Based in New York City, Robert is Lonely Planet's USA Travel Editor. He has written two dozen guidebooks (including USA & Canada, Europe & Southeast Asia) and articles for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and ESPN. Recently we had a chance to ask him several questions about his career, travels and travel advice. Q. Tell us a little about yourself and how you first became interested in travel writing/editing? I grew up in … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2012
Ashley Colburn: Travel Host, Producer & Writer
We first saw Ashley speak in Los Angeles where she was on a panel of travel influencers discussing current trends in travel. She is a prolific traveler who has turned her passion for travel and adventure into a career. Recently we had a chance to interview her about her travels, TV shows, and adventures. Q. Briefly tell us about your background and what first attracted you to traveling? I come from a family of travelers. My … [Read more...]
The Foods of Jamaica
I grew up in a New York City apartment building with many Jamaican neighbors. The fragrant spices and vibrant flavors of the Jamaican kitchen have been part of my culinary lexicon since childhood. The scent of simmering curried goat regularly wafted in the hallway as the tunes of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh blared from the stereo. When I eventually ventured to the island as an adult, I felt a gustatory homecoming of sorts. The fusion of flavors … [Read more...]
Kansai Airport, KIX – Osaka Japan
I've flown into NRT many times over the years but this was the first time I've flown into the Osaka International Airport. A friend indicated it was a very modern airport but he neglected to mention just how cool this airport really is. Up until now, Changi Airport in Singapore has been my benchmark for International airports but KIX is certainly close to Changi's caliber. A public lounge offers showers for a small fee - no small showers here. … [Read more...]
Going to Rome with Children
Although it always depends of your kids' favorite activities, energy level and interests, the capital of Italy can be a quite rough place to bring children under eight for many reasons. Narrow and cobblestone streets crowded with tourists, bicycles and Vespas, plus constant traffic jams under the wild, hot, shiny sun of the summer, is not the best scenario for those pushing a stroller. In fact, this experience can easily overwhelm the younger … [Read more...]
LACOT Meetup – JW Marriott, LA LIVE
Got into LAX on Friday afternoon and it was so cold as I stood outside waiting for the Flyaway bus I could see my breath. The fog persistently hung next to this part of the coast most of the day while the inland was much much warmer. Classic California micro climates for you! Love the Flyaway buses - they get you right to Union Station downtown where you can connect directly with the metro or metrolink. So easy. Jumped on the red line and like … [Read more...]
Michael Wigge: Reporter & Filmmaker
Michael Wigge is a well-known media personality in Germany - a journalist, comedian, documentarian and world traveler. In 2010, Wigge traveled 25,000 miles from Europe to Antarctica - without any money - which he documented and turned into the upcoming travel series "How to Travel the World For Free" which will be airing on PBS and on local channels in over 70 markets across the US starting this month and running through May and … [Read more...]
David Stanley: Traveler & Guidebook Author
David Stanley is a well-heeled travel writer who has written a number of books about the South Pacific for Moon Handbooks. We have admirably followed his career for a number of years. He has been writing guidebooks for over 30 years and has maintained his South Pacific website since the late 1990's. We recently had a chance to ask him about his career, travels and advice in regards to travel writing. Q. You are a prolific writer how … [Read more...]
Ngardmau Waterfall & More
Ngardmau Waterfall is Palau's largest waterfall - dropping over the edge of a cliff about 30 meters. The main island in this country is by far the largest - yet it is still very small. You can drive around this entire island in about an hour. One of the highlights to the north is definitely this waterfall - its about a 30 minute hike in - or for those who prefer not to walk, jump on the small single engine mono rail and move along at a snail's … [Read more...]
Moon Brazil
Moon Brazil by Michael Sommers Plan ahead with this book. Brazil is hot and only getting hotter in the coming years. The country hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2014 followed by the Olympics in 2016. The country is super diverse - Moon expertly covers the highlights of the country and lists itinerary suggestions including a "21-day Best of Brazil, Beaches, Carnaval, a Food & Drink tour and the Amazon River. While the country's beaches extend much of … [Read more...]