Gridskipper

Jetcetera: Southern Spain, Tahoe & Winter Lodges

2009-11-20T22:00:37Z

Rajasthan, India [Photo by kkoshy/Flickr]

·The best rooftop pool in Seville, Spain [HC]
·36 hours in Rajasthan, India [NYT]
·3 ski resorts in Tahoe, California opening this week [AP]
·Travel books offering endless array of ideas for adventures [USAToday]
·US & Canadian lodges that are prime for hibernation during winter months [T+L]

Wheels Up: Barcelona, Food Shops & Ski Resorts

2009-11-20T14:30:46Z

Cardona, Spain [Photo by wili/Flickr]

·Passenger revenue fell 15% in October [AP]
·Highway travel rising as economy heals [MSNBC]
·An argument for where to find America's best pizza [T+L]
·The UK's 50 best food shops [Independent]
·A look at Barcelona's new Mandarin Oriental [Globorati]

Jetcetera: US Parks, Amsterdam & Airlines

2009-11-19T22:00:44Z

Amsterdam, the Netherlands [Photo by MarcelGermain/Flickr]

·How to win a free trip to Amsterdam [Gadling]
·Air Canada to test in-flight wifi until Jan. 29 [MSNBC]
·FAA glitch causes widespread delays [AP]
·Continental & American to add surcharges during busy travel days [CNN]
·America's best city parks [Forbes]

Helmholzplatz Cafes

2009-11-19T16:00:23Z

Cafes in Berlin are centers of political and cultural discourse, neighborhood hangouts, and ideal places for people-watching, reading, writing, relaxing, discussing, or just sitting around. Come with friends or alone -- and sit as long as you like. Stop by for a tasse (cup) or kännchen (a small can/pot), unless you're really in a hurry. In that case, most cafes in Berlin do now offer coffee zum mitnehmen ("to go"). Here's a selection from Berlin's broad-ranging cafe culture in and around Helmholzplatz.

Wheels Up: Cuba, Ski Resorts & The Puget Sound

2009-11-19T14:30:02Z

Havana, Cuba [Photo by - Dieghito -/Flickr]

·Ski resorts bring on the discounts [USAToday]
·A permanent theater festival on the Puget Sound [NYT]
·US lawmakers push to lift Cuba travel ban [CNN]
·Tokyo crowned the gourmet capital of the world [MSNBC]
·Fewer American students studying abroad [AP]

Jetcetera: Public Art, In-Flight Ads & Island Retreats

2009-11-18T22:00:08Z

Saint Lucia [Photo by Phil Blackburn/Flickr]

·AirTran's seat-back trays to feature advertisements [USAToday]
·Events taking place around the world Nov. 18-21 [Gadling]
·Soulful retreats [MSNBC]
·Delta offers $1 billion to Japan Airways [AP]
·Outdoor sculpture nearby and in NYC [Frommers]

San Francisco Whisky Bars

2009-11-18T16:00:54Z

San Francisco may not be known as a whisky town, but it's certainly got an enthusiastic population of devoted whisky drinkers (especially now that increasingly colder weather has arrived). Hence, several bars cater to fans of whisky, Scotch, and bourbon with an impressive choice of bottles. After the jump, our pointers on tracking down the brownest of the brown liquors in SF.

Wheels Up: Armenia, Virgin America & Philippe Starck

2009-11-18T14:30:59Z

Yerevan, Armenia [Photo by GoGap/Flickr]

·Philippe Starck makes his Italian debut [Globorati]
·Thanksgiving travel to rebound [CNN]
·Virgin American expands to Florida [AP]
·The Northern Lights in Greenland & other adventures [Frommers]
·Armenia's new awe-inspiring museum [NYT]

Jetcetera: Car Rentals, Christmas & Waikiki

2009-11-17T22:00:36Z

Paris, France [Photo by Samyra Serin/Flickr]

·Lyon's festival of lights to take place in early December [Spiegel]
·12 tips for saving money when getting a rental car? [USAToday]
·Great destinations prime for a Christmas getaway [T+L]
·A Trump Hotel opens on Waikiki [AP]
·Airlines upping pique day surcharges [MSNBC]

La French Manicure

2009-11-17T16:00:10Z

Unlike New York or Los Angeles, Paris lacks inexpensive walk-in nail salons on every corner. The city has always had its share of expensive nail palaces. But in the last few years, getting your nails done has become an increasingly popular trend, packaged as an American import (even the French manicure is referred to here as "la French"). Note that nail care remains expensive in Paris and usually requires advanced booking. The brave and fat of wallet will opt for a medical pedicure, a health and beauty treatment that requires a state license, involves sharp instruments and will change your life.

Wheels Up: Wine Country, Tip Etiquette & Tree-Lighting

2009-11-17T14:30:19Z

Napa Valley, California [Photo by Abe K/Flickr]

·How much to tip at hotels [USAToday]
·Hard cider staging comeback in New England [NPR]
·Napa Valley's top secrets [CNN]
·Tree-lightings taking place across the US [AP]
·A top notch Australian wine tour [T+L]

Jetcetera: White Sand, Islands & Travel Tomes

2009-11-16T22:00:52Z

Cayman Islands [Photo by januszbc/Flickr]

·Cayman Islands: Where to find the US' best chefs come January [NYT]
·Europe's most luxurious hotels [MSNBC]
·Noteworthy travel books both old and new [AP]
·Trailing vampires [LAT]
·Hawaii's white beaches are on the decline [AP]

Boston's Best Bathrooms

2009-11-16T16:00:27Z

As a city dweller, a gal with a small bladder, and someone who likes to both bar-hop and shop-hop for hours on end, the importance of easily accessible and clean public restrooms is not lost on me. We've covered where to piss in New York, but until now we haven't done Beantown. There are plenty of good spots in both Boston and Cambridge, so there's absolutely no reason to face gut-wrenchingly disgusting facilities. See our top-rated cans after the jump.

Wheels Up: North Korea, NYC & Luxe Adventures

2009-11-16T14:30:24Z

Brooklyn, New York [Photo by Tracy Collins/Flickr]

·Curious sites in North Korea [LAT]
·DC ups the ante on progressive architecture [FW]
·Tracing Obama's roots during his NYC years [AP]
·Luxury adventures that are sure to get your heart racing [Forbes]
·Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue's recent resurgence [NYT]

Jetcetera: Vegas, NYC & Party Capitals

2009-11-13T22:00:27Z

Marfa, Texas [Photo by katastrophik/Flickr]

·British Airways and Iberia to merge [NYT]
·10 great pilgrimages for photography lovers [USAToday]
·The 10 best cities for partying all night long [MSNBC]
·New Years Eve fireworks return to Vegas hotel rooftops [LVS]
·Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree goes up [AP]

LA's Best Dog-Friendly Hotels

2009-11-13T16:00:00Z

If you're like a lot of Angelenos, you don't go anywhere without your canine companion, but you also prefer accommodations that are a step above Motel 6. What follows is a list of pet friendly hotels from Burbank to the beach that will keep both you and Toto from wanting to go home.

Wheels Up: Tuscany, Italian Art & Turks & Caicos

2009-11-13T14:30:59Z

Lucca, Italy [Photo by espresso marco/Flickr]

·36 hours in Turks and Caicos [NYT]
·The world's most original burgers [BW]
·Italy opens a new contemporary arts museum [AP]
·Pisa and Tuscany's other little known gem, Lucca [CNN]
·The world's best business hotels [T+L]

Jetcetera: Airports, Security & Luxury Hotels

2009-11-12T22:00:46Z

Verbier, Switzerland [Photo by Martin O'Connell/Flickr]

·Switzerland's new Hidden Dragon: a snowy retreat [CNT]
·Ten ways to lessen the torture that is airport security [USAToday]
·The world's top luxury hotels [Forbes]
·Traffic picking up at European airports [AP]
·Deadwood celebrates its 20th year of legalized gambling [MSNBC]

Free (or Cheap) Paris Museums

2009-11-12T16:00:05Z

When you're sick of spending €7 to €10 to look at the backs of tourists' heads and have lost the energy to trot through endless rooms of "important" art feeling obligated to "appreciate" it all, you can turn to one of Paris's 14 municipal museums. Some are free, most are cheap, and all are more or less interesting. These museums allow you to spend just about an hour or so snooping through a particular field, whether it be fashion history, an author's house, or the city's collection of modern art. Here's an overview of the most worthwhile municipal museums.

Wheel Up: New Guinea, Gwyneth Paltrow & Obama

2009-11-12T14:30:18Z

Martinique [Photo by kaysha/Flickr]

·France looking to boost tourism in Martinique [AP]
·Gwyneth Paltrow-approved foodie-recommended eateries around the globe [GOOP]
·Solo travelers banding together on adventures [CNN]
·Obama working to fix ailing airline industry [MSNBC]
·Two standout lodgings in Papua New Guinea [BOG]

Jetcetera: Vegas, Twitter & Picturesque LA

2009-11-11T22:00:53Z

King Tut's Tomb, Egypt [Photo by amanda erson/Flickr]

·The most picturesque, remote spots in Los Angeles [LAist]
·Egypt to clean and restore King Tut's tomb [USAToday]
·Which US city is home to the country's smartest citizens [T+L]
·A guide to tweeting travel professionals [CNT]
·Las Vegas saw increase of visitors in September [MSNBC]

NY's Best Moules Frites

2009-11-11T16:00:57Z

Simply known as mussels with fries, this dish originated in Belgium and can be found at a select number of Belgian-influenced restaurants and French cafes throughout New York. Whether you prefer moules marinated in wine, beer, or tomato sauce, there is no doubt that frites -- and a few rounds of Belgian beer -- are the perfect compliment. Feel free to let us know in the comments below if we're overlooked other mussel meccas.

Wheels Up: New Orleans, New York & Green Museums

2009-11-11T14:30:54Z

Times Square, NYC [Photo by hsuyo/Flickr]

·NYC's Times Squre to get free wifi [Gothamist]
·A food-centric walking tour of Los Angeles [LAT]
·Green museums in SF & more [CNN]
·New Orleans is having a party for the Po Boy this month [NYT]
·Great airport-adjacent spots for plane watching [USToday]

Jetcetera: South Park, Twin Cities & The Caribbean

2009-11-10T22:00:40Z

Minneapolis, Minnesota [Photo by Aaron Landry/Flickr]

·South Park creators build eco-friendly Steamboat Springs ski home [USAToday]
·Avoiding credit card fees overseas [CNT]
·Google offering free wifi for the holidays at various airports [MSNBC]
·Stellar eats in each of the twin cities [Frommers]
·The Caribbean's best bars that are right on the beach [T+L]

Sydney's Coolest Karaoke Bars

2009-11-10T16:00:45Z

Belting out crap pop songs in Sydney's karaoke bars is a great way to burn off stress and meet new people. Karaoke, once a novelty in Sydney, has become a popular alternative to the 9 to 5 pub and club scene. No longer just for drunken dares and birthday parties, singing karaoke is popular with workers, travelers, and of course, our Japanese friends. One of the best things about karaoke is that you can get drunk on great Japanese beer (Kirin, Ashai, Sapporo). The worst: Waking up with a hangover and having to watch yourself singing Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon" on a friend's cell phone. There are numerous karaoke boxes scattered around the city, each with a slightly different setup. Typically, you hope to find a couch, microphones, and a karaoke machine packed with songs that are too embarrassing to have on your iPod.

[Photo by Morgan Carpenter]

Wheels Up: Flights, Thanksgiving Travel & Skiing

2009-11-10T14:30:08Z

La Tania, France [Photo by john wardell/Flickr]

·The world's most terror-inducing slopes [T+L]
·Experts projecting a drop in Thanksgiving travel [MSNBC]
·All you need to know for planning a trip to Riviera Maya [LAT]
·368 flights canceled due to Spain's Air Iberia strike [AP]
·Low-cost airlines accounting for 30% of the market [USAToday]

Jetcetera: Mexico, NYC's East Village & The New Dubai

2009-11-09T22:00:07Z

Beirut, Lebanon [Photo by sorgul/Flickr]

·Is Beirut the new Dubai? [Jaunted]
·Airline delay list for September [AP]
·Hotel rates down almost 9% this year [MSNBC]
·A now mellow former Mexican colony with a colorful history [LAT]
·Eating and shopping ones way thru Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods [AP]
·A proper staycation in NYC's East Village [NYT]

Paris Tea for Neo-Colonialists

2009-11-09T16:00:45Z

Parisians adore their salons de thé. We've taken it upon ourselves to round-up teh City of Light's best-known bastions of the "French art of tea." These are places that conjure the bygone Belle Époque with their potted palms and sumptuous service -- a tradition set apart from the British version by its abhorrence of milk in tea, and from the more austere Asian incarnations by its partnership with pastry. Here's a rundown of our favorite French-style tearooms.

[Photo by Paris Breakfasts]

Wheels Up: Oltrarno, Connecticut & Tailgating 101

2009-11-09T14:30:52Z

Florence, Italy [Photo by jrgcastro/Flickr]

·Tailgating tips from a self-proclaimed professional [CNN]
·Connecticut cancels nearly all spending on tourism [NYT]
·Hotel building boom focuses on boutique brands [NPR]
·Exploring yoga at its source: in India [AP]
·Exploring Florence's burgeoning arts district: Oltrarno [NYT]

Jetcetera: TX Music Fest, Caribbean & College Towns

2009-11-06T22:00:27Z

Austin, Texas [Photo by speedye/Flickr]

·A preview of Austin's Fun Fun Fun fest taking place this wkend [Austinist]
·10 Caribbean islands that are easy on the wallet [MSNBC]
·America's coolest college towns [CNN]
·An Ohio town where the west began [NYT]
·Toronto in a bubble in terms of housing market [USAToday]

London Hangover Spa Treatments

2009-11-06T16:00:23Z

It can be hard to pick yourself up after a hard night out, and many a London spa is hip to that. While most don't use the unseemly word "hangover" in their marketing brochures, many offer "detox" or "cleansing" treatments for all manner of poisons. And because this is London, where even your spa attendant may be nursing a rough one, they're sympathetic to your pain. We've singled out a few day spas that offer toxin extraction to get you feeling human again -- and in shape for the pub.

Wheels Up: Trains, Berlin & Hawaiian Islands

2009-11-06T14:30:31Z

Nashville, Tennessee [Photo by flc/Flickr[

·Luxury resort to open in down and out Rhode Island [AP]
·Choosing which Hawaii is right for you [MSNBC]
·36 hours in Nashville [NYT]
·Berlin: where the wall first fell finally gets a makeover [Spiegel]
·The world's most eye-catching subway stations [T+L]

Jetcetera: Glaciers, A Chef Classic & In-Flight Wifi

2009-11-05T22:00:20Z

Fox Glacier, New Zealand [Photo by dave_apple/Flickr]

·Ojai Valley Inn & Spa to welcome Celebrity Chef Classic Nov. 13-15 [HC]
·The world's most unique places to visit [Forbes]
·Airlines banking on in-flight Internet [MSNBC]
·AirTran introducing add-on fees [USAToday]
·New Zealand's Fox Glacier: the world's most accessible glacier [Gadling]

Los Angeles Tiki Bars

2009-11-05T16:00:59Z

The tiki bar was invented in Los Angeles, when Ernest Gantt opened "Don the Beachcomber" back in 1933. Since then, the concept of the Polynesian drinkery has bounced to the South Pacific and back, colonizing the rest of the West Coast and the world. Back in LA, summer is heating up. Weathered Angelenos can already feel the potential onslaught of a full-fledged heat wave. So, those interested in toasting the summer season with a cool drink in hand might consider (re)visiting your local LA tiki bar, as the city is home to several. Here are six of our favorites.

Wheels Up: French Art, Canada & Portugal

2009-11-05T14:30:43Z

Vancouver, Canada [Photo by Rick Leche/Flickr]

·France's Pompidou Center is on the move [AP]
·Canada's secret slopes [CNN]
·New York City Opera striving to make comeback [NPR]
·A Southeastern Portuguese town that's attracting a stylish international set [NYT]
·Expedia eliminates booking fee [USAToday]

Jetcetera: Berlin, Cheap Paris & Iceland

2009-11-04T22:00:21Z

Reykjavik, Iceland [Photo by Kristin Sig/Flickr]

·Iceland Express to offer direct flights between Newark & Reykjavik [Gadling]
·What airline cutbacks mean for your flight [AP]
·Discount shopping in Paris [Frommers]
·A basic guide to Berlin attractions [LAT]
·Destinations where you're most likely to run into newlyweds [MSNBC]

Manhattan Winter Drinking & Dining Outdoors-ish

2009-11-04T16:00:33Z

When most restaurant/bar backyards and gardens have pulled in their tables and chairs, there are some that promise a year-round "outdoor" space. Yes, even in Manhattan. After all, we will settle for a car-exhaust fumed, ugly sidewalk cafe seat most any day of the year we can. It comes as no surprise then that backyard gardens are becoming enclosed, heated, and winter-proofed at all costs for the blustery days ahead. Where are these temperature-regulated, vegetation-filled, patio furniture-strewn oases? A guide awaits you, and feel free to comment on malfunctioning heaters or less than waterproof roof coverings.

Wheels Up: Dubai, Coco's France & Ace Hotel

2009-11-04T14:30:13Z

Dubai [Photo by fatboyke/Flickr]

·Ace Hotel lets BUTT mag curate homoerotic movies for guests [NYT]
·Dubai to debut world's biggest town early 2010 [AP]
·Three northeastern weekend escapes [CNN]
·Colorado town votes to legalize marijuana [MSNBC]
·A Coco Chanel tour of France [T+L]

Jetcetera: Northern CA, Airlines & The Perfect Hotel

2009-11-03T22:00:46Z

Sonoma, California [Photo by Jill Clardy/Flickr]

·Airlines adding on holiday surcharges [AP]
·Businesses are on the decline in Nogales , Arizona [NPR]
·Finding the perfect hotel online [MSNBC]
·Traveling to Napa and Sonoma in December [NYT]
·Regional airlines thrive while bigger ones suffer [USAToday]

Sydney Tasting Menus

2009-11-03T16:00:35Z

Sydney offers access to some of the best produce and chefs in the world, so why stick to three courses when you can have fourteen! Known either as tasting or degustation menus, these extensive banquets are created from a chef's selection of entrées, mains, desserts, and unlisted specials. Portions are smaller so you can enjoy the full experience, and courses usually highlight the chef's signature dishes. Most restaurants will cater for dietary requirements if you call ahead, and there's such a selection of debauch meals that Sydney will suit any appetite.

[Photo by Snapperwolf]

Wheels Up: Ski Resorts, Shanghai & New Zealand

2009-11-03T14:30:11Z

Shanghai, China [Photo by Cuellar/Flickr]

·China approves Disney theme park for Shanghai [NYT]
·The many different faces of New Zealand [AP]
·Where to go leaf-peeping from the Southwest to the South [CNN]
·The 10 most affordable ski resorts in N. America [Gadling]
·A Rare World: a new print mag covering luxury hotels [HC]

Jetcetera: Jamaica, Chicago & Hotel Tattoos

2009-11-02T22:00:11Z

St. Maarten Todd Neville/Flickr]

·WestJet launches new routes to Cuba & St. Maarten [Jaunted]
·A pair who stole more than 1,000 bags of luggage from the airport [MSNBC]
·The Marcel Hotel in NYC now accepting tattoo reservations [HC]
·A well known Jamaica resort introduces a residential addition [NYT]
·Chicago's Chinatown [Jaunted]

Best Paris Dive Bars

2009-11-02T16:00:19Z

Apart from the corner PMUs -- utilitarian cafés catering to working class gamblers and the nearby high school's most dedicated slackers -- Paris doesn't seem to represent as well on the dive bar front as cities that have always carried and honed a gritty image, like New York and Berlin. But even in Paris, a good number of dive bars provide an escape from the beauty when it starts hurting your eyes (or when you simply need to drink for cheap).

[Photo by City Voter]

Wheels Up: Yellowstone, Strange Airports & Seaside

2009-11-02T14:30:15Z

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn [Photo by Wallyg/Flickr]

·Tips for owners and renters of winter vacation homes [MSNBC]
·Most Yellowstone roads closed for winter [AP]
·The world's strangest airport attractions [T+L]
·Six passengers faint on a British Airways flight [USAToday]
·Sheepshead Bay: Seaside without the kitsch [NYT]

Jetcetera: Berlin, Bangkok & Spanish Gardens

2009-10-30T21:00:35Z

Barcelona, Spain [Photo by SMB/Flickr]

·Two new ways to find better places to stay while traveling [AVC]
·Barcelona's secret gardens [NYT]
·The new Berlin [LAT]
·The world's largest cruise ship sets sail [AP]
·Bangkok airport offers free wifi [MSNBC]

DC's Best Museum Eats

2009-10-30T15:00:07Z

After living in Washington for nearly five years, I have a very laissez-faire attitude toward our free museums. Occasionally, I'll hit up a blockbuster exhibit at the National Gallery or concede to take an out-of-town visitor to the Air and Space Museum. That said, there's one museum feature I never tire of: the fabulous food that's worth a trip to the National Mall just to grub. Here are a few places to grab some good eats, and if I've missed one, let us know via the comments or tips.

Wheels Up: Ski Resorts, Barbados Eats & East Timor

2009-10-30T13:30:24Z

Jackson Hole, Wyoming [Photo by Stirwise/Flickr]

·America's favorite cities [MSNBC]
·Earliest opening in years for two Sierra ski resorts [AP]
·Barbados as a foodie destination [LAT]
·East Timor to use its struggle for independence as tourist draw [NYT]
·What's new at ski resorts around the country [USAToday]

Jetcetera: Villa Rentals, Luxe Trains & Airlines

2009-10-29T21:00:07Z

Rajasthan, India [Photo by prakhar/Flickr]

·US Airways cutting jobs and flights [AP]
·New York's El Museo del Barrio reopens [USAToday]
·More travelers are taking to the skies [NPR]
·A great new resource for villa and apartment rentals [CNT]
·New luxury trains coming to India [Gadling]

London Bookshop Cafes

2009-10-29T15:00:25Z

The bookshop café was a staple of life in 18th-century London. Back then, one cent granted entrance to a world of caffeine and lofty ideas at what were called "penny universities." The 21st-century London bookshop café is a tad less romantic. Nevertheless, the bookish will find plenty of solace with like-minded souls at these well-established literary watering holes scattered around town.

Wheels Up: Canada, Boston & Skiing In Austria

2009-10-29T13:30:48Z

Auckland, New Zealand [Photo by Light Knight/Flickr]

·Jet Blue to increase flights to Boston by %30 [AP]
·A picture perfect Austrian ski vacation [CNN]
·Offbeat Auckland on the cheap [MSNBC]
·Trying on the Cordon Bleu's Canadian outpost for size [NYT]
·How to save on airfare after you've booked your ticket [USAToday]