The Nomading Film Festival goes west

by Jessica Festa on

As many Gadling readers probably remember, the first ever Nomading Film Festival took place on June 11, 2011, in New York, celebrating travelers who film and not just filmmakers who travel. The debut was a huge success, with over 200 attendees coming out to enjoy feature travel films, live performances, food, drinks, games, and win over $8,000 in prizes. Now, west coast travelers and film fanatics will be able to experience this unique festival too, as NoFF goes to Portland, Oregon, on January 28.

Winter Recess, as the event is being called, will feature the same films as NoFF 2011 as well as the premier of “One Foot”, which shows NoFF co-founder Bassam Tarazi‘s journey to Everest Base Camp. Not only should you attend Winter Recess to see authentic travel films, but also for the price, as tickets are only $9 and include a round of beer. The event will take place from 12-4 PM at the McMenamins Mission Theater and will be followed by an after party that will benefit various charities, including Teen Living Charities, ProjectExplorer, 100cameras, and the Matador Youth Scholarship Fund.

To buy your ticket, click here. For a preview of what to expect, watch this video from NoFF co-founder Joshua Wolff. And don’t worry east coasters, the Nomading Film Festival will be back in New York on June 23, 2012.


“Food” preparation around the world: a video round-up

by Laurel Miller on

Every savvy traveler knows that meals that are considered taboo (pets), weird (ingredients that are still alive), or gross (insectia, specific animal innards) at home are likely what’s for dinner elsewhere in the world. Even if the food or dish isn’t unappetizing by our standards, its means of preparation is often spectacle-worthy.

Thus, the following collection of videos, all devoted to the creation of specific regional delicacies from around the globe. Check them out: next time you down a shot of mezcal or snack on some fried grasshoppers, you’ll understand that someone, somewhere, put a lot of hard work into their preparation. Bon appetit!

In Mongolia, where food and other resources are scarce, innovation is crucial:




Making noodles is an art form in many parts of the world, including Xian Province in northern China:

A boss iced tea vendor in Thailand:



Too tame? Witness a testicle (from unidentified animal species; most likely goat or sheep) cooking competition in Serbia:



The “Holy Grail for [beef] head tacos,” in Oaxaca…



Cooking up grasshopper in Zambia:



Preparing maguey (a species of agave, also known as “century plant”) for mezcal in Mexico:


Brace yourself for the most disturbing food prep yet, courtesy of the United States:

Luxury Vacation Guide 2012: Mexico

by McLean Robbins on

US tourists have largely avoided Mexico in recent years due to increasing violence, but those looking for a deeply discounted luxury getaway can turn to areas like Riviera Maya and Los Cabos for safe yet affordable havens.

Want to visit? 2012 might be your year. With the economy still teetering on the brink and more tourists turning away from the country due to reports of violence, those visiting the safer states and areas will find value-added deals like free nights and resort credits, plus safety-inspiring extras like private car transfers and around-town transport. SF Gate reported in 2011 on the five safest states to visit (and they’re still largely true – the last State Department update was April 2011). Our top picks for luxury visits? The always popular Baja California Sur, including Todos Santos and Los Cabos, or the scenic Riviera Maya. Take advantage of plentiful and direct flights and five-star resorts by big brand names and boutique properties alike.

[flickr image via Grand Velas Resorts]

Coast Guard wants your vote on extreme videos

by Chris Owen on

The U.S. Coast Guard has released its Top Ten Rescue Videos and is counting down to 2012 asking fans to vote for a favorite.

The series of videos feature a variety of what the Coast Guard does every day including rescues of people at sea, capturing pirates, catching a cocaine-laden drug sub in the Caribbean Sea and more.

In one video, Coast Guard aircrews coach a pilot on how to ditch his Cessna 310 aircraft and then rescued him from the ocean northeast of Hawaii.

All 10 videos are on line now and Facebook fans have until January 13 to pick their favorite.

Vote for your favorite video by going to the Coast Guard’s Facebook Page or stop by the Coast Guard YouTube Channel.

Here’s a compilation of all ten top Coast Guard Videos of 2011.



Flickr photo by US Coast Guard