Ashton Kutcher invests in new travel website

Ashton Kutcher invests in new travel website

The 33-year-old, who has recently signed on to replace Charlie Sheen in US TV show Two and a Half Men, is said to have invested a large sum into airbnb.com.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the site is a place 'where people can list and book places and things (apartments, sailboats or even the occasional castle) for travelling and vacations.'

Ashton is known to be a huge fan of the Internet and was one of the first celebrities to get involved with social networking website Twitter.The 33-year-old, who has recently signed on to replace Charlie Sheen in US TV show Two and a Half Men, is said to have invested a large sum into airbnb.com.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the site is a place 'where people can list and book places and things (apartments, sailboats or even the occasional castle) for travelling and vacations.'

Ashton is known to be a huge fan of the Internet and was one of the first celebrities to get involved with social networking website Twitter.

TRAVEL BABY OBSERVES MEMORIAL DAY

Today, we observe and pay tribute to those that have fallen and those still standing in bravery for our country. 

We Thank, Love, and Honor You. 

God Bless All.

-Travel Baby

Orlando is first U.S. travel destination to draw more than 50M visitors in a year

By Sara K. Clarke

Metro Orlando took a bite out of the Big Apple on Tuesday when the City Beautiful announced it had become the first U.S. travel destination to draw more than 50 million visitors in a single year.

With a record-breaking visitor tally of 51.5 million in 2010, Orlando easily beat New York City in the unofficial race to the 50 million mark. New York announced earlier this year that it was host last year to an estimated 48.7 million people, making it the only other U.S. city to approach the 50 million milestone.

"What great news to lead the entire nation," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said during a midday news conference. "Last year, everybody was still talking doom and gloom and [saying] it might be three or four years before the tourism economy comes back."

Orlando's tourist-based economy rebounded faster than expected: Last year's visitor count was up 10.5 percent from 2009.

New York, which said it doesn't consider Orlando a rival, acknowledged the city's accomplishment Tuesday. "If these numbers are true for Orlando, I'm proud of them," said George Fertitta, chief executive officer of NYC & Co., New York's destination-marketing organization. "It's good for the entire travel industry."

New York set a goal back in 2007 to reach 50 million visitors by 2012, and Fertitta said that's now well within reach.

In its official statement Tuesday, New York did take issue with Orlando's head count, noting that it includes visitors to areas outside city limits.

"Visit Orlando counts travelers to three counties and 36 different cities and towns in the greater Orlando area," Fertitta said. "That's almost like us counting pilgrims to Woodstock in New York City's total."

Woodstock, however, is 105 miles — or a two-hour drive — from New York City, according to Mapquest.com, whileWalt Disney World — which straddles two counties — is 16 miles, or 22 minutes by car, from downtown Orlando.

From Orlando's point of view, the not-so-intense rivalry started in January 2010, when New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said his city had surpassed Orlando as the nation's No. 1 tourist destination, based on 2009 visitor counts. Media from the New York area called Orlando's marketing agency to see what it thought of coming in second.

But Orlando didn't cede the crown: Its visitor count at that point was an estimate, and when the final numbers emerged a few months later, they outstripped New York's by a million visitors.

The competition is rife with issues: Each destination has its own way of counting visitors, for starters, and comparisons aren't always on an even playing field.

Orlando relies on numbers provided by the research firm D.K. Shifflet & Associates and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Travel & Tourism Industries. Its count includes all overnight visitors and any day-trippers who travel more than 50 miles to visit.

New York also counts day-trippers, as long as they're not commuters. But its visitors have to be in the city to see an attraction, likely ruling out a lot of business travelers.

The two destinations can both revel in one thing: When it comes to topping the 50 million mark, no other U.S. city comes even close: Chicago, for example, ranked third in 2009 with fewer than 40 million visitors.

San Diego remains popular Memorial Day destination

San Diego remains popular Memorial Day destination
By Nick Myers

More Southern Californians planned their Memorial Day holiday earlier this year, a sign of increased confidence in spending on summer travel, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

While Memorial Day travel within Southern California should remain about the same this year compared to last — around 2.62 million travelers — 11.4 percent more residents are choosing to fly rather than drive, says the Auto Club. And San Diego remains a popular travel spot, trailing only Las Vegas among the top five destinations for people living in Southern California, says an Auto Club survey of its travel agents.

“San Diego is a perennial favorite,” said Auto Club spokeswoman Marie Montgomery. “Whatever gas prices are doing, San Diego is a top destination.

Area hotels are seeing stronger numbers for this year’s Memorial Day weekend. Jeff Foster, general manager of the Kona Kai Resort and Spa on Shelter Island, said rooms for Saturday were booked and sold out earlier than they did last year, demonstrating heavier demand.

According to the Auto Club, the trend toward flying for the upcoming holiday mirrors statewide and national numbers. Like Southern California residents, 11.4 percent more Californians overall are expected to fly instead of drive. Similarly, nationwide numbers show an anticipated 11.5 percent increase in air travel over the holiday weekend.

The uptick in airplane ticket sales, which Montgomery said took a hit during the recession, can be attributed to more people planning ahead for their summer holidays without regard for gas prices and an eye toward good deals.

But despite the Auto Club’s numbers showing an increase in air travel, San Diego International Airport’s traffic over Memorial Day weekend remains “roughly the same as last year,” said airport spokeswoman Rebecca Bloomfield.

She added that air travel to Lindbergh Field from airports within Southern California remained correspondingly flat compared to last year, but an increase of 1 percent to 2 percent is expected for the airport next year.

Although gas prices remain high — at about $4.07 in San Diego County, $4.08 in Orange County and around $4.11 in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area — hotel visitors who drive to their destinations are still the dominant guest demographic for many San Diego hotels.

Brian Gipson, corporate director of marketing at The Grand Del Mar, said 2011 is shaping up to be a strong year, especially after recession struggles in 2009 and 2010. The upscale resort has booked more than 80 percent of its occupancy over the holiday weekend, Gipson said, adding that total business levels for this year are much stronger than they were in 2010.

“There’s definitely a fresh wind blowing,” he said. “The health of the business we’re experiencing is very strong.”

Last-minute 2011 Indianapolis 500 travel packages

By Maxine Nelson

2011 is a milestone year for the Indianapolis 500 as it marks the 100th anniversary of this spectacular race. The Indianapolis Motorway Speedway encompasses 253 acres which could easily fit such sports venues as Yankee Stadium, Churchill Downs, the Rose Bowl, The Roman Colosseum as well as the entire Vatican City. Its seating capacity can hold up to 250,000 spectators making it the world's largest sports facility.

Now many motorsports enthusiasts want to make the trek this year for the Indy 500's important anniversary. For those looking for last minute travel packages to the Indianapolis 500 there are some left, but you need to act quickly. Check out these three last minute deals that range from reasonable to pricey (sans airfare), depending on what you are looking for.

Hampton Inn - Indianapolis South

Starting at $435 per person this is the most reasonably priced Indy 500 travel package around in the last few days before the race by Premiere Sports Travel. It includes a two-night stay at the Hampton Inn in Indianapolis South. At this time the only rooms available are king beds and sleeper sofa. The accommodations are seven miles south of downtown. Check-in is on Saturday, May 28 and check out is Monday, May 30. You will receive Tower Terrace tickets to the Indianapolis 500.

Also included is roundtrip deluxe motorcoach transportation to and from the hotel. On Sunday the motorcoach will receive a police escort to the race. During your stay you will get admission to the Hall of Fame Museum, Premiere Sports Travel credential holder and lanyard, plus someone on staff to assist you. Your taxes and gratuities are included. Last but never least you'll receive a welcome gift and the popular Official Indianapolis 500 race program.

Hyatt Regency Inn - Downtown Indianapolis

Glass Entertainment Management features three night accommodations where you check in on Friday, May 27 and check out on Monday, May 30. Transportation will be provided to and from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29. On Saturday there are a lot of activities going on such as the Indy 500 Festival Parade that includes your ticket. You can meet the drivers on Saturday allowing you entrance to the garage areas (only those 18 years and older).

Enjoy some time at the Hall of Fame Museum with your admission ticket. If you need any further assistance the staff of Glass Entertainment will be on-site. Tickets to the race are either the Paddock or C-Stand. All taxes and gratuities are included, plus you'll receive an Indy 500 gift bag. Call the Hyatt Regency Downtown 1-866-999-1436 for further pricing. Take advantage of other add-on options to further customize your travel package.

Top Centre - The Deluxe Hotel Package

At Top Centre Ticket Service they are offering tickets to the race and deluxe accommodations. The hotel is not listed as it is determined based on availability. Besides these inclusions you will receive a daily full American breakfast, Grandstand tickets to the Indianapolis 500, a box lunch on race day, three-day rental car and an official Indy 500 souvenir packet. For singles the cost of the four-day, three-night stay with check-in on May 27 and check-out on May 30 is $2,595.00. Double occupancy per person is $1,695.00.

Iceland Volcano Eruption Closes International Airport

Iceland Volcano Eruption Closes International Airport
by Kate Auletta

Iceland's most active volcano once again erupted on Saturday, closing the international airport that was closed for days last year upon the last eruption.

The eruption sent ash 12 miles into the air, closing the Keflavik airport at 4:30am on Sunday, MSNBC reports.

Airport operator ISAVIA said in a statement: "The ash distribution forecast over the next six hours shows that the ash from the volcano will spread over Iceland today, leading to the closure of most Icelandic airports as the day goes on."

An airport spokesperson said that the ash plume was covering Iceland but it didn't seem to be heading east to Europe, which happened last year, but was instead blowing west towards Greenland.

Trans-Atlantic flights were being diverted away from Iceland, but there is no indication that widespread disruptions would occur.

Last year's eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano shut the airspace in 34 countries over fears that ash particles could cause jet engines to stop, the Telegraph reports. It was the largest closure of airports since World War II.

UPDATE 5/23:

Although authorities claimed European air space would not be affected by the eruption of Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano, dense ash is now entering Scotland's air space and could disrupt flights as soon as Monday night, the British Met Office said.

Met spokesman David Britton said a high-density ash cloud was expected to cover parts of Scotland by 6am Tuesday.

80 things we wish we knew before we started traveling

80 things we wish we knew before we started traveling
By Carlo Alcos
Hindsight is 20/20, right? Well, foresight can be near to it when you have the expertise of some seriously savvy travelers at your fingertips. Like the Matador team.

If you're starting out on your first trip, this is for you. Hell, even if it's your 20th trip, this is for you too. I know I learned a lot putting it together.

On preparing for your trip

1. Print your entire itinerary and flight tickets/confirmations. Store these with your passports. You can't always rely on Internet access or electricity to pull this info off your phone or laptop.

2. Keep a copy of your passport and never have all of your forms of identification or access to cash (ATM/credit cards) in the same bag. If that one gets lost or stolen, you are SOL.

3. Check in with friends and family from time to time, especially when traveling alone. It's a good idea for someone to always know where your next movements are, just in case.

On talking to airline agents

4. Always be patient and polite. This person could be the difference between you getting the flight that night or having to spend it on the airport floor.

Bad: "Can you get me on the next flight out -- I can't miss my connection to Europe!"

Good: "Excuse me, Barbara. I totally understand you guys are slammed right now, but if you have one minute, I'd really appreciate if you could try to get me on that next flight out, otherwise I'll miss my international connection. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much."

5. Call the airline if you're getting stonewalled, and find an agent that is willing to help you. Keep calling until you get the answer you want. Many times agents are trained differently and some are better than others.

Matador: The global voluntourists bucket list

On budgeting abroad

6. Travel in low season. In places like Thailand and India, food and accommodation can be half the price. And there is still plenty of sunshine.

7. Use the Share-a-bill iPhone app when traveling with friends. It helps to track who spends what so no more arguing about money.

8. Track your spending. If you have a laptop, use a spreadsheet and set up some simple formulas to automatically add up your purchases. Or simply write it all down in your journal. Be vigilant.

9. Set up a new account to pull from on the road. Limit yourself to that, so when it's gone, you come home.

10. Check your bank account options. Withdrawing overseas can be a huge cost, so make sure you know the fees. It might be worth it to upgrade to a premium account that includes international ATM withdrawals (and sometimes your service fee can be waived if you keep a minimum amount in the account).

11. Know the exchange rate of your destination countries ahead of time.

12. Don't use traveler's checks. These are a pain to cash in, and the fees can be very costly.

13. Have local currency when you arrive (preferably small denominations). Having to exchange money at the airport when you land is expensive. If you do have to exchange at the airport, shop around a bit if possible. The first one you encounter is likely to be the most expensive.

14. Try your hardest to avoid currency exchange places. The exchange rate at these are the worst, especially in airports and train stations. Always better to get the local currency from an ATM.

15. Buy food and booze at large grocery stores, instead of going out to bars and restaurants.

16. Do research ahead of time and book a reservation at a hostel that is both nice and inexpensive. Walking around with a backpack on looking for a cheaper place to stay isn't fun when you're exhausted from traveling all day.

17. Check out Craigslist, HomeAway, Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO), and AirBnB for apartments to rent in the places you're visiting -- these are often cheaper than hotels and hostels.

18. Use Couchsurfing for free accommodations. [*Note: Never use this site solely for free accommodations. The main purpose is cultural exchange and to meet people. Reciprocate if possible when you return home.]

19. Don't book domestic flights at the same time you get your international flights. Booking close to the departure dates from inside the country can be much cheaper.

For example, flying into Kathmandu from New York is really expensive if you make that your destination and book from the US. It is much cheaper to fly from JFK to Bangkok, spend a night or two, and then book the flight from BKK to Kathmandu on a local Asian airline.

On meeting people when traveling alone
20. Use Couchsurfing to meet folks for coffee or tea or to join in a group event. If you're hesitant about it, check out Overcome Your Fear: How to Practice Safe Couchsurfing.

21. Sit at a bar and strike up a conversation with the bartender. They're possibly bored, know a lot about the town and might introduce you to other regulars.

22. Stay in a hostel, even if you want to stay in a private room. You can always meet people in the common areas.

23. Share information with other travelers. What goes around comes around. When you give others a leg up, it comes back to you down the road.

[*Note: Meeting people is never compulsory. Don't feel bad if you're not up for it.]

On researching a trip vs winging it

24. Be flexible, situations can change very fast and you don't want to miss out on things if you have a rigid plan.

25. Research Couchsurfing and similar sites to find forums for cities you plan on traveling through. Ask locals and expats questions. You might even make some contacts before you go. Don't forget to check the Matador Travel forums!

26. Understand you never have time to see EVERYTHING. And be okay with it.

27. If you don't have time to research or buy a guide, at least have a map, whether it's downloaded to your handheld, printed, or bought.

On adapting to a new country

28. Get out and about as much as possible. Orient yourself as soon as you can, and learn at least some basic expressions of the language ASAP. Taking a course locally can help with meeting people, too.

29. Talk to the front desk staff at your hostel (if you're staying in one), they will have all kinds of advice for you. They know what they're talking about, so reach out to them.

30. Find a room in a shared house with locals.


On food

31. Learn food words in the local language. You'll be eating three times a day in whatever country you're in.

32. Have snacks (e.g. nuts, fruit) handy. There's nothing worse than settling on something because you're too hungry and annoyed to keep looking for the perfect restaurant.

33. Carry a couple Cliff Bars with you. The train might be late, the bus ride might last four hours longer than you thought. Keep your mind working at its best by staying nourished.

34. Avoid fruits and veggies that can't be peeled or cooked when in developing countries. For more info, read Robin Esrock's How to travel in India and not get sick.

35. Eat street food. In many places, this is how the locals eat on a regular basis. It's a great opportunity to get an inside peak into the culture.

On taking taxis and other transport

36. Find out the procedure and price for getting a taxi. You will most likely get ripped off at least once, but don't worry about it. Let it be a learning lesson.

37. Pay attention to how things are done, like observing how the locals get on the bus and pay. Every place has their own system.

38. If you're driving in "sketchy" places, make sure the back doors are locked, keep your bags on the floor instead of on your lap, and be vigilant when stopping at intersections.

39. Always negotiate the price of a cab BEFORE you start towards your destination. If the cabbie is unwilling to agree on a price when you get in and he's not using a meter, get out and find another cab.

40. If you're on a long bus trip and there's a break, always make sure you keep an eye on the driver -- when he/she gets back on the bus, they're going to leave.

On staying safe

41. Don't keep all your cards and cash together. Use multiple pockets so if your cash gets ripped off, your ATM card doesn't have go with it.

42. Carry a "dummy" wallet with some expired credit and bank cards. Hand that over if you get robbed.

43. Don't carry your passport with you. Keep it locked in a safe if possible or hidden away. Carry a copy of the passport.

44. Keep your eyes peeled. Stay aware of your surroundings. If you get the feeling that something isn't right, pay attention to it. That feeling is real.

45. Don't get drunk. This is when you're at your most vulnerable and can make poor decisions.

46. Wear a jacket with an upper-breast zipper pocket where you can put passport/docs, even camera/wallet. Pretty impossible to thieve from.

47. Don't travel with a laptop unless it's necessary (e.g. your work). There are cyber cafes all over the world for easy Internet access.

48. Don't wear any jewelry, don't carry your dSLR in a brand new bag that screams CAMERA, don't carry a fat wallet in your back pocket, and don't pull out a big stash of money when you are paying for something at a counter.

49. Keep all your valuables and documents close to you when taking long distance bus rides. Not in your backpack that's in the luggage compartment.


On health while abroad

50. Drink lots of water. To help with jet lag, drink at least three liters in the 24 hours before your flight. Don't let yourself get thirsty.

51. Pack some ciprofloxacin (aka Cipro). This is a miracle antibiotic that is used to treat all kinds of things, from a bad stomach bug to a bladder infection or UTI.

52. Always bring Neosporin and Band-Aids. Neosporin is another miracle medicine. It's a simple over-the-counter ointment that will fight off infection in open cuts. It will also fight off any sort of rash or skin irritation and it can be tough to find in local pharmacies.

53. Carefully consider bringing malaria pills or not. Many places the health office says you need them, you don't. Inoculation/immunization is big business and they want to sell pills. Do your research carefully and read forums with advice from other travelers.


On connecting with locals

54. Learn some of the local language. It will not only give you confidence, but will give you a ready-made excuse to talk to anyone (to ask for help or practice).

55. Avoid getting trapped in expat bubbles -- tap their knowledge but don't use them as a comfort blanket.

.56. Keep a "promise book" with you (can just be the back of your travel journal). Use this to help keep the promises you make to the people you meet on the road (e.g. sending the photo you took of them). Be good to your word.

57. Don't just seek out conversation with your peers. Some of the best connections you can make abroad are with the very old or very young, even if all you get out of them is a warm smile.

On carrying electronics

58. If you do decide to take a laptop, get a cheap and light netbook. You have the benefit of having a familiar keyboard and if all the computers are taken at the cyber cafe, you can just find wifi somewhere.

59. ABC. Always Be Charging. Whenever you can, plug those electronics in and keep those batteries juiced.

60. Find out what adapters you need for your trip and make sure those are packed. Also make sure your electronics meet the electricity standards of your destination (110V AC, 220V AC, etc).

On taking photos without being obnoxious

61. Smile. This is key; it will make you seem approachable and non-threatening.

62. Make an effort to communicate even if you don't speak a common language besides "hello", "thanks", and "goodbye". Hand gestures work as good as verbal conversations.

63. Observe their work and, if possible, momentarily partake in their work with them to let them know it's not insignificant -- whether helping a porter take down the tent, or lending a hand to a baker. This also builds a quick transient level of trust.

64. Respect and sensitivity should always trump the perfect shot. Let people pray or meditate in peace. Stop following that monk or little kid around. Let people pull you into their lives when they are ready.

65. Make eye contact with the people you are photographing, even if you are taking pictures of their merchandise. Make eye contact with parents when taking photos of children.

66. Show your photos to your subjects. Make good on your promise if you tell them you will send them copies.

On haggling

67. Haggling is not a competition -- it's a way for the buyer and seller to agree on a price that is acceptable to both parties. Humor goes a long way in defusing heated situations.

68. Try to learn a few sentences like "How much" or "That's too expensive" in the local language. It'll make the vendor smile and often will agree to lower the price.



On border crossings

69. Know well in advance the visa requirements for all your destinations. Some can take weeks to obtain.

70. Have solid and prepared answers when crossing borders, especially between the U.S., UK, and Canada. Check out these tipslearned from an experience crossing from the U.S. to Canada.

71. Always check that your passport is stamped with a correct date before leaving the immigration center. If there's a mistake, you can get in trouble (not the immigration officer).

72. Never say your purpose for entering a country is "work" if you are a journalist on a press trip. You can avoid the 20 questions game this way and also ensure they don't try to charge you extra for a different visa.

On packing

73. Bring cable ties and Ziploc bags. Cable ties for holding things closed or tying bundles together. Ziploc bags for things that are wet (damp clothes, stuff that is stained, etc) or things that might break and mess up other things (sunscreen, that bottle of snake wine, etc).

74. Always pack a headlamp. You will be surprised at how often you will find a use for it.

75. Bring a sarong with you (men too). It can be useful for so many things like covering yourself in holy places, a bed sheet in shady hostels, a towel, a beach/park blanket. Tip: to keep cool at night in a hot place, soak the sarong and wrap it around you while you sleep.

On relationships

76. Sex with random people while you're traveling won't make you feel less lonely or forget the (ex)partner you have (had) back home.

77. Sometimes a stroll with someone you've just met, holding hands (with optional "make-out" session) in a plaza somewhere in Costa Rica or Mexico, feels better than anything.

78. You can't expect it, but it's possible to meet your life-partner while traveling. She or he could be right there on the bus with you.

79. Have reasonable expectations (or, better yet, none at all!). If you take a trip to heal a broken heart, be aware that you could potentially feel worse.

On place
80. There's a tendency sometimes to think "this place will always be here. I can do more here later." Places change a lot faster than you can imagine. Whatever it is you need to do, do it now.

80 things we wish we knew before we started traveling

80 things we wish we knew before we started traveling
By Carlo Alcos
Hindsight is 20/20, right? Well, foresight can be near to it when you have the expertise of some seriously savvy travelers at your fingertips. Like the Matador team.

If you're starting out on your first trip, this is for you. Hell, even if it's your 20th trip, this is for you too. I know I learned a lot putting it together.

On preparing for your trip

1. Print your entire itinerary and flight tickets/confirmations. Store these with your passports. You can't always rely on Internet access or electricity to pull this info off your phone or laptop.

2. Keep a copy of your passport and never have all of your forms of identification or access to cash (ATM/credit cards) in the same bag. If that one gets lost or stolen, you are SOL.

3. Check in with friends and family from time to time, especially when traveling alone. It's a good idea for someone to always know where your next movements are, just in case.

On talking to airline agents

4. Always be patient and polite. This person could be the difference between you getting the flight that night or having to spend it on the airport floor.

Bad: "Can you get me on the next flight out -- I can't miss my connection to Europe!"

Good: "Excuse me, Barbara. I totally understand you guys are slammed right now, but if you have one minute, I'd really appreciate if you could try to get me on that next flight out, otherwise I'll miss my international connection. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much."

5. Call the airline if you're getting stonewalled, and find an agent that is willing to help you. Keep calling until you get the answer you want. Many times agents are trained differently and some are better than others.

Matador: The global voluntourists bucket list

On budgeting abroad

6. Travel in low season. In places like Thailand and India, food and accommodation can be half the price. And there is still plenty of sunshine.

7. Use the Share-a-bill iPhone app when traveling with friends. It helps to track who spends what so no more arguing about money.

8. Track your spending. If you have a laptop, use a spreadsheet and set up some simple formulas to automatically add up your purchases. Or simply write it all down in your journal. Be vigilant.

9. Set up a new account to pull from on the road. Limit yourself to that, so when it's gone, you come home.

10. Check your bank account options. Withdrawing overseas can be a huge cost, so make sure you know the fees. It might be worth it to upgrade to a premium account that includes international ATM withdrawals (and sometimes your service fee can be waived if you keep a minimum amount in the account).

11. Know the exchange rate of your destination countries ahead of time.

12. Don't use traveler's checks. These are a pain to cash in, and the fees can be very costly.

13. Have local currency when you arrive (preferably small denominations). Having to exchange money at the airport when you land is expensive. If you do have to exchange at the airport, shop around a bit if possible. The first one you encounter is likely to be the most expensive.

14. Try your hardest to avoid currency exchange places. The exchange rate at these are the worst, especially in airports and train stations. Always better to get the local currency from an ATM.

15. Buy food and booze at large grocery stores, instead of going out to bars and restaurants.

16. Do research ahead of time and book a reservation at a hostel that is both nice and inexpensive. Walking around with a backpack on looking for a cheaper place to stay isn't fun when you're exhausted from traveling all day.

17. Check out Craigslist, HomeAway, Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO), and AirBnB for apartments to rent in the places you're visiting -- these are often cheaper than hotels and hostels.

18. Use Couchsurfing for free accommodations. [*Note: Never use this site solely for free accommodations. The main purpose is cultural exchange and to meet people. Reciprocate if possible when you return home.]

19. Don't book domestic flights at the same time you get your international flights. Booking close to the departure dates from inside the country can be much cheaper.

For example, flying into Kathmandu from New York is really expensive if you make that your destination and book from the US. It is much cheaper to fly from JFK to Bangkok, spend a night or two, and then book the flight from BKK to Kathmandu on a local Asian airline.

On meeting people when traveling alone
20. Use Couchsurfing to meet folks for coffee or tea or to join in a group event. If you're hesitant about it, check out Overcome Your Fear: How to Practice Safe Couchsurfing.

21. Sit at a bar and strike up a conversation with the bartender. They're possibly bored, know a lot about the town and might introduce you to other regulars.

22. Stay in a hostel, even if you want to stay in a private room. You can always meet people in the common areas.

23. Share information with other travelers. What goes around comes around. When you give others a leg up, it comes back to you down the road.

[*Note: Meeting people is never compulsory. Don't feel bad if you're not up for it.]

On researching a trip vs winging it

24. Be flexible, situations can change very fast and you don't want to miss out on things if you have a rigid plan.

25. Research Couchsurfing and similar sites to find forums for cities you plan on traveling through. Ask locals and expats questions. You might even make some contacts before you go. Don't forget to check the Matador Travel forums!

26. Understand you never have time to see EVERYTHING. And be okay with it.

27. If you don't have time to research or buy a guide, at least have a map, whether it's downloaded to your handheld, printed, or bought.

On adapting to a new country

28. Get out and about as much as possible. Orient yourself as soon as you can, and learn at least some basic expressions of the language ASAP. Taking a course locally can help with meeting people, too.

29. Talk to the front desk staff at your hostel (if you're staying in one), they will have all kinds of advice for you. They know what they're talking about, so reach out to them.

30. Find a room in a shared house with locals.


On food

31. Learn food words in the local language. You'll be eating three times a day in whatever country you're in.

32. Have snacks (e.g. nuts, fruit) handy. There's nothing worse than settling on something because you're too hungry and annoyed to keep looking for the perfect restaurant.

33. Carry a couple Cliff Bars with you. The train might be late, the bus ride might last four hours longer than you thought. Keep your mind working at its best by staying nourished.

34. Avoid fruits and veggies that can't be peeled or cooked when in developing countries. For more info, read Robin Esrock's How to travel in India and not get sick.

35. Eat street food. In many places, this is how the locals eat on a regular basis. It's a great opportunity to get an inside peak into the culture.

On taking taxis and other transport

36. Find out the procedure and price for getting a taxi. You will most likely get ripped off at least once, but don't worry about it. Let it be a learning lesson.

37. Pay attention to how things are done, like observing how the locals get on the bus and pay. Every place has their own system.

38. If you're driving in "sketchy" places, make sure the back doors are locked, keep your bags on the floor instead of on your lap, and be vigilant when stopping at intersections.

39. Always negotiate the price of a cab BEFORE you start towards your destination. If the cabbie is unwilling to agree on a price when you get in and he's not using a meter, get out and find another cab.

40. If you're on a long bus trip and there's a break, always make sure you keep an eye on the driver -- when he/she gets back on the bus, they're going to leave.

On staying safe

41. Don't keep all your cards and cash together. Use multiple pockets so if your cash gets ripped off, your ATM card doesn't have go with it.

42. Carry a "dummy" wallet with some expired credit and bank cards. Hand that over if you get robbed.

43. Don't carry your passport with you. Keep it locked in a safe if possible or hidden away. Carry a copy of the passport.

44. Keep your eyes peeled. Stay aware of your surroundings. If you get the feeling that something isn't right, pay attention to it. That feeling is real.

45. Don't get drunk. This is when you're at your most vulnerable and can make poor decisions.

46. Wear a jacket with an upper-breast zipper pocket where you can put passport/docs, even camera/wallet. Pretty impossible to thieve from.

47. Don't travel with a laptop unless it's necessary (e.g. your work). There are cyber cafes all over the world for easy Internet access.

48. Don't wear any jewelry, don't carry your dSLR in a brand new bag that screams CAMERA, don't carry a fat wallet in your back pocket, and don't pull out a big stash of money when you are paying for something at a counter.

49. Keep all your valuables and documents close to you when taking long distance bus rides. Not in your backpack that's in the luggage compartment.


On health while abroad

50. Drink lots of water. To help with jet lag, drink at least three liters in the 24 hours before your flight. Don't let yourself get thirsty.

51. Pack some ciprofloxacin (aka Cipro). This is a miracle antibiotic that is used to treat all kinds of things, from a bad stomach bug to a bladder infection or UTI.

52. Always bring Neosporin and Band-Aids. Neosporin is another miracle medicine. It's a simple over-the-counter ointment that will fight off infection in open cuts. It will also fight off any sort of rash or skin irritation and it can be tough to find in local pharmacies.

53. Carefully consider bringing malaria pills or not. Many places the health office says you need them, you don't. Inoculation/immunization is big business and they want to sell pills. Do your research carefully and read forums with advice from other travelers.


On connecting with locals

54. Learn some of the local language. It will not only give you confidence, but will give you a ready-made excuse to talk to anyone (to ask for help or practice).

55. Avoid getting trapped in expat bubbles -- tap their knowledge but don't use them as a comfort blanket.

.56. Keep a "promise book" with you (can just be the back of your travel journal). Use this to help keep the promises you make to the people you meet on the road (e.g. sending the photo you took of them). Be good to your word.

57. Don't just seek out conversation with your peers. Some of the best connections you can make abroad are with the very old or very young, even if all you get out of them is a warm smile.

On carrying electronics

58. If you do decide to take a laptop, get a cheap and light netbook. You have the benefit of having a familiar keyboard and if all the computers are taken at the cyber cafe, you can just find wifi somewhere.

59. ABC. Always Be Charging. Whenever you can, plug those electronics in and keep those batteries juiced.

60. Find out what adapters you need for your trip and make sure those are packed. Also make sure your electronics meet the electricity standards of your destination (110V AC, 220V AC, etc).

On taking photos without being obnoxious

61. Smile. This is key; it will make you seem approachable and non-threatening.

62. Make an effort to communicate even if you don't speak a common language besides "hello", "thanks", and "goodbye". Hand gestures work as good as verbal conversations.

63. Observe their work and, if possible, momentarily partake in their work with them to let them know it's not insignificant -- whether helping a porter take down the tent, or lending a hand to a baker. This also builds a quick transient level of trust.

64. Respect and sensitivity should always trump the perfect shot. Let people pray or meditate in peace. Stop following that monk or little kid around. Let people pull you into their lives when they are ready.

65. Make eye contact with the people you are photographing, even if you are taking pictures of their merchandise. Make eye contact with parents when taking photos of children.

66. Show your photos to your subjects. Make good on your promise if you tell them you will send them copies.

On haggling

67. Haggling is not a competition -- it's a way for the buyer and seller to agree on a price that is acceptable to both parties. Humor goes a long way in defusing heated situations.

68. Try to learn a few sentences like "How much" or "That's too expensive" in the local language. It'll make the vendor smile and often will agree to lower the price.



On border crossings

69. Know well in advance the visa requirements for all your destinations. Some can take weeks to obtain.

70. Have solid and prepared answers when crossing borders, especially between the U.S., UK, and Canada. Check out these tipslearned from an experience crossing from the U.S. to Canada.

71. Always check that your passport is stamped with a correct date before leaving the immigration center. If there's a mistake, you can get in trouble (not the immigration officer).

72. Never say your purpose for entering a country is "work" if you are a journalist on a press trip. You can avoid the 20 questions game this way and also ensure they don't try to charge you extra for a different visa.

On packing

73. Bring cable ties and Ziploc bags. Cable ties for holding things closed or tying bundles together. Ziploc bags for things that are wet (damp clothes, stuff that is stained, etc) or things that might break and mess up other things (sunscreen, that bottle of snake wine, etc).

74. Always pack a headlamp. You will be surprised at how often you will find a use for it.

75. Bring a sarong with you (men too). It can be useful for so many things like covering yourself in holy places, a bed sheet in shady hostels, a towel, a beach/park blanket. Tip: to keep cool at night in a hot place, soak the sarong and wrap it around you while you sleep.

On relationships

76. Sex with random people while you're traveling won't make you feel less lonely or forget the (ex)partner you have (had) back home.

77. Sometimes a stroll with someone you've just met, holding hands (with optional "make-out" session) in a plaza somewhere in Costa Rica or Mexico, feels better than anything.

78. You can't expect it, but it's possible to meet your life-partner while traveling. She or he could be right there on the bus with you.

79. Have reasonable expectations (or, better yet, none at all!). If you take a trip to heal a broken heart, be aware that you could potentially feel worse.

On place
80. There's a tendency sometimes to think "this place will always be here. I can do more here later." Places change a lot faster than you can imagine. Whatever it is you need to do, do it now.

Top 10 Memorial Day beach destinations

LONDON (Reuters Life!) - To celebrate the official start of summer in the United States, online travel adviser Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) has searched coast to coast for the top beach destinations to check out the Memorial Day weekend. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Hilton Head, South Carolina

Renowned for its East Coast vibe, Hilton Head offers quintessential beach activities for couples and families alike. Spend your days biking the 100 miles of cycling trails throughout the Atlantic island -- breaking only to catch waves, soak up the sun and savor the area's fabulous restaurants. For cheap grub, head to the Sea Shack and roll up your sleeves for affordable shrimp, crab and blackened fresh fish. At night, check out The Salty Dog Café. A $5 admission is required to get in the restaurant, situated on a resort plantation, but the nightly live music and souvenir T-shirt you're bound to buy make it well worth it.

2. Hermosa Beach, California

The year-round beach destination pulls out all the stops every Memorial Day weekend for Fiesta Hermosa. Hundreds of vendors set up shop along Hermosa Avenue, Pier Avenue and Pier Plaza in downtown Hermosa for three days of great food, drinks and live music. Kids can switch between amusement park rides and sand castles until 6 p.m. nightly as parents peruse local shops and the ever-popular beer garden.

3. The Gulf Coast, Mississippi

Sailboats, casinos and spectacular beaches await you on Mississippi's Gulf Coast this Memorial Day weekend. The recovering seaside region has made wonderful strides in the past few years, and is burgeoning with festivities the whole family will enjoy. Mosey over to the Gulfport Dragway for the 29th Annual Gulfport Memorial Day Blowout, a four-day event of racing, flea markets and live music. After the awards ceremony, set sail on a chartered boat and play fisherman with one of the many charter companies in the area. By night you can check out one or all of the 11 casinos for a game of roulette or swanky dinner out.

4. Nantucket, Massachusetts

For the ultimate in New England living, put your Nantucket Reds on and head to Figawi Race Weekend this Memorial Day to watch the finest sailors in the country race wondrous yachts from Cape Cod to the island of Nantucket. The preppy vacation spot, just a few hours south of Boston, offers some of the finest beaches in the nation. Simply hop a ferry, bring a good book and umbrella, and take in the intoxicating salt air for hours each day.

5. Stone Harbor, New Jersey

Join vacationing crowds of Philadelphians for fireworks and festivities this holiday weekend in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Just two hours by car from the City of Brotherly Love, Stone Harbor is a quaint town situated between Atlantic City and Cape May. Wake up early to beat the crowds waiting in line for fluffy pancakes at Uncle Bill's Pancake House and after, stroll the strip of shops in the seaside village's downtown. After days of bike riding and body surfing, catch a proper small town parade on Sunday at noon along the town's main drag.

6. Chincoteague, Virginia

This charming hideout, renowned for its wild horses, is a regular on the country's top beach lists and simply perfect for a long weekend escape from the nation's hurried capital. Check out the Pony Center, the beach trails, or take a day trip across the channel to explore Chincoteague's uninhabited sister island, Assateague. On Sunday, head over to Robert Reed Park for the traditional Blessing of the Fleet to usher in the fishing and boating season, then make your way down to the dock for the free musical stylings of local Americana band Three Sheets.

7. Chicago, Illinois

Blend the relaxation of the beach with the thrill of the big city. Chicago's summer-long love affair with street festivals begins Memorial Day weekend, so check out the 27th annual Belmont/Sheffield Musical Festival the city's hip Lakeview neighborhood. The Memorial Day Parade kicks off downtown Saturday at noon. If your interests are more active, check out the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile run on Saturday morning, or Bike the Drive on Lakeshore Drive on Sunday morning. If that all sounds a little exhausting, just head to the popular beachfront that spans the vertical length of the city, kick back and relax.

8. Sanibel Island, Florida

To channel the wildlife lover in you, visit Sanibel Island this Memorial Day, located just west of Fort Myers on Florida's Gulf Coast. The 12-mile island offers rustic beaches, unsullied by tourists and snowbirds. Collect shells and birdwatch along the coast before heading out to sea with a local snorkeling or scuba diving company. If you've got a license, charter your own boat for an afternoon of fishing, and catch dinner – or make like common folk and head to one of the many locally owned island eateries. To preserve its charm and authenticity, the island restricts chain restaurants and shops.

9. Waimea Bay, Hawaii

Situated on Oahu's North Shore, Waimea Bay is home to some of the gnarliest waves in the whole Pacific. But by Memorial Day weekend, those swells chill out a bit, paving way for a serene summer spot for swimming and frolicking. Jump off cliffs as high as 18 feet if you've got the courage, or simply admire the turquoise seas and magnificent horizon. You won't find hot dogs and fireworks at Waimea Bay this holiday weekend, so go only if dazzling sunsets and natural wonders spark your interest.

10. Del Mar, California

Before you partake in San Diego's boatload of holiday weekend activities, visit Del Mar, a spectacular beach just 30 minutes north of the city. Paddle board the day away, and then give your arms a rest by strolling along the white-sand beaches of California's coastline. Once you've basked in the sunlight long enough, U-turn back to the city for parties and restaurant specials in the Gaslamp Quarter, a bustling district in downtown San Diego.

$500 million floating golf course planned for Maldives

$500 million floating golf course planned for Maldives
By Will Tidey

You've just finished a round of golf on a floating course in the middle of the Indian Ocean. An underwater tunnel leads you to the clubhouse, where a glass elevator drops down to a main bar that doubles as a spectacular natural aquarium.

It might sound far-fetched, but a $500 million development in the Maldives is set to make the world's biggest water hazard a reality -- and at the same time offer a potential long-term solution to the threat of climate change in the area.

Designed by floating architecture specialists Dutch Docklands, the proposed site is just a five-minute speedboat ride from Maldives capital Male, and will offer 27 holes of golf, set upon three interlinked islands.

The government-approved development will also boast around 200 villas, 45 private islands and a conservation center -- and all at little or no cost to the wildlife-rich coral reefs it will call home, according to the people behind it.

We told the president of The Maldives we can transform you from climate refugees to climate innovators
--Paul van de Camp, Dutch Docklands
"We told the president of the Maldives we can transform you from climate refugees to climate innovators," said Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands.

"And we have a way of building and sustaining this project that is environmentally friendly too. This is going to be an exclusively green development in a marine-protected area."

With over 80 percent of their 1,190 coral reef islands no more than a meter above sea level, the Maldivian government is at the forefront of the battle against climate change.

As sea levels reach dangerous levels, one option is to build defense walls, as they have around Male. Another is to buy land from other countries and effectively move their population to other areas. The third is to live on floating landscapes.

"Climate change is upon us and the Maldives are feeling it most. That's why they're leading the way in trying to find a way to combat the problem." said Mark Spalding, senior marine scientist at the Nature Conversancy.

"But building on floating islands clearly comes with a risk of pollution. Golf courses need pesticides and you need to deal with that properly to make sure it doesn't get into the ocean. There's also the issue of desalinating the water to irrigate the course. That has to be done cleanly too."

Dutch Docklands appear to have a green solution. They plan to capture pesticides in concrete troughs, and recycle them in a fresh water "sweet lakes" in the middle of the golf course afterwards. That same water will then be used to irrigate the course.

When it comes to the environmental cost of constructing the islands and developments in the first place, the solution is far more straightforward.

"We'll be building the islands somewhere else, probably in the Middle East or in India," said designer Koen Olthuis, the man whose vision will be realized when work officially starts on the project later this year.



"That way there's no environmental cost to the Maldives. When it comes to the golf course, the islands will be floated into position first, and then the grass will be seeded and the trees planted afterwards."

Troon Golf, who will be lending their expertise to the project in designing the course itself, stressed the economic benefits that could result from the construction in a release issued from their headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

"The scar less development, which has zero footprint on the Maldives region will include state-of-the-art golf courses that look set to bring a wealth of new tourism and investment to the country," said managing director Bruce Glasco.

But Spalding is not getting carried away. With some of the world's most valuable coral reef real estate at stake, he plans to watch the development closely and treat all environmental claims with caution.

"I just hope the Maldives government have been wise enough to not just fall for rhetoric," he said.

"In an ideal world a development like this would be on land, but the world is changing. I just hope they get it right. If they do, this type of development could be a harbinger of things to come."

If things go to plan, Van de Camp expects the golf course to be ready for play by the end of 2013, will the full development set to launch in 2015. And he's in no doubt visiting golfers will be in for a treat.

"This will be the first and only floating golf course in the world, and it comes with spectacular ocean views on every hole," he said.

"And then there's the clubhouse. You get in an elevator and go underwater to get to it. It's like being Captain Nemo down there."

In an ideal world a development like this would be on land, but the world is changing
--Mark Spalding, Conservation Science Group

Tips for jaguar spotting in Belize

Jaguars rest during the day because they are nocturnal hunters, so your best chance to see them is by staying up

Tips for jaguar spotting in Belize
By Megan Wood

Editor's note: Megan Wood is the first writer-in-residence to participate in the Road Warrior program, a partnership between MatadorU and the Belize Tourism Board. Megan is spending the spring in Belize, documenting traditions of the country's diverse cultural groups. Each week, she reports on her experiences for Matador, her personal blog, and for other outlets.

(Matador) -- I'm walking the trails of Cockscomb National Park, dense rainforest to the right, a river with crocodiles to the left.

My guide, Sam, tells me the trail we're on is often used by jaguars as an easy path through the forest. He points to a paw print in the mud to confirm the presence of the big cats.

"Don't worry," he says, "it's very unlikely you'll be killed by a jaguar today."

"Sure," I reply, "just a little mauling."

Belize's Cockscomb is the only jaguar preserve in the world, 150 square miles of protected rainforest that shelters 200 of the endangered animals. Other species benefit from the preserve as well, including tapir, peccary, toucans and howler monkeys.

"How about a hike to Victoria Peak?" Sam asks, clearly teasing. Victoria is the highest point in Belize and requires a permit and a four-day trek under the best conditions.

"Let's just look for jaguars," I say. "What's the best way to spot one?"

Here are Sam's tips. Next time I'll follow them, and hopefully spot a jaguar from a safe distance.

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1. Go at night
Since jaguars hunt nocturnally, they obviously sleep during the day. Some visitors have been lucky enough to see one in the early morning, but the safest bet is to stay up and wait.

Cockscomb has camping facilities and cabins for rent specifically for visitors to watch for cats at night.

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2. Bring an umbrella and a guide

The rainy season in June and July is when the cats are most active. Go with a licensed guide who can track the cats' prints and droppings. Park rangers have set up cameras throughout the rainforest to record and observe the jaguars' behavior. They know what to look for.

Guides are available both in Belmopan and Placencia. I arranged my visit with Sam through Splash Dive Center in Placencia. Another option is Ian Anderson's Caves Branch outside of Belmopan, with guides that are also trained as medics.

3. Be quiet

This one is hard. Sitting still, in the dark, in the rain, at night looking for jaguars, I would want to talk to my guide just to stay awake. But jaguars are known for their stealth and any foreign noise or scent will scare them away.

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4. Pray

Maybe a little prayer to the ancient Mayan Jaguar God of the underworld, Xbalanque, will send some cats your way.

Other activities

Though I didn't see any jaguars (secretly, I was relieved; I've had plenty of run-ins with Belize's wildlife: barracudas, a viper, scorpions), I did enjoy an entire day at the park walking the trails, which are clearly marked, mapped out, and posted.

My favorite was the waterfall trail, a rugged hike up a hill that ended under a waterfall with a swimming hole.

Birders can try spotting some of the 290 species that live in the park. During the wet season, tubing in the river is also a popular option.

On my way back to Placencia, I had time to check out the Mayan Women's Center for Crafts at the entrance of the park, with absolutely no fear of being mauled.

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