Enduring Wanderlust » Travel News

Cambodia Protects Tourist Sites

Gennaro — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:59:45 +0000

The Cambodian Cabinet voted to preserve 14 tourist sites that are connected to the Khmer Rouge regime. Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was a totalitarian organization that ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979. The 14 sites that are being protected from illegal encroachment by locals will provide travelers with an opportunity to learn about the 1.5 million Cambodians who were murdered and tortured during that period. The targets of the regime were often city-dwellers who were educated or considered to be part of the intellectual elite.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Although beautiful Angkor Wat (see photos) is rightfully the most popular tourist destination for travelers headed to Cambodia, sites connected to the Khmer Rouge genocide are also important to visit. While The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are already developed for tourism, newly developed stops in towns such as Anlong Veng (final resting place of Pol Pot) are welcomed additions.

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Cambodia Protects Tourist Sites

United Passes Fees To Agents

Gennaro — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:56:24 +0000

United Airlines has decided to pass on credit-card fees to travel agents when customers book their trips with said agents. The airline threated a $75 per ticket penalty to agents who charge the fee to United’s account. Increasing the cost of operations for agents has caused a ground swell of opposition. Agents claim that customers will eventually bear the burden of the shift if other airlines follow United’s lead. Earlier in the year, United Airlines made headlines by deciding to charge larger passengers for two seats instead of one.
United Airlines © Matt Hisnta

It’s not a surprise that airlines are beginning to shift fees to travel agents. The industry is struggling with the downturn in the economy. In this case, agents are most likely correct in predicting that fees would eventually be passed on to consumers. It has become a pattern in the airline industry to use fees to keep airline tickets low in search engines, but keep the same profits coming in.

Is the shift in fees from airlines to agents and travelers a smart policy?

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United Passes Fees To Agents

Bus Travel Takes Off

Gennaro — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:46:24 +0000

Bus travel in the United States has increased (8.1% in 2007 and 9.8% in 2008) over the past couple of years. A nation that prides itself on traveling by automobile is starting to see ultra cheap bus tickets that are too attractive to pass up. In many cases, travelers are finding that it’s even more convenient than air travel. That’s especially true in the Northeast corridor with the popular route from New York to Boston that is served by Chinatown buses.
Chinatown Bus © Naomi A.

Americans love their cars, but concerns over gas prices and the environment are likely to keep them open to alternatives. If buses prices continue to drop, inter-city bus travel will persevere in the coming years. That scenario is likely with the success of budget companies such as MegaBus and BoltBus. Throw in President Obama’s recent proposal for a high-speed rail, and the nation may be moving in a new direction.

Have you traveled by bus in the U.S.? Which route? How was it?

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Bus Travel Takes Off

National Parks Get $750 Million

Gennaro — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:56:44 +0000

National Parks in the United States received $750 million from the economic stimulus in order to address much needed repairs and construction. The package will help to pay for over 750 projects across the country. A few of the repairs include work at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Ellis Island in New York, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and multiple stop across the Appalachian Trail. A full list of the projects by state can be found at the Department of the Interior website.
Castle Geyser, Yellowstone National Park © Dominiqs

The National Park Service projects will address much needed maintenance across the nation. Though $750 million is a sizable amount with the current economic crisis, the preservation efforts will create 30,000 to 40,000 new jobs. If the United States wants to be serious about conservation, their parks must be kept in satisfactory condition. It’s no coincidence that the announcement of the funds landed on Earth Day. It’s meant to send a signal that the Obama Administration is committed to being green. Expect more projects that are funded by the federal government in the coming years.

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National Parks Get $750 Million

United To Charge Large Fliers Double

Gennaro — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:25:44 +0000

United Airlines has decided to charge overweight passengers for two seats under certain conditions. The additonal fare would be required if the customers “are unable to fit into a single seat in the ticketed cabin; are unable to properly buckle the seatbelt using a single seatbelt extender; and/or are unable to put the seat’s armrests down when seated.” United isn’t the first airline to introduce this policy as Southwest Airlines, Alaska Air Group, and Continental have similar policies. Several of the airlines, including United, are willing to forgo the charge if there are empty seats on the flight.
United Airlines © Steven Damron

Airlines have been on the defensive recently including RyanAir who is thinking about charging for toilet use and Spirit Airlines which was in a battle with their employees over a new apron policy. With consumer frustrations with airline policies, United is likely to take a few hits for their new guidelines. In their defense, United claims that this will policy will “help ensure that everyone’s travel experiences [is] comfortable and pleasant.”

Is United justified in charging certain passengers double the fare based on their size?

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United To Charge Large Fliers Double

Travel Alerts Hurt Mexico

Gennaro — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:41:51 +0000

Mexico has been hit hard by the recent U.S. State Department travel alerts that were widely covered by the media. Fear of violence in connection with the war on drug traffickers is at the center of the problem. Spring-breakers who often travel to the country have avoided Mexico, in part, because of that issue. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Rosarito Beach are among the popular spots that have seen a significant drop in travelers from last year. Fewer tourists means trouble for an economy that depends on travelers for much of its economic growth.
Mexican Beach © Mdnys

With Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently saying that American tourists are not targets of the violence and should be safe in the tourist areas of Mexico, it’s a wonder why the media coverage was so extreme. There are certainly areas of Mexico that require caution for visitors, but few travelers venture into those places. It’s a matter of being informed before traveling. It’s a good idea to read the U.S. State Department’s document targeted at keeping spring-breakers safe. Consider reading a few blogs that cover travel in Mexico too, including Travelojos, for another view on the situation there.

Would a safety alert change your travel plans? if given the opportunity, would you visit Mexico this week.

Read about the U.S. Senate’s bill that would lift the travel ban to Cuba or the beautiful islands of Belize.

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Travel Alerts Hurt Mexico

More Women Traveling Solo

Gennaro — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:28:30 +0000

Over the past two years, women have surpassed men in the statistics measuring the total number of travelers. A nearly even breakdown in 2007 has changed to a 60 to 40 percent advantage in favor of female tourists. A significant portion of that 60 percent has chosen to travel solo. Even married women are increasingly traveling alone or with girlfriends.
Berlin, Germany © SuperBez

The increase in women travelers is a fascinating trend. Even more so when coupled with the prospect of scores of female tourists wandering solo across the globe. In fact, an article in The Boston Globe was recently encouraging women to go at it alone claiming that locals would be eager to reach out to them. That being said, the main concern for women traveling solo continues to be safety. It’s important that solo travelers, especially women, take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. The U.S. Department of State has a comprehensive list to help tourists.

Have you traveled solo? Would you consider it? Any tips?

Read about free rides home for women on Saturday nights.

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More Women Traveling Solo

End To Cuba Travel Restrictions?

Gennaro — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:08:52 +0000

Recently, the Obama Administration made it easier for Cuban Americans to travel to their ancestral homeland. The measure allows for annual visits to see their relatives on the island. No limits have been placed on the length of the trip. Qualified travelers are only restricted by a $179 per diem. Lifting the requirements for Cuba Americans has all Americans wondering whether or not all restrictions will be ended in the coming years.
Cuba © Zedzap

Last year, 50,000 Americans traveled to Cuba after being approved for educational, religious, or family-based trips. Countless others traveled to Cuba through Mexico or Canada. With a change in the political climate, it’s likely that open travel will be broached within the next few years. Much of the current opposition stems from a selection of Cuba-American politicians from South Florida who feel that allowing American tourist dollars into Cuba strengthens the Castro regime. Others argue that the influx of travelers will help to bring democracy and capitalism to the island. Either way, it’s time for all parties to meet and come to a resolution over the issue. The Cuban Missile Crisis was 47 years ago. Communism fell almost two decades ago.

Should the U.S. government end travel restrictions to Cuba? Is it better to wait until the Castro regime is out of power?

Read about the first Western tourists to visit Iraq.

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End To Cuba Travel Restrictions?

First Western Tourists Visit Iraq

Gennaro — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:06:35 +0000

Iraq has spent the last 6 years in the mist of a bloody war. With the surge slowing down violence, the door has opened for very limited ‘adventure’ travel in the country. The first Western tour group, since the fall of Saddam Hussein, has recently returned from a visit to Iraq. The three-week trip was organized by a British adventure tourism outfit that brought along 5 Britons, 2 Americans, and a Canadian for the trip. Needless to say, travel insurance was not available for the eight travelers.
Iraq (Kurdish North) © James Dale 10

It is difficult to conceive the lure of visiting a war-torn nation as a “tourist.” It would be a compelling destination for travel journalists or photographers looking to document the events, but seems an unusual choice for others. Of course, the tour group who visited Iraq had individuals with an inclination toward dangerous travel. Most of them also visited Afghanistan recently.

Would you visit Iraq or another war-torn country? Should tourists be allowed to visit the most dangerous countries in the world?

Read about a possible end to Cuba travel restrictions or about two nonprofit websites that help people from around the world.

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First Western Tourists Visit Iraq

Virgin Launches Space Tourism

Gennaro — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:33:08 +0000

Over the past few years, Virgin Galactic has been working on the world’s first spaceline. Led by billionaire maverick Richard Branson and tech developer Burt Rutan, Virgin has announced that tickets will be sold for $200,000 per passenger. The first planned space tourism from Virgin is expected to be launched in 2012. According to the company, most individuals (who can pay the hefty price tag) will have the ability to take the flight without exhaustive or time consuming pre-flight training. It’s expected that only three days of pre-flight preparation will be required.
Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic © Sygyzy

It’s not surprising that this development comes from Richard Branson. An innovator and adventurer, Branson is always living on the edge. Though it will be a select group who can afford the trip, it’s fascinating to see the innovation that was necessary to complete this project. It will also be interesting to see how this development is addressed by groups who support green initiatives.

If cost wasn’t an issue, would you be interested in going on their first trip into space?

Feeling adventurous? Read about scuba diving in an affordable paradise.

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Virgin Launches Space Tourism

Dubai To Ban Public Kisses, Skimpy Clothes

Gennaro — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:38:48 +0000

Dubai is in the process of passing a set of behavior guidelines that are aimed at expatriates and visitors to the Gulf city. The restrictions will include an end to dancing, kissing, or hugging in public. Couple that with limiting bikinis and “skimpy” clothing to private resorts and Dubai has made significant changes to its policies. The response is partly connected to the British couple that was convicted for having sexual relations on a local beach last year.
Dubai, UAE © Joi

A significant portion of Dubai is filled with migrant workers, expats, and tourists. It’s not surprising that locals would fear an erosion of their culture. Toss in the conservative nature of the region and Dubai was destined to make some changes. That being said, a significant percentage of their revenue comes from tourism. That income may take a major hit with travelers looking to enjoy the local beaches. Are tourists still going to come if bikinis aren’t allow at public beaches? Part of the allure of Dubai is the Middle East culture without the strict provisions. A backlash is likely.

Would a ban on public affection and “skimpy” clothing cause you to avoid a trip to Dubai? Does Dubai have a point? Are the migrant workers, expatriates, and tourists crossing the line?

Read about Utah opening its bars to the public after 40 years of restrictions.

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Dubai To Ban Public Kisses, Skimpy Clothes

Citing Tourism, Utah Bars Open To Public

Gennaro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:29:00 +0000

The Utah legislature is set to end a 40-year-old system that required an application and fee in order to enter a bar. With tourism struggling, Utah is looking to preserve their $6 billion-a-year industry. Bars could open their doors to the public as early as July 1. Yearly memberships currently range from $13 to $30 per year. A three-week temperary membership is available for tourists for only $4 after completing an application.
Private Membership, Murphy’s, Utah © Mark Hillary

The majority of the state’s population are members of the Mormon church, which prefers that its members abstain from alcohol. That being said, over 80% of lawmakers who will likely pass the law are church members. This demonstrates a sharp change in the influence of the church in legislation along with the severity of the economic recession. Though the fee was manageable, its elimination will keep Utah in step with the other 49 states. It will also make it a lot easier for tourists to spend their dollars in Utah establishments.

Would requiring an application and fees to enter a bar prevent you from visiting Utah?

Headed to the Southwest? Read about the free entertainment of Las Vegas. Dubai bans public kissing and skimpy clothing.

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Citing Tourism, Utah Bars Open To Public

Airlines Fees For Toilet Use + More

Gennaro — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:23:53 +0000

This week, two budget airlines are in discussions with regard to unprecedented fees for their customers. Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has admitted to pondering coin-operated toilets on their airplanes. Spirit Airlines, who recently had an issue with their employees over aprons with advertising, has proposed a special passenger usage fee for buying tickets. This fee would be accessed for consumers who purchase their Spirit tickets anywhere except the Spirit ticket counters.
Ryanair © Scott_W_9

It’s difficult to believe that Ryanair will actually go through with charging their clients to use in-flight toilets. While airlines have the right to make a profit, this measure challenges basic decency. What if a customer doesn’t have the correct change?

Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, already has a track record for initiating special fees in order to maintain their low-ticket costs. They claim that an agreement has already been reached with the U.S. Department of Transportation. While it’s an inconvenience to loyal Spirit passengers, it’s still part of the overall cost comparison for ticket buyers.

Read about bus traveling taking off in the United States.

Read about Delta’s decision to charge overweight passengers double the fare.

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Airlines Fees For Toilet Use + More

New Tsunami Museum In Indonesia

Gennaro — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:11:01 +0000

Close to a quarter of a million individuals were killed by the tsunami that hit Indonesia on December 26, 2004. On Monday, a museum that pays tribute to the victims of that natural disaster was opened in the province of Aceh. The museum details the horrors of the event itself along with the vast international effort to help the region. Read more in the Herald Sun.
Tsunami, Indonesia © Nederland Wereldomroep

The tsunami that hit Asia in 2004 led to a united effort among nations and individuals. The billions of dollars that were donated are still being funneled into the region in order to repair the damage of the tragic events. Despite a bit of controversy over the millions spent on the museum, it’s an important tribute to the victims of the tsunami and a celebration of human generosity. With many still waiting for help, years later, it will be an ongoing debate.

Do you agree or disagree with spending over $5 million dollars on the museum? Did the tsunami have a direct or indirect impact on your life?

Feeling generous? The Australian Red Cross is still collecting funds for the victims of the Victorian Bushfire.

Adventure tourism: Is it too early to visit Iraq?

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New Tsunami Museum In Indonesia

Travel Sites May Raise Hotel Taxes

Gennaro — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:50:33 +0000

State and local governments, across the United States, are challenging online travel websites who book hotels at discount prices. Representatives, for the governments, are claiming that booking sites such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline are able to offer lower rates by collecting taxes on the cost incurred by the travel site instead of the rate paid by the consumer. Read more at the NY Times.
Capsule Hotel, Japan © Robert Paul Young

Online booking sites provide a quick and relatively inexpensive method of securing hotels and airfare. The recent dispute will likely result in an increase in overall room cost for consumers. With travelers already taking a hit, because of the economic downturn, the timing of the news is hardly ideal. That being said, taxpayers will benefit from the additional funds allocated to their local governments.

Should travel sites be required to increase taxes that are collected on hotel rooms?

Looking to make up the cash lost on the hotel tax? Read about free hotel activities in Las Vegas. Prefer to rant about consumer rights? Check out Darren Cronian’s Travel Rants. Darren is always looking out for travel consumers. He helps to keep the tourist industry on its toes.

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Travel Sites May Raise Hotel Taxes

Hotel To Guests: Pay As You Wish!

Gennaro — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:41:34 +0000

Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen has instituted a “pay what you want” policy for their current promotion. Ibis is positioned in the heart of Singapore, close to local transportation, shopping, and tourist attractions. It is a new hotel with a modern decor to go along with an Asian Tapas restaurant called TASTE. Rates usually begin from 162.43 SGD ($108.55 or 83.93 Euros) after taxes. They’ve set up a special website for the promotion. Read more on Stuff.
Singapore © Gennaro Salamone

Ibis SIngapore has developed a smart tact for gaining publicity in a struggling market. Hotels have taken a major hit over the course of the last few months. This gimmick will help Ibis to gain headlines, web traffic, and countless travelers to register to their site.

Singapore itself has a lot to offer the traveler. It’s one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in Southeast Asia. The tourists who are lucky enough to score an inexpensive room at the pricey hotel would be smart to visit the Botanical Gardens, wander around Little India, marvel at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, and dive with sharks at the Underwater World. It’s also important to savor the local cuisine including Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crayfish, and Drunken Prawns. Little India has their blend of Indian and local tastes too.

Will the promotion succeed?

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Hotel To Guests: Pay As You Wish!

Travelers Should Help Free Rice And Kiva

Gennaro — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:35:54 +0000

Free Rice and Kiva are two non-profit websites that are a perfect fit for travelers. Travelers usually return from their wandering with a yearning to give back. Each website takes a different approach to helping people escape poverty.

Free Rice aims to provide free education to all along with free rice for the hungry. Their method is gratis and educational for the donor. It consists of website visitors answering a series of multiple-choice questions in a variety of subjects. The topics that are most relevant to travelers include identifying countries on a map, naming world capitals, and learning foreign languages (Spanish, Italian, German, French, English). For each answer you get right, Free Rice donates 10 grains of rice through the United Nations World Food Program.

That’s it. You learn. They eat.
Free Rice Website

Kiva takes a different approach. They match individuals who are willing to give very small loans (micro-loans) to local entrepreneurs in developing countries. The lender can select the country and specific entrepreneur who they’d like to help. Supporters will also receive e-mail updates about their enterpriser’s progress along with an ability to track repayment of the loan. This is an ideal avenue for those who want to spark initiative and hard work.
Kiva Website

As travelers, we benefit from wandering the globe. We learn new customs, meet life-long friends, and take advantage of the buying power of Western currency. Free Rice is an opportunity to continue learning about the world around us, and Kiva is a chance to use that almighty currency to give back. Take a serious look at each website. Help make a difference.

___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Travelers Should Help Free Rice And Kiva

Hawaii Hotels Empty: Deals?

Gennaro — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:27:41 +0000

Hawaii is the one of the most visited U.S. states. Its natural beauty is unmatched. With a perfect climate for tourism, it’s on virtually every destination list for travelers. Despite this, Hawaiian hotels have been hit hard by the current economic crunch. Their hotel occupancy has hit an eight-year low. According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December was met with a double-digit drop, which led to an overall rating in the low sixties.
Oahu, Hawaii © Shayan

With the current economic situation, travelers need to make tough decisions about their next port of call. The sudden drop in occupancies will likely lead to a number of deals. Waikiki Beachside Hotel has a “First night at $79, 1/2 off the 2nd night” sale for visitors to the Aloha State. Travelers making the trip have several activities to consider including swimming with dolphins at Sea Life Park, surfing, visiting the Honolulu zoo, and biking or trekking the beautiful natural wonders of Hawaii’s islands. Be sure to arrange for a Lei greeting on arrival.

If that’s still out of your budget, consider a more affordable paradise: Bay Islands, Honduras or a pay as you wish hotel.

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Hawaii Hotels Empty: Deals?

Spirit Airlines Faces Employee Revolt

Gennaro — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:26:55 +0000

Spirit Airlines hits the headlines with another controversy. Their employees are urging the discount airline to discontinue a new policy that requires fight attendants to wear aprons with beer logos. A spokeswomen for the Association of Flight Attendants called the aprons “demeaning.” Read more on Yahoo! News.
Apron © Normanack

This isn’t the first problem Spirit has faced. They were also criticised for using sexually-explicit advertising in connection with their MILF: Many Islands, Low Fares (below) marketing campaign. This refers to an explicit term that was popularized by the film American Pie. Spirit executives deny the connection. The racy advertisements were mentioned along with the aprons as a pattern of behavior from the company. Read more on ABC News.
Spirit Advertisement © Tifotter

Spirit Airlines continues to walk a thin line. Their earlier advertising campaign was successful in that it brought the company into the spotlight without consequences. The latest gimmick, however, has the potential to lead to press attention that may hurt the airline. With words like “demeaning” being flung, it may be a campaign that they regret.

Has Spirit Airlines crossed the line?

Read more about issues with Spirit Airlines or Delta’s decision to charge overweight passengers double the fare.

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Spirit Airlines Faces Employee Revolt

Olympians Name Top Snowboarding Locations

Gennaro — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:03:11 +0000

Gold-medal winners, Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark, recently revealed their favorite snowboarding locations. Teter won the gold in the women’s halfpipe competition two years ago. Kelly Clark was among the top snowboarders Teter defeated. Clark, on the other hand, won her gold medal four years earlier in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Snow Park, New Zealand was the only place included on both lists. Snow Park, the country’s largest terrain park, caters to both snowboard freestylers and skiers. Snow Park has terrain for the novice, intermediate, or advanced snowboarder. It also provides for a variety of accommodations ranging from inexpensive bunkrooms to luxury apartments. Teter also named her top local hang out called Kai Whakapai Cafe.
Snowboarding © PincusVT

California (Sierra at Tahoe, Mammoth) and Vermont (Okemo, Mount Snow) were also represented by each of the gold medalists, but at separate sites. Check out the rest of their favorites on CNN Travel.

Read about rock climbing in Southeast Asia or scuba diving in an affordable paradise.

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Olympians Name Top Snowboarding Locations