Photo of the Day (03.13.10)

by Mike Barish on

http://www.flickr.com/photos/borderfilms/sets/1575505/

Whimsy. People don’t talk about whimsy much when discussing travel. They talk about philosophy, introspection, packing lists and logistics. They talk about food and hotels and TSA horror stories and airport experiences. Lost in all of that is whimsy. Gadling loves all that other nonsense, but we also appreciate coy smiles, inside jokes and creativity. So, when I came across this photo by Flickr user borderfilms (Doug), I immediately knew that it deserved to be featured as our Photo of the Day.

I have no clue whether this is the result of a clever use of Photoshop or a cheeky photo op created by a sprightly packer, but I don’t really care (well, if it’s Photoshopped, I’ll be mildly disappointed). What’s important is that it’s not your traditional travel photo. It’s not a cliché road trip moment with a traveler giving a thumbs up in front of a sign. It’s original. It’s unique. It’s whimsical. And we need more whimsy in our lives.

Update: The picture is real. It’s part of a set by Doug Murray called Adventures of Hula Girl. Check it out here.

Are you part of the whimsical minority who finds (or creates) whimsy wherever you go? Submit your images to Gadling’s Flickr group right now and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day.

A ski expert’s secret tips to Whistler and Vancouver

by Amy Chen on

All eyes will be on British Columbia during the Olympics. Who better to share some secrets than a local?

I first met Jeremy Neill a few years ago when he was a product manager for Fresh Tracks, a Vancouver-based tour operator that specializes in Canada and Alaska. Born in Bath, England, Neill has lived in Vancouver for the past three years. Though he’s the first to say he’s not a native, Neill does have the inside scoop on the local ski scene–armed with 15 years of snowboarding experience, Neill is the author of The Mad Dog Ski guide to Whistler (maddogski.com).

Q: What are some après-ski spots in Whistler where you might see someone famous?
A: The Brewhouse at Whistler is the one of the closest to the Medals Plaza so that might have the best chance of seeing an athlete. The liveliest places are the Longhorn Saloon & Grill in Skiers Plaza, which has the best views of the Whistler runs, and Merlins at Blackcomb, which is known for its huge nachos and as a place to party.

Q: And for Vancouver?
A: That’s tough as there are so many options in downtown Vancouver. A lot of people are hoping to access the “houses” where sponsors and partners are hosting parties and events. Widely anticipated is the Holland Heineken House at the Richmond Ozone. Downtown Vancouver has two Live Sites: LiveCity Downtown and LiveCity Yaletown. These outdoor celebration sites are free to enter. You can see live coverage and short films on giant screens, view exhibits from Canadian artists, and enjoy some local food and drinks.Q: Any shortcuts to equipment rentals or lift passes?
A: Definitely book rentals in advance. Some rental shops are open in the evening, so you can go and get your kit in advance. Lift tickets can be bought online, and discount day tickets are available in local 7-Elevens.

Q: What’s the local beverage of choice after a long day on the slopes?
A: The drink I go for often depends on the time of year. In January I like the Amsterdam Cafe as they have warm alcoholic toddies with a view of people on the village stroll. After a day of spring riding, an ice-cold beer is always refreshing. This is not hard to come by in Whistler. Any of the bars at the base of Blackcomb or Whistler are a great spot.

Q: Is there a beautiful ski run that even beginners can handle and shouldn’t miss?
A: Ego Bowl on Whistler is a favorite with beginners. It’s an easy pitch and has brilliant views on a clear day. The Emerald Express Chair lift slows nicely at the top with a flat run out, so it’s easy to get off. It can get busy though, especially if the chairs at higher elevation are not running.

Want more Olympics coverage?

Ready to fly into Vancouver for the Games? YVR is waiting.

by Grant Martin on

Our friend and colleague over at Stuck at the Airport, Harriet Baskas, has been following developments at Vancouver’s international airport (YVR) as the Olympics draw preciously near. Anticipating a massive crowd, the normally serene, Pacific Northwest city is neck-deep in preparations, particularly at bottleneck junctions such as borders and airports.

To help soothe the massive flow, YVR is taking a proactive approach to managing traffic on the days of and after the games. Particularly on outbound flights the day after closing ceremonies, the airport suggests arriving for flights 4 hours prior to departure, with the check-in process complete after 3.

As Ms. Baskas points out, they’ve even gone so far as to ask hotels to allow unilateral late checkout and to post the adjacent placard onto every door, advising travelers on the best departure and airport strategy.

It’s good forward thinking by an airport that’s sure to see record traffic over the next few weeks. Hopefully passengers and security move smoothly in kind.

Want more Olympics coverage?

Vancouver hotels prepare for the Olympics

by Melanie Nayer on

Thousands of people from around the world are starting their migration to Vancouver in anticipation of the 2010 Winter Olympics, which starts in two weeks. While tents are being erected, mountains are being prepped and rinks are icing up, hotels in Vancouver have one of the most important jobs: providing a good night’s sleep for sports fans.

If you’ve been planning ahead and have your hotel reservations, rest assured hotels are stepping up their efforts to ensure your stay is memorable. Here’s what you can expect:

Increased security. Hotels
are stepping up their security to ensure the safety and comfort of their guests. You’ll notice more on-site security and 24-hour security staff.

Increased staff. Hotels will have more staff on duty during longer periods of time to ensure the needs of guests are met. Expect everyone from additional kitchen staff to attend to late-night room service to on-site translators.

Increased prices. As you would expect, hotels have increased the prices of staying during the Winter Olympic Games. Despite the fact that most hotels are already sold out, those with rooms still available are taking advantage of the events and marking up room prices 30-40% of the regular room rates. A quick search for available hotels in Vancouver found prices starting at $300 a night to $600 a night from Feb. 13-March 1. Hint: If you have loyalty points with a particular hotel, call that hotel first and see if any rooms are available. If not, ask the hotel to check with their sister properties in Vancouver.

If you’re planning on traveling to Vancouver for the Olympics but haven’t booked your hotel room yet, start thinking outside the box for a place to stay. Consider renting apartments, or stay outside of the city and take advantage of shuttle services to the Olympic games. The official Winter Olympics site suggests the following:

  • Consider hotels in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas
  • Remember that every event ticket comes with free public transit for the day
  • Check into private home rentals, hostels and rooms on cruise ships.

Read more Olympics coverage on Gadling here!
Vancouver Attractions
Vancouver Accommodations
About Vancouver

Five steps to a better Valentine’s Day from Fairmont

by Tom Johansmeyer on

After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it’s time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you’re planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you’ll have a top-shelf treatment ready and waiting for you. Check out the “Follow Your Heart” spa experiences on tap at 11 Fairmont hotels this Valentine’s Day.

One Heart: This is a Red Ribbon Lips facial upgrade and includes a complimentary Jane Iredale Organic Sugar Lip Scrub treatment that will soften and soothe your lips. Worried about dry, cracked lip kissing? That won’t be a problem after this treatment.

Two Heart: Willow Stream’s Sending You Kisses offer includes a Willow Stream Lip Kit and Lip Definer pencil, which will make softened lips eye-catching — translation: you’ll more likely have the chance to use them.

Three Heart: Enjoy a Heartfelt 90-minute spa experience, an hour of which is side-by-side for couples, with a 30-minute dip in the spa’s oversized whirlpool tubs … complete with champagne.

Four Heart: The Love Me package makes you the center of attention. The solo day at the spa includes a 90-minute experience before noon and a Willow Stream spa bento box lunch.

Five Heart: Willow stream will Love You Forever. On the first day of the month, guests will enjoy enjoy either a 60-minute or 90-minute spa treatment … for an entire year!

Participating resorts include: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (Miami), Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Scottsdale, Fairmont Le Montreux Place (Switzerland), Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta), Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), Fairmont Monte Carlo, Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia).