National Geographic Launches “Places of a Lifetime” for Travelers

by Catherine Bodry on

On Thursday September 6, National Geographic launched a new website, Places of a Lifetime, which is a continuation of its 1999 article on the world’s top 50 destinations.

The site currently profiles 10 cities (but plans to have 50 by spring of 2008), with slide shows, essays from Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, and travel tips for when you go. Tips include places to stay, eat, and shop for different budgets — and there’s more. Each city guide has 3 walking tours, recipes, books and movies, cultural tips, must-dos, and maps.

I checked out Washington D.C.’s profile because I just couldn’t imagine what type of regional recipes might be included. The President’s Humble Pie? Not so much. Instead I found Maryland Crab Cakes, a mint julep recipe, and Georgia Brown’s French Toast (yum!). While including recipes may not be practical, it’s a move that definitely got my attention.

In all, the website is easily navigable, provides interesting tips, and — in true National Geographic style — has pretty photos. For now it’s a good place to start when you’re in the beginning processes of planning a trip.

How to take Better Cell Phone Photographs by National Geographic

by Neil Woodburn on

It was only a matter of time before camera phones warranted their own photography books.

First generation camera phones produced horrific photos but improvements have come rapidly and now it’s actually quite difficult to tell the difference between a photograph taken by a regular camera and one shot by a cell phone.

Almost.

Cell phone cameras still need a little extra help to produce a quality image and that’s the idea behind The Camera Phone Book: How to Shoot like a Pro.

The fact that National Geographic has produced this book lends an incredible amount of legitimacy to the cell phone camera. National Geographic has always been the poster child of quality photography and by endorsing what was once a joke amongst serious photographers they have elevated the cell phone camera to a level never thought possible. In fact, the forward of the book claims that it is the “first of its kind to treat these units as genuine cameras instead of novelties.”

But, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Not only does the book provide tips on capturing that perfect cell phone photograph, but it also includes 44 examples of how National Geographic photographers have managed to do so.

The Best U.S. Cities for Singles

by Justin Glow on

You may recognize this “Singles” map from the February 2007 issue of National Geographic. It ranks the number of single women versus the number of single men in metropolitan areas, and you may be surprised at some of the results.

Girls, looking to travel to a bachelor-heavy area? The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana metro area, for instance, has the highest population of single males, with 40,000 more than single women. On the flip side, guys, the New York-Newark urban area has 185,000 more single women than men.

What I find particularly interesting is Texas. Dallas, Austin, and Houston all have more single men than women, while San Antonio has more single women. With the influx of military personnel in San Antonio, I would have figured the opposite.

National Geographic Traveler’s Photo Contest: Deadline is August 21

by Martha Edwards on

As you know, National Geographic is, like, the pinnacle of travel photography, or really, of photography in general. So why should you enter Traveler’s annual photography contest, with World In Focus? All I can say is: Why not? As added incentive, the first prize is your choice of either a trip to Arctic Norway or the Galapagos Islands. So go on, submit an entry. It’s only $12 if you’re an amateur, and as I know from the Gadling photo pool, our readers have some amazing images to offer. So if you’re ready to enter, visit the World in Focus website.

Last year’s contest (as always) produced some breath-taking images, and I for one can’t wait to see what comes out this year.

National Geographic: Beyond the Bee

by Kelly Amabile on


During my visit to DC to see the Bee, I also had the opportunity to spend some time exploring other parts of National Geographic’s headquarters. The complex is composed of several buildings, the tallest of which (pictured here) stands on the corner of 17th and M.

The buildings enclose a courtyard with a reflecting pool and lush gardens, currently home to four bronze bear sculptures by Dan Ostermiller, a member of the Society of Animal Artists. This one is called Indigo’s Dream.

A peaceful pool runs horizontal between two of the main buildings that make up the National Geographic complex. Besides housing many of the main operations of the Society, these buildings are home to a museum, library and rotating exhibit space that the public can visit.

I’ve got two posts coming up later today about cool things to do if you visit the headquarters of the National Geographic Society. Stay tuned.