Bound South: 3 brothers cycle from Alaska to Argentina to raise money for charity

by Jessica Festa on

Every once in awhile, I read something really inspirational that makes me see the real potential of society. After learning about the Berg brother’s bike ride from Anchorage, Alaska, to Patagonia in Argentina, to raise money to build a house for the Lake Agassiz Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, I knew it was one of those times.

Since August 11, 2011, Nathan Berg, 24, Isaiah Berg, 22, and David Berg, 19, have been cycling over the Pan-American Highway, living on $10 a day by buying donuts on sale and covering then in peanut butter. The boys are aiming to raise $60,000, enough to build one house for a person in need. Their goal is to cross the border of Mexico by late November and make it to Argentina by May.

While this particular ride was inspired by the boys’ sense of adventure, they are being fueled by their desire to help others. They also aim to document a trek full of beautiful and moving landscapes as well as off-the-beaten path travel. The kindness of strangers has also helped them along the way, including an inspired group of elementary school children from their home state of North Dakota writing them letters, people offering a place to sleep, or being given a generous meal.

So, what sets this charity ride apart from the others? On their Bound South Facebook Page, the boys write:

“Many charity rides spend a great deal on various amenities and promotional efforts. We wanted something different. Bound South is a rugged journey of reflection, a fully self-supported trek across some of the most inhospitable places in the Americas. Supporting our cause allows you to become a part of our story. Every dollar you donate will go directly to Habitat for Humanity to build a home.”

For more information on their trek, or to donate to their cause, visit their blog, Bound South.

3 “glamping” accommodations for the luxury camper

by Jessica Festa on

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, “glamping” is a way for travelers to experience the outdoors, like camping, but with more luxury amenities, like electricity, running water, and sometimes even modern architecture. Check out this list of stylish canvas accommodations from around the world, perfect for those who want to get closer to nature…but not too close.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Australia

Recently opened in April, 2011, this small, luxurious safari lodge features wildlife tours, hiking, biking, and culture in Australia’s Norther Territory while still providing the comforts of home. Made of recycled building materials, these free-standing cabins are surrounded by trees and grassland yet include air-conditioning, luxury bedding, upscale furnishings, and an en suite bathroom. Prices range from $285-$505 per person, per night.

For those who want to rough-it just a bit more, Wildman Wilderness Lodge also offers safari tents that are spacious and fan-cooled withwood floors, beds, and en suite bathrooms. Prices range from $215-$375 per person, per night.Valle de Uco
Argentina

This new wine-and-golf resort being built in Mendoza is the latest in glamping sophistication. Canopies furnished by 5-star hotel designers include four-poster beds, roll top baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and fire pits. Don’t spend too much time inside, though, because there are many different nature experiences to be had. Because the arid region has its own natural spring, the landscape is a combination of lakes, rivers, forests, and meadows, making it perfect for nature strolls. Horseback riding, hiking, and star-gazing at the observatory deck are also available.

The first phase of the project should be finished by the end of the year, with rates beginning at $300 per night.

Rasa Resorts
India

This 500 square foot tent will have you forgetting that you’re not at an extravagant hotel. Each of the 40 structures include large bay windows, curtains, and a high roof that slopes down to form a canopy over the beds. A contemporary atmosphere is created through color schemes of concrete, wood, and red stone. You’re not too far from nature, however, as private outdoor gardens are right at your backdoor. Moreover, the rocky terrain and nearby sanctuary offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and bird-watching. Prices begin at $148, which includes breakfast.

First bar made of glacial ice opens in Patagonia, Argentina

by Jessica Festa on

The first ice bar in Patagonia, Argentina, opened last week, which also happens to be the first bar in the world created out of glacial ice, according to Paola Singer of The New York Times. Located just outside El Calafate, Glaciobar is the newest addition to Glaciarium, a new science museum focusing on the region’s hundreds of glaciers.

Glaciobar will provide patrons with gloves, hooded capes, and boots for warmth. For health and safety reasons, however, the maximum time allowed in the bar is 20 minutes. During this time, most people choose to sip on the house cocktail, a mixture of Fernet con Coca and Coca Cola.

Want to see for yourself what Glaciobar is like? Check out this video:


Photo of the day – morning coffee in Thailand

by Meg Nesterov on


How do you take your coffee? Flickr user LadyExpat posted this lovely setup from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Coffee is a thing beloved around the world and served differently everywhere. Turkey may be famous for its dense and tiny cups of coffee, but tulip-shaped glasses of tea and ready made Nescafe are more popular with locals and the muddy stuff is served more as digestif. In Italy, don’t even think of ordering a milky coffee past breakfast or your waiter will warn you of getting a stomachache. In Argentina, I looked forward to sweet media lunes each morning with my cafe con leche.

What’s your favorite place for coffee? Upload your java pix to our Gadling Flickr pool and we could use one as a future Photo of the Day.

LAN Airlines surprises restaurant-goers with free tickets to South America

by Libby Zay on

Last night, LAN Airlines surprised nearly 200 unsuspecting patrons at Nuela restaurant in New York with free round trip tickets to South America. The Oprah-style giveaway kicks off the company’s Only in South America campaign, a multi-year effort to promote travel to the region.

In the midst of busy dinner hours, guests at the South American restaurant in Manhattan’s Flatiron district were directed to look under their tables for a major surprise. Moments later, everyone in the restaurant was holding a voucher for a ticket to any LAN destination in South America, including destinations in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

“It was a genuine pleasure to see the restaurant full of dinner guests enjoying South American dishes all of a sudden receive the unexpected news that they were getting the chance to travel to where our cuisine originates, just because they were at the right place at the right time,” said Chef Adam Schop. Schop was recently awarded Star Chef’s 2011 Rising Star award, and New York Times touted his arroz con pato (duck paella) “best tasting dish of the year.”

Those who weren’t lucky enough to be gifted with tickets can still enter an online sweepstakes to win tickets to Quito, Guayaquil, Lima, Santiago or Buenos Aires by following @LANAirlinesUSA. The contest ends October 13th.