5/08/2008 at 9:30 AM
Tags: Australia Travel, Islands, Sharks, Animals (all tags)
Most travelers exploring the Queensland coast Down Under are looking for the Great Barrier Reef, but they might be missing a beautiful spot that we heard about in the weekend papers: Hinchinbrook Island, off the coast between Townsville and Cairns.
The first explorers actually thought Hinchinbrook was part of the mainland, which gives you an idea of how close it is to the coast, and that makes it easy to get there by boat. Nowadays you can splurge at the resort, go hiking and beachcombing, or you can hit the Thorsborne Trail.
The 20-mile hike takes four days and there's a good chance you won't see another human--only 40 people are allowed to be on it at any one time. Whether you'll see crocodiles, sharks or just gorgeous scenery depends on which of the locals you believe. We vote for scenery.
Related Stories:
· Living It Up on Hinchinbrook [Sunday Mail]
· Queensland Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: RedHQ]
by amandak
4/30/2008 at 1:45 PM
Tags: Lesbos, Frivolous Lawsuit Travel, Islands, LGBT, Gay Travel (all tags)
If a woman says, "I'm a lesbian," most people would assume she's making a statement about her sexual orientation, not declaring she is a resident of the Greek island of Lesbos. That's something a few Lesbians (capital L, denoting geography after this mention) would like to change, as three Greeks are taking the Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) to court to demand the removal of the word "lesbian" from the group's name.
The term derives from the island's most famous inhabitant, the ancient Greek love poet Sappho whose poems described infatuation with women. Plaintiff--and Lesbian--Dimitris Lambrou told a judge:
Our geographical designation has been usurped by certain ladies who have no connection whatsoever with Lesbos...[This lawsuit] is not an aggressive act against gay women.
Since Sappho lived some 2,600 years ago, one wonders why this has become an issue now. The word "lesbian" with the definition related to sexual orientation, not geographical locale, was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1890.
Related Stories:
· People of Lesbos Take Gay Group to Court [AP, via Yahoo]
· Gay Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: downthedip]
by egw
4/25/2008 at 1:03 PM
Tags: Aruba-Travel-Map, Beaches, Islands, Caribbean Travel, Restaurants (all tags)
After spending four days on Aruba combing Palm Beach, getting rubbed down at the Larimar Spa, exploring the Aruban outback, and drinking rum punch at the island's best dive bar, it's high time for a fancy meal on the beach.
If it's fresh fish you're after then head to the Flying Fishbone in the seaside neighborhood of Savaneta--and be sure to make a reservation because clearly the secret's out.
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by David LaHuta
4/24/2008 at 12:30 PM
Tags: Aruba-Travel-Map, Islands, Bars, Dive Bars, Caribbean Travel (all tags)
Aruba has some of the Caribbean's best windsurfing on Palm Beach, a dynamic northwestern coastline easily viewed while on the island's best drive and a fantastic spa where you can get rubbed down with rum and aloe vera. Seriously folks, this island's where it's at.
If you're still not convinced then it's obviously time for a drink. Head south to San Nicolas where you'll find Charlie's Bar--hands down Aruba's finest dive.
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by David LaHuta
Where: J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81,
Aruba4/23/2008 at 11:30 AM
Tags: Aruba-Travel-Map, Islands, Spas, Caribbean Travel (all tags)
Who knew a small island like Aruba could keep someone so busy? You've already been windsurfing, butterfly watching and sunset sailing on Palm Beach, plus you've conquered the Aruban outback on the island's best drive.
It's time to slow down and relax--after all, vacations were made for pampering. If it's Zen-like tranquility you're after, head to the Larimar Spa, easily Aruba's best sanctuary for the mind, body and spirit.
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by David LaHuta
4/22/2008 at 12:00 PM
Tags: Aruba-Travel-Map, Islands, Tours, Caribbean Travel (all tags)
It's day two on Aruba and you've kept yourself busy windsurfing, sailing and butterfly watching on Palm Beach--by far the island's finest stretch of sand. And even though you'd love to spend another day sipping cocktails in the sun, there's much more to be seen.
Consider an off-road adventure to the Aruban outback--part of an arid coastal desert on the island's northwestern tip--and home to the island's best drive.
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by David LaHuta
4/21/2008 at 1:00 PM
Tags: Aruba-Travel-Map, Beaches, Islands, Caribbean Travel (all tags)
Forget Natalee Holloway. Yes, the 2005 disappearance of the Alabama high school student was tragic, but Aruba's endured a bad rap for long enough. It's time to rethink this Dutch island just off the coast of Venezuela and give it the respect it deserves.
Like any good trip to the Caribbean, yours should begin on the beach--more specifically, Palm Beach, part of Aruba's finest stretch of powdery white sand.
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by David LaHuta
4/15/2008 at 9:03 AM
Tags: Bali Travel, Buses, Green Travel, Islands (all tags)
The environment's been getting an unexpected boost on the Indonesian island of Bali in the last couple of weeks. Fuel shortages caused by late arrivals of tankers to Bali's main fuel depot has meant that many gas stations simply closed up shop.
And that meant some tourists had their trips well and truly disrupted. With bus drivers unable to drive their empty-tanked buses, some travelers got stranded while others were ferried around in smaller cars that still had some gas.
Bali Tourism officials were quite concerned--especially as it's supposed to be Visit Indonesia Year--but perhaps it's just a strong shove from fate to remind people about the idea of green travel. Who knows where the fuel might run out next? We'd better start learning to walk again.
Related Stories:
· OilShortage Fuels Bali Discontent [TravelMole]
· Indonesia Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: axoplasm]
by amandak
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