our agreement with Expedia creates a natural extension to the travel and hotel information already available on YELLOWPAGES.COM and YP.COM – enhancing the local search experience for those who visit our sites,” said Mike Fordyce, senior vice president of Business Development for AT&T Interactive. “Adding the ability to check for hotel availability and book rooms increases user engagement, giving our advertisers the opportunity to gain exposure among a growing audience who is turning to the Internet for travel information.”%Gallery-84586%

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