Three travel ideas from the ITB Berlin Travel Show

by Tom Johansmeyer on

More than 11,000 exhibitors from 187 countries tried to make their mark at the 2009 ITB Berlin Travel Show. They showcased wines, highlighted unique local attractions and generally tried to show that they are the best places in the world for tourists to spend their hard-earned cash. Travel+Leisure tried to describe the industry’s hottest trends, but the article really came across as “here are a few cool things I noticed.” So, I took the coolest of the cool, below:

1. Get healthy
Plenty of destinations offer spas, yoga and fitness options – sometimes using them to theme an entire resort. But, that’s thinking small. Go all the way with medical tourism, and call those DDs your own in an overseas clinic. Before you develop visions of hacksaws and cigarettes over the operating table, some of these surgical getaways are in upscale facilities.

Hey, it’s up to you. Roll the dice.

2. Hearken back to the Cold War
Screw traditional cruise liners in favor of Soviet-era ships pushing down the Volga River. Praise Lenin, listen to a balalaika and drink Russian Standard vodka (quite good, actually). Lament how long it will take for the dictatorship of the proletariat to emerge.

There are other unusual cruise options out there as well – such as one in Laos that takes 28 passengers into a once inaccessible piece of the Mekong River from Vientiane.

3. Watch a new nation rise
Kosovo doesn’t have much to say for itself except that you should be patient, because the country’s just getting started. So, if you go there now, you’re getting in on the ground floor. Get to know the concierge. Tip him well. You’ll become a national hero.

Photo of the Day (2-4-09)

by Jamie Rhein on

The woman in the photo was sorting rice in Luang Nam Tha, Laos back in February 2008. I would venture to say that the same woman is still sorting rice in this careful, quiet way of doing work that sustains people. This is the type of work that is never quite done, but remains important year after year.

Whenever I have watched women like the one in this photo by Laura Itzokowitz, I am struck by the calming effect that removing bits of grass, twig and stones from rice can have on the world.

If you have a photo to be considered for a Photo of the Day pick, send it our way at Gadling’s Flickr photo pool.

Laos to ban Tuk Tuks?

by Martha Edwards on

Going to southeast Asia, I was excited to take Tuk Tuks everywhere. But I soon changed my tune — they’re hot, stinky and the drivers are usually shady. After a few unauthorized visits to a driver’s friends’ jewelery/dress/art shop, I quickly vowed to take either public transit or real taxis everywhere.

And yet, I couldn’t imagine Thailand or Laos without them — they’re a fun part of the scenery, as long as you don’t ride on them too often. But the Laotian government doesn’t agree — they’re considering banning Tuk Tuks from Laos. It’s thought that banning Tuk Tuks will ease congestion and accidents on Laos’ roads, and they’ll be replaced with 30 new transit buses.

But the government’s logic seems to be flawed — studies show that Tuk Tuks are only involved in a handful of crashes on Laotian streets. And without Tuk Tuks, there will most likely be more motorcycles and cars on the road, which I’m sure won’t help with traffic.

Eco-tourism in Laos

by Martha Edwards on

According to the Lonely Planet, tourism in Laos is set to soar to all-time highs. I suspect this has to do with the popularity of Thailand as a tourist destination, as people tend to reason that if they’re going all that way they should do the whole shebang. I don’t know if anyone travels across the ocean for the sole purpose of visiting Laos, but it sure is worthy of it’s own trip — which you already know, if you’ve ever been there.

Jungle treks in particular are expected to flourish, which gives some valuable income to to the country and its people — hopefully it keeps the forest from being levelled as well. The Laotian government has shown it’s commitment to Eco-tourism, so let’s hope they stand by their word.
Laos is truly unique place — rugged and undeveloped, friendly and peaceful, full of beauty, both urban and natural. It’s a world away from the bright lights of Bangkok. When I first arrived in Laos, I was amazed by so much, but what stands out is the lack of streetlights in towns (or paved roads for that matter.) We left the Indian restaurant at 9, a full two hours before the country-wide curfew, and hardly found our way back to the guesthouse because of the darkness. I was a city girl who hadn’t realized that the world got that dark at night. I wonder if it will stay like that? I hope so. We all need little reminders like that.

Laos: Tough Bus Rides, Beautiful Scenery

by Willy Volk on

Laos is a long, skinny, landlocked country in southeast Asia, often overlooked by tourist-friendly, coastline-owning Thailand. However, with its centuries-old temples at Luang Prabang, 4000 islands at Si Phan Don, and easily-reachable (depending on your definition of easy) Army of Buddhas at Pak Ou, Laos may be one of the most overlooked travel destinations on the planet. While your travel dollars can go far in this beautiful, mountainous country, your memories may be hard-won — especially if you’re a high-maintenance traveler. To see what I mean, check out this excellent 2-minute video of portions of Al Brenner’s bus ride through Laos. Gorgeous…but by no means first class.


If I were heading to Laos, I would have to add the enigmatic Plain of Jars to my list of things to do. Don’t know what the Plain of Jars is? Check out this excellent trip report, and it’ll be on your short list, too.