IgoUgo Community Blog

Beaching It: MattF, 98Hokies, cocopud & More

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:34:07 GMT

Since summer arrived, travel reviews have been coming straight from the shore. Some of the highlights? MattF and jmariep both traveled to Aruba; cocopud went to exotic Elbow Cay; new member 98Hokies was in Nassau, Bahamas; and Saphira bucked the crowds and headed to Panama.

Check out the journals and photos they've shared to find out which sunny destination is right for you.

Romantic Aruba Vacation by MattF
Set on Eagle Beach, "this journal is about doing Aruba at a slow and rhythmic pace," according to its creator. From high-style dining to down-home local favorites, the traveler and his wife make taking the slow road look, well, delicious.

Mi Stima Aruba! by jmariep
This traveler and her husband are another pair of Aruba advocates after an active vacation spent visiting virtually all of the island's attractions (many of them via a highly recommended tour).

Hope Town on the Wonderful Island of Elbow Cay by cocopud
This journal begins, "I had wanted to go to Hope Town ever since I saw scenes of the island in an IMAX dolphin movie." (The soundtrack's Sting tunes were inspirational, weren't they?) The traveler finally got her wish, heading to Hope Town on Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas for a "wonderful week" in a "hard to beat" destination.

Wonderful, Amazing, Fantastic Second Honeymoon by 98Hokies
Looking for an all-inclusive? This new member raves about her romantic getaway to the Bahamas, saying she and her husband enjoyed a perfect mix of group activities and alone time at Sandals.

"Panama, why Panama, all they have is a canal?" by Saphira
So maybe we wouldn't have found Saphira lying on the beach every day of her trip, but she did pay the shore a visit while in Panama. Her second journal from the vacation is full of great tips and advice-and a confession about how she "broke the cardinal rule of cool travelers."

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Celebrate Canada Day with MikeInTown's Trip to BC

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:09:46 GMT

Today is Canada Day, and it just so happens that one of our favorite journals from June culminates with a stop in Victoria, BC. See MikeInTown's Pacific Northwest reviews for the highlights and to find out why the entire trip was a fantastic fluke. (Hint: the journal's title is Pacific Northwest Cruise: The Swine Flu Switch-a-roo.)

We love the idyllic portrait MikeInTown paints of Victoria: "People were out golfing and playing tennis. Seniors dressed in white were lawn bowling. We rode through a park where ducks, geese, and peacocks grazed as children played. A bald eagle was perched in a tree proudly watching over her gigantic nest. The communities of Victoria appear to be among the happiest places on earth."

The traveler went on to spend some time indoors at Craigdarroch Castle. He recommends a visit "mainly for people who enjoy antique furniture, woodwork, and history," though he also got to try his hand at an 1879 Steinway & Sons square piano while there.

He certainly was able to make the most of a big switch-a-roo (good thing he likes cool weather!), and that seems like just another reason to celebrate Canada.

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Funniest Hot Dogs Around the World: A Photo Tour

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:01:11 GMT

They may not be edible, but hot dog signs and storefronts are, it turns out, surprisingly satisfying. From the corn dogs to the life-size to the disturbingly lifelike, see the signs that gave us pause (and, well, paws).

A four-legged footlong? Cusco, Peru, photo by lubmac

Hooray for sundaes! Chicago photo by fromchicago

He relishes your patronage. Cary, NC, photo by RoBoNC

It's related to a hot dog. Vienna photo by crystalidaho

The caption? "The sign's electric glow is like a magical hot dog beacon." New York photo by Kellie R.

A recession special-in 2003! Connecticut photo by bikerdog

And "we are polite New Yorkers." Connecticut photo by bikerdog

The official wiener-dog ladies. Soldotna, AK, photo by Donchay

Hot dogs, euro burgers, pizza, and strawberry shortcake. Venezuela photo by onesundaymorning

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10 Best Places for Wieners This Summer

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:50:14 GMT

They may have originated in Frankfurt, but today there's nothing more all-American than a frankfurter. Chicago franks take three of our top 10 spots, making the Windy City top dog this summer-even if Coney Island gets all the attention come the Fourth of July.

Portillo's, Chicago
"A trip to Chicago would not be complete without a visit to one of the 30 Portillo's located in and around Chicago," says lo7la. "The hot dogs are all beef and are definitely the best in town. The cup of hot gold might not be real cheese, but darn, it's good. And for that something sweet, you cannot beat their chocolate cake. Only your mother might be able to top this dessert. (And even then, it would be a close call.)"

Nathan's Famous, Coney Island
"Take a subway ride out to Coney Island and visit the original Nathan's," says baseballbrat. "Sure, you can get their hot dogs at airports and malls throughout the country now, but they taste different in New York." Mashka adds, "I always end up talking to people while waiting in line. Must be the excitement of truly getting one of the tastiest hot dogs in America."

Pink's, Los Angeles
"Who knew you can fit two hot dogs in one bun (The Today Show Dog)?" asks UCLArocks. "There's even a crazy option with three hot dogs in a tortilla (Three Dog Night)." Adds ak1, "Pink's piles on the toppings: nacho cheese, mushrooms, olives, guacamole. You name it, they probably have it."

Puka Dog, Koloa, HI
"Located in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shopping center," says BeTheBuddha, "Puka Dog's homemade buns are spiked and warmed from the inside out before the bun is filled with a secret garlic-lemon sauce and topped with a veggie dog or a Polish sausage-and star fruit, mango, or papaya relish."

Hot Doug's, Chicago
"Not only do they have the classic Chicago-style dog but they also have the Elvis (with Polish sausage) and the occasional game-I had the alligator dog with blue cheese," says ext212. "Order a 'gourmet' hot dog with duck-fat fries and a tall glass of Coke, and you won't regret it."

The Dog Out, San Ramon, CA
"My dad was in the hot-dog business, and I am always on the lookout for the perfect hot dog," says SFPhotocraft. "The minute you walk in here, you feel this is going to be a fun meal. On our last visit, we had five kids with us, and the manager came around with free ice cream for everyone!"

The Wiener's Circle, Chicago
"You haven't had a Chicago-style hot dog until you have eaten at The Wiener's Circle (after midnight)," says rbank. "This place is one of character, famous for people yelling and swearing at each other before they take part in the monstrosity that is cheese fries. Soon you will be enjoying your hot, tasty, delectable food in true Chicago fashion."

Wright's Dairy Rite, Staunton, VA
"Open since 1952, this classic drive-in restaurant has had car-hop service since its inception," says zabelle. "Inside, there's a phone at every booth to call in your order. Now, it took us a while to figure this out, but once we did, it was great fun. Their dogs come in regular size and Dogzilla, a 1/3-pound dog served on a sub bun."

Chris' Hot Dogs, Montgomery, AL
"Chris' Hot Dogs is a dive, but everybody knows it was one of Hank Williams' hangouts," says Barnburner. "The place is dark, dingy, and kind of seedy, but the hot dogs are great. You're as liable to see construction workers in Chris' as you are to see the governor."

SuperDog, Portland
"We had a Nathan's hot dog topped with their homemade all-meat chili, a double smokie cooked in beer, a slice of cheesecake, and some of their yummy potato-leek chowder," says PatJohnson. "The bun is out of this world. We left with our tummies full and spent less than $20, including two local microbrews called guess what-SuperDog IPA."

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A Canadian in New England: berky's Favorite Places

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:19:15 GMT

For the first time since early 2008, longtime IgoUgo member berky is back, bringing us journals from down south in New England-south of berky's Canada home, that is. We love her picks for things to do in North Conway, New Hampshire, among other places.

The enthusiastic traveler sums up North Conway with, "Outlet shopping, delectable dining, horseback riding through bucolic pastures under expansive blue skies, panoramic views and fresh mountain air.what more could one ask for?"

Not much, really. We certainly couldn't ask for anything more from her picks for places to eat (dinner for two for $22!), sleep, or ride horses during a Mountain Getaway in North Conway. A bonus: berky's also just written about "an oasis of serenity" at the ocean in Maine's Ferry Beach State Park. From the Mount Washington Valley to the Maine coast (and from the White Mountains in summer to the Green in winter), she's got New England covered.

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Joy S: Train, Tram & Driver's Delight on Mallorca

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:28:07 GMT

Joy S, IgoUgo's favorite nomadic numerist, shares her newfound tips and hints for Mallorca, including how to channel former frequent visitor and whodunit master Agatha Christie. Thanks to Joy's sleuthing (OK, sunning and sightseeing), this island's no longer a mystery.

In 2 Weeks in Majorca, Joy S writes about a busy vacation spent exploring Puerta Pollensa, Palma, Valldemossa, Deia, and the Northwest Coast. By foot, car, tram, and train (it's riding the Palma to Soller Railway that feels "like a scene from an Agatha Christie thriller" as "the rattling, single-track train passes through almond, lemon, and orange groves"), Joy S and family cover the entire Spanish island. Drive the Northwest Coast, they say, and the route "will probably be added to your short list of best drives ever."

If you want to cover the island a bit faster, read Joy's Highlights of the Island and Tips and Hints and feel as though you're there.

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Polynesia in Pictures, from lauren27's Dream Trip

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:05:21 GMT

The hype about Bora Bora is true, according to lauren27: "It really is as stunning as everyone says." But you don't have to take her word for it; her photos show how Bora Bora and French Polynesia captivate with shades of blue and green rarely seen. (Speaking of colors, prepare to be green with envy.) Here are some of our favorite snapshots from her French Polynesia Star Flyer Cruise.

Moorea rainbow, as seen from the ship

View of the cruise ship

A motu in Tahaa

Bora Bora vista taken during a 4x4 tour

Bora Bora shark and ray feeding

Shark and ray feeding boat

Water at motu near Tahaa

Bora Bora view

A beach near Huahine

4x4 tour in Tahaa

Don't miss the rest of lauren27's Polynesia photos, particularly the ones taken from her floating bungalows at several resorts. Did we mention we're a bit jealous?

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10 Great Places to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:49:23 GMT

We always have ideas for weekend getaways, thanks to IgoUgo travelers' advice, but this weekend brings one of the more generalized recommendations we've ever made: try somewhere in or near the Northern Hemisphere. Want something more specific? As seen in USA TODAY, here are IgoUgo's 10 favorite places to spend June 21, the longest day of the year for the northern half of the world.

Bar Harbor, Maine
Be among the first in the US to see the sun rise from atop Cadillac Mountain; it's an easy hike or drive to the top for 360-degree views of first light.

Barcelona, Spain
Celebrate the Catalans' annual Festival de Sant Joan on June 23. Music and dancing go on all night, but the festival is best known for its bonfires, which are associated with pagan celebrations of the solstice and are thought to add to the sun's power.

Cairo, Egypt
Kick off summer with a different denomination of sun worshipping: visit the ancient sun temple of Helipolis. Discovered in 2006, the temple was part of ancient Egypt's center of sun worship.

Cusco, Peru
Machu Picchu is, of course, the area's most important attraction and home to the Temple of the Sun. During the solstice, the sun shines directly on the temple's ceremonial stone for a memorable experience. Cusco is also home to Inti Raymi, a weeklong Inca solstice celebration and one of South America's largest festivals.

Fairbanks, Alaska
Just over 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks celebrates the Midnight Sun with baseball games, festivals, races, and dancing, all still going strong at the sunny stroke of midnight.

Hammerfest, Norway
Billing itself as Europe's northernmost town, Hammerfest is well within the Arctic Circle, making sunlight a near constant during the summer months. Magnificent sunrises at the top of the world don't get much better than this.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Summer is high season in Iceland, but in past years, visiting during the solstice was cost-prohibitive; this year the exchange rate is dramatically more favorable. The weather is also favorable, with sunshine nearly 24 hours a day-all the better for enjoying Reykjavik's legendary nightlife.

Seattle, Washington
Seattle's funkiest neighborhood plays host to the 38th annual Fremont Fair this weekend in celebration of the summer solstice. The event is free, but all donations go toward programs for those in need.

Sedona, Arizona
The rich Native American culture of Sedona makes it a perfect place to celebrate the summer sun. The Sun Dance is an important Native American ritual often performed around the time of the summer solstice, but for a more stationary (yet moving!) experience, watch the sun rise over Sedona's otherworldly red-rock formations.

Stonehenge, England
Join the thousands of partygoers and modern-day druids who celebrate the solstice at Stonehenge every year. Many believe the site's precise alignment with the sun during the solstice is too perfect to be accidental, and many scholars believe Stonehenge was built as a monument to the sun. What better place to give thanks for summer?

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Rise & Dine: Andariega's Offbeat Mexico Journal

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:40:47 GMT

With more than 150 Mexico restaurant reviews to her name, Andariega is our de facto food expert south of the border. But since she's visited nearly every eatery there, we couldn't help but wonder, what was left for her to review? The second-floor restaurants of Puerto Vallarta, it turns out, in a creative journal that's second to none.

The detail-oriented foodie fills us in on where to find great mahi-mahi; where to get "fat and happy;" where to indulge in incredible chocolate; and where to catch live music. But some of the best parts of her reviews, both in this journal and in others, are the "Sails said" portions, where Andariega includes a telling line from dining companion Sails. Two of our favorite Sails-isms are: "Sails said, 'Good eggs Benedict, good omelets, good food in general and friendly service too. What are poutines?'" and "Sails said, 'The food is great here. The service is always friendly and attentive. Stay the @#$% away from my meatballs!'"

The quirky Up With Romantic Dining leaves us hoping for a second course of first-tier "seconds," but in the meantime, we'll be feasting on the rest of Andariega's newly published Puerto Vallarta dining reviews.

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Dancing in the Streets, mh75 Takes on Phnom Penh

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:46:46 GMT

We don't think we've ever heard mh75 sound as incredulous as he does when he describes the "ballet" of "motorized mayhem" that is Phnom Pehn traffic. Still, he managed to jump on a tuc-tuc; tour; shop; and even, we assume, cross a few streets.

"It is a wonder that there are not accidents on every corner, but I never saw one," he writes in his review Dancing in the Streets or Motorized Mayhem. What did he see? The "classy" Almond Hotel; plenty of shopping opportunities; and the highlight, the Foreign Correspondents Club, where "sitting over the quay and watching the Cambodian sampams cruise up and down the river while sipping an Angkor beer was truly an experience." An experience and a welcome intermission to the parade of "millions of mopeds, motorcycles, and tuc-tucs" outside.

The FCC is just one reason mh75 says that "Phnom Penh will surprise you with her hospitality." For more, check out his full journal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia: The Gem of Indochina.

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The Prettiest Plague Village tvordj's Ever Seen

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:58:07 GMT

Among the attractions tvordj has reviewed since her recent trip to England, one stands out for its bleakness, er, uniqueness: the so-called "plague village" of Eyam. Despite its darkly fascinating history, tvordj found it to be a "very pretty" place.

Her review Visit the Plague Village tells the story of the town's 1665 quarantine, during which it successfully isolated the bubonic plague but lost 80% of its own villagers. Reminders of the outbreak remain-original cottages, a cemetery, a museum-but today's Eyam is also a picturesque English town with pubs, crafts shops, and a village green to explore. Offset your plague tour with a more lighthearted lunch at the Buttery and a drink at Miner's Arms, tvordj says, to really enjoy this "interesting place."

Speaking of interesting, don't miss the rest of tvordj's May travels, covered in Briefly Belgium and Going Dutch!

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TravelingD's Tanzania Safari Turns Heads

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:45:59 GMT

He spent his vacation looking at animals. The animals looked right back at him. And now we can't stop looking at his safari journal. The once-in-a-lifetime trip of TravelingD comes alive in his reviews and photos as he says, "I never want to visit another zoo." Neither do we, TravelingD.

The traveler's reviews of five hotels, three safari parks, and one restaurant, plus his answers to 10 frequently asked questions about Africa travel and his 68 photos, are indispensable for anyone heading to Tanzania, and inspiring for anyone else.

In particular, be sure to view TravelingD's Serengeti slideshow, which captures moments both sweet and sad as the plains' animals strive to survive. "It was indeed a privilege to see cheetahs and the other animals of the Serengeti in their natural habitat," says TravelingD. "It's a unique experience to feel like you are the intruder in a world that man does not and should not control.One thing is certain: the Serengeti changes you."

Now tell us: you don't really want to visit a zoo again either, do you?

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A Guide to Budapest's Cafe Culture from sararevell

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:02:35 GMT

We say this in the best possible way: when sararevell writes a new journal, you know exactly what you're getting. You get an informative, eloquent, and humorous look at a destination you've always wanted to visit. This time, behold Budapest!

Our favorite Londoner-turned-Seattleite warmed to Budapest's kavehaz kultura in the bitter cold of January and is now sharing reviews for two hotels, five attractions, and 12 restaurants, along with a general overview and 70 photos.

High in steaming drinks and rich in decadent desserts, the entire journal is a wonderful read, but here are a few humorous highlights to whet your appetite.

On Memento Park: "The journey was an interesting one and I had expected it to be. If you go to the park website, you're presented with no less than five options of getting there. My favourite suggestion was the 'on foot' option: 'a 20- to 30-minute walk from Kamaraerd through the woods.' I'm assuming that there's only one footpath through the woods as that's the only direction you get."

On Matthias Church: "Matthias Church, or Matyas Templom, is, I'm guessing, a beautiful beacon sat atop Buda Hill. I say 'guessing' because at the time of my visit, the exterior was largely hidden behind a curtain of scaffold."

On Central Market Hall: "I was personally impressed by the sausage displays at the meat counters, arranged to look like an epic intestinal jungle."

On Ruszwurm Cukraszda: "If doctors prescribed confectionary for ailments, Ruszwurm would be the number one pharmacy in Budapest. Dispensing row after row of sumptuous cakes, the glass cases in this coffeehouse would tempt the strictest of dieters."

And on adventures in traveling: "Another highlight, which is an odd one I admit, is that I was constantly impressed by the cleanliness of the toilets. It started at Budapest's Ferihegy Airport but as I began to explore the city, I realized that most cafes, restaurants and bars also pride themselves in providing clean and sometimes attractive toilet facilities. I don't know if this is linked to the Turkish bathhouse heritage, but it's not an observation that can usually be made in any country."

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IgoUgo Introduces a New Look and New Trip Tools

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:14:11 GMT

You've toured and explored lots of places, we know. But here's a tour you haven't taken before: the all-new features of IgoUgo. We're debuting some big changes today, and we're excited to offer new ways to plan and share your travels.

New Home Page and Site Navigation
IgoUgo has a whole new look, anchored by a new home page and new navigation. With our updated navigation buttons-Plan a Trip, Share Your Travels, Community, and Your Stuff-you're never more than a click away from writing a review, uploading photos, creating a journal, and much more. We hope you'll particularly enjoy the return of the Community tab, which is now an entrance to the IgoUgo Forums and several other areas full of members' best and latest travels.

Trip Plan: New Feature!
Your journals, reviews, and photos have always made IgoUgo an excellent resource for planning travel, and for the first time, we're introducing a flexible tool to help you leverage those resources. With our new trip plans, you can save hotels, restaurants, and things to do on a private page; organize your trip with headings and notes; drag and drop your trip into an order you like; see your route plotted on a map; and print the trip to take with you. As you browse destinations on IgoUgo, you'll see Add to Trip buttons that send any activity right to your trip plan. And once you've returned home from the trip you designed, your plan is easily turned into a journal about your travels. Create a trip plan now to see how it all works!

Improved Photo Galleries and Slideshows
Click on any photo in any IgoUgo photo gallery to check out a sleek new way to view your travel snapshots. Bigger, faster, and with more viewing options than before, our new slideshows and standalone photo pages should make sharing your gallery with friends and family more rewarding than ever. Go ahead, upload new pictures to start impressing friends today.

Two New Labels for Reviews and Journals
A bit of name-dropping is going on: First, the Experience review category changes to Stories and Tips, a name that better reflects the excellent travel writing and inside knowledge you share in our freeform review format. The other name change you'll notice involves your personal journal-listing page, which has changed from Journals to Trips; it's where you'll find both your trip plans and trip journals going forward.

We hope you enjoy trying these brand-new features and updated designs, but please don't leave us wondering what you think of them. Let us know how it all goes by joining the discussion on the IgoUgo Forums!

India's Orange County Spices Up ushakiran's Trip

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:48:31 GMT

Who better than Bangalore-based teacher ushakiran to school us on the secret hideaways of southern India? One of her first reviews describes the coffee fields and spice tours of India's Orange County Resort in Coorg, a place she calls "sheer bliss."

"I have never seen a place that is as relaxing and refreshing and rejuvenating as this," she writes in A Coffee Break from the Cares of Life.. Her tale of chirping birds, winding roads, and spa massages certainly does paint a serene picture, and between those images and her unruffled reaction to a run-in with leeches, we're going to guess she achieved a very high level of relaxation.

In another review, ushakiran recommends visiting Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India and the place where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean merge at a statue of the poet Thiruvalluvar. She raves about touring the region's fort, aqueduct, temples, waterfall, and shopping areas, among other attractions. It's clearly a more active itinerary than her coffee-plantation vacation, but whether ushakiran is kicking back or running from place to place, we're loving her travel lessons.

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Brooklynite22 & celestemy: Love or Leave Managua?

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Brooklynite22 is back after two years, starting both a journal about her trip to Nicaragua and a discussion about the merits of Managua. She says to skip it, but celestemy, who recently journaled about her third trip to the Nicaraguan capital, recommends the city, especially for the food. If you do decide to visit Managua, both ladies have great recommendations for making the best of it.

Brooklynite22 may prefer Nicaragua's "less frenetic" locales, but she loved the Managua Backpackers Inn. She "enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in their great outdoor space, including hammocks, lounge chairs, and a well-maintained pool," and she says that "there is also a computer, Wi-Fi, lending library, kitchen, TV, and an extensive DVD collection free for guests to use." Did we mention that beds start at $8 per night?

For a hotel that's perhaps closer to eight stars than eight dollars, celestemy recommends the Real InterContinental Metrocentro, a "beautiful" hotel with an excellent location "in the center of the city and next to the Metrocentro Mall." She also would not have visitors miss a folkloric show at the Ruben Dario National Theatre, nor a meal at her favorite restaurant in the entire world, Cocina de Do�a Haydee. She's got your other meals covered, too (covered in queso).

Both travelers also have reviews and photos of other trip highlights, from day-trip destinations to exotic Big Corn Island. So for city or sea travels, see their picks before heading to Nicaragua.

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A Dream Tour of Ankara, Turkey

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:03:19 GMT

For his first IgoUgo journal in well over a year, Mutt presents Ankara: One Man's Dream.. So, naturally, we thought this intrepid traveler had been busy with an unusual (and, for him, rather easy-sounding) quest to visit Turkey's capital. Not so; the title dreamer is actually Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemel Atat�rk, and Mutt is right on his trail.

Mutt (who, it must be said, has written one of the most entertaining profile blurbs we've seen) sets out to cover the "much maligned modern capital" that "owes its current august state to the influence of one man." Atat�rk, Mutt says, placed the "Anatolian backwater" that was Ankara "at the heart of a new nation," and the famed Turkish leader's life and death are still very much a part of the city's heartbeat.

Mutt reviews an impressive collection of important places: the Museum of the War of Independence, the Museum of the Republic, the annexes under Atat�rk's mausoleum (where he found the car pictured here), and the mausoleum itself.

That itinerary was just another day in the life of our itinerant history buff, but what if you want the short tour? The Anitkabir mausoleum is Mutt's must-see pick for the city: "Turkey is of course the home of the original Mausoleum (that of King Mausolus in Bodrum) and this modern manifestation is an essential pilgrimage for anyone in Turkey's capital city, whether you're a local, a tourist or the new U.S. President."

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The Wild Lives of Vanilla Sugar, sbabelle & ct888

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:18:29 GMT

Or the wildlife, anyway. These three always-entertaining travelers each had a close encounter with an animal recently that caught our attention. And how could they not? The four-legged friends were rather in-your-face, and the sightings occurred in three destinations worth discovering.

The wild pony above is from Maryland's Assateague Island National Park, where ct888 snapped the unusual passenger riding shotgun in her car. Or, as she puts it, "It showed no fear of us and just stuck its head in!" We hope he at least thanked her for the ride, as it was quite the role reversal.

This gator, spied by sbabelle at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, was a little less friendly than ct888's pony (and, thankfully, marginally further away). She says the toothy animals are everywhere in the park, which makes it "kinda like any other state park in any other place...but then totally not like any other park at the same time." She also claims that photos give a better description than she ever could; we doubt that, but her photos certainly do capture the beautiful, wild, and even offbeat aspects of a 7-hour Sunday trip to Myakka.

The darling dromedary photographed by Vanilla Sugar lives at Grant's Farm in St. Louis, near the log cabin once owned by President Ulysses S. Grant. A trip to the homestead also features other unusual animals, a tram ride, a fence constructed from hundreds of Civil War rifles, and a two-drink limit-the property is run by Anheuser-Busch, after all. That also explains why Vanilla Sugar's camel is hanging out with a pair of Clydesdales.

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Summer Travel: No Place Like Someone Else's Place

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:19:30 GMT

If you live in Western Europe or the Western US, take note: your home is your ticket to summer travel. In IgoUgo's recent home-exchange poll, travelers said they would like to try a swap, and most of their top picks for places to visit lie in those regions.

While 89% of you said you've never participated in a home exchange, 72% said you would consider it this year. The top reasons? Saving money (43%), better experiencing a destination (34%), enjoying more amenities than a hotel offers (25%), traveling to a destination you couldn't otherwise afford (24%), and having access to more off-the-beaten-path destinations (23%).

IgoUgo travelers have exchanged their homes for all these reasons and more. Diana2315 found an exchange home the perfect way to experience village life in Austria; digsvillelady went her "usual route" of swapping homes to attend the Montreal International Jazz Festival as a local; and NiceGinna, a home-exchange pro, particularly liked swapping for a place in San Francisco so she could visit her daughter without taking over her daughter's home.

So most of you are open to the idea, but where did you say you want to go? Here are the top destinations where homes are wanted (California, pack your bags!):

United States Picks
California
Hawaii
Florida
New York
Colorado
Montana, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington (tie)
Texas, South Carolina, and Massachusetts (tie)

International Picks
Italy
France
Spain
England
Ireland
Greece and Germany (tie)
Japan

Have you exchanged your home? Thinking about trying a swap this summer? Log in or register to discuss home exchanges on the IgoUgo Forums.

From Leeds to Tbilisi, Europe Delights fizzytom

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:07:02 GMT

Lately we've come to think of fizzytom as the voice of Europe; in May alone, she's shared reviews from Slovenia, Spain, Norway, Germany, Georgia, England, and Turkey. And with judgments like "The Place to Be(er)" (a Leeds bar) and "Would Mr. Darcy take his Lizzy there?" (an Istanbul hotel), an effervescent voice she is.

One of our recent favorite reviews comes from Georgia's capital, where fizzytom visits what she's christened Tbilisi's Yummy Mummy (and what the rest of the country calls Kartlis Deda). This symbolic statue holds a sword in her right hand and a cup of wine in her left, of which our traveler says, "I found this a perfect summation of the Georgia I experienced-'You're very welcome but do behave yourself.'"

She goes on to say, "Depending on the weather, Mother Georgia can gleam like a piece of polished silver or loom like a leaden shadow over the city. She's not elegant; she's sturdy and means business." It's spot-on descriptions like these that make us want to follow in fizzytom's footsteps-though if we want to check off all of her recommendations, it's going to take quite a while.

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