Archive for March, 2009
New Feature: In the News – Links Edition
A new feature here at Explorations, every Tuesday we’ll provide you with quick hits of some of the most recent travel news, articles, anecdotes, tidbits and more that we think are blog-worthy. So, without further ado, let’s get to the good stuff…
– Travel Everyman Rick Steves offers some sage advice for visitors to France this summer. The big takeaways:
- There’s a new smoking ban in bars, restaurants and cafes.
- Due to renovations, expect some closings and potential long lines at Versailles this summer.
- Although not strictly enforced, a ‘no-shorts’ dress code has been instituted at Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Rue Cler has become a tourist trap. Try Rue des Martyrs instead…
– Wow. Apparently taking thriftiness to the max, European airline Ryanair is strongly considering charging for bathroom breaks.
– As a counterpoint to my ‘Wow‘, Harvard Business Publishing blogger Bill Taylor takes a hard stand (sarcasm alert) by claiming Ryanair’s bathroom plan ‘sort of makes sense.’ I’ll let you be the judge…
– Foodie Gregory Dicum has a nice write-up about the abundance of delicious vegetarian dishes available in Thailand.
Shameless promotion alert: Explorica has a brand-new tour to Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia. And it looks pretty awesome.
That’s it for this week. But feel free to use the comments to let us know of any additional travel truffles you may have dug up…
Travel Tip of the Week: Bring a Journal!
Every week, Explorations will offer all you inveterate travelers a travel tip from one of our expert Program Consultants.
This week’s travel tip is from Program Consultant Adam Barton, and it’s a good one for members of the burgeoning travel literati…
I know that at this point, it’s practically a cliche, but I strongly recommend bringing a travel journal with you on all your journeys. On the bus, the plane, the train, or during a break at a nearby cafe, bodega, or elsewhere, put the iPod down, place the earbuds in your pocket, and listen–and write–your travel experiences.
Trust me, when you get home from your journeys, you’ll appreciate your live reflections during your trip, and even better than photos or flimsy souvenirs, your written thoughts of your travel memories will be the best memento of all.
Following the lead of fellow world-wanderer Bruce Chatwin, in his great book about traveling Australia, The Songlines, I always carry a moleskine journal wherever the road (or path) takes me.
Taking the time to stop and reflect about where I’ve been–and to daydream about where I’ll soon be going, is one of my favorite parts about travel. And it could be one of yours too. Don’t leave home without one!