GadlingTV’s Travel Talk, episode 12 – Click above to watch video after the jump
Well, we’ve been bouncing around the country this week and have got a great show to prove it! From Dallas, Texas to Austin, Texas and finally Portland, Oregon – we’ll take you behind the scenes at Love Field Airport and the operational headquarters of Southwest Airlines!
In the news this week: United & Continental’s big merger, a new train makes tracks in a forbidden country, we look into the biggest World Expo in history, and find out why your toothpaste may once again be safe while traveling through Europe.
We get the inside scoop on Austin-based tech startup Gowalla, and catch up with Gadling crew for a day out on the town. Last but not least, we’re GIVING AWAY TWO FREE TICKETS on Virgin America!! Watch to the end to find out how to enter!!
Tune in next week for our full Portland, Oregon special!
If you have any questions or comments about Travel Talk, you can email us at talk AT gadling DOT com.
Contest: We’re giving away two free tickets on Virgin America!
To enter, join our Facebook group and send us an email, telling us 1) where you would go 2) what you would do there 3) who you would take.
At the end of May, one lucky winner will be randomly selected from our inbox. So, get your friends to submit to increase your chances!!
Hosts: Stephen Greenwood, Aaron Murphy-Crews, Drew Mylrea Special Guest: Jonathan Carroll, Jeremy Kressman.
Produced, Edited, and Directed by: Stephen Greenwood, Aaron Murphy-Crews, Drew Mylrea
Update **The current video has been revised from it’s original version at the request of Southwest airlines. We were given a sneak peak at the TSA’s baggage screening room and filmed bags being opened, which presented privacy concerns. That footage, as well as a mention of Southwest’s mechanical practices – has been removed.
The Gadling team was in Austin, TX last weekend for our annual meet-up. I was the first to arrive in town and decided to take a walk to a taquería that a friend had recommended. It was located in East Austin, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood tucked away on the other side of I-35 from 6th Street and the clubs and restaurants that keep Austin hopping into the morning hours. East Austin is a sleepier part of town filled with one-story houses on small plots of land and authentic Mexican restaurants and cantinas. It’s the part of town where you don’t encounter as many people walking along the streets, but the ones that you do nod, say hello and make you feel welcome in the neighborhood. It’s also home to a Ruth’s Piñata Land, a store that ended up being the highlight of my Austin weekend.
%Gallery-92280%Why, in a weekend filled with amazing Mexican food, mouthwatering barbecue and a street fair bigger than some carnivals, would I remember a piñata more than anything else? Well, it’s not the piñata in and of itself. It’s what it represents. It was happenstance that I found that shop. It was because I was acting on a recommendation from a friend, chose to walk rather than take a cab on a hot Spring day and meandered down that street because of the timing of the street lights. It was an unplanned trip to a business that most tourists and travelers would walk by without much of a thought. For me, it became a story and a running joke over the weekend.
I stopped into Ruth’s Piñata Land purely for giggles but left with so much more. I had hysterical photos (see gallery), a good story and, yes, a piñata (of the Hello Kitty variety).
As the rest of the Gadling crew arrived in Austin, we began to engage in more traditional activities in the busier parts of Austin. We dined on 6th Street, shopped in SoCo and checked out the Capitol Building. But something kept drawing me to East Austin. Some of us took a field trip back there for another fantastic breakfast at Joe’s Bakery (which we highly recommend) and a quick shopping experience at Mustang Jewelry & Pawn. Not your typical tourist fare, but an experience that we all enjoyed thoroughly.
So, is my point that you should all go to piñata stores and pawn shops? Not exactly. All I’m saying is that you should keep your eyes and minds open. If you see something quirky, interesting or just plain weird, take a closer look. You never know what you’ll find if you wander around with no agenda, no schedule and no preconceived notions. We should all find our own piñata shop in whatever form it takes.
Note: Sadly, I left the Hello Kitty piñata in the back Andrew Evans’ rental car…which was towed…and never recovered due to time restraints. We hope that she found a good home in the impound lot.
Summer is fast approaching. Where are you going to spend your vacation? How about visiting one of our country’s many fantastic beach locations? Bring your lover or family, a bathing suit, sun lotion, a blanket and a picnic basket, and you are all set for a romantic get-away or a relaxing family get-together on one of these magnificent sandy stretches.
Delray Beach, Florida
Delray boasts a great family-friendly stretch of sand, with youngsters playing Frisbee games and teens surfing the waves. Enjoy the well-preserved dunes and the warm, snow-white sand and comforting turquoise water. After a day on the beach, take a stroll in the European-style town and dine at the sidewalk bistros.
Mexico Beach, Florida
Mexico Beach is located on Florida’s panhandle near St. Joseph Bay and Cape San Blas on the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles east of Panama City. This secret, romantic location is still mostly free of the crowds because it is exceedingly hard to get to. Enjoy long stretches of rosy-white sand and crystal blue water.
Kauapea Beach, Hawaii
Kauapea Beach is the most spectacular of all beaches in Hawaii and also one well-known for nudists. The cliffs and plantation in the background are stunning, and the beach is covered with pinkish-yellowish sand, stretching into warm cuddling bluish-greenish water. Though nudity is illegal on all beaches in Hawaii, the laws are rarely enforced. To get there you need to hike down a dirt road and then down a narrow trail from Kalihiwai Road, just about half a mile North of Kilauea on Rt. 56. Consummate your relationship in the most ravishing and breathtaking scenery in the US.
Ocracoke Island Beach, North Carolina
You will need to take a ferry boat from Hatteras Island to get there, unless you own a private helicopter. The degree of isolation afforded by Ocracoke is a big part of its appeal. There is an aura of natural beauty surrounding Ocracoke Island, which features miles of silvery sand and surf that have been well protected.
Wildcat Beach, California
Wildcat Beach is located 30 minutes from San Francisco. A 5-minute hike is all that’s required to reach this sandy gem. Take a soothing stroll hand-in-hand bare-footed on long stretches of ivory sand facing a turquoise and tranquil Pacific Ocean.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach is located on the central east coast of Florida, south on I-95. Enjoy long stretches of white sand, free of the crowds and noise. This is probably also one of the least polluted beaches in Florida. Perfect for a romantic getaway, pre-baby furlough or fertility vacation.
Poipu Beach, Hawaii
Say “aloha” to paradise at beautiful Poipu Beach on the South shore of Kauai. This island retreat gets the vote for best exotic getaway in the U.S. White sand beaches are decorated with enough lush tropical foliage to make Jimmy Buffet jealous. Visitors often find themselves overwhelmed by the beach’s wealth of activities, many of which include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, surfing, deep-sea fishing and horseback riding.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is located just off the mainland of Florida’s west coast. Though tourism has increased in recent years, Sanibel still retains much of its natural appeal. Green palm trees set a background for the pristine white sand of Sanibel – all of which is complimented by the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For beach-goers who want to do more than soak up the sun, a variety of activities including golf, tennis, shopping and boating are available to islanders.
South Padre Island, Texas
If you are like most, when you think Texas, the beach is not the first thing to come to mind. However, the Lone Star State is more than just cowboy hats and barbecue. South Padre Island is a stretch of land near Corpus Christi that draws thousands of visitors every year. With a beachside waterpark, parasailing, resort accommodations and enough sandy coastline to last for days, the beaches of South Padre make for an ideal weekend vacay.
Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island is a SoCal dream. Known as “the island of romance,” honeymooners are swept away by the privacy and romance that Catalina offers. Luxurious resorts with ocean-view suites are scattered throughout the island’s shores. Some resorts offer access to champagne, strawberries, chocolates, spa services and even glass-bottom boat tours. Whales and dolphins are no strangers to the area, and couples can view marine wildlife at its best on one of Catalina’s underwater sea excursions via semi-submersible submarine. After a long day at the beach, relax with an intimate couple’s massage or an evening bike ride on a bicycle built for two.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Beach season in Maine may be fleeting, but award-winning Old Orchard Beach in Maine has families visiting its shores year-round. The area has a distinct community atmosphere that seems to make time slow down. A traditional pier darts into the waters where families can peruse shops and eat seafood at seaside restaurants. At the center of it all is Palace Playland, a beach side amusement park popular with the kids. Seven miles of white sand exude Old Orchard’s 200 year history as one of the top beaches in Maine.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Travel to the northwestern corner of the U.S. and visit Cannon Beach, Oregon, a serene encounter with nature and the arts. The premier attraction is Haystack Rock which is said to be the third largest monolith in the world. Towering a staggering 235 feet high, more than 2,000 birds nest on the rock and large amount of delicate sea life resides below it. The beaches here are unusually wide and stretch a lengthy nine miles. Beach comers can browse through the shops that line the beach and select souvenirs amongst an endless supply of homemade crafts and works of art.
Malibu Beach, California
If you are looking for the beach to see and be seen, look no further than Malibu Beach. One of the most popular beaches in the world, Malibu Beach draws even the biggest celebrities to its vigorously maintained coastline. The likes of David Letterman, Tom Hanks and Demi Moore are known to have called Malibu home in addition to many others. The beaches of Malibu are great for morning runs, family picnics and intimate seaside gatherings, and getting a glimpse of your favorite silver screen actor is a welcome bonus.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach, or PCB as the locals call it, is a descended upon by thousands of college students looking to make the most of their spring break vacations each year. Keg parties and white t-contests rule the day, and bars, nightclubs and restaurants offer a variety of entertainment when the sun goes down. It is not unusual to encounter film crews from networks such as MTV looking to promote spring break programming. Though the beach is popular with families year-round, you may want to avoid bringing the kids along during spring break.
Galveston Beach, Texas
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the gulf coast allows for the best shell collecting in all of North America. Galveston Beach, which is already popular with tourists due to its large indoor waterpark and Moody Gardens, offers premier shelling – especially when windy cool fronts from the North push the waters back, revealing an abundance of natural shells ripe for the picking. Children and parents alike will love scouring the shores for these tiny treasures.
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Snorkeling is perhaps the most popular water sport because it requires virtually no skill and minimal physical requirements. Biscayne National Park in southern Florida is home to the best snorkeling in the U.S. Snorkelers observe entire underwater ecosystems, coral reefs, pirate shipwrecks and colorful marine wildlife. Unlike most national parks, Biscayne is 95 percent underwater and is highly preserved due to the government’s stringent protection of the park.
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
Hanalei Bay’s location is somewhat off the beaten path of the Hawaiian islands. Yet this beach offers vacation seekers adventure within a wide-assortment of activities including surfing, canoe rides, stand-up paddle and surfboard rentals. Lined with palm trees, and covered with white sands. This beach sits between a backdrop of stunning waterfalls and green mountains which stretch across the sky-line of Hanalei Bay. The 2-mile coast is home to spectacular plant and animal life, and gets more rain than any other Hawaiian island.
Siesta Beach, Florida
Consistently rated as a top 10 beach in the USA, Siesta Beach holds some of the finest, whitest sand in the world. Soft to the touch, these unpolluted sands are a tourists delight, as the county of Sarasota takes extra care in making sure the sands stay clean. Off shore, there are amazing coral reefs, supply recreational opportunities, for snorkelers including unique underwater formations. Siesta Beach, attract snorkelers and scuba divers as the warm crystal clean water is ideal for swimming. The beaches extra wide shore is ideal for sports and fun activities.
Cooper’s Beach, New York
New York, Cooper’s Beach is surrounded by large sand dunes, dotted with long beach grass. The beach sand is made of grainy white-quartz sand, (dark brown in color). What makes Cooper’s Beach particularly special is the view – when night comes, the moon shines off the water and is very romantic.
Coronado Beach, California
Coronado Beach has lush subtropical vegetation, a Mediterranean climate, and a warm and mild surf. The Hotel de Coronado, a local landmark, was built more than a hundred years ago. This timeless treasure offers “spectacular” architecture. Coronado Beach’s sunsets are truly spiritual, when viewing the San Diego shore-line. Seeing the sunshine collide with ocean, is so amazing. The climate is warm and the air is truly freshening.
Hamoa Beach, Hawaii
Who could turn down a beach once frequented by writer Ernest Hemingway? Ranked as one of the world’s best beaches, Hamoa Beach includes a coral-and-lava-sand shore, rimmed by tall cliffs. Hamoa Beach is covered with coconut palms and “beautiful” flowering vegetation. The beach has unbelievable waves, which attract thrill seeker surfers, from around the world.
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
If you want to see what a beach looked like when the native Americans inhabited the region, Cape Hatteras is the place. With its historic fishing villages and some of the best surfing along the East Coast. Cape Hatteras was the first U.S. National Seashore, designated as coastal areas for preservation. Make sure you bring insect repellent the sand fleas and mosquitoes are ferocious. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse, is the most famous lighthouse in the country. The lighthouse has 257 steps and is 210 feet tall.
Cape Florida State Park, Florida
A large offshore sand shoal makes the emerald-colored waters off Cape Florida State Park ideal for swimming, humans, and sea life. You can watch –sea turtles, swimming near the shore. The Cape Florida Lighthouse allows for a breathtaking view of this beautiful beach. There are coral reefs, which divers can explore year around. The beach has a romantic, appeal and allows lovers to go on sunset strolls.
Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Accessible only by bike or shuttle bus. Coast Guard Beach of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has a ponderous view and soft sand that slopes down to the water’s edge. If you visitor, swimming is only feasible during the summer. Water temperatures get no warmer than 65 to 70 degrees. Coast Guard Beach is named, after the old Coast Guard station, it offers an astonishing, view of the bay.
Beachwalker Park, South Carolina
Beachwalker Park is a public beach with an abundance of recreational resources. Visitors can canoe and kayak through the tidal inlets. The beach is home to thousands of birds. Individuals can walk along the compact sand of the 10-mile barrier island. Those who love fishing can catch amazing shrimp, big enough to eat and even large eatable game fish, frequent the shore-line. The sun is heavy and the surf is smooth and calming. At night, walking the beach, stir at the moonlight and share an unique experience where phytoplankton, luminosities the sand.
Assateague National Seashore, Virginia
Four wheelers and surf fishermen can ride side by side with the famous wild horses. Like other Atlantic beaches, the surf is kind to swimmers. Maryland’s Ocean City is a short drive to the North for plenty of food and fun for adults and kids.
East Atlantic Beach, New York
Like many overlooked Atlantic beaches, “EAB” is vast and wide. Weekdays are quiet, giving this expansive stretch an exclusive vibe. The neighboring “West End” rocks with restaurants and bars that feature cold drinks, hot crowds and great live music. Less than an hour from New York City as well.
Deerfield Beach, Florida
This South Florida spot is the perfect “grab a book” escape. Somehow the water at Deerfield Beach manages to be a perfect 78 degrees. Great cocktails (and shrimp cocktail) at one of the little food shacks that line the boardwalk. You can also rent a bike to cruise A1A and check out the trendy scene in nearby Delray.
Andrew Molera State Park, California
Right off the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway. Set up camp, then hike dense trails that lead to the dramatic bluffs and cul de sacs of this Northern California coastal gem. Wildlife (deer, seals, sea turtles) can all be seen in abundance either at sunrise or sunset.
Ditch Plains, New York
Low key and hassle-free, Ditch Plains, located on the far Eastern tip of Long Island, is literally “The End.” The local beaches are home to world-class east coast surfing and Hamptons celebrities galore. Paul McCartney’s a regular, but only because no one bothers him. One of the best food trucks in the country holds court in the parking lot.
Hailewa Beach, Hawaii
Hale’iwa Beach is one of Hawaii’s great surfing Meccas. In winter, be awed as the pros and hardcore locals take on the 50-70 footers (The ground literally shakes when the waves hit the beach). The rest of the year is safe for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. The perfect blue water and crystal white sand are true paradise.
Sea View Beach, Massachusetts
Sea View Beach is another lesser known Atlantic Coast gem. Wide and quiet with gorgeous bluffs. Legendary surf fishing and pods of dolphin are a normal occurrence. The expansive quietude makes this spot quintessential Cape Cod. Great shopping and eating on adjacent Route 28.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is among the East Coast’s more popular national parks, but the beaches are underrated and transcendent. Rugged hikes spill out onto the most Northeastern point in the United States. The town of Arcadia Bar Harbor is authentic and bustling with great food and nightlife.
South Beach, Florida
South Beach is probably the only” mega-star” on our list. Crank up Pet Sounds, slip on the shades, take the top down on Collins Ave. and let the rest speak for itself. You’ve arrived.
Oval Beach, Michigan
The Atlantic and Pacific Coast beaches of America usually get all the love, but the state of Michigan boasts some of the longest stretches of prime beach you’ll find anywhere in America. Head for the state’s Western shore bordering Lake Michigan where you’ll find lovely beach gems like Saugatuck Michigan’s Oval Beach. Not only is this beach consistently named among America’s best, the lovely sand dunes and beautiful sunsets will have you in beach heaven. Midwest beach lovers represent!
There’s something romantic about cowboy boots that’s inexplicable. They’re unique, mysterious, and, on the right pair of legs, they are downright sexy.
The legends surrounding cowboys and the American West are as rich and colorful as the boots themselves. From Hollywood legends like Roy Rogers and John Wayne, to stories of Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp, cowboy legends linger in our minds and there’s no escaping the western attraction when you land in Austin, Texas.
I was headed down to Austin to meet other members of the Gadling team for our annual weekend meet-up, but I secretly had another mission in mind: buying my first pair of cowboy boots.
Earlier in the day, I met up with Gadling’s Heather Poole and her family for some boot perusing. Taking a lesson from her husband I knew these boots would be an investment, so I had to absolutely love them. Now with Catherine Bodry and Leigh Caldwell by my side, I gallivanted around Austin in search the perfect pair of cowboy boots. I stopped in a few stores to take some boots for a test ride and learned there’s more to buying cowboy boots than meets the eye. I’m no foreigner to buying shoes, but cowboy boot shopping is an entirely other breed. Before you buy, consider these tips:
1. Size does matter.
Cowboy boots do not fit like regular shoes, so before you start looking around at shapes and colors, measure your foot. A good cowboy boot will fit as if it’s made for your feet. While the leather will stretch a little bit, the fit you feel when you first put on the boot is about as real as it gets. Remember: cowboy boots are expensive so if you’re going to spend the money, be sure the fit is perfect.
2. Identify your shape.
Boot toes come in all different cuts and sizes. Before you start grabbing boots off the shelves take a look at your toes. Are you comfortable wearing pointed-toe shoes? Or do you prefer a round toe with some give across the bridge of your foot? Choose a boot toe shape for comfort first, and style second.
3. Determining your height.
Cowboy boots are generally made with a heel both for men and women. Most boots have a heel between three-quarters of an inch and one and three-quarters an inch. Go with what’s most comfortable. Cowboy boots are meant to take you from day into night, so stick with what feels best and don’t push the heel height. Unlike other boots, the statement isn’t in the heel of this shoe.
4. Now comes the fun part – finding your boot.
Now that you’ve assessed your size and narrowed down your heel height, it’s time to find a pair of boots that suits your style, or as Ryan from Allens Boots would say, find a pair of boots that talks to you. Allow me to explain…
I stood bewildered at the all the sizes, shapes and colors in front of me. It’s no secret I have a shoe fetish, but walking into Allens Boots on South Congress Street in Austin was like entering a cowboy graveyard – boots made for legends were piled up high on the walls.
We walked down the aisles ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the various styles and colors. The dynamics ranged from plain brown and black boots to boots with skull embellishments and rhinestone crosses.
There were purple boots, pink boots, Texas A&M boots, boots with spurs, boots with tassels, boots for kids, and boots with bells.
Some boots were multi-colored while other boots were two-toned. Some boots had pointed toes, others were square-toed and round-toed. There were tall boots, short boots, ankle boots, booties and mid-calf boots. The boots ranged in price from around $200 to upwards of $800, and those were just the boots I grabbed to try on. Just as I fell into the boot-shaped chair ready to give up on my boot buying endeavors, he appeared. Hellooooo, cowboy.
Ryan stood about 6’5″ tall, had feathered blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and, we guessed, was somewhere between 25- and 30-years-old. He walked with a swagger – or maybe it’s a saunter – and finished his sentences with “yes ma’am” and “my pleasure.” He politely asked me if I needed some help.
“I have no idea where to start or what to do,” I confessed. Ryan simply replied, “Just take a walk through and let the boots talk to you.”
I stood staring at him for a moment, wondering if he was serious. He smiled, nodded and walked off, which I suppose was my cue to do the same and seek out the boots that speak.
5. Finding the right fit.
Trying on your cowboy boots is equally as important as the boot’s size and style. There’s a process every veteran cowboy knows and here’s how it’s done:
* Roll up your pant to just below the knee.
* Each boot comes with ‘tabs’ as part of the leather. Hook your index fingers into the leather tabs on each side so you’re pulling the boot up and over your foot.
* Your foot should slide easily in the boot and should not bind. The leg should be loose and comfortable and you should be able to wiggle your toes. As you start walking, your heel should slide up a little.
I grabbed about half a dozen pairs of boots to try on. A few whispered, I think one boot winked at me, but none of them really “spoke” to me. In hopes they talked once they were on my feet, I tried each pair on and walked them up and down the aisles, stealing glances in mirrors along the way.
I grabbed one last pair of boots – a red pair that kept tugging at me – and when I put them on they talked, no screamed, “I’M YOURS!” Ryan was right – the right pair will speak to you, and when they do you’ll know it. My boots were perfect – fire engine red and stitched perfectly with white and gold designs. The heel is stacked about one-and-one-half inches and the top of the boot comes just to my calf – perfect enough to wear with jeans or a dress. They make a statement, for sure, but it’s a statement I’m proud to make. My fire engine red cowboy boots were made for walking!
I modeled the various boots for the girls and we all agreed, the red ones were THE pair. They were comfortable, the perfect size, the perfect height and I could pair them with just about everything in my closet. The best part? They were the right price. Authentic cowboy boots aren’t cheap, but they’ll last a lifetime. Go in with a budget and don’t waiver – you’ll find the right pair that fits your feet and your bank account.
As for Ryan? I showed him my fire-engine red Lucchese-brand boots, and he nodded and said, “Those are some serious boots but I think you can handle them. Every girl should own a pair of red boots at one point in her life.”
To get the $5 deal, you need to buy a full-priced adult admission for each discounted kid’s ticket you purchase. Adult tickets are $69 in San Diego, $58.99 in San Antonio and $78.95 in Orlando.
The SeaWorld $5 tickets are good for kids ages 3 to 12. That’s unusual, because the cut-off for a child’s ticket at many parks is age 9. That’s right, theme parks typically consider your 10 year old an adult. Kids under 3 years old get free admission.
What’s more, that $5 goes to doing some good in the world. SeaWorld says 100 percent of the proceeds from the discounted tickets will go to wildlife conservation projects.