World’s Most Dangerous Border The bitter wind tore through my parka, as I stood less than 25 feet away from an armed North Korean soldier. I shivered again, but this time in reflection of where I stood. Sharply uniformed North and South Korean soldiers were patrolling with weapons by their side. I was in the DMZ, the demilitarized zone that bisects North and South Korea. Former President Bill Clinton, described it as the "the scariest … [Read more...]
Mayor Garcetti Announces Fifth Consecutive Year of Record-Breaking Tourism
More Than 45 Million People From Around The World Visited Los Angeles In 2015 (Monday, January 11, 2016 – Los Angeles, California) Los Angeles tourism surged to its fifth consecutive year of record-breaking growth in 2015, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today. A total of 45.5 million tourists visited the city last year, according to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board — an increase of 1.3 million over 2014. These latest numbers keep the … [Read more...]
Why I’m going to Burma (Myanmar)
When word got out I was thinking of taking a group to Burma this November, I received this email: Dear Mr. Bangs: I strongly advise you to drop travel to Burma. The treatment of the Rohingy minority is so appalling that I feel that no one should be visiting that country... This is not the first cease and desist-style communication I’ve received about travel to a destination whose politics are at odds with our own. When I received a permit … [Read more...]
Guam Unveils Major Cultural Island Events in 2016
(Los Angeles, CA) – 2016 is looking to be a big cultural and international year for Guam, a US territory in the Pacific. With two major international events, Festpac and PATA, plus the many other unique amenities of the island, 2016 is the perfect year to plan a visit to this tropical destination and to discover the things visitors can find only on Guam. Guam Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Guam has been selected to host the 12th … [Read more...]
Broken Bridge, Dandong China – September 2015
The iron "Broken Bridge" was built over the Yalu River in 1911 by the Japanese. It was the first iron bridge over this river - later it was partially destroyed by USA military forces during the Korean War in 1950. The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge sits right next to the "broken bridge" and is the only bridge in Dandong to connect both countries and is in fact one of the few ways in and out of North Korea. A Beijing Pyongyang passenger train uses … [Read more...]
Thai Airways’ 55th Anniversary Sweepstakes
A Facebook fan will win a round-trip ticket to Thailand Los Angeles, Calif. June 30, 2015 – Thai Airways USA has launched the 55th Anniversary Sweepstake to give a round trip ticket to one lucky winner from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Bangkok International Airport (BKK) in celebration of the airline’s 55th Anniversary. The 55th Anniversary Sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. The live sweepstakes entry … [Read more...]
Visit Saipan – October 2014
Saipan has certainly gotten some bad press in the last number of years with its sweat shops (now closed), Jack Abramoff scandal with the Northern Mariana Islands as a client, high joblessness rate etc, gambling & alcohol addictions etc. This aside, the small island has a unique variety of outdoor activities and attractions that will appeal to the outdoor enthusiast. The Grotto, a deep dive spot connected to the ocean by several tunnels is … [Read more...]
What to do in Seoul
When traveling to East Asia Western tourists often hawk to Tokyo or cities in China, not to mention Hong Kong, which attracts an astonishing 50 million visitors per year. Largely left off the itinerary is Seoul, acting often as a stopover point (which is appropriate, as Incheon Airport has been named the best airport in the world.) But tourism in South Korea is gaining traction. It’s repeatedly been voted the world’s most wanted travel … [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...]
New Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card Launches with Bonus Miles and a Gift for Sustainability
Up to $100,000 Total Donation to the Polynesian Voyaging Society For All New Credit Cards Activated Between Today and May 31, 2014 HONOLULU - Hawaiian Airlines® with MasterCard®, Barclaycard US and Bank of Hawaii today announced the official launch of the richly rewarding Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard® for consumers and the Hawaiian Airlines Business MasterCard for small businesses. In celebration of the new card, new consumer and … [Read more...]