IgoUgo Community Blog

20 Years Later, Where to Visit the Berlin Wall

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:51:42 GMT

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago today, segments of the concrete sentinel have arrived in cities around the world to stand at embassies and museums, on campuses and waterfronts, in hotels and corporate collections. So while nothing can stand in for seeing, in person, where Berlin was split into East and West, there are dozens of wonderful places to see how. Here, IgoUgo members recommend locations for viewing a piece of the wall, and a piece of history.

Berlin
"Remnants of the wall are everywhere," says ripplefan2, "with a brick path running throughout the city, showing where the wall once stood." So you certainly can't miss it, but do plan to visit Checkpoint Charlie and its museum to learn more. Also stop by the newly updated East Side Gallery and West Side Gallery to see what artists have done with the wall's blank slates.

Washington, D.C.
Though it's far from Berlin, the popular Newseum puts its wall segment in context with impressive displays. Charging a $20 admission fee, the museum is also one of the wall's pricier homes, but Idler says, "I'd felt initially like $20 was a lot to charge for a museum...but I didn't feel that way at all by the time we left." Be sure to check out her photo of the Newseum's art-covered Berlin Wall segment.

London
London native mcbabe praises the impressive placement of the Berlin Wall segment at London's Imperial War Museum--but it's just the tip of the history on display here in a place Liam Hetherington says could be mandatory for "every schoolchild in Britain." This month, the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester joins its sister museum in displaying its own segment, along with a searchlight, checkpoint sign, photographs, and more artifacts from the wall's era.

New York
There are several places to view remnants of the wall in Manhattan--including at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum--but BawBaw got a great photograph of one section on the grounds of the United Nations. The tableau stands among famous installments gifted from a variety of countries, including the Peace Bell Japan presented in 1954.

And More
Not anywhere near Berlin, London, New York, or Washington? No problem! Read the impressions IgoUgo members shared after visiting the wall in many other places, including:

Freedom Arches in Toronto

Frank Lloyd Wright's Kentuck Knob in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Dartmouth World Peace Pavilion near Halifax, Nova Scotia

Museum of World Treasures in Wichita, Kansas

Near the Christ of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Fort Huachuca Museums in Sierra Vista, Arizona

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MikeInTown Shares 11 Reasons to Visit Wisconsin

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:29:00 GMT

Wow, Wisconsin. Wine, cheese, candy, caves, horses, architectural oddities, historic sites, and luxury wilderness lodges? We're charmed. And thanks to MikeInTown's new Best of IgoUgo journal, we're practically experiencing your wonders ourselves!

Ever the good sport and avid traveler, MikeInTown bid on a week in Wisconsin at a charity auction--and won when no one else put in a bid. Well, those other auction-goers will be green with envy when they see his trip report, Wisconsin: The Farmers and The Dells, because it's positively bursting with praise for the Badger State. From the world's largest carousel at the House on the Rock to a wacky street of trolls near Little Norway, MikeInTown pens a lengthy list of 11 fun things to do in Wisconsin.

Don't miss reading about one stop that's an old IgoUgo favorite (and a favorite of Mrs. MikeInTown): Wollersheim Winery. On the vineyard tour, each visitor receives five samples of the winery's top wines and can request any of eight others. MikeInTown says, "My wife, being the thorough person she is, tasted all of them." Here's to being detail-oriented!

If you're looking for a gorgeous hidden secret in the US, look no further than Wisconsin--and for your guide, no further than MikeInTown's latest journal.

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How One Family Toured Ireland and Traced Ancestors

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:08:50 GMT

In three new journals from a trip that encompassed both Ireland and Northern Ireland, IgoUgo foursome travelswithkids does Dublin on a budget, explores modern history in Londonderry, and traipses through ruins older than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Plus, they introduce us to the rest of the family as they trace their ancestors to Irish towns, farms, and cemeteries.

Along with many reviews' worth of great tips for touring Ireland, travelswithkids doles out wisdom for tracking your own ancestors abroad, including:

Do your research from home beforehand. Digging through records, following leads, and writing letters and receiving replies all take time you probably won't have while on your trip.
Check to see if earlier generations have done some investigating already; you just might find some existing notes.
For Irish families, invaluable resources include Griffith's Valuation and maps from the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

In Ireland, the family says, "you can't drive 10 miles without encountering something worth stopping to see." That's kind of how we feel about their journals, so be sure to seek more tips in Family Weekend in Dublin, Traipsing Through Irish History, and Ireland's North Coast.

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IgoUgo Travelers Pick World's 10 Best Ghost Towns

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:52:01 GMT

While we usually avoid extolling destinations that will give you the willies, Halloween demands a list fit for mystery men and women. Here, as seen in a new Reuters article, IgoUgo travelers recommend 10 fascinating abandoned towns--places that delight horror-movie fans and history buffs alike. So whether you go local or go for a passport stamp, get away from it all (all the living, anyway) at these haunts.

Kolmanskop, Namibia
Before you enter this abandoned town, you'll need to stop in nearby Luderitz for a permit--a holdover from the days when Kolmanskop was a free-for-all for diamond hunters. "The town was at its heyday in the '20s," says smokeysf. And now? The remaining buildings (owned by De Beers) are being "steadily shrouded and eaten into by the Namib sands," according to ThisOldHag.

Kolmanskop photo by smokeysf

Fatehpur Sikri, India
"If you're visiting Agra," MichaelJM advises, "make sure you pull in a visit to this place." Emperor Akbar hoped Fatehpur Sikri would be the most beautiful city in the world, and it was well on its way--until people realized the new city lacked access to water. It was abandoned as the capital of the Mughal Empire after just 10 years and is today "a perfectly preserved 16th-century town," says Amanda.

Fatehpur Sikri photo by MichaelJM

Oatman, Arizona
Of the Arizona ghost towns, quirky Oatman has to be our members' favorite: it's here that wild burros roam the streets and 60,000 dollar bills decorate the walls of the local hotel (where, incidentally, Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their wedding night). Oatman is a friendly spot full of characters--and did we mention small? "We bought a cookbook at a store," says anjieh guide, "and the owner was the writer of the book."

Oatman photo by Vanilla Sugar

Deception Island, Antarctica
A regular stop on Antarctic sailings, Deception Island was "a popular place for scientific outposts," says Ben the Grate, until several volcanic eruptions destroyed the bases in the 1960s. Today you can see their remains, plus swim in hot springs that jemery says look like "a doughnut with a bite taken out of it."

Deception Island photo by Ben the Grate

Rhyolite, Nevada
Gold was discovered here in 1904, and "within 16 years, the town had thrived and fallen into disrepair," according to apparent ghost-town fan MichaelJM. Today the most complete building in town is constructed of 30,000 beer bottles and the only residents--besides those in the ghostly Last Supper art piece--are "of the slithering, creeping, crawling, biting variety," says Katie Morgan. Wear hiking boots in case you step on a snake!

Rhyolite photo by TheLastEnchantment

Arltunga, Australia
Heather F's favorite part of this old Outback mining town (and early European settlement) is the "loneliest pub in the scrub," aka the Arltunga Hotel. She calls it "an ideal place for lunch or a cold beer before or after exploring Arltunga or fossicking nearby." (We looked up "fossicking;" it means to search for gold or gemstones.)

Arltunga photo by Heather F

Grafton, Utah
Founded for its fertile land and abandoned largely due to conflicts with Native Americans, Grafton is most famous as the more recent set of the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. "It is a bit hard to find," says ArnyZona, but worth it for film (or Redford or Newman) buffs.

Grafton photo by Linda Hoernke

Stromness, South Georgia Island
Stromness whaling station is even more remote, in a sense, than Deception Island: darrmont got there by trekking "across mountains" on the famous route of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The station was abandoned in 1961, but the relatively posh managers' "Villa" has been repaired in recent years in hopes of providing safe access for the growing number of visitors.

Stromness photo by darrmont

Great Blasket Island, Ireland
After its population began to dwindle and the few remaining inhabitants could no longer support their lives there, Great Blasket was abandoned in 1953--despite its offspring being among the "most hearty and creative people in Ireland," says atherts. (Interestingly, as ladyanne47 tells us, most descendants now live around Springfield, Massachusetts.) A combination boat-raft trip takes visitors to Great Blasket today to hike among wild donkeys, sheep, rabbits, and puffins.

Great Blasket Island photo by atherts

South Pass City, Wyoming
A ghost town with the illustrious distinction of being the birthplace of women's suffrage in the US, South Pass City has seen a recent return to semi-glory. "Restoration has been done with such authenticity and attention to detail that every one of the 30 historical buildings, containing over 30,000 mostly original artifacts, is a delight to enter and explore," raves btwood2. "The hotel rooms look inviting enough to rent, the saloons to enjoy a drink. The jail, on the other hand, looks gruesome and forbidding." Sounds like a slammer fit for a ghost town.

South Pass City photo by btwood2

If these long-deserted towns aren't creepy enough for you, take a peek at last year's picks for IgoUgo's 10 Favorite Mysterious Places. They've only gotten scarier with age.

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Vote Now in the 2009 U GO! Awards

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:12:39 GMT

Your nominations are in and voting is now open. Only one thing left to do: choose the winners of the 2009 U GO! Awards!

As always, we are more than impressed with the year's contenders: Nominees hail from nine countries, and their nominated journals and photographs cover nearly two dozen more. The longest-standing member joined IgoUgo in June of 2000, the newest just this month. We have backpackers and business travelers, staycation mavens and out-and-out nomads.

See the entire roster of nominees and vote for your favorites between now and November 11. We hope you enjoy looking back at the year in travel, and we look forward to announcing the winners soon.

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Images of India: Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:01:55 GMT

In October or November of every year, Pushkar, India--"one of the most mellow places on the subcontinent," according to actonsteve--floods with camels, traders, racers, and tourists attending the Pushkar Camel Fair. This year's festival is kicking off now, and you can snag a front-row seat to the spectacle right here thanks to our members' photos from the fair and from riveting Rajasthan beyond.

Photo by TwoIdiots: "The entire town of Pushkar is decorated in celebration of the annual Camel Fair."

Photo by TwoIdiots: "Coinciding with the Pushkar Camel Fair, locals painted auspicious symbols on the ground outside their houses."

Photo by TwoIdiots: "Camel herders at Pushkar Camel Fair."

Photo by TwoIdiots: "Camel herders at Pushkar Camel Fair. During the Camel Fair, camels park outside hotels to take you around."

Photo by HELEN001: "Flower garlands at Badi Basti Bazaar--because Pushkar is home to the biggest camel fair in the world, the bazaar has a good number of shops selling more unusual authentic tribal items."

Photo by HELEN001: "The 'aunties' on their chariot!"

Photo by mlvk: "Temple town of Pushkar."

Photo by mlvk: "Hookah, anyone? Local man posing at the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur."

Photo by mlvk: "'Framed' in Rajasthan."

Photo by malcolmka: "Driving from Agra to Sariska National Park, passed through a remote village. Turned off a narrow lane to let a donkey and cart pass and this scene hit me."

Photo by tjokgus: "A tractor and traditional house in Rajasthan."

Photo by Leesa: "Dawn over the desert, and our camels and camel driver."

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Best of America's Least Visited National Parks

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:04:12 GMT

We recently rounded up IgoUgo members' tips for America's most visited national parks, but if you're the type of traveler who reads "most visited" as "most crowded," take a look at the parks our members like for more solitary pursuits instead. All six picks were among the 15 least visited national parks last year, and all offer a wilderness that's increasingly hard to come by.

1. Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, Alaska
david says: "The park itself is classified as a wilderness area and has nothing as convenient as a hiking trail. The conditions in the park, even in summer, are difficult for a number of reasons, but the experience will be memorable, guaranteed. There are no trees growing in the area, making it easier to spot, especially with good binoculars, wild animals."

In Wiseman, Alaska, just outside the park, IgoUgo member david sports a classic Gates of the Arctic hairdo: frost.

2. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Kim M. says: "The sound of water is always present in the North Cascades, and the Thunder Knob Trail was no exception. We enjoyed little treats along the way, such as moss-covered rock outcroppings, tiny waterfalls, and a pond with a pair of mallards. The animals along the trail seem fairly wary of humans, which I found refreshing--no tame chipmunks looking for handouts. We did not see much sign that many people had recently passed that way."

In front of the North Cascades' Liberty Bell Mountain and Cutthroat Peak, aggie98 takes a break.

3. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
mtemail says: "You can get to the island one of two ways: by a large tourist boat or by seaplane. I recommend the Seaplanes of Key West; the 2pm flight is a terrific time to fly because it gets you on the island when no one else is there. It gives you a private tropical island with the most spectacular water views. The trip is a little costly, but I can say without a doubt it was worth every cent and I would gladly and willingly do it again."

The mtemail family enjoys snorkeling on a very empty island.

4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
daph24ne says: "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to just completely get away from the world? That is exactly what my husband and I did when we visited Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. If you are adventurous, enjoy hiking, and don't mind roughing it--at least in some form--then this trip is for you. It's especially nice if you'd like to see a national park that hasn't yet been commercialized or exploited."

As daph24ne's photo shows, the town of McCarthy, located inside Wrangell-St. Elias, may be the only place you'll see people in America's largest national park.

5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
TheRoadies says: "A real 'must-see' is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We were not familiar with this national park, but decided to do a bit of exploring. To our delight and amazement it turned out to be one of our favorite parks in the United States. I personally liked it better than Yosemite (which of course is a very nice park)."

Malahini's photo echoes her review: "If you need to feel like an insignificant stranger in an overwhelming universe, this is the place to visit."

6. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
haslo04 says: "Voyageurs is the only national park in America without a road. It's comprised of several large lakes dotted with dozens of little islands to be explored with a boat. It offers a wonderful experience of simply getting into the canoe and going wherever you want. The northern shore of the main Lake Kabetogama represents the great American north woods, full of fir, birch, and occasional beaver. Just imagine slowly paddling across perfectly still water, under the pink cover of a sun-setting sky, and with loons and wolves singing in the distance. Hard to imagine a better way to spend a summer evening."

Kayaker haslo04 is the only one in sight on Lake Kabetogama in Voyageurs.

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Must-See Trip: nofootprint's Tanzania Adventure

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:40:46 GMT

We love getting to know new IgoUgo members, and one favorite way to do that is to check out their completed member profiles, especially their answers to the "travel dream" question (after reading about a "weirdest travel habit," of course). So when nofootprint became a member in August, we couldn't help but notice that she wrote, "It has always been my dream to go on an African safari." Well, get ready for some instant gratification, because she already made her dream a reality and is telling us all about her trip to Tanzania.

Reading her journal Tanzania Safaris to the Magic of Zanzibar, it's hard not to feel the excitement of fulfilling a travel dream. And with 18 reviews and 123 photos, nofootprint does a formidable job of covering the country's vastly different regions and people; we learned quite a bit about East Africa, including what happens to leftover beer brewed by the Kilimanjaro region's Chagga tribe. (Hint: it may result in cows tipping.)

Join us in thanking nofootprint for sharing the sort of trip that makes us want to add new dream destinations to our own IgoUgo profiles-either that or cross off a few.

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Three Creepy Trips Sneak Up in Time for Halloween

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:53:21 GMT

By all means, keep them coming, but your travel reviews are really creeping us out this week. From a City of the Dead in Scotland to unusual gargoyles in England to shoulder-blade lampshades in Italy, a few brave IgoUgo souls just found attractions that are frightfully perfect for a hair-raising holiday.

Scotland
The geographically named Denise Scotland is sharing her homeland's haunted secrets in the journal Scottish History. Scary Scottish History is more like it as she leads us right to the Mackenzie Poltergeist on Edinburgh's City of the Dead tour. Denise even gives herself the willies, saying, "I, the hard-headed skeptic, started clinging to my other half at this point--just because I was cold, you must understand." The rest of the journal is just as atmospherically icy.

England
Admittedly, Chichester Cathedral is not inherently scary (though any structure built more than 900 years ago and twice burned down must have some tales to tell). In fact, catsholiday took a free guided tour and found an "artistic mixture" of old and modern that's both "refreshing and very interesting." So what's creepy? The outdoor adornments, or, as our traveler calls them, the "cigar-smoking gargoyles." Really.

Italy
Not a basement for the faint of heart, the Capuchin Crypt in Rome is a contender for the most chilling attraction on IgoUgo. Our latest visitor, airynfaerie, reviews the rooms in her journal Cemeteries and Skulls in Italy and says, "It was shocking at first, as growing up in modern America, we're not used to seeing dead bodies, bones, or anything like this." She shares many more details about (and photos of) the crypt's skeletons, skins, and other grotesque things in her review, so if you're interested, do take a further look--but please consider yourself warned.

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Smog? What Smog? Our Travelers Say Santiago Shines

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:14 GMT

Almost all IgoUgo travelers who have written about Chile's capital have noted the dearth of "spectacular attractions" like those found in other South American cities-but almost all of them loved Santiago anyway. Plunge through the smog, says one, and you'll find a city bursting with culture. To see what he means, don't miss the accounts of two IgoUgo members who just visited and want to convince you to include Santiago in your Chilean vacation.

LenR has two new journals covering Santiago Sightseeing and Santiago Eating and Sleeping. He shares pleasant surprises like an open-air railway museum; the Museo Artequin, built for the Chilean pavilion at the 1889 Paris Exhibition; and Easter Island statues. Plus, he "really enjoyed the restaurants, food, and bars in Santiago." (So much so that he forgot the name of one of his recommendations, but he tells us how to find it.)

TwoIdiots also included Trendy Santiago in their recent Chile trip. Their top finds include the Central Market ("the deeper we went, the cheaper the price"); the Museo Chileno de Arts Precolombino; and, like LenR, the Barrio Paris-Londres for romance and architectural riches.

Pair this trio of journals with the recent Santiago photos of lamtrc, and we think you'll be duly impressed.

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IgoUgo Members Rate Resorts Open for Fall Skiing

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:13:53 GMT

If there's an upside to these autumn cold fronts, it's that ski resorts across the country have been enjoying their earliest openings on record. With options--and snowdrifts--growing by the day, where will you head for fall's first run? Use IgoUgo members' takes on six mountains already open for business to help you decide.

Loveland Ski Area, Colorado
Why go
Almost 40 says: "Loveland Basin's high altitude gives it a long season...and from 12,700 feet, there's that deep blue, cloudless sky; the killer view, featuring at least a half-dozen fourteeners; the helicopter, flying several hundred feet BELOW ski level; and your intrepid skiers, zipping along the actual Continental Divide in search of more freshies and another unique line."

Where to stay
As Foxboro Marmot puts it, "We'd feel pretty dumb to have a pricey slope-side condo at Keystone and then start half our days by strapping skis onto the roof rack and driving away. Better to economize by staying in Frisco." One recommended Frisco option is the Snowshoe Motel.

Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, Nevada
Why go
neil87 says: "Getting there from Las Vegas is a breeze. The drive is not bad at all, approximately 45 minutes from the Strip. The snow is nice. Loved it! Workers are helpful and friendly. Instructors are patient."

Where to stay
While there are a few hotels closer to Mount Charleston, why not take a cue from neil87 and enjoy the best of both worlds by staying on the Las Vegas Strip? He stayed at the Hilton; IgoUgo's most popular Vegas hotel is the Venetian.

Boreal Mountain Resort, California
Why go
mjdds86 says: "Boreal is a great resort if you are skiing or snowboarding on a budget: their iRide card makes lift tickets 'buy 2, get 1 free.'"

Where to stay
Lake Tahoe offers plenty of options, but a nearby "family-friendly" hotel with a "WOW" breakfast is the Best Western Truckee Tahoe Inn.

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Why go
Slane says: "If you're in Summit County in the winter, A-Basin offers the steepest, most technically challenging runs in the area. It gets little sun and it's HIGH up (the highest place to ski in North America). It's a hardcore ski and board place."

Where to stay
The closest accommodation is the highly rated Arapahoe Inn; other traveler recommendations include Keystone's River Run Village and Pines Condominiums.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California
Why go
ZiGBiGDoG says: "Mammoth Mountain is the top ski area and resort in California, and one of the top in the country--and I can see why. The views are beautiful, the air is thin, and the snow is in mass amounts! No matter what your skill level may be, Mammoth has a little of everything for everybody!"

Where to stay
ZiGBiGDoG is as fond of the Shilo Inn as he is of Mammoth: "It's clean, comfortable, affordable, and has a great location. With an indoor pool and hot tub, it is a great place to relax and soothe sore muscles after a long day of snowboarding or skiing. Within driving distance of everywhere in Mammoth Lakes, it has a great location, toward the outer part of town but still in the mix of things."

Sunday River, Maine
Why go
Cantin2 says: "This is an excellent intermediate-to-advanced mountain. Blue runs are all groomed, single-black diamonds are steep and groomed, and double-black diamonds have bumps or trees and are usually not groomed. The best skiing is in the morning--freshly groomed snow and lots of sun."

Where to stay
The Bethel Inn is highly recommended; berky especially loved the "natural mineral outdoor pool" that offers year-round swimming. She says, "It is a lovely way to relax after a hard day of golfing or skiing."

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Orlando for Grown-Ups: More Fun Than You Think

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:24:28 GMT

Travelers over the age of 12 fall into two camps when it comes to Disney World and other Orlando theme parks: they love them or they hate them. If you're a Disney downer, a quick look at the recent trips of two IgoUgo members just may change your mind. Orlando for grown-ups, it turns out, is a lot more fun--and a lot quirkier--than you think.

The first traveler changing our tune is Meggysmum over in the UK--if she's managed four trips to Orlando from England, surely there are big draws. We particularly love her "Discover Hidden Mickeys" story; you have to admit that her photo of a (strangely locked-up) chopped-veggie Mickey is pretty funny. Those Disney Imagineers and cast members have a sense of humor!

We also recommend reading her review of Epcot's World Showcase, because the traveling mum reminds us why Epcot is perhaps the world's best place to circle the globe in one day. She even dispenses advice on keeping your composure in Epcot crowds: "You will be so exhausted you will not have the energy to run anyway!" What a great attitude.

Troobabiee7 is the other IgoUgo member raving about Orlando's adult pleasures this week, in three journals full of entertainment and eating options at Universal Studios. Her top-rated day out? Emeril's Tchoup Chop restaurant for what she says is the best vegetarian food ever, followed by a Blue Man Group performance featuring "loud, hard, and fast" music.

Follow in the footsteps of Meggysmum or Troobabiee7 in Orlando and, with or without kids in tow, we think you'll like this town.

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Tips for America's Most Visited National Parks

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:22:33 GMT

If you live in America and haven't yet heard about filmmaker Ken Burns' latest project, you may well be hiding deep in a national park already. In which case, good for you! For the rest of us, Burns' PBS series is a welcome reminder of the importance of our national parks--and a call to visit them. But with 391 to choose from, where should you start?

You can't go wrong with the classics, so we rounded up IgoUgo members' advice for the five parks visited more than any others last year.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Why go: The 9,044,010 visitors who went in 2008 can't be wrong, can they? Just in case, we consulted our members' reviews (and pulled photos like the one above), and they're in agreement: this park is "a hiker's paradise" and "one of the best-managed parks in the country." It's famous for wildlife from bears to salamanders--and it's FREE to visit!

What to do: Commune with deer and elk in historic Cades Cove; hike to the rock summit of Chimney Tops; climb Clingmans Dome to reach the highest point of the Appalachian Trail.

Where to stay: For something like the "great lodges of the Old West," check into Bearskin Lodge on the River; for a rental cabin, Greenbrier Valley Resorts is recommended.

Where to eat: Try the Cherokee Grill--and it's unanimous that you must order the Prosperity Steak.

2. Grand Canyon National Park
Why go: Yes, as one traveler puts it, "there are probably 1,000 or more Grand Canyon reviews, and a bazillion Grand Canyon pictures." But as another says, "You cannot do justice to the scenery with words or photos...this is something you really have to see for yourself."

What to do: Ride a mule along the North Rim (it's "far more remote and rugged" than the South); hike Bright Angel Trail; and get a "lifetime experience" on a Papillon helicopter tour.

Where to stay: On a rim-to-rim hiking trip or mule tour, bunk at Phantom Ranch; atop the North Rim, try "friendly" Kaibab Lodge.

Where to eat: The El Tovar Hotel's dining room boasts a "great location and ambiance" and "delicious, perfectly cooked" food.

3. Yosemite National Park
Why go: Go to John Muir's valley because "this place is so beautiful it's nearly surreal;" because "shortly after entering the park, all concerns melt away;" and because many IgoUgo travelers consider it the "gem of the US National Park system."

What to do: See the sequoias of Mariposa Grove; take the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls; and, if you're adventurous, attempt "the mother of all Yosemite day hikes" to the top of Half Dome.

Where to stay: If you can handle historic, try the "venerable" Wawona Hotel, a National Historic Landmark with a "long front porch." For a "cute" and "affordable" option, Mariposa's River Rock Inn comes with a local's endorsement.

Where to eat: "Make up for all the calories you burned hiking" at the Mountain Room Bar & Lounge.

4. Olympic National Park
Why go: A "wonderland" in every way, the Olympic Peninsula offers "wilderness within reach." With beaches, mountains, and forests, it's difficult to decide which terrain is most stunning, but it's easy for everyone to find an outdoor experience they love.

What to do: Enjoy the views of Hurricane Ridge, the "most accessible" of the park's alpine heights; explore the Hoh Rain Forest; and stroll along Rialto Beach.

Where to stay: Kalaloch Lodge enjoys the park's best beach location; The Five SeaSuns serves unforgettable Dutch Baby pancakes for breakfast.

Where to eat: Locals like Bella Italia in Port Angeles, where "wondrous greens" kick off "fantastic" meals.

5. Yellowstone National Park
Why go: It's the world's original national park and a thermal maze of geysers and hot springs that's roamed by bison and spotted with petrified trees. Simply put, Yellowstone is "one of the most memorable national parks" you'll ever visit.

What to do: Wait for an eruption at Old Faithful, of course; enter "nature's museum" at Mammoth Hot Springs; see the "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone," Lower Falls.

Where to stay: Want national-park rustic? There's the Roosevelt Lodge. Want slightly less rustic? The Grant Village Lodge is recommended.

Where to eat: For either a buffet or an � la carte menu, the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, with its "remarkable craftsmanship," is a hit.

Need more parks? Check out our list of 10 National Parks Families Will Love--it includes three of these top five most visited, plus more favorites!

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Week's Best Travel Photos: Cities, Safaris & More

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:26:25 GMT

What a week for photography at IgoUgo! We saw everything from hot-off-the-press hot-air-balloon shots to photos elevating simple pleasures like flowers and farmers markets. Here are just a few that are pictures of travel inspiration.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta photo by BawBaw

New Zealand photo by Red Mezz

Vietnam photo by Akis

Milton, Florida photo by Wildcat Dianne

Hong Kong photo by EsslingerBrian

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh photo by artslover

Key West photo by Dutchnatasja

Singapore photo by jillstah

San Diego photo by thejazzcat

Serengeti, Tanzania photo by nofootprint

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An Art Lover's Picks for Mexico City & the Yucatan

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:26:33 GMT

We love how airynfaerie is pioneering a quarter system for travelers, intent on visiting "a new place once a quarter." And speaking of trips times four, she's just returned to journal writing with four new journals, three of which spotlight the art and culture of Mexico.

First stop, Mexico City. From the Palacio Nacional murals to the Museo Frida Kahlo to graffiti art and street rituals, airynfaerie reveled in photographing the culture of Mexico's vibrant capital.

Mexico City Street Art

Rituals Being Performed

Artwork in the Courtyard, Museo Frida Kahlo

Over on the Yucatan Peninsula, airynfaerie visited Chichen Itza and Merida for more doses of art and culture.

Merida Street Signs

Flags in the Sky

Folkloric Dance Performance, University of Yucatan

The traveler also raves about Tulum and Coba, where the art was older, the surroundings bluer, and the accommodations quite luxurious.

Skull Face, Coba Ruins

Gran Cenote

If you're enjoying these photos, don't miss airynfaerie's other photos and reviews from Mexico, nor her creative new Florence, Italy, journal; appropriately enough, the art fan also has advice from a year spent living in the city of Michelangelo.

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Send in Your Nominations for the 2009 U GO! Awards

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:26:16 GMT

It's time again to recognize the IgoUgo journals, reviews, and photos that wowed you this past year. So tell us, whose writing inspired your travels? Which photo made you wish you were there? We're taking nominations for the 2009 U GO! Awards!

Send your picks--up to three nominations in each of the following categories--by Wednesday, October 14, to igougo.editors@igougo.com with the subject line "Award Nominations." Please include links to all journals, reviews, and photos being nominated.

Like last year, we're happy to accept nominations for journals, stand-alone reviews, or stand-alone stories in all writing categories. Please note that only writing and photography contributed between October 2, 2008, and October 4, 2009, are eligible for consideration, and that the New Member of the Year must have contributed his or her first submission on or after October 2, 2008.

And the categories for 2009 are:

IgoUgo Member Awards

Travel Writer of the Year

Travel Photographer of the Year

New Member of the Year

IgoUgo Writing Awards

Cosmopolitan Concierge Award
For the best city travel writing

Fresh Air Award
For the best nature travel writing

Road Less Traveled Award
For the best off-the-beaten-path travel writing

On-the-Go Gourmand Award
For the best culinary travel writing

Vacation Is Relative Award
For the best family travel writing

IgoUgo Photo Awards

Shot of Urban Award
For the best city photo

Frames of Flora Award
For the best nature photo

Faces of Places Award
For the best people photo

Need a few ideas to kick-start your nomination exploration? Revisit the winners of past U GO! Awards, and don't forget to check the Best of IgoUgo pages!

We'll reveal your final nominees for 2009 and ask you to choose this year's winners in just a few weeks.

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A Favorite Storyteller Shares Tales from Malaysia

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:30:17 GMT

The indomitable koshkha has averaged four journals a month in her first nine months of IgoUgo membership and is now just shy of the 1,000-photo mark, so we thought it high time for her second blog spotlight. We were reminded that it's been a while when we read her latest collection of reviews and saw that she's been monkey-spotting on Malaysia's Tioman Island--remember the last time she palled around with primates? It ended with quite the caper.

In addition to writing about the (docile) monkeys of Tioman Island and the orchids of Lake Gardens, koshkha is sharing her impressions of the hotels she visited on three trips to Kuala Lumpur. Her observations are always helpful and often hilarious; here's what she has to say about the Hilton Hotel's "relaxation box" and its "extra-nice toiletries":

"The clever thing is, if you USE them whilst you are there, you won't have to pay. But if you take them with you, you will be charged. That baffled my mind and I ended up leaving them just where they were thinking, 'What if they think I've taken them? Do I have to leave all the empties on show? Or should I wander down and show them how lovely my skin is looking?'"

And don't miss koshkha's other recent journals. From dining at a bell-tower-adjacent pub with an ex-campanologist friend (really!) in England to playing the "Name 10 Famous Belgians Challenge" with a Belgian colleague (unfair advantage!) in Antwerp, she never ceases to find the fun in travel, nor to entertain us with her wonderful stories.

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6 Columbus Day Trips Recommended by IgoUgo Members

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:25:39 GMT

When he concluded one of history's most famous trips six centuries ago, little did Christopher Columbus know his October arrival in the New World was perfectly timed; today the weekend that commemorates his trip is an ideal post-summer, pre-holiday excuse for a fall getaway.

IgoUgo members who have taken advantage of the long weekend to travel say these six places peak come Columbus Day (October 12 this year).

New York City
Perhaps no city loves a parade more than New York, and Manhattan's Columbus Day procession has grown to become the world's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage. First held in 1929, it is today a two-day event featuring a wreath-laying ceremony at Columbus Circle, the parade, and a mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. New Yorker Ishtar promises it's a party not to be missed.

Hancock, MA
Elusiveck says that Columbus Day in this Berkshire town is "even better than winter," with "lots more to do." Attractions include the Mohawk Trail, Mount Greylock, fall festivals (she attended a powwow), and the flower bridge of nearby Shelburne Falls. CJohnsto enjoyed simple pleasures like seeing "houses decorated for fall, pumpkins, cornstalks, and scarecrows," sometimes looking quite lifelike--or at least like a realist painting.

Lone Pine, CA
October 9-11 marks the Lone Pine Film Festival, a celebration of Western-genre filmmaking that Bruce says is "a lot of fun." And he gives us more reasons to go: "The real charm of this festival is its setting, the Alabama Hills with Mount Whitney as a backdrop. Given the setting and the festival, this trip can make a perfect weekend getaway while allowing the visitor to relax in the splendor of the Eastern Sierra."

Chincoteague Island, VA
"Over Columbus Day weekend, the island becomes almost as crowded as it is during the week of the annual pony swim, as seafood lovers come from all directions for the annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival," says Webgoddess. The island (pictured above) boasts local bands, games, a cooking contest, and plenty of food options, but Webgoddess sticks to slurping: "As an oyster lover (and these are the best on the East Coast), I usually skip the side dishes and feast strictly on oysters."

Jackson, NH
A classic White Mountain town most of the year, Jackson stands out during the first few weeks of October with its returning Pumpkin People. Gail&Jim describe the gourd invasion as "local merchants and citizens decorating pumpkins in creative ways (some of them building tableaus of Pumpkin People families)." That just might be an understatement; check out this sneak preview, sure to crack you up.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Argentina, Columbus Day gets a new season--spring--and a new name, D�a de la Raza. It also gets a new focus as a salute to Latin American culture. It's still an official holiday, though, so a three-day weekend is observed and public celebrations are held. On Sunday, don't miss the Feria de Mataderos, a weekly spring event that offers a bit of Argentine cattle country in the city. First-time BA visitor viajera67 attended and enjoyed watching dancing and riding competitions while feasting on "delicious beef and beer."

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Balloons Over Luxor: New Views of Ancient Egypt

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:41:40 GMT

Englishman garymarsh6 is a self-proclaimed "big kid" who "shakes with excitement before going on holiday." So what better plaything for the youthful traveler than a gigantic, colorful balloon? He hopped in one for a bird's-eye view of Luxor, and the shutterbug took loads of photos as he floated above sights like the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Nile River. Here are some favorites, with garymarsh6's descriptions, but you may want to view them in full-size mode to really feel like you were there. And be sure to see his other Middle East photos while you're at it!

Balloons rising in the early morning skies over the West Bank of the Nile

Balloon rising over the temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Passing over villages and fields in a hot-air balloon

One of the villages built over tombs

Balloons over the West Bank

Above a temple

Balloons over Luxor

High above a sleepy village

Collapsing balloon

Deflating the balloon

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One Local's Tips for 20 Hand-Picked German Towns

igougo.editors@igougo.com (The IgoUgo Editors) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:28:30 GMT

With Oktoberfest in full swig, er, swing, we're raising our steins to Germany and to new member MALUSE's trio of journals about the country. For even though the Germany native says it would take large sums of euros to get her to Oktoberfest, there's something about her warm delivery that reminds us of Hofbr�uhaus hospitality.

Check out MALUSE's tips for Munich and 19 other favorite towns in these whimsical journals:

Six Destinations Worth Visiting in Baden-W�rttemberg, Germany
See this journal for a virtual tour of southwest German highlights, including Heidelberg and Stuttgart. We like the introduction to wines of the region; MALUSE maintains that the reason they aren't well known outside the area is that locals "drink nearly all themselves."

Destinations Worth Visiting in the East of Germany
Here MALUSE covers an area from Dresden to the Baltic island of R�gen to the easternmost German restaurant in the easternmost German town. You cannot miss the story of MALUSE's personal connection to the town of Meissen and how her grandmother smuggled Meissen porcelain out of East Germany.

Eight German Cities and Some of Their Highlights
Turn to this brand-new journal to find tips for visiting Germany's biggest cities; Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich are all covered, along with some smaller--but just as lovely--towns.

If you're looking for stories from Oktoberfest (just about the only German classic you won't find in MALUSE's journals), we recommend ripplefan2's account of Oktoberfest 2007. Let's just say a fun time was had by all.

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