Travel Blogger

Sunday Cartoon

2010-03-14T01:50:00-08:00

TheTravelBlogger

Weekend Photo - Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands

2010-03-13T01:22:00-08:00

Trunk Bay on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John. Explore St. John.

Mexican Hotel Union Workers Shout "FIRE!" Then Locks Out 150 Radison Guests

2010-03-12T15:55:34-08:00

Yet another reason to avoid Mexico....

Last week hotel workers angered over a labor dispute, ran through the halls of the Radisson Paraiso Hotel in Mexico City shouting, "FIRE!". After guest evacuated the hotel with only the clothes on their backs the union workers locked the doors and wouldn't let them return inside for two days. Others who were on a day long tour returned to find the hotel locked. Clothing, passports, prescription medicines, money, cell phones and other valuables locked inside.

Sounds like the American Embassy didn't help much. Radison, who found guests rooms nearby, did little to help reunite the guests with their personal items. I think the union members and/or leaders should have been arrested for shouting "FIRE!". Full story of the Radisson Paraiso Hotel lock out in Mexico City is here at TravelWeekly.com. TB

Travel Channel New Show on Sunday: America's Worst Driver

2010-03-12T13:27:00-08:00

Travel Channel will premier this Sunday an all new reality TV show America's Worst Driver. They visit various cities across the US looking for crappy drivers. Below is the series promo video. The first episode will feature drivers from San Francisco. The folks at the Travel Channel have told me that his is indeed a "travel" show. Katelyn Balach of the Travel Channel told me "Exploring a city by car is one of the most universal American experiences. During the show we incorporate iconic locations throughout the city."

I was surprised to see that AAA was involved in what looks like more of a comedy show than travel show. Christine Hyde of AAA's national office says that "AAA is collaborating with Travel Channel as the official safety partner for America's Worst Driver." She also told me that "AAA's involvement with America's Worst Driver is not a paid placement or sponsorship."

I'll check it out this Sunday. Times will vary based on your cable service provider. The shows website says it is on at 10pm E/P. But my Tivo says it will run at 10, 11pm and 2am on the Standard Definition channel, and at 7, 8, and 11pm on the HD feed.

Depending on your location they are also going up against The Amazing Race, kind of a travel show, and two other premiers, HBO's The Pacific, and the 2hr Celebrity Apprentice. Glad I have two DVRs!! TB

Shows Travel Channel Website.

Best Architecture Cities in the World | BootsnAll

2010-03-12T00:07:00-08:00

By: Betsy Mikel - A city with a distinct architectural style has a certain draw to travelers. Great architecture is both artistic and scientific, both beautiful and practical. Even more, architecture gives us cultural clues about a city’s past, present and future.

Important architectural advancements such as the invention of the dome, of concrete, and of the skyscraper itself not only advanced the technology of construction, but also challenged architects to compete amongst themselves to produce more efficient and creative structures.

via www.bootsnall.com

America's Healthiest Vacations | ABC News

2010-03-11T20:48:00-08:00

By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ -- Some people dream of touring ancient ruins, modern cities or the great art museums of the world.

Sarah Damsky, a 30-year-old social worker now living in London, loves doing all those things on vacation, but often returns exhausted.

So when Damsky went on a yoga retreat to Vieques, Puerto Rico, she found she was "refreshed" and better able to tackle her everyday life.

Damsky is among a group of travelers who don't just look to sit on the beach -- although there can be plenty of that too -- but to be active and learn something new and healthy while on vacation. Some women on her trip converted to vegetarianism after enjoying a week of well-prepared meatless meals. (Damsky was already one.) Most travelers returned with new friends and new knowledge that they have since incorporated into their everyday lives.

via abcnews.go.com

Ireland's best (and best-kept secrets) | USATODAY.com

2010-03-11T17:32:00-08:00

By Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com -- With its endlessly green hills, dramatic cliffs, infectious music, and welcoming good nature, Ireland is hard to beat as a vacation destination. As St. Patrick's Day approaches, what better time to take a tour of Ireland's (and Northern Ireland's) best attractions, not to mention a few of their best-kept secrets?

via www.usatoday.com