When people think of Chile, what comes to mind are usually the breathtaking views of Atacama, treacherous hikes through Patagonia, and the stunning beaches along the coast. I'm not saying these three extremes are anything short of amazing, or else I'd be lying. However, Santiago, a metropolitan city of more than 6 million people that sits in the center of these marvels, is an amazing city itself and here are five reasons why. My name is Nick, … [Read more...]
The Insanely-Tested Top Ten Travel Tips for Spring
Spring is the season hope is rekindled, when broken blades are renewed, and light washes the shadows. We can go barefoot in the grass, pluck the charms of flowers, whistle in the warming breeze, and hit the winding road. Jasper Bangs, who has been to 34 countries, with a spring in his step But, as with any venture, travel can have its pitfalls and pitsprings, if the traveler is not rightly attuned to or aware of warning signs. Many, and … [Read more...]
Cock-a-Doodle-Don’t, Cockfighting in the Philippines
John M. Edwards attends a horrific “cockfight” on Bantayan Island in the Philippines, only to end up wondering what exactly were the ingredients in the national dish of adobo. . . . The roosters swaggered around like Mick and Keith, with dangerously sharp spurs attached to their legs. While the apocalyptic poultry sussed each other out with malice, the excitement began to build. My two new Norwegian backpacker friends snapped photos with … [Read more...]
Robert Reid: Lonely Planet USA Editor
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...]
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...]
Walter “Yukon” Yates: Adventurer & Entrepreneur
Walter Yates has lived a full life built on adventures, risk and unique projects. We recently had a chance to ask him to reflect on his life experiences at age 87. Note: Walter passed away on March 2, 2015 at age 90. Q. Tell us about the focus of your new book, "Breakaway". Focus: We are still the same people that started this country - for my own satisfaction, I set out in the harsh conditions of wilderness Alaska just to … [Read more...]
Madrid, Once Upon a Time
Maybe it was a bad omen that I'd memorized Cinderella before I could read. By winter 2004, I had to accept that my life was turning to ashes. Single, living alone in Manhattan, I found myself without steady income, and few, if any employment options. My seemingly endless supply of crazy ideas to otherwise help keep me clothed and sheltered had long gone up in smoke. Factor in frequent, lengthy illnesses and my lifelong propensity for being … [Read more...]
Colombia’s Coffee Boom
For inhabitants of Colombia, coffee production is an effective means for economic growth and prosperity. And the National Coffee Research Center (Cenicafe), located in Chinchiná and sponsored by the Colombian Coffee Grower's Federation, is working hard to highlight the influence of coffee on the economic development of the Cafe Triangle region in Colombia and countries like Guatemala and Honduras, says Fernando Gast, PhD, director of scientific … [Read more...]
A Local’s Guide to Vancouver’s Top Ten Free Attractions
I grew up in Toronto, Canada. While Toronto is a tremendous city - boasting eclectic neighbourhoods, lush city parks and a vibrant cultural scene - it's also a place people get really practiced at leaving. Every Friday night in summer, the 400-series highways leading out of town are jammed with cars crawling towards the promise of fresher air and a lakeside cottage up north. I've left Hogtown for good and for the past six years have called … [Read more...]
James Kaiser: Photographer, Guidebook Author
James Kaiser is an American travel photographer and guide book author currently living in Costa Rica. Recently we had a chance to ask him a few questions about his guidebooks, interests and travels. Q. Tell us about your background and your International travels to date. I grew up in a family that loved to travel. My first trip was to Tahiti when I was six months old. When I was seven, my family spent a summer in Tanzania while my … [Read more...]