Gadling Take FIVE: Week of April 11–April 17

by Jamie Rhein on

How wonderful to be in the middle of April when the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining. By now, you’ve noticed Gadling has a brand new look. Kudos to the design team! We’re pleased as punch. With wider photos, Karen can show off her photography expertise all that much more.

Along with the changes, we found out that Tynan, thankfully, survived a mugging. He has tips on what you need to remember to keep safe and to hold onto your belongings if you can.

Tynan is not the only one who offered tips this week.

Gadling Take FIVE- April 4-April 10

by Jamie Rhein on

There are still travel deals out there and specials to keep your eye on. Plus, with spring comes certain events that can mean discounts. Here are Gadling posts from this past week that point to the diversity in travel pleasures from the free to the less expensive.

  • In Italy, from April 18 to 26, it’s Italian Culture Week. As Alison wrote, this means many attractions are free, and in some cases, the only time during the year when they are open to the public..
  • One trend that’s great news for travelers is the one where upscale restaurants are offering less expensive meals. Tom’s post on pris fixe menus is a reminder that these are the days when deals can appear where you least expect them.
  • Not only are higher end restaurants becoming cheaper, so is New Zealand. Grant outlined ten reasons why a person should go to New Zealand sooner than later.
  • One detail about spring is the loveliness of flowers that belong to every one who is lucky enough to pass by flowerbeds and/or flowering trees every day. In the Netherlands the tulips are everyone’s treasure. Scott has the scoop on KLM’s very own tulip. The tulip was acquired as part of KLM’s 90th year birthday celebration.
  • With wedding season upon us, Annie found a great deal for people who are looking for wedded bliss AND happen to have family and friends with money. The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain is running a wedding special that sounds divine. It does follow the adage, “it takes money to make money” or something like that.

And one more. If you haven’t watched this video taken at the Antewerp Belgium train station, you’ve missed out on a feel good time. It’s sort of a Sound of Music for everyone extravaganza. Here’s handing you a smile that will cost you nothing to get.

Gadling Take FIVE: February 7 –February 13

by Jamie Rhein on

We heard Tynan was coming back to blog on Gadling, and sure enough, this week he began his series Life Nomadic about living no where in particular, but where everywhere is filled with possibilities.

This week boasted a few more tales of amazing feats.

  • One of them was Richard Donovan’s marathon spree of around the world travel– literally. For anyone who wonders if you’ll ever get in shape by spring, read Kraig’s post and weep.
  • In London, 17,000 people mobbed London Liverpool Street Station. Scott posted the video to prove it.
  • Tom wandered in Madrid’s red light district, but not so far that he got into trouble
  • and Brenda gave a heads up on Hawaii’s possible foray into space tourism.
  • Then there is our own, Mike Barish who braved Hotel Carter to wow us with hilarity and look at what the dirtiest hotel looks like. From what I can tell, he’s over feeling woeful and almost good as new.

Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Dec. 7 – 19

by Jamie Rhein on

If you’ve kept up with Gadling this week, you’ve noticed that we’ve added a cigar smoking blogger to our round-up. Tom Johansmeyer won’t tell anyone where he keeps his cash.

With the holidays upon us, here are five Gadling posts in hopes that cheer is heading your way.

  • As Scott posted, inflight Internet has begun on some flights which is an early present to those have jitters when they can’t surf while flying. Look for Internet to become more readily available.
  • If you’re heading through George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, there’s holiday karaoke to keep you entertained. You’ll either smile or cringe depending on whether you’re like Meg or me.
  • Traveling around the world could be free if you get a job as an STA Travel intern. Aaron tells how this dream could become your reality.
  • For holiday light displays that are not to miss–or at least read about, check out Annie’s post on where to find the best ones.
  • If you’re in need of a laugh and a holiday gift idea for that wild child of yours (even if you’re the wild child) check out Mike’s Sky Mall Monday post on the Flair Hair visor.

Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Nov. 22 –Nov. 28

by Jamie Rhein on

A person could get pretty depressed when taking a gander at how money, or rather the lack of it is influencing the places we love to go.

Perhaps some of the change is due to cultural shifts that would happen anyway. It’s hard to tell sometimes exactly what condition is causing the change.

This week at Gadling, there are a few posts that have to do with changes that are taking place around the world.

  • In France, fewer people are hanging out in cafes these days. Jeffrey gives the issue some thought in one of his posts.
  • Brenda provided more insight regarding the woes of Hawaii’s travel industry. As a person from the state, and a world traveler, she has an understanding of the factors that are influencing people’s vacation decisions.
  • In a post yesterday, Brenda also offered musings about the state of travel given the fact that there are so many places that seem inhospitable. She’s interested in Cuba and wonders if Americans are welcome.
  • Aaron, however, usually a sunny sort, has great things to say about travel in Chile. If you don’t catch this one detail while you read, he’d love to go back and is looking for someone to take him along.
  • On another positive note, if you want to feel great today, look at ImprovEverywhere’s latest video. As their latest stunt proves, everyone in the world could use a rousing welcome home–even if it’s from a group of total strangers. All you need is signage, balloons and warm, smiling faces.