5 Arts Festivals That You Can’t Miss

You don’t have to be a lover of the theatre or a liberal arts junkie to enjoy a good arts festival. In fact, some festivals are destinations in themselves – cities double in size and locales morph into totally new personalities. Check out the places and dates for these arts festivals that you just can’t miss – then add one into your upcoming travel plans.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Andy Hayes.

Edinburgh Fringe (August)

The Edinburgh Fringe is just one of several festivals that take place in Scotland’s capital city in August. Edinburgh swells in capacity as performers and audiences from around the world arrive to enjoy the party atmosphere and crazed vibe of the world’s largest arts festival. The Fringe originally started with heavy themes of sex and nudity, and in fact you’ll still find a racy scene or two today. Comedy is a huge focus but there’s also offbeat musicals and visual theatre. Book early for this one – and be prepared for non-stop action, including late night comedy and all night clubbing.
Edinburgh Fringe © Matito

World Buskers Festival (January)

Who would have thought a sleepy English town on New Zealand’s south island would have a can’t miss festival? You bet: The World Buskers Festival takes place here every January, and if you like the soothing sounds of a random subway musician or street corner comedian, then you have to see this. Everywhere you turn someone has managed to pull together a crowd to watch their act. It’s nice to see a lot of the country’s home grown talent showing off their skills, but plenty of international artists you might not have heard of will leave you with a lasting impression – and a sore stomach from all the laughter.

Echigo-Tsumari (August-September)

So, so sorry. You’ve already missed the inauguration of the world’s largest outdoor art festival. This festival was so big that you could spend the night there – two of the artworks were turned into hotels for the exhibition. Between the 350+ works, you’ll find trees with eyes, fields with gorgeous views and abstract pieces, weird and wonderful houses to explore, and some old schools even that were revamped for the project. Don’t worry, though – word has it that portions of the event will reopen again this autumn, so keep an eye out.
New York Film Festival @ Ziegfeld Theatre © Tamaradulva

Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend (September)

It doesn’t have to be big and blazing to be wonderful. How about the free arts celebration in Wausau, Wisconsin, which is approaching its 50th anniversary? It is probably the most family friendly of festivals in our list, with lots of arts-and-crafts fun for the children and adults. It even promotes valuing art from a young age – “young collectors” can purchase their first piece of artwork for less than $25. But of course there are plenty of art displays where you can choose your next centrepiece from well over 100 different artists from all over the United States.

New York Film Festival (September-October)

This one is for all the film buffs and DVD lovers out there. To be honest, I’ve been to Cannes and I’ve been to New York, and if I wanted a film festival backdrop, New York would be it. The Big Apple’s film festival is a two-week blitz of provocative and experimental cinema, particularly their “Views from the Avant Garde” programme which is top notch. New York is one of my favourite places in the world, so after a day of exploring the avenues, you can head out for a film or two before cocktails and dinner. What’s not to like?

 
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Andy Hayes is a professional writer and published author. He’s the editor of Sharing Travel Experiences, an online magazine. Visit their website to find out more. Be sure to follow Andy on Twitter too.

 

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Most Conversational Travel Posts Of 2009

As 2010 approaches, Enduring Wanderlust has collected its most conversational travel posts for 2009. Feel free to re-visit these articles and offer your thoughts about their content in the comment section. Have a happy and healthy new year.

1. 8 Best Chocolate Shops In NYC

New York City has some of the best chocolate shops in the world. This post offers eight of the best shops.

2. Angkor Wat Through The Lens

Angkor Wat is one of the most beautiful sites in Southeast Asia. It’s one of the primary reasons travelers have Cambodia on their itinerary. Enjoy this look at the site through photographs.
Chocolate Shop: Jacques Torres, New York City

3. Best Pizza In NYC

New York City is the home of lots of great pizzerias. It’s a constant debate about which spot has the best pies in the city. See if you agree with the selection.

4. Cusco, Peru: A Photographic Journey

Many travelers journey to Cusco in order to visit Machu Picchu, but the city itself is one of the most enjoyable in South America. This post is a look at the city through photos.

5. Things To Do In NYC (For Free)

New York City is expensive for tourists and locals. This post offers some of the attractions that are available for no charge. Yep, free things to do in NYC.
Irish Pub: McSorley’s, New York City

6. 9 Top Cities, 9 Top Irish Pubs

Irish pubs are plentiful throughout the world. These are some of the more authentic and enjoyable spots to enjoy a libation.

7. Historic Estates Of U.S. Presidents

American presidents have some of the nicest homes to visit. Most offer an educational experience along with a step back into history. The estates in Virginia are particularly impressive.

8. More Women Traveling Solo

Women surpassed men in terms of total solo travelers. This post looks at the statistics and reasons for the recent development.
Presidential Home: Monticello, Virginia

9. Recycled Masterpiece: Chandigarh’s Rock Garden

Chandigarh’s [India] Rock Garden is a fascinating garden created from recycled household materials.

10a. Lao Fishermen On The Mekong

This post takes readers into the life of a couple of fisherman from Laos. The photos capture their day on the Mekong River.

10b. 6 Steps To A Lucky Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a time for a rebirth. This post looks at the steps taken for those looking to have a lucky new year. Chinese New Year falls on February 14, 2010. 2010 is the Year of the Tiger.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Last Night I Dreamt Of San Pedro

Sunrise Over San Pedro

Few experiences are as lovely as waking up to the sun’s rays shining on your face. It’s especially enjoyable when it happens over the balcony of your accommodations (The Phoenix Resort) in view of palm trees and the crystal clear waters of San Pedro, Belize. San Pedro, a hip town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye, has a range of activities and restaurants that will keep even the most seasoned travelers awed.
Sunrise © Gennaro Salamone

Swimming With Sharks

No trip to San Pedro would be complete without a visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserves and Shark Ray Alley. Depending on the location of your hotel, a simple walk along the white sand beaches of the town will lead you to a plethora of companies who specialize in diving and snorkeling trips. Xtreme Adventures was responsible for ensuring that five travel bloggers and writers (see below) including myself experienced the vast underwater wildlife of the area. This included seeing sea turtles, barracudas, sharks, and stingrays over the course of a forty-minute swim. For those who are interested in getting close to the wildlife, the leaders of the expedition will hold onto sharks and stingrays for participants to pet.
Swimming With Sharks © Gennaro Salamone

Streets of San Pedro

After filling much of the morning with swimming and sunning, it’s a smart move to navigate the shop-filled streets of San Pedro looking for lunch. Be sure to keep your wits about you during your walk as golf carts, which can be rented on the island, are often whizzing bye.

Our landing spot for the afternoon was Elvi’s Kitchen. The restaurant gives off the feeling of home both in its presentation and cuisine. Started by Elvi Staines and her family, the spot has become the most famous restaurant on the island. Patrons can select from a wide-range of fresh seafood, which is prepared with a local touch. On this day, the ceviche, conch, and coconut curry shrimp were particularly memorable.
Elvi’s Kitchen © Gennaro Salamone

Parasailing

If you’re looking for some excitement after lunch, parasailing in the early evening will provide for a unique experience. Either in pairs or solo, Extreme Adventures will launch willing participants off their boats and over the waters of Belize connected to their parasailing gear. There is a slight adrenaline rush after lift off, but a relative calm sets in while looking over the blue waters and island formations off the coast of the Central American nation. The activity is also considered to be safe and people of various ages and abilities will be able to participate. One of the leaders of the adventure company even talked of a man who was wheel-chair bound going up earlier in the morning.

Bloggers Parasailing © Gennaro Salamone

Travel Bloggers/Writers In Belize

For a lot more coverage about the trip to Belize and all things travel, be sure to return during the week and to also read the following travel bloggers:

Melanie Waldman of Travels With Two

Christine Gilbert of Almost Fearless

Kara Williams of The Vacation Gals

Kerrin Rousset of MyKugelhopf

This trip to Belize was courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Things To Do In London

There is no time like the present for visiting and getting bargains in jolly old London, which has been called the most expensive city in the world.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Lisa Fantino.

Right now, with the state of the economic climate and exchange rates for the dollar and euro against the pound better than a year ago, there are plenty of bargains to be had in London for food, culture and off the beaten path. Here are ten great things to do for £10 or less:

1. Courtauld Gallery
Courtauld Gallery is one of London’s best kept secrets. The museum, located at Somerset House on The Strand, contains one of the best collections of impressionistic art outside of the major museums. Admission is just £5 for adults, while visitors under 18 are free. Also, if you go on Mondays between 10am and 2pm, admission is free for everyone. Visitors can see masterpieces by the fathers of impressionism: Monet, Manet and Renoir. There are other impressive collections such as Rubens & The Baroque, The Renaissance and Gothic & Medieval Art. The Courtauld even houses original sketches by Michelangelo, DaVinci, Picasso and Van Gogh.

2. The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is an imposing modernistic structure on the south side of the Thames. While the Tate houses 60,000 works from artists dating back to the 16th century, the collection at Tate Modern focuses only on those works created from 1900 to the present – think Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Joan Miro and Roy Lichtenstein. Admission is free except for major exhibitions.

3. Camden Market
This is the shopper’s paradise for everything quirky at Camden Lock, along with a good sampling of British antiques at Camden Stables tossed in for good measure. This is also a good day outing because it’s free to walk around and soak in the local color.
Camden Market © Robin H00d

4. Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes
For Americans wanting to feel like they just stepped into Happy Days, this is the place to visit. The Bloomsbury Lanes are located in the heart of Russell Square, which is quite near the University of London. It’s a step back in time to the 1950s, where you can bowl and listen to new bands, along with catching some vintage film clips. You have to hunt for this place since it’s located in the basement of the Tavistock Hotel. It’ll cost you a bit to bowl but a burger and fries only runs about £7.95. And if you’re looking for music, the Lanes have a regular Rock ‘n’ Soul Bop for £5 with a D.J. spinning the hits and Retro Remix nights for £7. Also, if anyone is as dance crazy as this writer, don’t miss Sundays through November when they have Swing Alley dance classes from 5-10pm for only £7.

5. 100 Club
A visit to London would not be complete without a stop at this legendary music venue, also located in a basement off Oxford Street. On an off-night you can catch great music and quite possibly the next big band to make a splash across the pond, with tickets as little as £3.

6. Ceremony of the Keys
“It’s 10pm and all’s well,” cries the Chief Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. This is a ceremony of historical pomp and circumstance and occurs well after the last tourist has left the Tower of London. The Ceremony of the Keys, which is the formal locking of the gates of the Tower, has been carried out continuously every night, without fail, for more than 600 years since 1340. However, you must plan your visit months in advance. You must send in a written request at least three months before your selected date and hope for the best. The good news is that the rare lucky ducat is free.

7. Donmar Warehouse Theater
You never know who you will find performing at this intimate West End theater at an affordable ticket price. The gorgeous Jude law just finished up in Hamlet and Rachel Weisz returns to the Donmar to play Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams’ “A Street Car Named Desire” through October 9th. The small venue only accommodates 250 people and tickets can be had for as little as £10.

Ice Cream, Pizza Express © Melting Noise

8. London Transit
The tube is the most efficient way to get around central London since taking a bus can have you stuck in traffic for hours if you go anywhere near or around Oxford Street. The London Transit system now offers daily and weekly travel cards, as well as a special reusable Oyster Card for overseas visitors. However, unless you plan on picking up the Oyster Card in person in a major city, the best alternative is the daily or weekly travel card which can be purchased at any tube stop.

9. Pizza Express
You might find it slightly odd that an Italian-American writer is recommending a chain restaurant for pizza…..in London of all places…..but Pizza Express has enough quality, value and variety to suit every budget and palette. My particular favorite is the Veneziana which only runs £6.55 (You can also feel good about eating this particular pizza because 25p of every sale goes to support the charity Venice in Peril). A bottle of mineral water will run another £2.20 and you can have a great lunch or dinner for under £10 in the most expensive city in the world. Just as an aside, my particular favorites of this chain are located in fashionable Knightsbridge on Beauchamp Place and near the Millbank Pier with partial river views.

10. Food Garden Cafe at Selfridges
Hidden on the top floor of this century-old London shopping institution is a great restaurant offering everything from Indian entrees and a salad bar to fancy crusted pretzels and custom crepes and jacket potatoes. You can pile it on at the salad bar for about £6.50.

Let me know how you make out and if you find any other deals along the way! Tah!

 
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Lisa Fantino is an award-winning journalist turned attorney with a spirit of adventure that has sent her wanderlusting across the globe. You can find her all over the web at her Travel Dreams and Moonbeams blog and on Twitter; Lady Litigator blog; Lady Litigator on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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Pushkar Ghats Through The Lens

Pushkar is located on the shore of Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, India. It is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Hindu faith. The lake has countless ghats, which are a series of steps that lead down to its sacred waters. The city is filled with devout Hindus who descend into the waters of the lake for a spiritual cleansing along with travelers who are observing the cultural happenings.

Follow this photographic journey around the ghats of Pushkar:
Holy Cow + Preparing To Bathe © Gennaro Salamone

Sacred cows are seen throughout India including Pushkar. Whether it’s a rural area or walking down the streets of a major city, cows are a permanent part of the landscape. Revered by followers of the Hindu faith, the animals are well fed by owners and local passers-by. Travelers are often seen petting the gentle creatures (see photo above). Do note that beef is not readily available in Hindu communities. Tourists who are desperate for a fix will need to visit a Muslim community instead.

Pushkar Street Food + Colored Powder © Gennaro Salamone

Before visiting several of the 50+ ghats of Pushkar Lake, indulge in some of the local street food. The cuisine uses a variety of spices and flavors that remains unmatched by other ethnic foods. After filling up, walk the streets of Pushkar which are filled with small shops that sell local products ranging from bracelets and clothing to the colorful powder used during festivals like Holi. That festival involves the throwing of colorful powder and water at friends and family.

Solitude + Musician of Pushkar © Gennaro Salamone

The ghats of Pushkar are considered a holy place. Hindus use the steps to descend into the sacred waters of the lake. Each ghat has a unique feel to it ranging from a place of solitude to a more celebratory atmosphere. Foreigners are expected to remove their shoes when entering the ghat area. It’s also considered inappropriate to photographs bathing locals without their permission.

Follow another photographic journey to Bodh Gaya, India.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Memorial Day Weekend: Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was developed to commemorate American soldiers who past away while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to visit a host of memorials and cemetaries that are dedicated to the nation’s history. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia) is the perfect spot to observe this history along with the changing of the guard. It is also near the attractions of Washington D.C.

Follow this photographic journey into the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Soldier on Guard © Gennaro Salamone

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays respect to the remains of unidentified soliders. Tombs of this ilk are found throughout the world. The Tomb at Arlington National Cemetary is guarded 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by specially trained member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry.

Changing of the Guard + Tomb of the Unknown Soldier © Gennaro Salamone

The changing of the guard is popular among tourists. The ceremony itself is highly regimented. It provided visitors with a view of the formality of the armed servies along with an idea about the seriousness in which the soldier take their service in relation to guarding the Tomb.

Graves © Gennaro Salamone

Together with the happening at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, visitors have an chance to walk around Arlington National Cemetary viewing the tombstones and graves of more than 300,000 people dating back to the American Revolution.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Best NBA Arenas To Visit

NBA basketball has exploded on the global scene. While baseball and American football remain the top two sports in the United States, it’s Kobe Bryant and Lebron James who are the most recognized athletes around the world. Attending an NBA game is a great way to enjoy a part of American culture. For the best experience, try one of these arenas:

Conseco Fieldhouse (Indiana Pacers)
Conseco Fieldhouse is the home of the Indiana Pacers. It was built to mirror the experience of attending a college basketball arena. The fieldhouse also has a retro feel to it. Pairing the rich Indiana basketball history with the passion of the college-esce environment allows for a unique experience for visitors. While the Pacers have struggled in recent years, its knowledgeable fans continue to fill the arena.

Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks)
Madison Square Garden, New York © SoulSqueeze

Madison Square Garden is the stomping ground of the New York Knicks. Located above Penn Station, MSG has hosted a variety of sporting events ranging from championship boxing to the Stanley Cup hockey. Its history and location in the heart of New York City has made The Garden popular among NBA players. Michael Jordan was one of many who brought their best performances to MSG. Not a basketball lover? Spot Chris Rock, Woody Allen, and Spike Lee who frequent Knicks games.

EnergySolutions Arena (Utah Jazz)

EnergySolutions Arena is the home of the Utah Jazz. As the only major professional sports team in Utah, the Jazz have the full attention of local sports fans. The venue is built in a way that gives fans an ultra close view. The passion of the fans makes it one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. An added benefit of attending a game is the toughness of the teams under coach Jerry Sloan. Sloan is the longest tenured (20+ years) coach in professional sports.

TD Garden (Boston Celtics)

TD Garden is the home of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are the most successful team in NBA history with 17 championships. With legends like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Larry Bird, fans have experienced decades of great basketball. Despite a tough stretch after the Bird Years, the Celtics returned to glory in 2008 with their 17th title. The arena itself isn’t spectacular, but the passion of the Boston fans make up for it. Catch a game before the Pierce, Garnett, and Allen trio breaks apart.
TD Garden, Boston © Rene S

Rose Garden (Portland Trail Blazers)

The Rose Garden is the stomping ground of the Portland Trail Blazers. As with the Utah, Portland has only one major professional sport. This has led to a similar raucous atmosphere. With the Blazers returning to form over the past couple of years, the state-of-the-art venue has been filled to the brim. With Paul Allen of Microsoft fame owning the team, Portland will have no problem keeping their young nucleus together.

Staples Center (Los Angeles Lakers)
Staples Center is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers (and the Los Angeles Clippers). The Lakers are second to the Boston Celtics with 14 NBA championships. Their history is equally rich with WIlt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among their hall of famers. Today, Kobe Bryant leads a Lakers team that is looking to return to championship form. As with Madison Square Garden, celebrities are easy to spot at Lakers games including Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Read about the best MLB ballparks to visit.

What’s your favorite sports venue to visit?

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Restaurants Of Florence

The center of Florence, Italy has countless ristoranti and trattorie. Which do you choose?

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Katie Greenaway.

The waiters in Piazza Repubblica and Piazza Signoria grab your attention by conversing with you as you skim over the menu. They devise a plan to convince you to eat at their ristorante and then lure you inside. Most give in because of the exhaustion tourists have in the heat of summer and feel they should stay in familiar areas. But what about all the places you are missing outside the touristic center, on the Oltrarno, for example? Walking over the Ponte Vecchio to the other side brings a breath of fresh new smells and vistas. The alleyways hide a lot from the cautious traveler. Walk down one and see what you find.

Quattro Leoni is located on Piazza della Passera. It meets at a crossroads. The ristorante is set on the corner of the piazza that brings the bustle of the city to a gentle whisper. Inside there are about a dozen tables that are full on any given night. In the spring and summer, enjoy lunch outside under the umbrellas. People-watch or bask in the calm and simplicity of the piazza. Reservations are a must on the weekends. Notice the walls, they contain photos of many celebrities that frequent this secluded locale. Yes, even Sting eats here! This spot is very popular because few tourists stroll into Piazza della Passera. This place is usually run by the locals. Be aware when waiting to be seated that there might be some regulars that pop ahead of you. No worries as they will seat you, the staff is very welcoming and kind.
Bevo Vino (left) © Rob React and Tiramisu (right) © Koyochi

Bevo Vino welcomes each patron with warmth and charm. When you enter Bevo Vino you are arriving at an old friend’s home. Small secluded table areas with an opportunity to sit alone and enjoy the atmosphere around you. The menu is small with recommendations galore from the wait staff. Seasonal dishes are featured as well as typical desserts like tiramisu, which is a must when in Florence. A few tables are scattered throughout giving you a feel of what it is like to be a local. Smell the fresh tomatoes as they pass by on a plate of bruschetta. They come to the table with kindness and smiles. Prego, cosa volete? (My pleasure, what would you like?) I don’t know any other place in Florence as bona fide and personable. It’s so fresh and genuine that it’s worth a stop off the beaten path.
Cross Over To Oltrarno © Katie Greenaway

Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolo is a family run osteria that gives each patron a sense of home. Tables are booths and you could end up sitting next to people you don’t know. There is a lower level with tables arranged like in a cantina; all you need is a barrel of wine. A cute little bar sits in the left corner where you pay and where the waitress picks up your dishes. All guests leave here happy. As some osterias are rather pricey, this one is worth every penny. Each day their menu consists of specialties made from the heart and soul. Both located in San Niccolo, you will notice as night falls how the locals flock into crossroads between Bevo Vino and Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolo. Immerse yourselves with the sounds of authentic Florence. Experience small cars honking as they squeeze through people-crowded streets, the chatter of Italian banter, and the clinging of glasses and dishes which allows us to realize we aren’t dreaming.

 
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Katie Greenaway fell in love with Italy from her first visit in 2002. She now calls it home, writing and capturing the culture of the enchanting city of Florence. She is always exploring the ancient cobblestones of Florence, one step at a time. Follow her blog: Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino and Twitter.

 

 

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The Uros Of Lake Titicaca

The pre-Incan Uros live on a series of floating islands on Lake Titicaca in Peru. The lake is located on the border of Peru and neighboring Bolivia. At over 12,000 feet, Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. The lake is a popular tourist destination, but only a few of the floating islands accept visitors.

Follow this photographic journey about the Uros of Titicaca:

Uros Man + Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca © Gennaro Salamone

The floating islands are created from the totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. These reeds are also used for meals, medicine, and for build boats. The boats were traditionally used for transportation, fishing trips, and defense. Carachi and catfish are two of the fish that have been caught for generations. Today, boats are often used for profit by locals who take travelers for a short journeys.

Uros Girls © Gennaro Salamone

The islands are filled with Uros children who are either wandering around or selling their family’s wares. The younger girl (left) was fascinated with a cat that was strolling across the reed floor of their island. You’ll find that all of the women are dressed in traditional clothing whereas a few of the men wear Western hats or pants. It’s also true that Uros women make most of the contact with tourists including providing information, selling goods, and setting up arrangements for overnight stays.

Uros Women © Gennaro Salamone

Only a few hundred Uros remain on the islands. Thousands of others have moved to the mainland. The Uros who remain on the island rely on a combination of traditional living and modern amenities. They have some electricity which power their own radio station and a few hours of television per day. That being said, living on the island isn’t an easy life. Maintaining the totora reeds takes a lot of labor. The same is true of gathering food, educating children, and dealing with the encroachment of outsiders.

View another photographic journey about Cusco, Peru.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Best Newspaper Travel Sections

Newspaper circulation and advertising revenue has taken a major hit over the past few years. That drop has been partly connected to the rise of Internet media. Despite this, a number of newspapers maintain excellent travel sections that are worth reading on a daily basis. These papers have also made a strong transition into the Internet Age with comprehensive websites. Enduring Wanderlust has compiled a list of the best travel sections for English-language newspapers:

United States

The New York Times

The New York Times has the third highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. It is considered the most respected newspaper in the country. The NY Times travel section is comprehensive with in-depth feature stories, tips for the selecting local eateries, and reporting on consumer issues. Its website also manages to organize their content into multimedia presentations and featured destination guides for readers who want to follow years of coverage. For wanderers on a budget, try The Gray Lady’s Frugal Traveler blog.

The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has the second highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. Its coverage is focused primarily on U.S. and international business and financial news. That focal point makes the WSJ a must-read for business travelers. It also provides a wealth of information for travel-industry professionals and consumers. The Wall Street Journal’s reporting on the airline industry is particularly comprehensive. Give The Middle Seat Terminal blog a trial run.

Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times has the fourth highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. Its travel section has excellent coverage of California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Mexico. Online readers also have access to the LA Times message boards and nearby destination guides. The former gets few responses, but the latter is perfect for locals looking for weekend trip ideas. The LA Times has recently been featuring top travel photography, which has been successful in capturing a lot of attention from social networking circles. As with the other papers, they have a blog that’s worth a trial run: Daily Travel & Deal Blog.

Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune has the eighth highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. It has wide-ranging coverage of international and local travel. Online readers have access to the Tribune’s well-organized Midwest destination guides. Each destination has a section covering top attractions to go along with a list of the Chicago Tribune’s feature stories for that location. The paper has also developed a Chicago tour connected to President Barack Obama’s life in the Windy City.

United Kingdom

The Guardian

The Guardian has the ninth highest daily circulation of the United Kingdom newspapers. Its travel section has outstanding coverage of international and UK travel. In addition, The Guardian website has been effective with its integration of journalistic reporting and blogs that focus on the current “hot” trends in travel such as Twitter. They also have a section dedicated to readers’ tips in their coverage.

Canada

The Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail has the second highest daily circulation of Canadian papers. The Globe’s travel section has a mix of coverage including destinations, ‘tripping’ narratives, and consumer news. Their reporting has a personal feel to it since articles often focus on an individual’s experience with a place or activity. The Globe’s website is comprehensive, but their multimedia presentations are limited in comparison to the other papers on the list.

Which are your favorite newspaper travel sections? Why?

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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